The PIASA Tri-ARKI Student Challenge

ABSTRACT
This Architectural multi-skills challenge is open to architecture students who are at least Design
5 level or higher. The challenge is for the contestants to show their versatility in three architectural skills
namely; Architectural Photography, On-the-spot Sketching, and Architectural Design. Contestants have
the option to join in any of the events and vie for the recognition as best in the aforesaid event or in all
the three events and have the chance to be awarded as the first ever PIASA TriArki Student Champion.
EVENT ONE- Architectural Photography
This online contest will showcase the students talent in capturing the architectural character
of buildings in a camera phone. Each contestant shall submit the best photo shot of a pre-assigned
architectural work of one of the National Artists for architecture. All entries shall be posted in a
facebook community page that is focused on promoting the architecture profession. The number of
LIKES garnered by each entry shall constitute 20% of its total points. 20% shall be from the
mandatory points commented by the other contestants, while 60% shall be from the judges scores.
Criteria for judging by the judges are as follows:
-

Effectiveness in capturing the architectural character of the subject building

Focus and balance
Ability to show the aesthetic value of the architectural edifice

EVENT TWO

- On-the-Spot Sketching

This on-site competition will highlight the students ability to capture the architectural character
and value of a subject building. The contestants will be given a subject structure and will be allowed to
choose their individual station point. Under time-limit, each contestant must sketch the subject building
using the drawing materials issued by the contest organizers. The entries shall be judged by members of
the PIA College of Fellows.
Criteria for judging are as follows:
- Effectiveness in capturing the architectural character of the subject building
- Sketching skills and line strokes
- Presentation style
Date of Event: APRIL 26, 2016
Where: CCP Parking Area (Tentative)
Registration Time/Fee: 7:00AM 8:00AM/Php100.00
Contact Person: John Arvin E. Chua PIASA President (09154612315)

EVENT THREE - Architectural Design

ARCHITECTURAL IDEA COMPETITION

Historical Background:
The Manila Central Post Office (MCPO) is the
head office of the Philippine Postal Corporation
that houses the countrys main mail sorting and
distribution operations. The building is of a
Neo-classic architecture designed by Juan M.
Arellano and Tomas Mapua in 1929 and was
built by Pedro Shochi and company in 1936. It
was finished just before the outbreak of World
War 2. Damaged by the war, it was rebuilt in
1946, with lots of effort in preserving its
original design.
As part of the plan of Daniel Burnham for the
city, the building was strategically located in
the Ermita district, east of Intramuros and at
the frontage of the Pasig River, for easy water
transportation of mails. It is also made
accessible at all sides via roads surrounding the
structure and the Jones Bridge, for faster mail
collection and distribution.
Now, the Philippine Postal System and the
letter-writing tradition has lost its popularity
due to the advent of electronic mails which are
both faster and less costly was of sending
messages plus the coming in of the short messaging system. The Manila
Central Post Office building now seem to be too large for its
continuously decreasing function in postal management. There is now a
toying of the idea of converting the function of the building to a modern
mid-end hotel, through the concept of Re-architecture, preserving its
outside appearance and architectural elements.
Project Abstract:
This hypothetical design competition is a challenge to architecture
students on their ability to be creative in coming up with a project
proposal that can convince a client. The idea is to come up with a single-board presentation of the
proposal to convert the function of the Manila Central Post Office building from postal management to a
modern tourists hotel. The challenge is to come up with innovative ideas on the aspect of;
1. Conversion of Function,
2. Interior Aesthetics vs. economics, and
3. Sustainability.

This one of a kind student design competition, though

hypothetical, may just be a way to encourage future
architects to promote, in their practice of architecture,
the preservation of historically and culturally rich old
structures in the country. It also aims to train the
minds of our young architecture students to think
critically and come up with design ideas that are not
focused solely on drawings, but in the use of words and
graphics combined to prove valid points in architectural
design.
The main criterion in this competition is the ability of
the participants to come up with a presentation board that contains words and graphics that can stand
alone and clearly convey a convincing message, even without the need to orally explain the ideas.
Presentation Requirements:
A single-board measuring 20 x 30, must contain, but is not limited to, the following:
1. Concept write-ups on the aspects of;
a. Conversion of Function,
b. Interior Aesthetics vs. economics, and
c. Sustainability
2. Graphical presentation (any medium) of the following spaces;
a. Main entrance lobby with reception counter
b. Dining Facility
c. Hotel Room
3. Other presentation elements that the participant deem necessary in convincing the public of the
validity of the proposal.
Criteria for Judging and Judging Process:
Architecture students duly enrolled with at least nine (6) units in the second semester of SY 2015-16,
including those who have just graduated, are welcome to join the competition. Each participant must
see to it that all texts and graphics, used in the presentation board, are readable visually clear in
conveying his/her message.
Entries shall be submitted to _________, at _________, on _________ with the following information
contained in a sealed envelope attached at the back of the board;
1. Full name of the participant,
2. Contact data, and
3. Copy of latest school registration.
All entries shall be pre-qualified by the PIA National Convention Committee, through its sub-committee
on student competition, on _____________ and 10 best qualified entries shall be displayed during the

PIA National Convention and judged by respected officers and fellows of the Philippine Institute of
Architects, assigned by the competition sub-committee.
All the ten qualified entries shall be given points by the judges that will be used in computing for
accumulated points, along with points earned from the other competition events, to vie for the first ever
PIASA Tri-Arki Grand Champion.
The highest point-earner in this event shall be declared as the Best in Architectural Idea Competition
and will be awarded a cash prize and a certificate, along with the Bests in the other events and the
Grand Tri-Arki Champion, during the Fellowship Night of the PIA National Convention on April 28, 2016,
at the Hotel Jen grand ballroom, Roxas blvd., Pasay City.
All entries, including those that did not qualify for final judging shall become the property of the
Philippine Institute of Architects, noting the name to the participant. The participant, upon submission
of his/her entry, automatically gives full consent to PIA in using the same in purposes of publishing and
exhibiting of works.
GOOD LUCK ALL PARTICIPANTS.
Photo credits (in the order of appearance in this document):
- Seaman Well
- Obra 19
- Rami Tibayan
- Phil Post

Date of Submission: April 27, 2016

Where to submit: EARIST-IIPDO, Nagtahan, Sampaloc, Manila until 5PM ONLY
Registration Fee shall be upon submission on April 27, 2016 (Php100.00)
Contact Person: John Arvin E. Chua PIASA President (09154612315)
ON-THE-SPOT SKETCHING: On-site Registration Registration time shall be 7AM of April 26, 2016 at
the CCP building Parking Area, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.
Registration fee for each event is P100.00. Registration fee is non-refundable.
PRIZES & AWARDS
1.
2.
3.
4.

Best in Architectural Photography

Best in On-the-spot Sketching
Best in Architectural Design
TRI-ARKI CHALLENGE CHAMPION

P3,000.00 plus Certificate of Recognition

P3,000.00 plus Certificate of Recognition
P3,000.00 plus Certificate of Recognition
P7,000.00 plus Trophy

All participants will receive a certificate of participation for PIASA and the Philippine Institute of
Architects