From November 6 to 8 this year, the world’s top architects and designers will gather in Singapore for the World Architecture Festival (WAF), the largest international assembly of architectural minds. The festival, which began in Barcelona in 2008, has become an annual tradition, save for a brief virtual format during the pandemic. It serves as a global stage for innovative ideas and groundbreaking solutions that shape the future of our urban and natural environments.
Singapore remains the only non-European city to host WAF, reflecting its pivotal role as a hub of architectural innovation in the region. The Lion City has a rich history with the festival, having hosted it from 2012 to 2015. Last year marked its triumphant return to Southeast Asia, reaffirming the region’s growing importance in the global architectural conversation.
I remember attending the 2014 WAF, which was a turning point for the event, as it shifted its spotlight from Europe to Asia. As an Italian architect committed to sustainable design in the Philippines, I felt an immense sense of pride being part of the dialogue that recognized Southeast Asia’s potential. Back then, I participated in a panel discussion focused on renewable architecture in the Philippines—a topic that felt ahead of its time but has since become more central to global discussions on architecture and sustainability.
A decade later, the global conversation on architecture has transformed. What was once considered an ambitious goal—designing sustainable, energy-efficient buildings—has now become essential. Asia, particularly Southeast Asia, is emerging as a global growth powerhouse, and with that growth comes a responsibility to ensure that development is both progressive and sustainable.
In the Philippines, this belief has been the cornerstone of our work at Italpinas Development Corporation (IDC). From the very beginning, we have believed in the potential of emerging cities across the country, investing in regions that are brimming with energy, innovation, and a readiness to embrace good design. This vision has propelled us forward, leading IDC to become a pioneer in sustainable architecture in the Philippines, particularly in the country’s fast-growing secondary cities.
When IDC launched Primavera Residences in Cagayan de Oro 10 years ago, the idea of sustainable architecture in an emerging city was seen as a bold risk. Many people thought that “green design” was a luxury reserved for the wealthy, or a trend better suited to developed countries. But at IDC, we were determined to prove that sustainability can be both accessible and affordable. Primavera Residences, a 10-story twin-tower, mixed-use complex, stands as a testament to our belief that eco-friendly design can—and should—be available to everyone.
Our commitment to sustainable design didn’t stop with Primavera. Our subsequent projects, such as Primavera City and Verona Uptown, cemented our reputation in Northern Mindanao. Upcoming developments like Firenze and Verona Gusa in downtown CDO, and Moena Estate in Bukidnon, continue to carry forward IDC’s design philosophy: sustainability, affordability, and innovation working in harmony.
We are also expanding our footprint across Luzon, with major projects such as Miramonti Green Residences I in Santo Tomas, Batangas, and the forthcoming Baia Verde Green Estate in Morong, Bataan. These projects underscore our belief in the future of the Philippines as a multipolar country, where regions develop their own thriving economies and distinct centers of growth.
At IDC, we have always recognized that real estate, when poorly executed, can come at a great environmental cost. This is why my partner, Jojo Leviste, and I, along with our team, have made it our mission to minimize the environmental impact of our developments while ensuring they remain profitable and accessible to our clients. We focus on passive green design strategies and integrate renewable energy systems such as photovoltaic panels into our projects to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
For instance, Miramonti Green Residences I, a 21-floor mixed-use development, boasts estimated savings of 39.06% in energy, 52.48% in water consumption, and 40.66% in carbon-embedded material. The project’s design excellence has earned it prestigious accolades, including “Best Mixed-Use Development in the Philippines” by Asia Pacific Property and “Highly Commended Green Project” by the Lamudi Outlook Awards.
As the world grapples with the urgent need to combat climate change, the role of architects and developers has never been more critical. In Southeast Asia alone, the International Energy Agency projects that air conditioning units could surge from 40 million units in 2017 to 300 million by 2040 due to rising temperatures. This will further strain energy resources, making it imperative that we design buildings that mitigate environmental impact while keeping up with rapid urbanization.
That’s why this year’s World Architecture Festival theme—Tomorrow—is so fitting. It emphasizes the importance of designing for the future, not just the present. At IDC, we believe that sustainable architecture is not a luxury but a necessity. Investing in the right spaces today is not only about profitability but also about ensuring a livable environment for future generations.
As the WAF returns to Asia, I am reminded of the words, “Future generations deserve good ancestors.” We owe it to our children—and their children—to build a world that thrives, not one that merely survives. Sustainable design is our way of contributing to that future, a legacy that IDC is proud to be part of.
