university of cebu – jones

Today, we ask ourselves if we will still continue to value density and mobility in a post pandemic world. Will we continue to bring people together in shared spaces that act as think tanks and incubators for the groundbreaking ideas of tomorrow or will we inevitably find new ways to collaborate and communicate apart from each other.

Personally, we at VSA hope this acts as a catalyst for architects, urban planners, and developers alike to rethink and reinvent how we use space, the qualities of said space, and how much space is deemed livable. These will be questions we hope to explore and investigate further in our future projects.

The design of this coliving space by this structure is meant to serve as an incubator for a growing millennial workforce.

The lower floors are pragmatically lined with commercial spaces meant to serve the essential needs of the building’s users. The said spaces are flanked by 2 storey high free standing columns that frame each storefront while creating an impression of “lightness” for the entire structure. The playful window pattern along the main access stair encourages movement throughout the building. While ascending through the different levels, you are greeted by varying framed views that gradually increase in size as you move up thereby providing a unique and different perspective of the city each time.

Upon reaching the top, a sense of relief and arrival is achieved through the panoramic views of the city and the generous rooftop space meant to serve as a communal lounge and gathering area. When lit up at night, the fenestrations glow to create a playful and unmistakable pattern that reflects the character of the building and the people inhabiting it.

By maximizing the footprint at the upper levels and carving out hallways at the pedestrian level, an arcaded street reminiscent of the old sidewalks and alleyways of Colon is inadvertently created. The said “street” is topped with coffered ceilings meant to hide the exposed structural members while also providing a canvass for ceiling art.

The rooftop communal lounge is lined with diagonally oriented columns meant to complement and mimic the free standing columns of the floor below while conveying a more loose and unrestrained environment perfect for both events and spontaneous gatherings alike. While the columns below look inwards and frame the commercial storefronts, the columns above look outwards and frame the vistas beyond.