Finalists of CCP design competition named

MANILA, Philippines - The Cultural Center of the Philippines has named the five finalists of the CCP Architectural Design Competition for the Artists’ Center and Performing Arts Theater.

The finalists are  Leandro V. Locsin Partners, Architects; Lor Calma & Partners; Palafox Associates; Syndicated Architects; and Buensalido Architects.

The five finalists were selected from 17 entries that included major architectural firms in the country.  “We are very pleased with the quality of the submissions,” said Nestor O. Jardin, chairman of the CCP Architectural Design Competition.  “We chose the finalists based on their track record, past achievements of the principal architects and the congruence of their design concept for the two buildings with our vision for the CCP Complex.”

Leandro V. Locsin Partners, Architects is credited for having helped shape Manila’s skyline and architectural landscapes.  From its drawing boards have sprung some of the country’s most notable landmarks, including the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Manila International Airport, and the Philippine International Convention Center.  The principal architect of Leandro V. Locsin Partners, Architects is Edgardo L. Ledesma Jr.

Lor Calma & Partners, founded in 1975, has a wide experience in the design of corporate commercial office facilities, residential structures, furniture and lighting.  Its primary goal is to create architecture that celebrates the workplace.  Among its list of architectural, interior design and furniture supplied projects are the Coconut Palace in the CCP Complex and the Metropolitan Museum along Roxas Boulevard.  The principal architect of Lor Calma & Partners is Jose Eduardo Calma.

Palafox Associates, under its principal architect Felino “Jun” A. Palafox Jr., has carried out architectural and planning projects in 24 countries it the past 19 years.  It is a multi-disciplinary firm of ISO-accredited architects, interior designers, engineers, landscape architects and environmental/urban planners.  The firm has been involved in the architectural design of more than 10 billion square meters of building area.  It has also master planned over 100 communities.  In the Philippines, major architectural/planning projects include the Rockwell Center, Rizal Tower, Hidalgo Place, Amorsolo East and West, Sta. Elena, Manila Southwoods, The Country Club and seven SM Malls and four Robinsons malls, among others.

Syndicated Architects has more than a decade of experience in designing office buildings, residential developments, retail and commercial projects, financial institutions, sports and entertainment facilities, resort and hospitality developments. Among its projects are the Metro Department Store and Supermarket in Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa, Belo Medical Center in Greenhills and Prudentialife Buildings in Mandaluyong City and Baguio City. Syndicated Architects was one of the winners in the Professional Category of New CCP District Design Competition in 2005.  The principal architect of Syndicated Architects is Cesar Rizaldy V. De Los Reyes.

Buensalido Architects has undertaken master planning projects such as the Coron Masterplan, the CCP, Greenfields, Hacienda San Benito, La Prairie Retreat Center and Church, Nayong Pilipino Cultural Park, Aqua Boracay and Camanava Central.  The firm won first place in the 2005 New CCP District Design Competition. Its principal architect is John Patrick Anthony L. Buensalido.

The five finalists will be proceeding to phase 2 of the competition where they will be given seven weeks to develop their designs for the two iconic buildings — the Artists’ Center and the Performing Arts Theater. 

The two buildings are among the seven Iconic Buildings that form the centerpiece of the CCP Complex Master Development Plan (MDP) which will be constructed to provide worldwide facilities and spaces for the artists and the core programs of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.   The construction of such buildings is aimed at enhancing the stature of the Philippines as a center for the arts in Asia.   

The winner of the competition will be announced on June 3.  The chosen architectural firm will be hired/commissioned to create the final designs (building and landscape) for the two new iconic structures for the arts (based on his/their winning entry) as part of the CCP Complex Master Development Plan (MDP) aimed at re-developing the 62-hectare property of the CCP.