Thesis Title: Kúnlaya BioSort: An Eco Coastal Biodiversity Resort bridging Nature and Architecture through Vernomimicry Design
Thesis Proponent: Karylle Ragadio, RMP
Design Adviser: Ar. Charmaine Janelle S. Quiambao, RMP, UAP
School: Holy Angel University - Angeles City, Pampanga
Year of Defense: 2024, 1st Placer
Synopsis:
Bataan is a significant tourism destination, with Bagac recognized for its sustainable tourism potential, rich traditions, culture, and adaptive environment. Its coastal areas have long supported local communities through tourism, fishing, and other natural resources; however, the province continues to face growing coastal resource degradation caused by poverty-driven overexploitation, inadequate planning, and unsustainable development practices. These have contributed to the degradation of its coastal, marine, and land ecosystems, threatening communities that depend on these resources for their livelihoods. The loss of natural habitats, erosion of traditional knowledge, and poorly planned infrastructure further contribute to unsustainable tourism development. While tourism remains an important economic driver, increased tourism activities and infrastructure such as hotels and resorts can also generate solid waste and wastewater that negatively affect coastal and marine environments (Amayun, 2023). These concerns emphasize the need for sustainable tourism approaches that balance environmental conservation with local economic development, consistent with the Department of Tourism’s promotion of sustainable and green tourism practices.
In this context, sustainable architecture can help minimize the environmental impacts of tourism facilities by responding to local ecological and cultural conditions. Vernacular architecture offers valuable strategies through its use of local materials, traditional practices, and adaptations to the environment. This is reflected in vernomimicry, or “learning from vernacular,” which connects traditional knowledge with biomimicry and recognizes nature as a source of architectural solutions. Thus, integrating vernomimicry into coastal tourism development may provide an approach that supports Bataan’s environmental conservation, cultural heritage, local livelihoods, and sustainable tourism.
Similarly, Indigenous and local knowledge provides valuable environmental practices rooted in communities’ direct relationship with nature). In Bataan, local communities possess knowledge and practices inherited from their Indigenous ancestors, known as Magbu’kún, and are closely connected to the province’s rich coastal resources, locally referred to as playa, meaning beach. These cultural and environmental resources can serve as a foundation for developing sustainable tourism facilities that are responsive to both the local community and coastal environment.
Statement of the Problem:
The preservation of the Philippines’ coastal resources is essential to environmental protection and economic development. However, overexploitation, inadequate planning, limited community participation, and weak coastal resource management continue to threaten Bataan’s coastal and marine ecosystems. Sustainable tourism can address these challenges by integrating environmental conservation with local knowledge and vernacular architecture through the use of local materials, traditions, and environmental adaptations. This aligns with the Department of Tourism’s promotion of sustainable and green tourism practices and provides a foundation for eco-coastal development in Bataan.
Objectives of the Architectural Thesis:
This study aims to bridge the gap between nature and architecture by exploring vernomimicry as an approach to coastal green building design. It seeks to develop a sustainable architectural framework that reflects Bataan’s natural environment, cultural heritage, and local knowledge while creating economic opportunities for its communities. The study also aims to address the environmental degradation caused by uncontrolled human and economic activities and contribute to the preservation of Bataan’s coastal and land ecosystems. These aims are aligned with relevant United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
● To discover and impart enhanced architectural methods specifically on building an eco development in coastal areas through the Coastal Biodiversity Resort “BioSort” (UN SG No.14 & UN SDG No. 9) Life below Water & Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
● To nurture natural processes of Bagac, Bataan’s environment through the use of Vernomimicry Architecture that balances its preservation of nature and its promotion of tourism (UN SDG No.3 & UN SDG No.15) Sustainable Cities and Communities and and Life on Land;
● To provide a distinctive Eco tourism attraction cultivating the cultural and traditional practices of the people of Bataan that offers abundant economic opportunities towards the protection of its rich coastal and land resources (UN SG No. 8) Decent Work and Economic Growth.
Design Objectives:
● To authenticate the unique features, character, spaces, areas, design elements, and necessary architectural technical methods that will improve coastal development while conserving the biodiversity of the area.
● To develop a new and innovative approach by incorporating vernacular processes and functional biomimicry designs that replicate the natural life and processes of the selected area towards the preservation of rich biodiversity through sustainable tourism.
● To establish a sense of design and habitation distinctiveness that is related to the way of life of the people of Bataan and create a safe sanctuary for both the people and its natural resources.
Scope and Delimitation
The study aims to develop a guideline for a BioSort, a combined Resort and Biodiversity Preservation Tourism facility, through an enhanced coastal sustainable green building design approach based on vernomimicry, or “learning from vernacular.” The proposed approach will integrate traditional practices, local knowledge, and environmental strategies to support the preservation of Bataan’s biodiversity and coastal ecosystems while promoting sustainable tourism and local economic opportunities.
The study will focus on Barangay Paysawan, Bagac, Bataan, where concerns such as coastal waste, water pollution, declining marine life, mangrove and habitat loss, and destructive fishing practices have been identified. Data will be gathered from relevant stakeholders, including tourism professionals, environmental and tourism government sectors, the Bagac Local Government Unit, architects, environmental planners, and other allied professionals. Through an eight-month research period, the study seeks to establish a framework that connects nature, culture, and architecture toward healthier coastal ecosystems, preservation of traditional practices, sustainable tourism, and improved opportunities for future generations.
The study concludes that a Coastal Biodiversity Resort or BioSort can integrate sustainable tourism, biodiversity conservation, and architecture through vernomimicry. Findings from literature, surveys, and interviews highlight the importance of biomimicry, nature-based solutions, climate-responsive design, vernacular practices, site context, and community participation in developing resilient and sustainable coastal facilities. In Bataan, this approach can help balance environmental protection, cultural preservation, and local economic opportunities. While the study provides a foundation for vernomimicry-based coastal design, further research and collaboration with local communities, government, and environmental sectors are recommended to strengthen its application and implementation.
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