Metro Manila continues to witness major transformations on its landscape. What were once barren districts are now thriving with structures that host multinational companies and iconic commercial and residential developments.
Long-standing buildings from old avenues are being preserved through furthering its purpose and role in the growth of its provenance. The number of city centers, or at least those that are aspiring to serve as one, is on the rise—bringing together the live-work-play aspects in a single dense area to fulfill the promise of convenience and modern living.
Despite such renovations, the paths that identify the richness of Manila’s history are still visible— how the metropolis sprung from cohesion of small communities in the form of barangays, as well as the influence of the colonial era. Picturing these elements, when combined, the city has an immense contrast of edifices that help strengthen the character and diversity of its entirety.
These are just some of the ideas that make up WTA Architect and Design Studio’s installation for the Global Art Affairs Foundation Architecture Exhibition, a collateral event for the 2014 Venice Architecture Biennale. Carrying the theme Fragments: Uncertainties and Characters, WTA will be presenting the various cultural, social, and political influences that mold the urban character of cities in the Philippines, particularly that of Metro Manila. Dissecting Manila’s Urban Fabric “Our exhibit seeks to elaborate how uncertainty and informality allow for a greater growth and creativity,” shares Founder of WTA Architect William T. Ti.
WTA Architecture and Design Studio is the first Philippine-based firm to take part in the Biennale. The firm’s participation aims to show the international community what is going on in the Philippine architecture scene.
“Fragments: Uncertainties and Characters” will show the city of Metro Manila as seen through the lens of the firm’s experiences, highlighted by a selection of WTA’s projects that are envisioned to create the biggest positive impact in the landscape.
To date, the Venice Architecture Biennale is one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in the world that showcases architecture installations and large-scale contemporary art crafted by different artists and designers across the globe. The exhibition is held once every two years in Venice, Italy, and for this year, the show will run from June 7 to November 23, 2014.