The American Institute of Architects (AIA) hosted the “AIA Philippines Symposium 2024: Health, Wellness, and Sustainable Design” on August 30, 2024, both online and in person at Dexterton Corporation’s premier showroom in Bonifacio Global City (BGC).
This year’s symposium, co-organized by PDP+Architecture, EAROPH Philippines, and UAP Diliman, was a hybrid event attended by architectural and design professionals. Forty participants attended in person at Dexterton’s BGC showroom, while approximately 280 joined the event online via AIA’s live broadcast. The institution also expanded the event’s reach by holding a simultaneous live session at the University of Economics in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
According to AIA, the symposium was specifically designed for passionate architects, planners, healthcare professionals, and students dedicated to creating inclusive and effective healthcare environments. The event featured in-depth discussions about the best practices, innovative design strategies, and real-world case studies that showcase the impact of culturally sensitive planning in the healthcare sector.
AIA Country Representative of the Philippines and President/CEO of PDP + Architecture Philippines, Cathy Saldaña moderated the event and presented visionary speakers who each shared groundbreaking ideas and insights about the intersection of culture, healthcare, and architectural design. Among the speakers were AIA President International Yew Kee Cheong, Founder and Manager of Passive Design Laboratory Hyunh Van Khang, AIA International Country Representative of Singapore Manon Sora Koester, Creative Director of RIOS Melanie Freeland, Principal and Regional Director of Perkins & Will Asia James Lu, and Principal Architect of Archion Architects, Daniel Lichauco.
During his remarks, Yew Kee Cheong of AIA, encouraged participants to network and build meaningful connections within the community, stating that “Everyone here [at the event] is our friend…” This statement underscored the international institution’s advocacy to be a dynamic hub of innovation for industry practitioners across the globe.
Dexterton Corporation President and CEO Audrey Go also attended the event and gave a warm welcome to the delegates, expressing that it was an honor for Dexterton Corporation to host the event. She emphasized the importance of fostering a collaborative community within the design and architectural sectors in the Philippines, a community to which Dexterton, a trusted luxury home furnishings distributor in the country, has long been a contributor.
Symposium attendees also had the opportunity to explore Dexterton’s premier three-story showroom in BGC where reputable American brands like Brizo, Kohler, and Caracole and their line of sustainably sourced and expertly crafted home products are showcased for the local market. Interested viewers can still access the AIA Philippines Symposium 2024: Health, Wellness, and Sustainable Design live recordings on AIA International's website.