Balancing Luxury and Sustainability

The Monterrazas de Cebu is a residential complex inspired by the UNESCO World Heritage Site Banaue Rice Terraces in the Philippines, set to be built on a mountainside in Guadalupe, Cebu City. While some netizens express apprehension about its repercussions, others contend that the project adheres to established standards and has received expert endorsement. How, then, should we appropriately evaluate this high-end endeavor?

SkyEstates Construction Corp., headed by Engr. Slater Young, together with Leizle & Lendel Go of LLG Architects are the minds behind the Rise at Monterrazas project, depicting a multi-story complex that boasts the ideal combination of nature and city living with a modern and ecologically conscious complex with sustainability elements such as an irrigation system and solar-powered amenity spaces. The objective of SkyEstates Construction Corp highlights the company’s establishment and its focus on meeting the high standards of Monterrazas Prime. With the companies’ clear intentions, their extensive expertise in their field adds significant value to the situation.

Although the said objective aims for the best of possibilities, the local communities around the site expressed concerns about the possible aftermath such as gentrification since upscale developments will inevitably change the neighborhood’s character, potentially displacing present residents and affecting their culture. As previous developments in the area are often met with a cease and desist order, concerns about its environmental impact are being amplified. Flooding, pollution, and damage to habitats are just some of the pressing issues revolving around the project. Developments that feature upscale finishes and premium materials directly drive their impact on the environment. Developers therefore need to consider the sustainability of their future projects to mitigate the consequences for our planet and future generations.

After the controversy, Young acknowledged the feedback and pledged to involve more experts and environmental advocates. He clarified that the development will only occupy a small residential zone at the mountain’s base, debunking the notion of mountain destruction. Additionally, Young underscored that forest impact was minimal, and soil health, stability, and resilience were verified through professional soil testing. To address flooding concerns, the property will feature a rainwater tank and detention pod to mitigate the risk of unexpected floods.

Examining the counter-argument, it’s evident that using premium materials in construction enhances aesthetics and durability, appealing to high-paying residents. These materials often require less maintenance, reducing costs and environmental impact over time, while also raising property values and increasing tax revenue for local governments. Extensive research by the involved companies supports these choices, and the team is actively addressing public concerns to enhance features and facilities without compromising safety.

In conclusion, while complex projects often emphasize luxury, we must acknowledge their environmental impact. Our resolved commitment lies in promoting a sense of responsibility to these developments, one that cares deeply about protecting natural areas and habitats, thus harmonizing the pursuit of economic prosperity with the preservation of our environment. It is imperative to conduct informed research before criticism to benefit projects, and their developers as well as the masses. As an architecture student, this can inspire positive change in our field, addressing societal issues arising from new projects.

AI Tech in Architecture: To Omit or Include

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology has made the biggest impact this year, from the social media applications’ filters, art creation, and incorporation, to architecture and fashion design, and then Adobe Photoshop’s leap to AI features. With the rise of AI technology in different fields, several impacts, providing both pros and cons, have been brought to the surface of how things will work if it is incorporated, specifically in the field of architecture. The term artificial intelligence has been used to describe processes of system-making with humanlike characteristics and intelligence. It is the capacity of a robot operated through a computer or a digital computer functioning with the abilities of a human being. With technology development and learning that programming systems can carry out activities that human beings can perform, this technology was incorporated into different programs such as computer search engines, voice and sound operations, handwriting, and fingerprint recognition, among others. Architecture is not new to being affected by AI technology, with different AI text-to-image software like DALL-E, Midjourney, and

Stable Diffusion being used now by different designers. According to a Dezeen article by Ben Dreith, there are several ways in which perform, like manual drafting, sketching, and the like. Bearing too much weight on how AI technology would be of great help could

With the given pros and cons of AI technology being incorporated in the field of architecture, the usage of this should be weighed in as the progression and number of users have been increasing recently.

AI technology through software will change the field of architecture and design. AI could be helpful in the early stages of projects, such as initial conceptualization and sketching. AI can reduce the thought-to-execution delay. AI will not upend anything. However, it also has its disadvantages as to how architecture could be affected, such as the fact that a dynamic user is not perceived as a human counterpart but is still essential as to how it will and should work and that it can also be biased. How much would it affect the profession? That is the main question, especially since architecture requires processes that fundamentally human beings should mean that we will be giving it that much hope. Realize that, as humans, we are flawed in everything that we do and that the creation of AI technology and its integration into different fields should be given much consideration. With the given pros and cons of AI technology being incorporated in the field of architecture, the usage of this should be weighed in as the progression and number of users have been increasing recently.

AI was once just a part of how things could be easier for humans to do small things, but it has now taken over even the most important tasks that we should be able to do with our own minds and human abilities.

The Official Publication of Bicol University Institute of Design and Architecture

Editorial

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Editor-in-Chief John Carl Briones

Associate Editor Angela Marie Mar

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