DoT-LEGO’s scale model design contest features Intramuros icons

INTRAMUROS’ architectural grandeur, fermented through centuries of brilliant history, shall stir the imagination of some 200 college students participating in the ongoing “iMake History Fortress Architecture Scale Model Competition” sponsored by the Department of Tourism (DoT) thru the Intramuros Administration (IA) and its partners — Felta Multi-Media, Inc., the local partner of LEGO Education, and the Royal Danish Embassy.

“This activity aims to encourage youthful Filipino visionaries, particularly architecture and engineering students, to deepen their appreciation of our diversely rich history as preserved within these immortal walls,” said DoT Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo, who led the launching of the contest at Fort Santiago.

Among the walled city’s landmarks, the students will represent with scale model are the Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, San Ignacio Church, Santo Domingo Church, San Francisco Church, Recoletos Church, Lourdes Church, Ayuntamiento de Manila, Palacio del Gobernador, and Intendencia.

Not long after she assumed as Tourism chief, Ms. Teo ordered the DoT Tourism Development Planning sector and the IA to step up the renovation and restoration program in the walled city, also known as Old Manila.

Undersecretary Rolando Cañizal said the project will call for the restoration and adaptive reuse of the Baluarte de Santa Barbara Chamber in the centuries-old fortress, which will house the LEGO Education Design Learning Center.

“This fusion of Old Manila’s glory and modern learning will feature all the scale model contest entries of the teams representing the country’s architectural colleges, along with high-tech interactive LEGO learning materials,” said Mr. Cañizal.

Twelve teams from colleges and universities across the country signed up for the competition, vying for cash prizes, including: P50,000 for first place; P30,000 for second place; P20,000, third; and other consolation prizes.

Scale model designs shall measure 1:100 meters, with each being at least 70% made of special architecture bricks to be provided by LEGO Education. A special prize for the most innovative scale design that will use eco- friendly materials will be provided by Representative Cristal Bagatsing, 5th District of the City of Manila.

Submission of entries deadline is on October 2017, just on time for the opening of the iMake History Fortress this coming November. More details of the competition and criteria for judging can be accessed at www. intramuros.gov.ph.