MODERN WATERFRONT ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE INTEGRATION- BACUIT ARCHIPELAGO/
EL NIDO/PHILIPPINES
RESEARCH AS PART OF AN AI ASSIGNMENT 2023
IMAGES GENERAED BY MIDJOURNEY AI
"…El Nido is a Philippine municipality on Palawan island. It’s known for white-sand beaches, coral reefs and as the gateway to the Bacuit archipelago, a group of islands with steep karst cliffs. Miniloc Island is famed for the clear waters of its Small and Big lagoons. Nearby Shimizu Island has fish-filled waters. The area has many dive sites, including Dilumacad Island’s long tunnel leading to an underwater cavern..."
1.Introduction
The idea is to create a modern sustainable resort in Bacuit Archipelago, Philippines, that seamlessly merges with the landscape, respects nature, and honours native culture would be a stunning example of eco-conscious architecture.
1.Design Concept:
The buildings are designed to blend harmoniously with the pristine natural beauty of the Bacuit Bay Area while paying homage to the indigenous culture and ecology of the region. The overarching design principle is fluidity and organic integration with the landscape.
1.1 Examples of resort-buildings artificially created to resemble a natural mountain or buildings which are carefully integrated into the natural landscape:
2. Organic Architecture
The resort's architecture is inspired by the organic forms found in nature. The structures feature flowing, curvilinear shapes that mimic the contours of the surrounding limestone cliffs, caves, and lush greenery. Earthy materials such as bamboo, reclaimed wood, and local stones are used to create a seamless transition between the built environment and the natural one.
2.1 Organic design:
The resort's building design follows the form of the karstic mountains, incorporates native plant species to provide a lush environment that attracts local wildlife, creates sahde and light. Rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems are used to irrigate the gardens and green roofs.
As an overall design concept, the buildings had to be integrated into the existing landscape, organically, aesthetically and functionally. Some of the structures do stand out from the landscape, as to attract attention to the human presence...and to the incoming travellers.
Low-Impact Design: To minimize the environmental impact, the resort is elevated on stilts to reduce disruption to the landscape and allow for natural water flow. Buildings are designed to maximize cross-ventilation and natural lighting, reducing the need for energy-intensive climate control systems.
2.2 Sustainable Building Materials:
All materials used in the construction of the resort are sustainable and locally sourced. Bamboo and thatch roofs provide natural insulation and a distinctive regional aesthetic. Recycled wood and stone are used for flooring and walls, reducing the carbon footprint of the construction.
2.3 Examples of Boats and floating Structures:
2.4 Building solutions-*there are some bullet points which need further explanation and development and knowledge from my side.
Materials and buildings methods should be innovative, possibly applying martials and labour locally or alternatively, the buildings modules should be allocated to the specific location per water. Building skin created for the specific climate specifications.
Glazing, sun protection, water collection, air conditioning and natural ventilation, protection from insects, garbage and waste disposal, indoor and outdoor spaces.
All amenities are designed with sustainability in mind. The resort's restaurants serve locally sourced, organic cuisine, and the spa uses natural ingredients harvested from the region.
2.5 Cultural Integration:
Local culture is celebrated throughout the resort. Traditional Filipino design elements, such as woven textiles and indigenous art, adorn the interiors. The resort also hosts cultural events and workshops to showcase the heritage of the native Palawan people.
The communication between the buildings shall happen by native boat design, in order to reduce the impact of human presence and creating an original experience of native water travel...or the experience shall happen on futuristic boats which just visit the scenery and and anchor at certain points of interest without being a constant presence.
2.6 Conservation Efforts:
The created Eco Resorts will partner with marine and wildlife organizations to protect the fragile ecosystems in the Bacuit Archipelago/El Nido region, including coral reefs and endangered species.
2.7 Examples of integrated or water-floating buildings which blend into the landscape, creating a harmonic relationship between human made structures and nature:
3.Conclusion
The proposed building designs exemplify futuristic sustainable eco-resort architecture that not only coexists with its natural surroundings but also embraces the rich culture of the area. Its organic and fluid architecture serves as a model for responsible tourism, demonstrating that luxury and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand in a way that benefits both travellers and the planet. These proposed designs and the whole idea for eco-resorts should be set in a more futuristic time and environment, when our technologies have evolved ...so we are going for a conceptual design set in the near future, more than a realistic one...
Remark-It is important to note that any kind of human interaction with this region, should only be undertaken, if we have the necessary technologies to create buildings without damaging the existing flora and fauna, buildings which respect native culture, buildings that can be sustainable, can reduce the CO2 impact, take care of waste and garbage...and in one word-are seamless and timeless- like nature itself.
3.1 Examples of buildings, which float above the natural landscape...
Thanks a lot for the attention!
