Words The Kanto Team
Images Asia Architecture Design Awards 2023/Archiglobal, Inc.
Lone Filipino representative Archiglobal, Inc. is a double winner at the recently concluded Asia Architecture Design Awards (AADA) 2023. The Mandaue City-based practice, represented by principal Michael Torres brought home two plums during Gala Night last August 14 at The Fairmont, Singapore: the 2023 Best Architecture Design Firm award, which it shares with Ho Chi Minh City-based practice TWOG Architecture JS Company, and the 2023 Best Commercial Building Design award for the firm’s work on the Tops Redevelopment project. The feat is particularly laudable as ArchiGlobal is only one of two practices, the other being the venerable Hirsch Bedner Associates, to nab more than one accolade from the 30 category awards up for grabs. The firm stood toe to toe with a plethora of firms from Vietnam, Thailand and India, the top three countries represented in the winner’s list.
Archiglobal revealed in their press release that from the over 1,000 entries submitted, their two award entries eventually made the cut for the top 100 shortlisted projects. Further scrutiny by the awards jury, led by Alberto Beretta of Italian Fit Out SRL took place in June 2023, where the list was whittled down to 50. The Singapore-based awards program culminated in grand style with an awards night at The Fairmont Singapore where the winners were feted with their trophies and certificates.
What follows is an abbreviated version of the entry writeups submitted by Archiglobal for their winning entries, and a briefer on the Asia Architecture Design Awards. Pahalipay to Team Archiglobal!
Archiglobal Inc., Winner: Best Architecture Design Firm
ArchiGlobal is a prominent Cebu-based architectural firm revolutionizing real estate and construction, specializing in mid-density residential communities, commercial, and mixed-use developments. Prioritizing sustainability, people-centric design, and community relevance, ArchiGlobal’s impact is significant. With a team of 40 architects and designers, the firm holds a portfolio of 175 projects, mostly master-planned residential communities. Sustainability is central to the company’s ethos, driven by green-certified professionals integrating eco-friendly solutions.
Tops Redevelopment, Winner: Best Commercial Building Design
The Tops Redevelopment, also known as “Top of Cebu,” caps a 3-hectare expanse, providing an awe-inspiring 360-degree vista of Cebu Metropolis, Bohol Sea, Mactan Channel, and verdant mountains. This commercial and recreational hub revolves around a circular viewing deck, adorned with an iconic semi-circle structure housing myriad stores and restaurants. An open-air mercadillo showcases local art and products, while a mini-golf course, hotel, and offices further animate the development. Illuminated at night, the circular banded structure becomes an unmistakable city landmark. Linked to Cebu’s UNESCO Creative City of Design recognition, the Tops Redevelopment embodies the city’s cultural richness and creative transformation and is designed for the region’s climate and heritage. The observation deck also promises a unique New Year’s Eve spectacle, featuring panoramic fireworks displays and a captivating, synchronized light show to usher in the new year.
The Asia Architecture Design Awards
The Asia Architecture Design Awards (AADA) is a Singapore-based competition that recognizes excellence and creativity in Architecture & Design. AADA’s awards program consists of 30 category prizes across six disciplines, namely architecture design, interior design, furniture design, architecture firm, interior design firm, and furniture/manufacturing/retail firm. A panel of 20 judges, consisting of industry luminaries from around the globe evaluates entries transparently, representing diverse backgrounds.
AADA aims to create a significant impact in Asia’s architecture design and construction sector, both locally and globally. Winning AADA provides media exposure, marketing campaigns, global brand visibility, increased credibility, and networking opportunities at the 2023 AADA Winners’ Gala Night.
The awards program opens on December to February, with final judging done in June and winners revealed in a winner’s gala in August. •
