A Bamboo Shelter in a Garbage Dump City

I do believe that we Filipinos are at par with our neighboring countries when in comes to talent. And sometimes, we even go beyond their expectations. It has come to my knowledge that a Filipino architect named Gonzalo 'Jun' Raymundo, Jr. was selected as one of the top ten finalists in the prestigious Guggenheim Art Shelter Competition. Here is his entry:



Allow me to post the press release of the Philippine Embassy regarding the said competition.

FILIPINO ARCHITECT SELECTED AS FINALIST IN GUGGENHEIM ART SHELTER COMPETITION

18 SEPTEMBER 2009 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Filipino architect Gonzalo “Jun” Raymundo, Jr. who is based in Quezon City, Philippines was selected as one of the top ten finalists in the prestigious Guggenheim Art Shelter Competition.

The Guggenheim Art Shelter Competition is an exhibition contest sponsored by the Guggenheim Museum and Google SketchUp. It is open to both amateur and professional designers who are challenged to come up with various 3D designs inspired from different shelters in any part of the world using Google SketchUp and Google Earth. Submissions were received from nearly 600 contestants in 68 countries around the world. Ten finalists were then drawn from this pool of contestants for the People's Prize Award, which will be chosen through an online public voting. Currently, Mr. Raymundo is leading the voting polls.

In a statement, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Willy C. Gaa said, “Mr. Raymundo has exhibited exceptional skill in design and architecture. Truly, his work best reflects ingenuity, workmanship and culture that the Filipino people can be proud of. I encourage members of the Filipino community to extend their support to Mr. Raymundo by casting their votes for his meritorious piece of art.”

Mr.Raymundo’s work entitled, “A Bamboo Shelter in a Garbage Dump City,” is a bamboo design shelter built on a concrete base situated at a garbage dump in the Philippines. The bamboo wall represents a strong sense camaraderie or “bayanihan” to signify that “where there is unity there is strength.” His work collectively symbolizes “sustainability and hope.”

The voting period will run until 10 October 2009. A link to the voting page can be accessed at: http://www.guggenheim.org/new-york/education/sackler-center/design-it-shelter/vote-for-shelters/

Please do find time to vote for him, it will only take you a matter of 3 seconds. You need not to register or anything. Let us support our fellow Filipino who is trying to make our country known to the whole world.