Far Eastern University Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts (FEU IARFA) students Aron Joshua Anat and Kryselle Anne Ocon were among the Top 10 Finalists of the Nippon Paint’s Asia Young Designer Awards (AYDA) Philippines 2023. 

Architecture student and AYDA PH 2023 finalist Ocon embraced the new life of the pandemic through her biophilic design. 

Ocon’s project titled SHINYA HUB is a mix-use development focusing on study hubs and capsule hotels.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, Ocon mentioned her intention to create spaces for studying during the pandemic.

“The reason I created it is because of my own experience as a student who doesn’t have the privilege of having a conducive learning environment at home and wanted a safe space where students can focus and learn effectively during the new normal,” she stated.

Ocon also described her experience in the competition as ‘very fulfilling’ after interacting with the other finalists.

“Having been able to meet the other finalists from other universities all over the country and being able to share my passion and interests with like-minded people have been surreal and very fulfilling,” she expressed.

Meanwhile, her fellow Architecture student and finalist Anat highlighted the food insecurity of the country during the pandemic through biophilic design as well. 

Anat’s project named SINAG-AGRARIA is an agricultural research center in Lipa, Batangas.

In a separate interview with FEU Advocate, Anat shared his objectives in addressing the issues for his design.

“The proposed project aims to achieve three objectives: to regain our economy; to provide consumption needs for our communities; [and] to provide employment that will help our fellow people to survive, especially in times of pandemic,” he explained.

In spite of falling short to win and bag special awards, both finalists were grateful for the opportunity to be able to participate in the prestigious architectural design competitions in the country.

“I am very proud to represent Far Eastern University in one of the well-known architectural competitions here in our country because being selected as a finalist by leading architects in our country is already a big achievement for me and that inspires me to persevere and do better in my academics,” Anat said.

With this year’s theme, "Converge: Pushing the Reset Button”, participants were tasked to design a harmonious connection between built structures and natural elements.

The entries submitted were their final plate requirement in the Architectural Design 7 course.

Nippon Paint’s AYDA has been inspiring and honing young aspiring designers to become creative, innovative, and socially-involved professionals since 2008.

- Ralph Louise E. Esma

(Photo courtesy of Nippon Paint AYDA PH Facebook Page)