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| (Image Source: De La Salle Lipa) |
As an institutionally robust presence in 21st-century learning spaces, De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) stands as an institution where academic rigor, design thinking, and future-oriented innovation converge to shape professionals who will define the built environment of tomorrow. Anchored in its tradition of excellence, De La Salle Lipa elevates architectural education by building intentional learning spaces that do more than house learning; they actively shape how students think, create, collaborate, and engage with the evolving demands of the profession.
On February 4, 2026, De La Salle Lipa formally inaugurated its new Architecture Studio Laboratory on the fifth floor of the CBEAM Hall, marking a significant expansion of its academic infrastructure. Present during the ceremony were DLSL President Bro. Edmundo “Dodo” Fernandez FSC and DLSL Chancellor Dr. Teodosia Merlin Suarez, Chancellor, along with school administrators, faculty members, and invited guests. The event was further honored by the presence of the studio lab’s designer, Architect Carlos Joselito Gutierrez, and the CHED Regional Office IV Director’s Office represented by Education Supervisor II Engr. Cirilo Bathan Jr. In his special message, Bro. Fernandez underscored that the laboratories were conceived not merely as aesthetically refined spaces, but as strategically designed environments that enhance learning, practice, and professional formation. He emphasized that the facility reflects the institution’s intentional commitment to creating spaces that are functional, forward-looking, and responsive to the evolving landscape of architectural education. The new Architecture Studio Laboratory was purposefully developed to address the expanding needs of the architecture program. It houses two drafting studios, one lecture hall, one workshop room, and a multifunction exhibit space, which will serve as a venue for design presentations, juries, competitions, and curated displays of student work. This configuration enables a studio culture aligned with leading architecture schools, where critique, iteration, and collaboration are integral to the learning process.
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| (Image Source: De La Salle Lipa) |
Occupying approximately 700 square meters above the existing CBEAM Building, the facility integrates sustainability into its design. It features an energy-efficient air-conditioning system, Rockwool mineral wool thermal insulation, and a vertical skylight that channels natural daylight into the studios, reducing energy consumption while enhancing the quality of the learning environment. With this development, De La Salle Lipa significantly strengthens its academic infrastructure, expanding its capacity to deliver rigorous, practice-oriented architectural education. The new laboratories enhance the institution’s reputation for innovation, reinforce its commitment to sustainable campus development, and solidify its position as a leading institution for design education in the region. For current students, the Architecture Laboratories provide a more immersive, professional, and technically supportive environment that elevates studio work, collaboration, and creative experimentation. For prospective students, the facility signals that De La Salle Lipa invests meaningfully in state-of-the-art learning spaces — making it a compelling destination for aspiring architects who seek excellence, innovation, and real-world design preparation.
(With words by Cristina Alfarita Larombi and Dr. Dfezie Torres-Tipan, De La Salle Lipa)
