Vienna Castanaga

Advisor: Shawn Bailey

Collage Showcasing the Livelihood in Gamata, Pangasinan, Philippines such as farming, building with bamboo
Collage Showcasing the Livelihood in Gamata, Pangasinan, Philippines
Bahay Kubo Structural and Material Collage.
Bahay Kubo Structural and Material Collage
site drawing with trees and line drawn buildings with people and cars
A’gubra (to work or to make) is a proposed community workshop that facilitates the connection between community craftsmen and students of the nearby schools to the tradition, heritage and culture learned from the world of bamboo
rendering of blue canopy on vast land with silhouettes of builders underneath
“Bayanihan”, meaning the spirit of communal unity and operation in achieving a shared goal. A value that is deeply rooted in the Filipino culture and an essential aspect of the Filipino’s way of life. The collaborative construction effort reintroduces and reinforces the community’s sense of “Bayanihan”. Allowing the younger generation to have the agency to learn and connect with the land they live in
A large tent with a triangular roof
Community festivities
A large tent with a triangular roof from the inside with people standing under
The interior space where the users can articulate and take inspiration from the exposed curving structural features
A collage of construction workers working under a large canopy structure
The building construction is a collaborative effort, becoming a social event where the elder craftsmen will be able to share and teach their knowledge and skill with bamboo to the younger generations. Strengthening the community’s sense of belonging and ownership to the bamboo material and the greater community.

Malakas at Maganda (Strength and Beauty): Bamboo as a Sustainable and Symbolic Building Material in Contemporary Filipino Architecture

Bamboo, often referred to as the “green steel” of the plant kingdom, holds immense potential as a sustainable building material.  In the context of the Philippines, where the indigenous creation story titled “Malakas at Maganda” symbolizes the harmony between humanity and nature , bamboo emerges as a culturally resonant and eco-conscious choice for vernacular architecture.

This abstract explores the multi-layered relationship between bamboo, sustainability, and the Filipino cultural narrative. Drawing inspiration from the myth of Malakas (strength) and Maganda (beauty), bamboo embodies the resilience and elegance of Filipino vernacular architecture. Its rapid growth, renewability, and minimal environmental impact align with the values of sustainable construction, echoing the harmonious coexistence illustrated in the creation myth.

This study explores bamboo's historical and contemporary uses in Filipino architecture, from the traditional “Bahay Kubo” (bamboo house) to contemporary eco-friendly designs. It studies the structural properties of bamboo, highlighting its strength, flexibility, and adaptability, qualities that parallel the attributes of the characters “Malakas” and “Maganda” as they overcame difficulties in the myth.

In addition, the research will further explore the ecological benefits of bamboo, such as carbon sequestration and soil erosion prevention, reinforcing the connection between sustainable practices and the values embedded in Filipino culture, and integrating Malakas and Maganda into contemporary architectural discourse. This abstract illustrates how bamboo can serve as a bridge between traditional and innovative practices, enriching the built environment while preserving cultural heritage.

Consequently, it sheds light on the synergy between bamboo as a sustainable material and the Filipino creation story of “Malakas at Maganda.” It underscores the significance of embracing eco-conscious construction practices that honour and elevate cultural narratives, fostering a harmonious relationship between humanity and the environment in the context of Filipino vernacular architecture.