Royal Pineda+ Architecture·Design redefines Modern Filipino Architecture and Design
Royal Pineda+ Architecture·Design, helmed by Principal Architect and CEO Royal Pineda, stands at the forefront of modern architectural innovation in the Philippines. With a deep-rooted passion for design and a commitment to the Filipino identity, Pineda and his firm have carved a niche in the industry, redefining the concept of Modern Filipino Architecture and Design.
Specializing in a wide range of projects, Royal Pineda+ has undertaken premium luxury residences, hotels, and airports, and even contributed to the master plan for New Clark City's Sports Hub for the Southeast Asian Games. Their portfolio also extends to bridges and other design typologies, reflecting their commitment to addressing diverse design challenges that impact and uplift lives. The firm's versatility and the constant pursuit of meaningful design solutions make their projects truly unique.
Groundwork
Pineda's journey as an architect began with an innate love for sketching and design, fostered by his parents' artistic influences. His unique perspective and personal creativity sparked a desire to translate his vision into architectural masterpieces. After gaining valuable experience at L.V. Locsin and Partners, Pineda joined forces with renowned designer Budji Layug, establishing Budji+Royal. With these two artists’ combined expertise and a fruitful collaboration spanning two decades, the firm evolved into Royal Pineda+, embracing the ethos of inclusive collaboration, or what Pineda refers to as "Modern Bayanihan." This open-mindedness and eagerness to work with others exemplify the firm’s commitment to realizing the dream of a Modern Philippines.
Tripod of ideas
The firm's design philosophy revolves around three core principles: Nature is Peace, Man is Nature, and the Variety of the World. By drawing inspiration from the inherent beauty of nature, recognizing the interconnectedness of humans and their environment, and celebrating the diversity of cultures, Royal Pineda+ crafts designs that embody a distinct Filipino identity
while embracing contemporary aesthetics. One could say, then, that these three pillars guide their approach to creating authentic, modern Filipino designs.
Balancing aesthetic considerations with practical concerns is another core tenet of Royal Pineda+ Architecture·Design’s design philosophy. Their concept of Practical Luxury offers a formula that addresses budget constraints, timelines, and building codes. By creatively utilizing the available resources and thinking beyond limitations, the firm ensures that luxury is accessible and practical for all. This mindset has been instrumental in successfully delivering government projects, where strict budgets and tight schedules necessitated innovative design solutions.
Athletics Center
Breaking ground
At the heart of Royal Pineda+’s success lies in their client-centric approach. The firm places a strong emphasis on listening wholeheartedly to their clients, understanding their needs, and delivering customized designs that surpass expectations. Pineda describes this approach as "alumana," the Filipino concept of mindfulness and attentiveness. By incorporating the clients' lifestyles and aspirations into every design decision, Royal Pineda+ creates practical and relatable spaces that uplift the lives of those who inhabit them.
Through a collaborative approach and an unwavering dedication to clients' needs, Royal Pineda+ has garnered recognition for its exceptional work and continues to embrace new design challenges.
One of the firm's achievements was Royal Pineda's selection as co-chair of the Design Advisory Council of the Philippines during the previous administration. This recognition not only acknowledged their efforts in defining and sharing the Modern Filipino sensibility but also provided a platform for collaboration between the private sector and the government. The achievements and accolades received by Royal Pineda+ serve as a testament to their dedication and passion for shaping the future of Modern Filipino design.
Looking ahead, Royal Pineda+ envisions expanding their firm in a collaborative manner, embracing a progressive mindset, and sharing it with as many people as possible. With their sights set on realizing the dream of a Modern Philippines, they invite creatives from various fields to contribute their unique perspectives. The firm's commitment to expanding their collaboration network and taking on new design challenges underscore their determination to elevate the Modern Filipino identity and share it with the world.
Check out our bonus interview with Royal Pineda+ as they share their top 10 Best Practices in their groundbreaking work, reshaping the landscape of Modern Filipino Architecture and Design.
Bangkota (The Philippines Pavilion, Dubai 2020 World Expo)
Royal Pineda+ Architecture·Design’s SOLID 10
1. We advocate Modern Filipino Architecture and Design.
We believe our mission is to inspire Filipino creativity and elevate the Filipino design identity by showcasing Modern Filipino architecture and design to the world. Modern Filipino is not merely about a look or style; it is a mindset that leads to never-ending progress - a continuum that leads to constant betterment. The Philippines Pavilion for Dubai 2020 World Expo, called "Bangkota," beautifully portrayed the global narrative of Filipinos in a modern context through the integration of nature, art, and architecture. Modern Filipino, as mindset, leads to continuous progress and a never-ending pursuit of improvement.
2. Architecture and Design are our powerful tools for uplifting humanity.
We believe in the Filipino people's capacity to address humanitarian issues through design. We strive to put considerable thought into enhancing lives continually. Our latest project, the Pandemic House, on a 180 sqm lot, was recognized as a meaningful housing solution at the World Architecture Festival last year.
3. We practice Collaboration and Modern Bayanihan.
Our firm believes that each and every one of us possesses greatness and contributes to the refinement of a design—whether it's in project processes, aesthetics, materials, or systems. At Royal Pineda+, we wholeheartedly embrace productive and meaningful collaborations across creative industries. Collaboration thrives in an environment where ego is absent, and ideas are constantly flowing. Humility empowers us, and through collaboration, we unlock infinite creative possibilities.
4. We practice Practical Luxury.
We coined the term "Practical Luxury" to represent our design philosophy. Our idea is to utilize accessible materials and resources combined with technology to create practical and sensible architecture. We believe luxury and a better quality of life are not exclusive to First World countries; we can live in luxury, by design. For instance, our world-class sports facilities—the New Clark City Athletics Stadium and Aquatics Center—utilized lahar from the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991. This material served not only as a practical construction element but also celebrated the Filipino character of resilience and rebirth. Both facilities embody naked architecture, where structure and architecture are one, eliminating unnecessary decorative elements for cost-effectiveness and easier maintenance.
Clark International Airport (CRK)
5. We are guided by the Nature of Things, which encompasses three Philosophies. The first Philosophy is: Nature is Peace.
Good design is organic in nature. Nature serves as our guiding light, inspiring authenticity and truthfulness in our designs. It holds a myriad of design solutions and provides an infinite source of inspiration.
6. The second Philosophy is: Man Is Nature.
And Nature is Man. We are inseparable, existing as one entity. With this perspective, we embrace the given characteristics of a site as our foundational starting point. We believe in finding harmony and avoiding the need to sacrifice one aspect over another. For instance, if existing trees occupy prime areas of a plot, we view it as an opportunity to think deeply and explore new and exciting design configurations.
7. The third Philosophy is: the Variety of the World.
We all coexist, and it is crucial to respect and acknowledge that everyone brings their unique greatness and contributions to what we can consider a global potluck. There is no need for competition; instead, we should celebrate and embrace the uniqueness and diversity surrounding us.
Sacobia Bridge
8. Sustainability should begin at its most basic level.
In our office, our challenge is to minimize the use of artificial lighting during daylight hours. This approach allows us to achieve natural lighting, cross ventilation, and cooling right from the start. By doing so, we reduce our clients' power consumption and mechanical costs. Being in a tropical country, Modern Filipino architecture and design prioritize permeability and practicality. These qualities align with the characteristics and traits of Filipinos— permeable, welcoming, and hospitable. In physical form, it translates to spaces that are open, well-ventilated, visually connected, and promote overall wellness.
9. We go the extra mile.
Mindfulness, or being sensitive to the needs of others, leads to holistic understanding and thoughtful design. We incorporate the intrinsic Filipino trait of going the extra mile, which we call "alumana" in Tagalog. This mindset allows us to create designs that genuinely respond to the needs and desires of those we serve.
10. The Modern Philippines can be achieved through the Filipino Culture of Betterment.
Betterment entails a commitment to constant improvement and refinement with a progressive and growth-oriented mindset. It involves creating a new culture and innovating our way of living. We invite everyone to keep dreaming, discovering, and evolving as we shape the future of the Modern Filipino identity.
J House
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