The United Architects of the Philippines Student Auxiliary – University of Baguio Architecture Collegiate Society (UAPSA UB-ARCS) organized the annual Arki Fair on February 22, 2024. The event was hosted at UB Centennial Hall and provided a platform for architecture students to gather and celebrate architectural creativity alongside community involvement. The Arki Fair provided a wide range of events with the purpose of involving participants from the UB Architecture Department.
The highlight of the event was the Amazing Race, in which teams embarked on an exhilarating journey through architectural activities, interpreting clues, and solving obstacles. Apart from that, the race was also bonding participants together as they had a healthy competition. It doubled up as an evaluation tool for their intellectual capabilities with respect to architecture.
In addition to the adrenaline-fueled race, the organizers had the opportunity to unleash their creativity through face painting. The artists embellished designs with elaborate patterns, converting blank canvases into vibrant expressions of individuality. This activity offered an opportunity for individuals to express themselves and acted as a tangible manifestation of the students’ artistic skills.
The mini-exhibit displayed an enthralling collection of architectural works, showcasing the various masterpieces of Philippine Architecture history crafted by our very own Architecture students. The exhibit provided insight into the innovative thinking and creative processes that characterize the architecture of the Philippines, showcasing conceptual sketches and detailed models. Participants were encouraged to examine the displays, stimulating creativity and initiating discussions about both the historical and future aspects of Philippine architectural design.
The Dreamer’s Tribute Wall was the main attraction at Arki Fair – a tribute wall dedicated to former friends and classmates in architecture who had to take another path. Dedication walls were provided so as to recognize and imprint some tribute towards what our colleagues in architecture dreamed of before joining the school. In general terms, it helped foster unity among architects through appreciation and association.
The Arki Fair was an unequivocal triumph, uniting the UB Architecture community. By participating in a range of captivating activities, individuals were able to establish connections, cooperate, and commemorate the abundant diversity of architectural expertise. The event showcased the lasting importance of architecture as a driving force for originality, advancement, and communal communication. Upon leaving, the participants took with them the essence of the Arki Fair, which serves as evidence of the lasting influence of architecture to motivate, bring together, and change lives.
It was a resounding success, uniting the UB Architecture Community. This has helped individuals to make relationships through diverse engaging activities which they carried out together and remember the vast range of architectural skills covered. The importance of architecture as an essential motivating factor for originality, progress and communal conversation was portrayed to the audience. The participants left with the spirit of the Arki Fair, which is indicative of how architecture can inspire, unite people, and transform their lives.
Written by Maria Luz Nieveras
