Saint Louis University’s (SLU) School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA) highlighted the role of architecture in cultural preservation and student design innovation through a series of events, “Inquirer Campus Talks: Heritage by Design” and SPECSXHIBIT 2026, which were both organized by SLU’s Architecture department, assisted by United Architects of the Philippines Student Auxiliary (UAPSA) – SLU.
In partnership with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, “Inquirer Campus Talks: Heritage by Design – How Architecture Keeps Culture Alive” was held on 29 April 2026 at the SLU Incubator for Research, Innovation, and Business (SIRIB) Center, Otto Hahn Building, SLU Main Campus. Meanwhile, SPECSXHIBIT 2026 was launched at the Silang Lobby on 29 April and will run until 2 May 2026.
How architecture preserves culture
“Inquirer Campus Talks: Heritage by Design – How Architecture Keeps Culture Alive” was an academic seminar and talk that focused on the role of architecture in preserving cultural heritage and identity. It discussed how architectural design contributes to the conservation of historical spaces, traditions, and community values while adapting to modern development.
Ms. Dheza Paras, Marketing Director for Inquirer, formally opened the event, citing that “Heritage is not only about preservation–it is about continuity. It is about ensuring that cultural values are carried forward in ways that are relevant in the present and meaningful in future generations.”
“Students must be armed with the best possible tools to practice your profession, and what more than learning outside the classroom like this one,” added the Dean of SEA, Engr. Jeffrey Des Binwag, in his opening remarks.
The first speaker at the event was Ms. Rosella Camte-Banhi, PhD, City Planning, Development & Sustainability Office, Baguio City, with the topic “Why Heritage Matters: Protecting Baguio’s Cultural Landmarks.” In her talk, she reiterated that in preservation, we must preserve the design’s spirituality because it is what gives it meaning.
Ar. Amon Cali, founder of Cali Architects, presented “Designing for Place: Architecture in Mountain Cities,” giving insights on how architecture can respond to terrain, climate, and local culture, creating spaces that reflect the identity of communities such as Baguio City. He ended his talk with his statement, “It is up to us what we want to leave behind.”
“Adaptive Reuse: Giving Old Structures New Life” was the topic of Ar. Aris Go, the Principal Architect of Ninety Design Studio, who discussed how existing structures can be transformed to serve modern functions while preserving their cultural identity, historical relevance, and architectural value. He emphasized that we should embrace the old structures and not erase them to preserve our heritage.
The talkback session was then moderated by the Inquirer Property Editor, Tek Samaniego. Mr. Samaniego with the guests and students. The exchanges during the talkback session allowed students to further broaden their horizons with what is possible through design. It enabled the discussion of preserving culture through preserving historical buildings with the next generation of architects.
The talk provided Architecture students with valuable insights into heritage conservation, cultural preservation, and the significance of architecture in sustaining historical and cultural identity through design.
SPECSXHIBIT 2026
Fourth-year architecture students from the Specialization 1 – Industrial Design classes of Ar. Richard Abellon, Ar. Jonalyn Garcia-Buya, Ar. Daniel Mendoza, and Ar. Daryl Ramirez participated in SPECSXHIBIT 2026. They featured second-semester projects such as Automata, Cardboard Furnitures, Carton Display Stands, Collectible Toys, Creative Drawings, Emergency Bags, and Wallets in the Silang lobby.
Ar. Mendoza stated, “This (exhibit) is related more to the creative aspects or creative characteristics of our students, not necessarily aligned with overall architecture per se.” He further added, “We believe all students are unique. They have their own common interests they can express through our Industrial Design Course.”
The exhibit aimed to showcase the creativity, innovation, and academic works of architecture students by providing a platform for them to present their design outputs and engage with fellow students, faculty, and guests.
Aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), the exhibit fostered appreciation for design excellence within the Architecture Department. (Article by Guenne Gabriel Patano, UIO Intern | Photos by Kemm Mitchell Olarte and John Aaron Bagni, UIO Interns)
