COMPETITION MECHANICS

ALTERCHITECTURE 2024
AgHimuan: Blueprint to Net-Zero Architecture

THE COMPETITION
ALTERCHITECTURE (Alter+Architecture) is an annual architectural design competition
that pushes the boundaries of architectural design, seeking transformative approaches
to shaping our world through progressive ideas and eco-conscious construction. It
calls for a paradigm shift in design thinking, urging architects to envision bolder,
innovative solutions.

COMPETITION BRIEF

Alterchitecture 2024 highlights the role of commercial spaces in urban areas as vital for the
public. Our country’s landscape is dominated by commercial spaces, powering our economy
and shaping our daily lives. Yet, these same structures often cast a long shadow on our
environment. Can we envision a future where these hubs of commerce seamlessly blend
functionality with sustainability? The net-zero commercial structures competition dares you to
do just that.

The competition aims to design a commercially viable net-zero commercial building that
pushes the boundaries of architectural innovation. Try to imagine a vibrant marketplace that
generates its own energy, conserves resources, and inspires future generations of designers.
This includes the task of seeking solutions that are not just technically sound, but also
financially attractive, and proving that sustainable design can be a profitable driver of economic
growth. This is also an opportunity to reshape the narrative of commercial architecture, proving
that net-zero structures are not just a green dream, but the smart investment of the future.

This year, Alterchitecture 2024, generally aims to create net-zero architecture by utilizing
existing and innovative technologies (aghimuan; himuan in Visayan language means ‘to create
something’ or ‘to make‘).
COMPETITION OBJECTIVES

● Design a commercially viable net-zero building, achieving self-sufficiency in

energy production and minimizing environmental impact.
● Showcase creative and efficient strategies for energy generation, resource
management, and waste reduction within the commercial setting.
● Demonstrate how net-zero design can seamlessly integrate with user
experience, enhancing both employee and consumer well-being.
● Prioritize cost-effectiveness and market relevance, ensuring the design's
economic viability and attractiveness to investors.
● Call for a change in designing the built environment by way of shifting our
thought processes.
Problem
From bustling shopping malls to towering office buildings, these commercial spaces drive
growth and fuel economic prosperity. However, the very structures that potentially propel
us forward cast a long shadow on our environment. Their insatiable appetite for energy and
footprint of concrete leave an undeniable mark on our surroundings.

The challenge our country faces is how to revolutionize the very essence of these
commercial spaces, transforming them from environmental burdens into beacons of
sustainability. We must harness the power of design to create net-zero commercial
structures— self-sufficient structures that not only thrive, but generate their own energy,
breathe life into our cities, and inspire future generations. More than just a technical feat,
this is a call to action— a chance to reshape our narrative, shed the image of environmental
disregard, and emerge as a global leader in responsible growth.
Challenge
The Philippines stands at a pivotal crossroads. Our commercial spaces are one of the
contributors to environmental challenges. For a thriving and sustainable future, we must
face a complex puzzle with four interlocking pieces to understand net-zero further:

Piece 1: Innovation in Sustainable Technologies. We seek ingenious solutions that

transcend the ordinary. Can we harness sun, wind, or even waste to power the very
structures that consume them? Can we reinvent water management, turning every drop
into a resource? And as we build, can we minimize waste?

Piece 2: Integration with User Experience. Sustainability shouldn't just be technical

prowess; it must be woven into combined experience. Our goal is to create commercial
spaces that don't merely exist, but progress. We seek environments that foster the health
and well-being of the people, boosting productivity and a sense of connection.

Piece 3: Economic Feasibility. While lofty ideals ignite our passion, practicality anchors our
vision. Net-zero design must be more than just a green badge; it must be an investment.
We seek clear data that conveys the balance of initial costs with long-term operational
savings.

Piece 4: Scalability and Replicability. The design should seek solutions that adapt to
diverse commercial landscapes of urban outposts. Our vision is for these net-zero
principles to become the blueprint for future development, reshaping not just individual
buildings, but entire cityscapes.

A challenge, but also an opportunity to redefine growth and progress.

Context and Site Parameters

The commercial space shall be located in an urban built-up area in a city anywhere in the
Philippines. This gives the participants the freedom to choose which urban community that the
designed public space will serve.

The land area can be any size and flexible to the existing spaces in their chosen community.
The site need not be an empty lot. However, eradication of existing facilities, establishments
and buildings shall be justified in the submittals.

As part of the submittals, make sure to use the updated standards for MEPFS as prescribed
by the National Building Code of the Philippines, Fire Code of the Philippines, Accessibility
Law, etc.

Further details shall be included in the competition kit.

Registration
Eligibility
● The competition is only open to all currently-enrolled, undergraduate students.
● The members of the Organizing Committee of Alterchitecture 2024 and the current
Executive Committee of UAPSA-UPD are not allowed to join the competition.
● Teams may be composed of Architecture students, including but not limited to
Landscape Architecture and Interior Design students. However, at least one member of
the team must be an architecture student.
● Teams are limited to a maximum of three (3) members.
● Individual entries are permitted.
● Members from different schools may comprise a team of three.

How to Register
● Participants may submit multiple entries, but each entry shall be individually registered.
● All participants must register by April 20, 2024 through this link:
http://tinyurl.com/ALTERCHITECTURE2024RegForm. Upon registration, participants must
upload a clear photo or scanned copy of their school IDs (validated for A.Y.
2023-2024) and university registration.
● After their registration and submission of all the required documents, the Alterchitecture
2024 Organizing Committee shall send a confirmation mail together with supplementary
details and relevant data to the contact person.
● All participants must submit their entries by May 18, 2024.
● Submission of entries shall be done by sending an email to
alterchitectureuapsaupd@gmail.com.
● After the submission of all the submittals, the Alterchitecture 2024 Organizing
Committee shall send a confirmation mail.
● Further competition updates and reminders will be posted on Alterchitecture 2024’s
Facebook page and sent to participants’ emails.
Submittals
What to Submit
One (1) Design Board and Design Write-up specified as follows:

Design board
● One (1) 20”x30”, portrait
● Accepts either manual or digital works
○ Digital Works: 300 dpi in resolution, minimum font size 9
● At the very least should contain—but is not limited to—
○ Design Concept
○ Diagrams/Illustrations
○ Site Development Plan (with Northing sign)
○ MEPFS (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire safety)
○ Scaled Plans and Elevations
○ Perspectives (should not be limited to 4 - Exterior and 2 - Interior)
○ At least 1 Aerial Site Perspective
○ Material/Mood Board
○ The team may include other drawings, perspectives, illustrations, and information (e.g
calculations, maps, blocking, labels, spot-details, etc.) to further communicate their
design strategies and architectural innovations effectively.

Design write-up
● A4-size, maximum of three (3) pages (excluding the reference section), minimum font
size 12; the layout is up to the participants’ discretion and is not limited to text (e.g
diagrams, visual aids, tables, graphs, etc.)
● Should be able to explain the rationale behind the design; may contain data not
included in the board (e.g calculations, programming, design process, precedents, etc.).
The following questions may serve as a guide:
○ How can the chosen commercial space improve the life of the locals?
○ How can the commercial space connect existing nodes in the area?
○ What are the needs of the community that need to be addressed through
commercial space?
○ What architectural innovations were used to address these needs?
○ What identity of the locality is emphasized through the design?
● All references should be properly cited (APA format).
○ Taking inspiration from another project must be cited.
Other regulations
● Aside from the project title, no identifying marks like names, logos or other information
(even the registration number) that will reveal the identity of the designer/s and their
respective architecture school shall be included in the boards. Entries that failed to
comply will automatically be disqualified from the competition.
● All entries must be original designs and unpublished entries. Plagiarized content from
existing works shall be automatically disqualified.
● Submissions shall be saved in PDF Format
● Submission of entries will be done ONLINE by uploading the ZIP file by sending an
email to: alterchitectureuapsaupd@gmail.com.
● Submissions shall be saved in a .ZIP folder with the following contents
○ Design Board (in one (1) PDF file)
○ 1 Design Write-up (PDF Format)
● File Name Format: (## - your official registration number)
○ Zip Folder – A##_Alter2024
○ Design Board – A##_Board
○ Write-up - A##_Write-up
● Failure to comply with the competition rules and requirements may mean
disqualification.
● Verification of entries will be done by the Organizing Committee prior to the
presentation of eligible entries to the jurors.
● Clarifications will be made through email for ineligible entries regarding non-compliance
and deficiencies.
● Qualification of ineligible entries will be subject to the decision of the Programs Team
Head after clarification.
● Late submissions will not be accepted unless participants are willing to pay the penalty
fee of Php 500.00.
Judging
● The identities of the participants shall remain anonymous to the judges during the
judging period.
● The judges’ decision is final and irrevocable.
● The submitted entries shall be rated based on the following:

1. Innovative (35 points)

a. Introduction of new technologies and materials
b. Introduction of new building strategies or systems
c. Creativity
2. Provision for social needs (35 points)
a. Upholds human right to a dignified life
b. Inclusion of essential spaces configured to the needs of the specified
community
3. Feasibility and viability (20 points)
a. Construction efficiency
- Efficient construction methods or materials
b. Structural integrity
4. Presentation (10 points)
a. Effective communication of design
- Completeness of information
- Comprehensive flow
Awards
1st Place: P 12,000.00

2nd Place: P 8,000.00

3rd Place: P 5,000.00

People’s Choice: P 3,000.00

● Announcement of TOP 10 winning entries will be two (2) weeks prior to the Awarding
Ceremony via email.
● The TOP 10 entries will be published online on the Alterchitecture Facebook page.
● The People’s Choice Award will be acquired from online votes on the Alterchitecture
Facebook page only.
● The TOP 3 winning entries and special mentions will be awarded during the Awarding
Ceremony on Date (Mode: F2F or virtual).

Display and Publication

● All TOP 10 entries will be posted on the Alterchitecture Facebook Page and be featured
in the Awarding Ceremony.
● Winning entries and special mentions may also be recognized in publications.
● Reproduction and distribution of all entries without written permission from the team is
prohibited.

Schedule
Official Launch March 4, 2024
Registration March 4, 2024
Deadline for Registration April 20, 2024
Deadline for Submission of Entries May 18, 2024
Judging Period May 20 - May 31, 2024
Release of Top 10 Entries June 3, 2024
Release of People’s Choice Award June 5, 2024
Release of Top 3 Entries June 8, 2024
Alterchitecture 2024 Awarding Ceremony June 8, 2024