TRIBE TO REVIVE: An Eco Cultural Nature Camp in the Iraya Mangyan Community through Immersive Architecture

Project idea

Despite the existence of development, the Iraya Mangyan has been secluded for the longest period of time. The cultural difference runs the risk of dying and being forgotten, given the current threat of ethnocide. This would allow the project to address eco-cultural development and cultural revitalization concurrently. One of the most important functions of architecture and human settlement is the revival of culture, which entails utilizing contemporary advancement and adaptability in the face of urbanization and globalization. The traditional housing of the indigenous people faces difficulties in terms of flexibility and adaptability. This effort disproves that restriction, enabling the community to grow, thrive, and endure in the face of modern innovation. Through this research, it is possible to solve the tribe's rapid population increase. With modern techniques to enhance traditional housing, this research guarantees their durability and significance amidst urban growth, enabling communities to preserve their cultural heritage while meeting the demand for expanding populations.

Project description

Tribe to Revive: An Eco-Cultural Nature Camp in the Iraya Mangyan Community through Immersive Architecture. Tribe to Revive – A title that I use to signify that the Iraya Mangyan culture and tradition are corpulently vanishing. The nature camp would be a catalyst of eco-tourism in Puerto Galera with the integration of vernacular architecture that is anchored to the principles of community architecture with minimal impact on the environment. The project proponents would be the Municipality of Puerto Galera and the Iraya Mangyan as they would be the primary group. This proposed project would be beneficial and could be the tourism driver in the area.

The design concept that I used is "A Systematic Cultural Revival" The concept will be reflected by site zones, that entails various traditions, symbols, values, and traditional architecture of Iraya Mangyan which will be reflected throughout the project. Whereas, for the form concept I used "Traditional Mangyan House" The projects forms and facades will be inspired with the typical Mangyan house layout - this effectively reflects Mangyan Architecture and Identity.

Research Focus Application: Mangyan Balaylakoy Adaptability and Expansion:
The purpose of this expansion is to solve the rapid population growth of the tribe. With this it involves leveraging modern development and adapt the traditional housing. By enhancing traditional structures with modern techniques, we ensure their longevity and relevance in the face of urban expansion, allowing communities to maintain their cultural heritage while meeting the demand of a growing population.

Technical information

Uplifting the culture and traditions of the Mangyan community, through the concepts of Vernacular Architecture. Vernacular Architecture includes the planning, landscapes, interiors, and creating a healthy and interactive environment. Furthermore, through this strategy, it will consider the physical expression and maintain identity. Furthermore, the key adaptive strategies and approaches to be responsive heritage conservations must be integrated with the following concepts and considerations, environmental protection, cultural preservation, and social integration.

Preserving the ecosystem and source of living of the Mangyan community, through sustainable architecture and eco-tourism. This will be applied by limiting water and energy consumption, integrating energy-saving technologies, Integrating prefabricated materials, which is an efficient strategy to reduce construction wastes, and Utilizing raw materials present on the site.

Development of tourism in the area and the community. This development would consider its planning, economic development, community integration, well-being, social, and environment. The approach should not incite soil erosion, natural vegetation, and wildlife. Hence, these should not be included except for scenery and interpretation.

Applying a disaster-resilient strategy, and self-sustaining concepts for Housing. Disaster Resilient Housing Mitigation: Minimizing the effects of disaster. This should consider the zoning, land use, building management, regulations, and safety codes. Seismic Retrofitting - The structure would use reinforced foundations, concrete, and beams. Through seismic damper through frame structures. Self-Sustaining Strategies: This would further be sustained through carbon-neutral homes. That could regenerate its power while using minimal energy and no fossil fuels.

On the Verge of Isolation and Ethnocide:
This study could be the stepping ground to change the cycle of the Iraya Mangyan community in Puerto Galera. To enhance their community's social status, employment, daily income, and the lives of the future generations of the community. To revive the iraya mangyan culture and tradition.

New Typology for Housing Prototype:
This research enhanced to be a prototype and guide for future developers who want to help and give assistance to every respective community. The current state of the housing type is still the typical “guruan” (Mangyan’s typical bahay kubo). Where it is still using a nipa and bamboo construction material, with this proposal of a new housing prototype, traditional housing will not be harmed, but it will suffice for the stability, safety, and sustainability of the project.

Tourism as a Driving Force for Rising Economy:
Puerto Galera is now one of the most visited tourist attractions, With approximately recorded data of up to two million (2,000,000) tourists annually. These are the top sources of foreign markets, such as China, South Korea, the United States of America (USA), Japan, and Germany.
Through this development, it could increase the rising economy of Puerto Galera. The Eco-Cultural Nature Camp in the Iraya Mangyan community be an additional driving force to advocate and include the native Mangyan community on the pedestal of the economic progression. This would highlight through Immersive Architecture, that is anchored with community integration and development