Building a Sustainable Future: Preserving Filipino Heritage through Architecture

About Ar. EnP. Sylvester Shaun D. Seno

Ar. EnP. Sylvester Shaun D. Seno is a highly accomplished professional in the field of architecture and construction management.

Ar. Seno began his career as an architect and quickly made a name for himself in the industry. His expertise in risk management, sustainable and adaptive design, disaster-resilient architectural design, and community planning earned him numerous awards and recognitions.

In addition to his successful career in architecture, Ar. Seno has also dedicated his time and energy to various professional organizations. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), ICOMOS Philippines, Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners (PIEP), and Philippine Green Building Initiative (PGBI).

Ar. Seno has also held several leadership positions in the industry, including being the Chairperson of the Green Architecture Advocacy Philippines, Inc. (GreenAP), the Committee Chair for Cultural Affairs for the South Manila Educational Consortium, and the National Treasurer for the Council of Deans and Heads of Architecture Schools of the Philippines (CODHASP).

Furthermore, Ar. Seno is a prolific researcher and has completed and presented monographs and international journal publications with institutional grants from the government and private sector. He has been invited as a workshop facilitator, moderator, rapporteur, and resource speaker for almost 200 engagements since 2009 among student-based, subprofessional, academic and professional organizations for architects and allied fields across Europe and Australasia.

Ar. Seno also served as the College of Architecture Dean at Adamson University, where he was one of the youngest appointed deans of the Philippines’ fourth oldest Architecture program. He was the longest-serving UAP Balangkasan Chair for four terms, and he was the convenor for the 1st Asian Conference on New Practices and Innovations in Building Science (1st BuildSciCon) hosted by his current institution by virtue of DOST-PCIEERD Balik-Scientist Program.

Despite his busy schedule, Ar. Seno continues to inspire and motivate aspiring architects and designers. His unwavering dedication to his profession and his passion for creating sustainable and resilient communities have made him a true leader and role model in the industry.

The Importance of the Trinity of Architecture, Sustainability, and Heritage

Architecture refers to the design and construction of buildings and other physical structures. It plays a significant role in shaping the world around us, influencing how we interact with our environment and each other. Good architecture can create spaces that promote productivity, health, and wellbeing, while poor architecture can have negative impacts on these factors.

Sustainability is the practice of designing, constructing, and operating buildings and infrastructure in a way that minimizes negative impacts on the environment and maximizes their positive impacts on the community. Sustainable design and construction techniques can help reduce energy consumption, water usage, and waste generation, which can lower operating costs and contribute to a healthier environment.

Heritage, on the other hand, refers to the physical and cultural artifacts that have been passed down to us from previous generations. These include historic buildings, monuments, and landscapes, as well as traditions, customs, and stories. Preserving our heritage is important because it helps us connect with the past and understand our place in history. It also provides a sense of continuity and identity for future generations.

Joined together, architecture, sustainability, and heritage are important because they shape the world around us and have a significant impact on our quality of life. By considering all three of these factors when designing and constructing buildings and infrastructure, we can create a built environment that is both functional and sustainable, while also preserving our cultural heritage for future generations to enjoy.