News roundup: Acclaimed Philippine architecture exhibit returns home, and more news

For PropertyGuru’s news roundup, the celebrated exhibition “Structures of Mutual Support” at the Philippine Pavilion during the 17th Venice Architecture Biennale returns to Angat, Bulacan. In other updates, Limbo Accra, a spatial design practice, transforms abandoned buildings. And finally, even with seven new MRT stations added, some Singaporean residents continue relying primarily on buses.

Homecoming: Acclaimed “Structures of Mutual Support” returns to Bulacan, Philippines

The celebrated exhibition “Structures of Mutual Support,” showcased at the Philippine Pavilion during the 17th Venice Architecture Biennale, returns to its roots at the Gawad Kalinga (GK) Enchanted Farm in Angat, Bulacan. BluPrint reports that after receiving acclaim at the prestigious international event, these community-built structures will now serve as a lasting symbol of collaboration, resilience, and mutual support.

Conceived by the Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm Community and architects Sudarshan V. Khadka Jr. and Alexander Eriksson Furunes of the Framework Collaborative, the project earned the Philippines its first-ever Special Mention award at the Venice Biennale in 2021. This recognition celebrates the project’s contribution to community-driven architecture and collaborative construction practices, underscoring the transformative power of collective action.

The homecoming celebration marks a new phase for Structures of Mutual Support. It transitions from an international exhibition to an integral part of the local community. This award-winning structure will continue to foster collaboration, social relationships, and solidarity.

“At its core, Structures of Mutual Support is about more than just buildings; it’s about people coming together to create something meaningful and lasting,” said curators Sudarshan V. Khadka Jr. and Alexander Eriksson Furunes. “The Special Mention award from the Venice Biennale exemplifies the power of collaboration and mutual support.”

“Abandoned buildings provide the potential for a regenerative future”: In conversation with Limbo Accra

There is an increasing character of abandoned buildings in many African cities.

Limbo Accra, a spatial design practice, roots itself in the experimentation of their repair, reuse, and transformation. The practice views these buildings as a unique architectural typology that includes key city landmarks, from the abandoned Independence house in Lagos to the incomplete airport tower in Accra, amongst others. They see them as major opportunities for modern public space and as symbolic sites for spatial justice.

Through techniques such as photogrammetry, Limbo Accra has been creating a digital archive of these buildings and collaborating with artists and designers to propose new prospects for them. ArchDaily speaks to Dominique Petit-Frère, the co-founder of Limbo Accra, about the collective character of these buildings, Limbo Accra’s approach to their transformation, and navigating challenges in the adaptive reuse of these structures.

More MRT stations are popping up across Singapore but true connectivity is beyond just that

Living in Tanjong Katong, information technology consultant Benny Kosasih’s daily commute to the central business district can be unpredictable. On good days, the trip would take just 25 minutes. On bad days – when he misses the bus to Bugis MRT Station where he then hops onto a train to Downtown Station – it stretches to about 40 to 50 minutes.

But with seven new Thomson-East Coast Line stations starting passenger service on 23rd June, the 41-year-old’s commute to work has become smoother. There is now a Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) line that takes him from Tanjong Katong directly to Shenton Way, just opposite his office, eliminating the need to take a bus and shortening his journey to 15 minutes.

According to CNA, the new Thomson-East Coast Line stations opened to much fanfare, as residents living in areas such as Bayshore, Siglap, Marine Parade and Tanjong Rhu can now enjoy the long-awaited convenience of getting to town via the MRT.

However, in several pockets of estates across the island, some residents are still left wanting, as they have no choice but to continue to rely primarily on buses to get around.

The Property Report editors wrote this article. For more information, email: [email protected].