B+Abble, the annual and much-awaited series of talks on contemporary design in the Philippines, returned last September 7, 2022, held at The Emerald Events Place in Antipolo, Rizal. Organized by Buensalido+Architects, one of the country’s most innovative and progressive architecture firms, the contemporary design and arts conference ran for a whole day in a festival format. The event featured talks and panel discussions participated by local and international speakers. Several musical performances by emerging and exciting talents entertained the audience and guests in-between talks. 

The series of discussions revolved around the event’s theme: “ReWind to ReWild” which focused on sustainability and simplicity in the built environment, exploring conservation, creative renovation, adaptive re-use, and how other contemporary solutions can change the way people live and understand architecture for the better. 

Chunyan Cai of Atelier tao+c, a world-renowned design and architecture laboratory based in Shanghai, China, headlined the event with the global firm’s first talk in the Philippines. One of the winners of the World Architecture Festival in 2021, Atelier tao+c’s projects use humble and local materials, but the precise detailing always manages to elevate the mundane. Co-founder Chunyun Cai talked about their firm’s process, semi-architectural and semi-interior, and how their design method allows people to see and experience beauty in simplicity. 

Architect Don Lino of LINO Architecture and artist Leeroy New also gave their unique perspectives on preserving local culture and heritage through their work, as well as talked about how sustainability should be a goal and a principle of design, not a gimmick.

This year, B+Abble launched for the first time the panel discussions called Projects, where individuals from multiple disciplines gave their unique perspectives on the festival’s theme. A high-caliber mix of architects, interior and industrial designers, trend forecasters, branding experts, and even circular economy advocates. The invited industry experts shared experiences and case studies championing engaged discussions with each other and the audience members highlighting B+Abble’s initiative to educate by heart.

Almost 300 fans of arts and architecture spent the day listening to the introspections and conversations of the speakers. Young musical talents Coeli, Jarlo Bâse, Brass Rosette, and Ysanygo bookmarked the talks with electric performances, providing a dynamic atmosphere to an already interesting festival.

Now in its 8th year, B+Abble continues to inspire and challenge the creative community to use innovative, unique, and progressive thinking in exacting positive change.

Photos by Ed Simon and Buensalido+Architects