ART HORIZON: An International School of Arts and Design in Tagaytay City

Thesis Proponent: Shella Joy P Maniaul
Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology

Art has traditionally served as a medium for cultural exchange. It has been an essential weapon in the struggle against intolerance of unfair societal segregation as it breaks cultural, societal, and economic barriers. In the Philippines, efforts to nurture globally recognized artists are evident through various educational programs. The Department of Education offers the Special Program in the Arts (SPA) in high schools, and the Art and Design Track in senior high schools prepares students for careers in creative fields. With a growing number of creative students in Region 4A and nearby areas, there's a need for more educational facilities to support them. 

This research proposes the development of an International School of Arts and Design in Tagaytay City, Cavite, to address the limited availability of specialized, globally competitive arts education outside Metro Manila. While there are 49 senior high schools in Region 4A offering the Arts and Design track, only a few universities in the region provide tertiary-level programs, and these are often limited to Fine Arts and Music. As a result, many aspiring artists are forced to migrate to Metro Manila, further contributing to urban congestion. The proposed institution, called Art Horizon, aims to provide a culturally diverse, thermally comfortable, and creatively stimulating learning environment for local and international students interested in visual, performing, media, and literary arts. 

Tagaytay City was selected for its cool climate, scenic landscape, and accessibility from Metro Manila, aligning with student preferences for an environment that fosters creativity. The school’s design integrates passive cooling strategies and site-responsive features to enhance comfort and sustainability. Through the use of passive design techniques, the proposed project also aims to maximize the local climatic condition of Tagaytay City and bring a naturally cool environment inside the structure. 


Survey data reveals that Filipino artists feel underappreciated and marginalized, highlighting the need for a dedicated institution that supports their development. Additionally, 80% of respondents expressed a preference for learning environments with cooler temperatures and open, inspiring spaces. The study concludes that creating a multicultural, climate-responsive educational facility in Tagaytay will not only promote Philippine art and cultural exchange but also provide students with an ideal space for creative growth. The researcher recommends further exploration of appropriate building technologies, geological risk assessments, and simulation-based analyses to optimize the facility’s performance and ensure long-term success.

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