The fourth Wetland Center Design Competition of the Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetland (SCPW), in partnership with SM Prime, has highlighted the innovative ideas of student architects for resilient and sustainable development.
This year’s challenge focused on designing the Macabebe Wetland Center in Pampanga. Participants from various architecture colleges presented unique interpretations of an ecologically responsible wetland learning and conservation facility.
Among the standout entries is the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila’s (PLM) Bankauan entry, which aims to fully realize the Communication, Capacity Building, Education, Participation, and Awareness Framework, a strategy used to promote the wise use and conservation of wetlands.
It secured the top spot with its combination of creative thinking, historical narrative, and ecological stewardship.
Why Bankauan?
PLM’s tapestry of ideas elevates its concept from a mere wetland facility to a symbol of cultural and environmental resilience.
The name Bankauan is a metaphor for collective action, drawing inspiration from a nameless local hero, called variously by the locals as Tarik Sulayman, Rajah Sulaiman III, Bambalito, or Bankau.
The concept suggests that anyone can be a Bankau, a wetland protector and sustainability advocate. By adding “-an” to “Bankau,” the student architects created a term for a place nurturing environmental heroes, positioning the wetland as a hub for eco-advocacy and sustainable practices.
“We wanted people to feel that when they come to our place, they become a “Bankau” or a hero of Macabebe. Like the nameless hero, anyone can be a hero of Macabebe,” Edna Mavelle Velayo, PLM architecture student and a team member behind the winning design, said.
Progressive development
According to Velayo, every aspect of the structure carefully considers the area’s rich history and biodiversity—from the local community to the mangroves and the bird populations.
This holistic approach is evident in the team’s construction strategy, choice of locally available and eco-friendly materials, and in the center’s seamless integration with the surrounding wetland ecosystem.
To achieve this delicate balance, the team anchored their design on the concept of progressive development, allowing them to create a structure that not only serves its immediate purpose but also evolves with the ecosystem and community needs over time.
The first phase of the construction, aptly called Pagsibol, would include establishing foundational and essential structures for communication and capacity building. This will include the construction of the administrative hub, toilet with biochar water treatment, holding and exhibit areas, and the boardwalk.
“Our design has facilities like the livelihood center where we can teach new ways to help them acquire knowledge and innovate. We also designed merch stalls that we could move anywhere,” she shared about the first phase.
Once the groundwork for future expansion and conservation is complete, PLM eyed a second phase, called Pagtatag where education-related infrastructure, such as the Learning Center, Citizen Science Station, and bird hides with telescopes, would be built.
For the third phase, Paglago, the students envisioned constructing wetland features that encourage participation and community engagement. This includes a Nursery Area where locals can educate tourists about mangroves, as well as Merch and Market Stalls to promote entrepreneurial empowerment. They also envisioned a Planting area and a Mudcrab Pen Culture to benefit local fisherfolks.
Upon reaching the fourth and final phase Pagbabago, they hope to create immersive exhibits and interactive experiences to rally more environmental stewards or heroes.
Students’ role as stakeholders
Velayo and her teammates have joined various design competitions, but designing for wetlands, while a uniquely new experience, is one that left an indelible mark.
“The competition, a collaboration between SCPW and SM Prime, offers a unique experience. Among all the competitions I’ve participated in, this stands out as one of the most hands-on, providing ample time for meaningful entries and creations. The diverse speakers from various fields introduced us to new concepts and insights we might not have discovered elsewhere,” she added.
Through SM Prime and SCPW’s collaboration, they are able to broaden future architects’ horizons, enabling them to promote wetland conservation, expand their expertise, and design for both traditional and environmentally sensitive projects.
