To understand the soul of the Ateneo de Manila University — what shaped it and where it came from, where it is going and where it can take you — it is essential to understand its motto, Lux in Domino, or “Light in the Lord.”
By looking closer to the behavior of light, several visual properties altogether creates a retentive imagery. However, the most distinguished characteristic of light is its ability to travel from a source to any point in space with speed and visibility and as a result generates a light beam. This magnificent phenomenon, also called a Light Ray, is what positively anchors to an observer’s memory and therefore becomes the metaphorical tool for the corporeal translation of our design concept.
Like two intersecting rays of lights, we lay down the residential buildings on the site in perpendicular axis. The buildings will be connected by charmingly paved path ways to promote a more effective walking environment. We may also enhance user experience by providing a bike path running parallel to the existing pedestrian path walk.
With this site development configuration, we were able to receive tremendous advantages. First, the angle of the buildings creates an optical illusion on all sides that prevents the development from visually appearing too massive. Secondly, the widest façade which has the window fenestrations to the bedrooms for both buildings is facing North and South which is an ideal orientation in our country to prevent heat gain. The shorter side that faces east and west will only be utilized for fire exits.
But superior to all reasons, the most important value we gain from this building arrangement is the creation of a beautiful focal point in between two masses that not only grants an opportunity for a charming landscape but also becomes the perfect location for the proposed ecumenical house of prayer. This little yet significant structure for meditation will be surrounded with trees for serenity and solitude making it visually inviting from all corners of the property.