Best Architectural Thesis Awardee - TRANQUIL TIDES: Developing Agri-Ecotourism in Maragondon through Experiential Architecture

TRANQUIL TIDES: Developing Agri-Ecotourism in Maragondon through Experiential Architecture 

Name of Thesis Proponent: Kurt Gabriel B. Bill and John Alexis B. Asuncion

Thesis Adviser: Ar. Ryan U. Baking, UAP

School: National College of Science and Technology

Year of Defense: June 2023

Introduction

Tourism has long been a vital pillar of the Philippine economy, supported by the country’s rich biodiversity, deep cultural heritage, and varied natural landscapes. However, the rapid expansion and commercialization of tourism have also exposed tensions within rural and agricultural communities. In many areas, poorly regulated development has accelerated environmental degradation, weakened community participation, and diluted local culture. These realities underscore the need for alternative tourism approaches that can harmonize economic growth with ecological integrity and cultural preservation. One emerging response to this challenge is agri-ecotourism, a sustainable model that integrates agricultural livelihood, ecological conservation, and community-based tourism.

Maragondon, a coastal municipality in Cavite, offers significant promise in this context. The town is characterized by fertile agricultural lands, river networks, and mountain ranges most notably Mount Pico de Loro. It is also home to historically significant structures such as the Maragondon Church and several ancestral houses that reflect its cultural identity. Despite this wealth of natural and cultural resources, Maragondon remains under-recognized as a tourism destination. This gap presents an opportunity to conceptualize a development approach that highlights the town’s unique attributes while addressing existing limitations.

This thesis, “Tranquil Tides: Developing Agri-Ecotourism in Maragondon through Experiential Architecture,” seeks to investigate the role of architecture in shaping meaningful, culturally rooted, and environmentally responsive visitor experiences. The research argues that through well-designed spaces, spaces that engage the senses, evoke emotion, and immerse visitors in the rhythms of local life Maragondon can become a model for experiential agri-ecotourism that balances cultural identity, environmental stewardship, and economic growth.

Statement of the Problem

While Maragondon possesses the ecological and cultural prerequisites for tourism development, it faces several constraints. These include limited infrastructure, inadequate promotion, fragmented development initiatives, and a lack of integrated planning that reflects both community perspectives and sustainable design principles. Existing tourism efforts seldom emphasize experience-making and often fail to communicate the interconnectedness of the town’s culture, agriculture, and environment.

Thus, the central problem addressed in this study is:

How can experiential architecture provide a framework for sustainable agri-ecotourism development in Maragondon, Cavite, while safeguarding its cultural identity and natural environment?

Objectives of the Study

The central objective of this research is to establish a design framework that advances sustainable agri-ecotourism in Maragondon through the lens of experiential architecture. Specifically, the study aims to:

1. Assess Maragondon’s environmental, agricultural, and cultural landscapes.
2. Identify existing opportunities and challenges from the perspectives of key stakeholders.
3. Develop architectural principles grounded in experiential theory and sustainable design.
4. Formulate a conceptual master plan integrating architecture, community engagement, and ecological conservation.
5. Recommend strategies to enhance long-term environmental resilience, cultural preservation, and community livelihood.

Significance of the Study

This study has multiple layers of significance. For local government units, the research provides a strategic framework for strengthening sustainable tourism that benefits both the environment and the community. For architects and urban planners, it introduces an approach that centers experiential quality and ecological responsiveness in spatial design. For Maragondon’s residents, the project underscores the value of cultural heritage and opens opportunities for economic empowerment, local entrepreneurship, and skill development. More broadly, the study contributes to academic discourse on how architecture can mediate between tourism, environment, and community well-being.

Methodology

A mixed-methods approach was adopted to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the site and its sociocultural dynamics.

1. Site Analysis – Field documentation covered agricultural areas, coastal zones, historical sites, and ecological features. Topography, vegetation, microclimate conditions, and land-use patterns were assessed.
2. Interviews and Focus Groups – Local government officials, farmers, artisans, and tourism workers were interviewed to gather insights about existing challenges, aspirations, and community readiness.
3. Visitor Surveys – Surveys captured visitor perceptions and expectations regarding agri-ecotourism, preferred activities, and desired amenities.
4. Data Synthesis – Qualitative and quantitative insights were consolidated to generate themes that shaped the proposed architectural and planning framework.

Findings and Discussion

The findings reveal that Maragondon possesses exceptional potential to become a leading agri-ecotourism destination. Its agricultural landscape comprising rice fields, coconut groves, banana plantations, and fishing communities presents abundant opportunities for hands-on agritourism activities. Its rivers and coastlines invite ecological experiences such as guided nature walks, river tours, and coastal learning programs. Culturally, the town’s historic structures, crafts, and community rituals provide enriching opportunities for cultural immersion.

However, several barriers constrain its development. These include limited access roads, insufficient visitor facilities, lack of marketing, and environmental pressures such as waste management issues and coastal degradation. Community responses revealed both interest and uncertainty: residents express eagerness to participate but lack training, resources, and a clear vision of their roles. These findings suggest that development must be holistic, participatory, and design-led.

Experiential architecture emerges as a critical solution. By engaging the senses through materiality, light, texture, movement, and landscape integration, architecture can create environments that invite reflection, learning, and emotional connection. The study demonstrates that built spaces can serve not merely functional purposes but act as cultural storytellers translating Maragondon’s identity into spatial experiences.

Proposed Framework: Experiential Architecture for Agri-Ecotourism

The proposed framework envisions an interconnected network of architectural, cultural, and landscape elements. It is grounded in five main principles:

1. Integration of Culture, Nature, and Design: Architecture should respond to Maragondon’s natural environment and cultural traditions. Using locally sourced materials such as bamboo, wood, and nipa. promotes authenticity and environmental compatibility.
2. Immersive and Participatory Experience: The framework emphasizes experiential engagement through activities like farming workshops, traditional cooking, craft demonstrations, and community festivals.
3. Ecological and Sustainable Design: Strategies such as solar energy use, rainwater harvesting, natural ventilation, and low-impact site development ensure ecological responsibility.
4. Community Empowerment and Collaboration: The model prioritizes local involvement through cooperatives, training programs, and shared decision-making processes.
5. Economic Viability and Environmental Stewardship: Tourism growth must generate income for residents while protecting natural ecosystems, ensuring long-term resilience.

Conclusion

The research concludes that Maragondon is well-positioned to emerge as a model destination for agri-ecotourism through experiential architecture. By grounding development in culture, ecology, and community participation, the study demonstrates that tourism can become a tool for conservation rather than exploitation. Architecture plays a central role in conveying identity, fostering appreciation, and shaping memorable experiences.

“Tranquil Tides” ultimately envisions tourism as a shared narrative, a way for visitors and residents to learn, reflect, and engage with the landscape. Through spaces that balance cultural integrity, environmental sustainability, and economic opportunity, Maragondon can achieve a form of tourism that uplifts rather than disrupts.

Share on Google Plus

This is a short description in the author block about the author. You edit it by entering text in the "Biographical Info" field in the user admin panel.