Good Design Award recognizes restoration

OUTSTANDING designs that exemplified restoration, community and inclusivity won the top awards during the recently concluded 2024 Good Design Award Philippines, held at The Globe Tower, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. The Malasakit Gran Prix Award winner, the First United Building in Escolta, Manila, was lauded for showing the power of restoration and adaptive reuse in driving urban regeneration.

The Gold Awards were given to The Right to Care Card, a health care proxy document that allows same-sex couples to make medical decisions for each other during emergencies, and The Philippine Textile Table Swatchbook of Anthill Fabric Factory for showing indigenous Philippine fabrics through storytelling narratives and interactive features.

The Good Design Award Philippines, a biennial program organized by the Department of Trade and Industry-Design Center of the Philippines (DTI-Design Center), recognizes outstanding design across various categories. This year saw a significant increase in entries, with 204 submissions and 84 shortlisted finalists.

Representatives of the Malasakit Gran Prix awardee First United Building with Good Design Award Philippines jurors. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Awardees received a commemorative trophy, a miniature replica of an Arturo Luz sculpture, the Good Design Award Philippines seal, and the opportunity to compete for Japan's prestigious G Mark. This international recognition opens doors for Philippine design to reach the global market, fostering trade ties with Japan.

The First United Building was formerly the Perez-Samanillo Building, an Art Deco landmark designed by Andres P. Luna, son of the renowned painter Juan Luna. Its restoration transformed it into a vibrant hub for creative communities while serving as a model for sustainable preservation.

The First United Building Community Museum offers a glimpse into Escolta's golden era as Manila's premier business district during the early 20th century.

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The Good Design Award Philippines was organized by Design Center of the Philippines, the Japan Institute of Design Promotion, the Asean-Japan Center, the United Nations Development Program, the Department of Science and Technology's