By Shane Vallery A. Beduya

Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts (IARFA) fourth-year student Maisie Suyat placed ninth in ArchiNEXT: HCG Young Designers’ Competition 2022 with her entry ‘TANGLAW.’

Suyat was joined by her teammates Eros Villanueva and Karl Elbo. They were mentored by professors Architect Don Johnson Lontoc and Architect Allan Lagrosa.

During an interview with FEU Advocate, Suyat shared that ‘TANGLAW’ proposes an eco-culture beach resort in Bagac, Bataan that shows the inextricable relationship between Philippine environmental values and Filipino culture.

This is in accordance with ArchiNEXT’s theme for this year which is “creating a holistic and sustainable tourist destination that will promote Philippine Culture and Architecture while prioritizing economic opportunities and unique cultural experience.”

Further, ‘TANGLAW’ was inspired by its own definition, which means “horizon”. It was created during the surge of COVID-19 cases and the rise of numerous pandemic-related problems. 

“Because of the pandemic, a lot of problems related to healthcare systems, economic status, tourism opportunities, education system, community planning, human well-being, and many more [arose]. With these problems, it inspired us to create a resort development that will serve as an extent of our country’s outlook, experience, and culture,” Suyat said.

She added that the entry drew inspiration from pre-colonial era architecture characters and the building method of using vernacular materials in constructing tourism facilities.

“It is designed to promote tourism sustainability that will help boost its potential through social, economic, and cultural integrity of the country,” she said.

As of writing, the competition has yet to announce the remaining winners.

ArchiNEXT is an annual design competition in the country sponsored by HCG Philippines and the United Architects of the Philippines. It challenges students to design “sound yet sustainable architectural masterpieces.”

(Photo courtesy of Maisie Suyat)