Design competition recognizes innovative, sustainable proposals

The recently-concluded Mutien Marie Hall Design Competition showcased the creativity and ingenuity of young student-artists, who drafted proposals for innovative and sustainable concepts for the newly constructed Mutien Marie Mall of the De La Salle University (DLSU).

The 10-story structure was named after the Belgian teacher and member of the Brothers of Christian Schools Mutien-Marie Wiaux (1841-1917), known to have brought music and the arts closer to his students.

In partnership with the School of Environment and Design (SED) of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), DLSU tapped a pool of Benilde Architecture Program students to participate in the tilt.

Forty pairs were tasked to produce floor and site development plans, perspectives, and color schemes for its amenities. These included the gateway, commercial booths, and common areas for study and rest. Each proposal was completed with site and stakeholder analysis, design response, dialectics, and graphics.

Among the participants, three teams advanced to the finals.

The top prize was awarded to “Neuroarchitecture” by Allan Jasper Garcia and Rolland Carlos Gamez. The project transformed the hall into a learning center which immersed the community with its relation to the Lasallian identity. It utilized art as a social node and stimulant through strategically planned commercial stalls, installations, and work areas. It likewise prioritized the safety and well-being of the students with dedicated spaces for study and leisure.

Neuroarchitecture will serve as the foundation for the actual implementation phase in 2026.

“Adult Play,” a proposal which brought back the organic Lasallian culture of connectedness from digital platforms to physical spaces, received the second prize. Conceptualized by Jack David Camarines and Bernice Raye Chan, it aimed to develop a vibrant environment which ignited feelings of playfulness to foster collaboration and networking among its users. It is equipped with modular and colorful furniture pieces, net ramps, slides, ball boards, and pit holes.

The third prize was granted to “De La Salle During the Manila Massacre” by Isaiah Ervin Lee and Martinne Andrea Abbu Javier. It intended to cultivate an awareness and deeper appreciation of the historical significance of the university through a memorial hall, a timeline wall, and an interactive lobby. It considered spatial arrangement, emotional impact, and thoughtful features to build an edifice that paid tribute and provided a place for reflection.

The winning groups were mentored by Benilde Architecture educator Moses Fetalvero.

The teams received cash prizes of P50,000 for first, P30,000 for the second and P20,000 for the third.

The panel of judges were composed of DLSU president Br. Bernard S. Oca FSC, provost Dr. Robert Roleda, and architect Ana Maglino S. Ling as well as Benilde chancellor Benhur Ong, vice chancellor for Academics Angelo Lacson, and SED dean Harvey A. Vasquez. They judged based on effective solutions, functionality, sustainability, aesthetics, and visual impact. Delivery and presence during the demonstration were likewise graded.