As the first-ever finalists from Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU), fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BSAr) students emerged as the grand winners of the Projeto Ideas and Design Competition, hosted by The Philippine World Building and Construction Exposition (WORLDBEX), held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City from March 13 to 16, 2025.
The NextGen: BGM Architects team, composed of Jimuel Matthew Matic (team leader), Joshua Bulloso, and Alyssa Gutierrez, prevailed with their winning entry, Nucifornia: A Mental Wellness Rehabilitation Center.
The project was inspired by the scientific names of the Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) and Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia), as the design brief required a biomimetic (nature-inspired) and flood-resilient structure.
In an interview, Matic shared that they combined water-sensitive plants such as the lotus, water hyacinth, pitcher plant, and pinecones as their main inspirations, which became the foundation of their design solutions to address the flooding problem at their site.
“We hope that Nucifornia, as the first finalist entry and first GRAND WINNER from DHVSU, becomes an inspiration to our fellow Honorians. May we see more entries in the succeeding years—showing our global competitiveness and capabilities,” said Matic.
The same team, along with five other group and individual entries, also entered the 2025 Magic 50 ArchiNext: HCG Young Designers Competition with their proposed project titled Liwasang Dadiangas: Paving the Way for Tomorrow’s Generation.
Below is the list of teams and individuals who also qualified for the 2025 Magic 50 ArchiNext: HCG Young Designers Competition in architectural design:
Mukyat M Alaya: A Propose Active Experience Park in Arayat, Pampanga – Justine Manalang, Peter Paul Mañalac, Realeen Ocampo
Pitak Pitak: A Proposed Social Park in Cebu City – Niño Emmanuel Santos, Harvey Timoteo, Princess Arriane Vitug
Lantawan: Transforming Lapuz into Iloilo City’s Sanctuary of Heritage and Harmony – Ma. Shane Cruz, Alicia Rain Dabu, and Mary Lenser Matitu
Harimuhan: Astro Park Rejuvenation and Heritage Development – Ian Christopher Enciso Alwina, Roots of Resilience, Wings of Wonder: A Proposed Wetland and Nature Park – John Francis Mendoza, Trix Angel Pelayo, and Margoth Kimberly Ramos
WORLDBEX 2025 redefined the future of building and construction by showcasing innovations that go beyond traditional sustainability, offering international exhibitors, networking opportunities, and collaborations among institutions.
Photo credits: WORLDBEX
