Such an incredible day filled with lots of learnings and motivation for more purpose-driven activities in the future.
UAP Diliman’s main #WorldArchitectureDay event was started more than a year ago when placemaking activities were established between Brgy. Pinagbuhatan and UAPD members. This partnership brought forth this latest collaboration between the chapter and Pinagbuhatan Elementary School.
Fifty Grade 6 students joined the TALK+ART activity with Ar. Popi Laudico. Surely, this was was an activity unlike any other! The kids were in their elements and produced such unique creations from such well-thought of art prompts by Ate Popi. Interspersed with talks about biodiversity by Biologist Ate RJ Pescador and placemaking by Ar./Enp. Ate Sali Kintanar and Ar./RMP Kuya Nap Ibañez Jr., the students learned more about themselves, their friends, their families, their community, and their role in the midst of all these. The biggest a-ha moment was when the children rose above their fears of making mistakes to discover their incredible talents within!
The second half was a visioning activity with esteemed muralist Kuya A.G. Saño. He gathered the children around to take them through a journey of envisioning the future of Pariaan Creek, the very same creek right outside their school gates. Now working collaboratively, each table of 6-8 kids aimed to create the slogan and image to define THEIR creek of the future.
This must simply be one of the best chapter events I’ve attended, especially because there was so much heart and soul in it. We not only introduced participatory urban design practices to 11-12year old kids; we also redefined to them the role and meaning of architects in society. By the end of our WAD event, we had 50 new individuals dreaming and proclaiming to become architects in the future. My heart is full.
