Advertisement
Architects

Buensalido + Architects Transforms into Barchan + Architecture

April 26, 2024
|
By 

In the realm of architectural innovation, a new horizon emerges as Buensalido + Architects transforms into Barchan + . Embracing the name ‘Barchan,’ inspired by the graceful crescent-shaped dunes found in deserts, the firm signals a profound shift towards designs deeply rooted in their surroundings.

Buensalido + Architects is now Barchan + Architecture
Barchan + Architecture emphasizes that collaboration is a cornerstone of the firm’s values, with each team member having an important role in the pursuit of unique and creative design.

Harmonizing with Context

Since its inception in 2006 under the leadership of Architect Jason Buensalido, the firm has been a trailblazer, pushing the boundaries of conventional with originality and ingenuity. Now, as Barchan + Architecture, they embark on a journey to redefine the relationship between built environments and nature.

Buensalido + Architects is now Barchan + Architecture
(L-R) Associate Architect for Culture and Lead Project Architect Arch. Cholo Ramirez, Associate Architect for Design and Lead Project Architect Arch. Jerome Bautista, VP of Admin, Finance, and Culture Arch. Nikki Boncan-Buensalido, and Chief Design Ambassador and Founder Arch. Jason Buensalido, and VP of Operations & Associate Architect Arch. Ems Eliseo spearhead Barchan + Architecture as it makes a collective step into a new era of architectural design. 

The choice of ‘Barchan’ as the new identity speaks volumes about the firm’s philosophy. Like these natural formations, Barchan + seeks to create designs that seamlessly blend with their context, embodying a holistic approach to architecture. It’s not just about constructing buildings; it’s about crafting experiences that resonate with the environment and the people who inhabit it.

“The barchan symbolizes our belief in shaped by context. Like barchans, our designs tell stories of nature and human aspiration, preserving memories and enabling new legacies,” Buensalido explains.

Shifting Sands: A Narrative of Evolution

The unveiling of their latest endeavor, the coffee table book “Shifting Sands”, serves as both a celebration of past achievements and a manifesto for the future. Authored by Edson Cabalfin and designed by Design for Tomorrow, the book offers a glimpse into Barchan + ’s journey, showcasing their commitment to authenticity, altruism, aspiration, and advancement.

Shifting Sands by Barchan + Architecture
The new Barchan + Architecture book, Shifting Sands, is a reflection on the architecture firm’s past achievements and challenges, as it continues to celebrate Filipino identity in architecture. 

“Shifting Sands” is more than just a collection of photographs and projects; it’s a narrative of evolution—a testament to Barchan + ’s transformative journey. Each page tells a story of innovation, creativity, and a deep-seated respect for nature. From the vibrant CIIT Philippines campus to the visionary Project Smarthome, every project is a reflection of the firm’s unwavering dedication to pushing boundaries and challenging norms.

But “Shifting Sands” is not just about looking back; it’s about looking forward. As Barchan + embraces this new identity, they invite us all to join them on a journey of exploration and discovery. Their vision extends beyond mere buildings; it encompasses a vision of a world where architecture serves as a bridge between humanity and the natural world—a world where design is not just functional but poetic, evoking emotions and inspiring change.

Shifting Sands by Barchan + Architecture

At the heart of Barchan + ’s philosophy is a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. They understand that the built environment has a profound impact on the world around us. They strive to minimize that impact through thoughtful design and innovative solutions. Whether it’s integrating green spaces into urban landscapes or utilizing renewable materials, sustainability is at the core of everything they do.

Barchan + Architecture’s Leadership Team

This new chapter showcases how the firm’s design practices have evolved into a team effort. Together with Barchan’s key management VP of Admin, Finance, and Culture ArchitectNikki Boncan-Buensalido, VP of Operations & Associate Architect Ems Eliseo, Associate Architect for Design and Lead Project Architect Jerome Bautista, and Associate Architect for Culture and Lead Project Architect Cholo Ramirez, the firm shares it has adopted a more mature design practice that will explore new ways to express culture in architecture and improve lives through design. 

Barchan + Architecture is more than just a name change. It’s a statement of intent—a declaration of their commitment to creating a better, more sustainable world through design. As we turn the pages of “Shifting Sands” and embark on this journey with them, we can’t help but feel inspired by the possibilities that lie ahead.

READ MORE: Notes from The Architect Episode 2: Weaving Ideas Into A Coherent Learning Space with Jason Buensalido

Federal Land's Yume at Riverpark

Room to Grow: A Japanese-Inspired Approach to Family Living at Yume at Riverpark

The idea of home extends beyond the walls of the house. It also considers the spaces and environments people share—the larger setting that supports everyday life. At Yume at Riverpark, these considerations begin with individual homes and lots, extend to the shared landscape of an 18-hectare residential development in General Trias, Cavite, and ultimately connect […]

What The Pop! Exhibition by PSID

“What the Pop!” Exhibition Translates Four Generations of Filipino Culture Into Interactive Interior Spaces

PSID presents “What the Pop!,” an exhibition opened on the third floor of V-Mall in Greenhills, San Juan City, that examined how popular culture shaped Filipino homes and lifestyles. Through spaces representing four generations—Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z—the exhibit explored how each era’s experiences inform its approach to interior designInterior DesignThe discipline […]

Sketching Modernity 07: The CCP Main Theater

The CCP Main Theater as an Icon of Philippine Modernism The CCP main theater by National Artist for ArchitectureArchitectureThe art and science of designing and constructing buildings, structures, and spaces that are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. It encompasses the planning, design, materials, and techniques used to createGo to Architecture Glossary Leandro V. Locsin is […]

Anthology ASEAN Architecture Festival 2026 Anthology Talks

Lessons From Anthology 2026: Redefining Architecture Beyond the “Culture of Capital”

As co-founder of Dubai- and Tokyo-based studio waiwai, Al Awar brings over 22 years of experience to questions surrounding how cities are designed and how architectureArchitectureThe art and science of designing and constructing buildings, structures, and spaces that are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. It encompasses the planning, design, materials, and techniques used to createGo […]

Anthology ASEAN Architecture Festival

Anthology ASEAN Architecture Festival 2026 Explores Shared Ground in the Philippines and Beyond

The seventh edition of the Anthology ASEAN ArchitectureArchitectureThe art and science of designing and constructing buildings, structures, and spaces that are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. It encompasses the planning, design, materials, and techniques used to createGo to Architecture Glossary Festival brought together over 4,000 delegates from across the Philippines and Southeast Asia for three […]

genteelhome Builds on the Excellence of Filipino Craft

Bigkis is the act of binding. In Tagalog, the word can refer to something used to bind or encircle, as well as a bundle formed by tying several separate elements together. Figuratively, it can also mean a bond, union, or unity. The meanings move from the physical act of joining things together to the connection […]

Read the issues.
Collect the volumes.

Recommended Video

Tap to Unmute
Unmute
0:00
0:00 / 0:00
0:00

To provide a customized ad experience, we need to know if you are of legal age in your region.

By making a selection, you agree to our Terms & Conditions.