Global architects based in Dubai recognized the New Clark City Aquatics Center for its outstanding design as a public facility during the 2023 United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) Dubai Design Awards.
The Dubai chapter of the UAP bestowed the Civic and Cultural Project of the Year Award to the Aquatics Center, which was designed by Royal Pineda + Architecture•Design as part of the National Government Administrative Center (NGAC) Phase 1A project of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) in New Clark City.
The aquatics facility competed with the New Clark City Athletics Stadium for the award, as the two projects were both shortlisted under the same category.
“Even after three years since it was completed, the New Clark City sports complex still continues to inspire awe and bring pride to Filipinos due to its high-caliber design and attention to the needs of the people. This award is a proud achievement for the thousands of Filipinos who made this project possible through their hard work, ingenuity, and dedication,” BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang said.
With design influences based on the weaving patterns of the “baklad,” and capiz shells, the New Clark City Aquatics Center embodies the coastal heritage of the Filipino people, giving honor to the Filipino identity while embracing modern sensibilities.
The facility, together with the Athletics Stadium, was completed within 18 months in time for the hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
“The New Clark City and its sports facilities serve as a spark to trigger and introduce what is modern Philippines. I am happy and overwhelmed with the idea that we’re able to share and also bring our presence to the world. To be appreciated and recognized means that our efforts to better our country, our nation and our people through architecture and design is felt not only by our people, but by the world,” said Royal Pineda, principal architect and chief executive officer of Royal Pineda +.
With over 400 global Filipino architect-members from 382 companies, UAP Dubai is the 124th chapter of the United Architects of the Philippines.
The UAP Dubai Design Awards celebrates projects that exemplify design excellence, and demonstrates exceptional skill and creativity in the resolution of formal, functional, and technical requirements. The annual awards program also honors the year’s top architects, designers, and firms.