AN ARCHITECTURE senior won first runner-up in the architecture category of the Asia Young Designer Awards (AYDA) 2020, a national design competition.
Napoleon Marion Clarke Mui’s winning project focused on solving the problem of waste and water pollution in Estero de la Reina, San Nicolas, Manila.
His design, named “Estero Recycling Hub,” presented a sustainable waste management system that provides recycling solutions and provides livelihood opportunities for residents of the community.
“The government sees the relocation of informal settlers as the main solution, but my idea was to turn those disadvantages into opportunities,” Mui said in an interview with the Varsitarian.
Mui explained that Estero de la Reina is connected to the mouth of Pasig River, and cleaning it would be beneficial for the waterways.
It is also close to the Philippine National Railways, Tutuban Mall and several schools, which produce recyclable waste.
“Altogether, it promotes a more self-sustaining community by saving the waterways and simultaneously giving them a source of income,” Mui said.
Mui opted for a randomized colorful facade inspired by the homes of the informal settlers.
The exterior design employs a metal grid system with a combination of recycled panels and a wall covered with plants and flowers, or a green wall.
Architect Maria Lourdes Rigunay, a College of Architecture faculty member, mentored Mui in the competition.
The gold award in the architecture category was given to Paul John Jandoc of the University of Baguio.
The competition had the theme “Forward: Human-centered Design.” It called for projects that cultivate “deep empathy” with people and communities and provide solutions for societal problems.
The winners were announced on Feb. 5 through Facebook Live.
The AYDA, launched in 2008, aims to help architecture and interior design students develop their skills by engaging with peers and key industry players in the region. It is organized by Nippon Paint Philippines. Larissa Mae C. Tan
