Bambusetum City: A Bamboo Cultivation Business Hub through a Vernacular Approach is a thesis research conducted by Angelie Joy Lotino under the guidance of Ms. Cherrie De Guzman at the National College of Science and Technology in Dasmariñas, Cavite. The study was formally defended in June 2023 and was recognized for its academic merit, earning 3rd Place for Best Thesis.
The research explores the concept of a bamboo cultivation business hub designed through a vernacular architectural approach, emphasizing sustainability, local materials, and contextual responsiveness. By integrating bamboo as both a structural and economic resource, the project highlights its potential to support environmentally responsible development while fostering local industry and cultural identity.
Bamboo has long been recognized as one of the most versatile and sustainable natural resources, valued for its rapid growth, ecological benefits, and wide-ranging economic applications. In response to the increasing environmental challenges of the Philippines—including deforestation, soil erosion, loss of agricultural lands, and pollution—this proposal explores the potential of bamboo as both a natural and economic resource, capable of promoting environmental sustainability, community development, and urban economic growth. Conducted by Angelie Joy Lotino under the supervision of Ms. Cherrie De Guzman and successfully defended in June 2023, this presentation was recognized for its innovation and academic merit, earning 3rd Place for Best Thesis during the defense.
The proposal, entitled “Bambusetum City: A Bamboo Cultivation Business Hub through a Vernacular Approach,” seeks to integrate bamboo cultivation, sustainable business practices, and vernacular architectural principles into a comprehensive urban hub. The central idea of the project is to demonstrate bamboo as a multifunctional resource that can serve both practical and aesthetic purposes while addressing pressing environmental and economic challenges. Bamboo has been used by humans for generations and is widely regarded as a remarkable plant in tropical regions. Its applications include construction, manufacturing, handicrafts, interior design, landscaping, and food production, making it an ideal resource to support sustainable urban development. This presentation emphasizes the potential of bamboo to transform local industries, encourage sustainable agricultural practices, and foster tourism and education.
The proposal presents the development of a bamboo forest farm and integrated business complex on a 7-hectare site in Barangay Don Jose, Santa Rosa City, Laguna, covering a total land area of 66,073 square meters (6.61 hectares). The proposed hub is organized into three primary functional zones: bamboo forestry, industrial, and marketing. The bamboo forestry component includes the expansive bamboo plantations, the Bambusetum Dome, and other landscape features that collectively serve as a production, conservation, and tourist area. The dome is a highlight of the site, constructed from composite materials, and serves multiple functions: housing rare bamboo species, showcasing bamboo materials and applications, and providing an educational platform through a three-level viewing structure. Surrounding the dome, the bamboo plantations form the majority of the site, serving as both a tourist attraction and a production area for raw bamboo and furniture manufacturing.
The industrial zone of the site is designed to support processing and business operations. It includes bamboo sorting and treatment facilities, processing areas, raw material storage, sun-drying zones, truck parking, and the Bamboo Handicraft Center, which functions as both a production and commercial showcase for bamboo-based products. The marketing and commercial zone comprises specialty restaurants, retail spaces, and administrative offices. Restaurants specialize in bamboo-based cuisine and feature furniture and interior fittings made primarily from bamboo, highlighting the material’s versatility. To ensure a holistic visitor experience, bamboo pavilions and a meditation building are strategically integrated within the forested areas, providing spaces for relaxation and reflection. The rear section of the site accommodates the bamboo nursery, greenhouse, utilities, and staff housing, ensuring sustainable propagation and operational efficiency. Notably, approximately 70% of all buildings are constructed from bamboo, emphasizing its structural strength and potential as a primary construction material.
The conceptual design of the site is inspired by “Rhizoma,” a botanical term describing interconnected underground bamboo roots that enable new shoots to grow and regenerate. This principle informs the site’s flexible, free-flowing layout, allowing for seamless interaction between different bamboo species, circulation paths, and functional areas. The rhizome concept also reflects the holistic and interconnected vision of the proposal, symbolizing growth, sustainability, and resilience.
The objectives of the proposal are multifaceted. The project seeks to create a hub that fosters public and professional understanding of bamboo’s diverse applications, promotes sustainable agriculture and forestry, supports the local bamboo industry, and provides economic opportunities for the community, particularly farmers. Bamboo’s fast growth, high oxygen production, and carbon sequestration properties make it an environmentally significant crop capable of mitigating the loss of green spaces in urbanizing areas. By establishing a business hub, the proposal also aims to create year-round agricultural opportunities and generate products that are marketable both locally and internationally, including food items such as bamboo shoots, furniture, home décor, construction materials, and various handicrafts.
To achieve these goals, the presentation employed a combination of case studies, site visits, surveys, interviews, data collection, and design conceptualization, adhering to all legal, architectural, and planning standards. The outputs of the proposal include a project scale model, detailed architectural drawings, and a comprehensive architectural program, which reflect the integration of data, design analysis, and practical considerations.
The significance of the proposal extends beyond architecture and design. Bamboo has emerged as a key strategy for addressing climate change in the Philippines. Recognized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as a vital component of reforestation and sustainable land management, bamboo contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, preventing soil erosion, and supporting biodiversity. Its economic value is also considerable; as demand for renewable and sustainable materials grows, bamboo provides a viable source of income for communities, promotes entrepreneurship, and strengthens the local economy.
In conclusion, Bambusetum City exemplifies the potential of bamboo to serve as a sustainable, multifunctional, and economically viable resource. By integrating bamboo cultivation, industrial processing, tourism, and vernacular-inspired architecture, the proposal establishes a comprehensive hub that promotes environmental conservation, community engagement, and economic growth. The rhizome-inspired layout creates interconnected and flexible spaces that balance production, recreation, and education, demonstrating how bamboo can be harnessed to achieve ecological, social, and commercial objectives. Ultimately, the presentation serves as a model for sustainable development, illustrating how vernacular principles and local resources can be leveraged to foster cultural appreciation, environmental stewardship, and long-term economic sustainability.
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