Estudio Damgo II: A Filipino Design-Build Studio

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON -- It was the best of times. It was the worst of times…

I recently had the great fortune of getting to revisit Dumaguete with my husband. The occasion of our return was to celebrate the inauguration of Estudio Damgo’s second community building: A Multi-purpose building for the resettled community in Bajumpandan.

Estudio Damgo is a design-build studio for senior architect students at Foundation University. As one of the original founders of Estudio Damgo, my husband Ray Villanueva was eager to greet his former students and evaluate their work as seniors under the excellent tutelage of Anna Koosmann.

We were not disappointed. The building soared above its neighbors, providing a picturesque landmark for the humble settlement. The students had chosen to work with local materials (largely donated) – bamboo, brick and tile – beautifully finished. We arrived just as the sun was bearing down, but the interior was cool and well-lit with diffuse, natural light.

It was the best of times.

And then I learned that this, in fact, was not the original site that was planned for the building. As it turns out, the students had initiated their work with the neighboring settlement. Student architects were required to make decisions based on a series of meetings with community leaders and designated representatives.

The final design was not only an elegant solution that carefully balanced all the variables; it was the result of a collaborative process in which the entire community had a voice and could take ownership in.

Unfortunately, just as they were ready to begin construction, there was a change of heart. The landowner did not offer support for the student’s design. They had decided what the building should look like, and would not entertain any new ideas.

And as it turns out – they had funding – so they went ahead and built their predetermined design.

It could have been the worst of times.

Thank goodness, the project was saved by the quick action of Dumaguete city leaders who supported Estudio Damgo and the student’s original design. These leaders made it possible for the project to move to the neighboring settlement (so that residents will still get access to the building they had helped design) without too much delay, so that the students could still meet their construction deadline (graduation!).

Of course, our friends and supporters at Global Giving have also been faithful with their love gifts, enabling the project to move at a faster pace, before the onset of the rainy season.

And now there stand TWO multi-purpose buildings in Bajumpandan.

And if you’ve ever wondered about the true value of architecture – these two buildings built nearly side-by-side for the same purpose – are a radical example of what happens when you chose to build by design, rather than by carbon copy.

I invite you to make a visit for yourself! We came all the way from Seattle, and it was worth every penny.

Hats off to the graduating students of Estudio Damgo II and their instructors – you are already making a positive difference in your community – and I am confident that it is only the beginning.

P.S. Keep an eye out for Estudio Damgo III next school year. Community discussions underway.

Amy Villanueva