This article was initially featured on Inquirer Plus on September 21, 2024 authored by Vanessa B. Hidalgo. There’s a point in your life when you take on a new level of sophistication. You begin to...
This article was initially featured on Inquirer Plus on September 28, 2024 authored by Ar. Vittoria Mawis-Aliston
Technology nowadays makes the impossible possible.
While it was once difficult for people from different countries to work together on a real estate project, it has become a lot easier today through various online means.
Communication, however, is not the only challenge to overcome when dealing with international collaborations. Other factors, such as cultural differences and travel costs, make it difficult for many to engage the services of both local and international designers for a single project.
When developers do manage to carry out this feat, however, the end justifies the means. Real estate projects that are born out of the efforts of both local and international firms showcase the best of various cultures. These projects easily stand out from other similar works and offer numerous advantages in the competitive race to become iconic landmarks.
Let’s explore the advantages of having both international and local designers in an architectural project.
Exchange of knowledge
From the way they think to the details they develop, we can learn a lot from foreign designers. Many of them create spaces that are uniquely different from the ones that abound in our country.
The skills of local designers, however, shouldn’t be discounted. Filipino architects and designers have mastered local code requirements and traditional practices.
Together, foreign and local professionals have the capacity to create projects that are special but suited to the Philippine context.
One such project that exemplifies an effective collaboration between international parties is the upcoming Shang Summit in Quezon City.
Developed by Shang Properties Inc. (SPI), the future 80-story structure was conceived through the efforts of local group CASAS + Architects, Inc, Italian designer FM Architettura and Hong Kong-based P&T Group.
While construction is still underway, we can already see the sophisticated details and exceptional spaces planned through the artist renders and unit floor plans. While emanating Italian flair, the project showcases the skills of Southeast Asian designers.
The Shang Summit reveals a new way for Filipinos to live while still featuring standards that are suited to local climate conditions and cultural practices.
Introduction of new technologies
Besides knowledge, international collaborations also pave the way for new technologies.
Innovation allows new materials and methodologies to be introduced in the local setting. From 3D-printed parts to column-less walls, people from other countries have devised ways to improve and expedite the construction process that are pretty unique from ours. Local designers and skilled workers would surely benefit knowing when and how to apply these innovations in our buildings.
Even if the technology may be imported, you’ll be surprised how much time and money are saved in the long run.
Representation of various cultures
The interaction between designers of different backgrounds showcases various cultures in one project.
While this may sound like an imminent hodgepodge, you’ll be surprised how different cultures are able to mesh beautifully and complement one another in a cohesive creation.
For example, the principles of feng shui can work hand-in-hand with Filipino building traditions, even while European design styles and Western construction methods are being utilized. It’s as if the whole world is helping out to ensure the success of one project.
These elements can be seen in many existing projects in our country.
The Rise in Makati, for instance, showcases the collaboration between KPlusk International Limited Hong Kong and the Philippine design firm Asya Design Partner.
The project features international design elements combined with quality materials. International standards were followed in the construction of the amenities such as the pool and fitness gym. The spaces inside the building are generous and sufficiently service the needs of its immediate market–the city dwellers of Makati’s artistic district. Developed by Shang Properties, this project epitomizes the successful combination of cultures to create a world-class residence in the urban context.
International collaborations benefit all parties involved.
While the process may be difficult given the language barriers and time zones in the mix, one party can learn from the specialty of another. It’s a win-win situation for all. Even highly experienced designers can learn from local professionals and tradesmen. It’s really a great process that uplifts the design profession.
To sum up, collaborative efforts between foreign and local designers create magic in the real estate industry.
While it may be difficult for various groups to get together and agree sometimes, their combined efforts ensure that projects are carefully studied, designed and constructed. You can be assured that a project done through international collaborations exhibit high standards of quality and craftsmanship as numerous entities have worked on it.
Whether you are an investor, homeowner or even a visitor, you’ll surely marvel at the results when various cultural ideals and technical know-how all come together.
Only a few projects in the Philippines can claim this distinction, but thankfully there are developers such as Shang Properties Inc. who lead the efforts for the globalization of the design profession.
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