UAP signs MOA with SC for international conceptual design competition for the new Supreme Court Com

CITY OF MANILA - The United Architects of the Philippines under the leadership of National President Arch. Guillermo Hisancha signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Supreme Court of the Philippines for its participation in the conduct of International Conceptual Design Competition for the Supreme Court Complex in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Held last September 6, 2016 at SC Building in Padre Faura Street, Ermita, Manila, the MOA was signed by Attys. Felipa Amana, Ruby Esteban-Garcia and Eden Candelaria, in behalf of the Supreme Court, and Architect Hisancha and Immediate Past President Arch. Maria Benita O. Regala, in behalf of UAP.

In his statement before the signing, Architect Hisancha conveyed UAP’s sincere appreciation to the Honorable Supreme Court of the Philippines “for allowing our organization to become your humble partner in the conduct of the International Conceptual Design Competition for the New Supreme Court Complex, which is envisioned to be a culturally iconic building and a legacy for generations to come.”

“As the staunch champion and vanguard of the Constitution, it is high time that the Supreme Court of the Philippines shall have its own home that can stand with international counterparts or even better in terms of design, standards, sustainability and environmental performance”, he said.

The Competition

Background. The Supreme Court Complex is presently occupying a lot that is owned by the University of the Philippines, and the office spaces are not ideal for a productive working environment. On October 2, 2015, the Supreme Court and the Bases Conversion Development Authority executed the Contract for the acquisition of a 2.1-hectare land in Fort Bonifacio, Global City which will serve as the site of the New Supreme Court Complex, and the ceremonial groundbreaking was held with the President of the Republic, His Excellency Benigno C. Aquino III, as the guest of honor. The Department of Budget and Management issued a multi-year obligational authority in the amount of P 3.28 billion to fund the design and construction of the New Supreme Court Complex over the course of 4 years.

Vision. The Supreme Court envisions its new home to be a culturally iconic building and a legacy for generations to come. It aims to build a green and resilient building for the efficient and effective dispensation of justice.

Objectives. (1) Design a nationalistic and iconic Supreme Court Complex using the lowest possible Carbon Footprint; (2) Incorporate ecologically sustainable and resilient design features; (3) Maximum use of alternative sources of energy in the Complex design (e.g. wind, solar, biomass, etc.) (4) Provide an economically feasible design; (5) Create a positive Place Branding for the Supreme Court Complex; and (6) Gather international best practices and design.

For more information or details of the competition, please visit http://design-newphsupremecourt.org/