Carbon Market named in prestigious designer tilt

CEBU, Philippines — The Carbon redevelopment project gets noticed internationally after being shortlisted in the World Architecture Festival (WAF) set later this year at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

“We are thrilled to announce that Carbon Market Cebu, our project with Megawide, has been shortlisted in the prestigious World Architecture Festival 2023, the world's largest live awards event for architects and designers!” read part of the announcement from architectural designer, Visionarch.

The Carbon project, shortlisted under the mixed-use project, is the only one in the country that made it to the finals, and would be competing with 15 others from different countries.

This is the second time for Visionarch to have a WAF placement.  The first was One Ayala in 2017.

“Thank you to everyone involved, particularly Megawide and the Cebu City Government, for their unwavering support and trust. Join us in celebrating this milestone and stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting journey!” Visionarch said.

The Carbon re-development project gets noticed for its overall look with the incorporation of weaving into its design.

“The sordid situation of our local weavers is about to improve with the Carbon Market Cebu's Trade & Expo Center for Philippine Weaving Crafts. The building forms part of the redevelopment of Cebu City's oldest public market into a cultural and tourism destination. Inside is a treasure trove of local craftsmanship, from woven baskets and bags to intricately carved wooden sculptures handmade by local artisans. Given a platform to showcase their labor's fruits directly to a broader market without the middlemen, these local artisans can earn a fair profit that will uplift their lives and give them the resources to expand their businesses.”

Weaving is a time-honored tradition in the Philippines, the world's second-largest producer of indigenous handicrafts.

The architects in the project are working closely with local weavers to create a design that speaks to the community's identity and aspirations – who they are and what they aspire to become.

The geometric double-skin facade system had been described as both symbolic and practical.

Local artisans’ challenge is how to demonstrate the same level of mastery on a grander scale and in a contemporary translation.

“The project is a testament to that collective ambition. More than a melting pot of commerce and culture, it will become a symbol of Filipino creativity on the public landscape, a building tied to the heart of the place, and an architecture woven into the urban fabric,” as posted on WAF’s website.

Last year, the Sto. Niño Chapel, which is also part of the Carbon Market redevelopment project, won the Decorative Concrete prize at the Philippine Excellence in Concrete Construction Awards (PECCA).

The chapel has 378 square meters in size and its design was inspired by the shape of Sto. Niño’s crown with the fluid motion of the Sinulog dance also serves as a creative influence, as seen in the wave-like roofing element.

The Carbon re-development project is a 50-year joint venture between Megawide subsidiary Cebu2World (C2W) and the Cebu City Government. — GAN (FREEMAN)