The Green Revolution: How a Cultural Village in Palawan is Leading the Way in Sustainable Design

Project The Green Revolution created by Alireza Ghasemi, Winner entry of Footprints competition Palawan, located in the western part of the Philippines, is known for its crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and lush tropical forests. However, the influx of tourists poses a threat to the island's delicate ecosystem and cultural traditions. In response, our team has designed a sustainable cultural village in Palawan that not only preserves local culture but also promotes environmentally responsible tourism. This article discusses the design approach, sustainable features, and the importance of using local labor and materials in the project.

Design Approach:

The design of the cultural village was inspired by the traditional Bahay Kubo houses found in Palawan City. Bahay Kubo is characterized by its simple and low-rise structure that blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment. Our design uses similar design elements, such as gable roofs and bamboo materials, to create a harmonious relationship between nature and architecture. In the design of the office spaces, we placed the buildings at a distance so that we can use the favorable wind, and we extended their roofs up to one meter to avoid the unfavorable sunlight with proper shading. In the yoga area, we tried to provide shade by planting bamboo. Let's have peace and spread respect for nature and help the forest to grow.

Sustainable Features:

To minimize the environmental impact of the project, we adopted several sustainable features. These include:

Green Spaces: We maintained green spaces throughout the project to promote biodiversity and combat the negative effects of urbanization. Even in areas like the yoga space, we integrated bamboo planting to create a unique and refreshing experience for visitors..

Local Materials: We used local materials whenever possible to support the local economy and minimize greenhouse gas emissions. This approach also helps preserve local traditions and cultural practices..

Cultural Preservation: Our design includes elements that celebrate and preserve Palawan's cultural heritage. For example, we have included a community center where local people can share their customs, traditions, and stories with visitors, fostering a deeper understanding of the region's rich history.

Eco-Friendly Waste Management: We have implemented an eco-friendly waste management system that encourages recycling and composting. This system helps to minimize waste sent to landfills, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution..

Natural Ventilation: Our design uses natural ventilation techniques, maximizing airflow through the design of multiple openings that raise the floor of the building above ground level to control humidity and minimize the need for mechanical cooling systems. This approach not only reduces energy consumption but also provides a more comfortable and healthy indoor environment.

Energy Efficiency: Our design uses efficient energy systems and renewable energy sources such as solar energy to minimize reliance on non-renewable resources. This approach helps reduce the project's overall carbon footprint and operating costs..

Water Conservation: We have implemented water conservation measures, including rainwater collection systems and gray water reuse, to minimize potable water consumption. This helps protect local water resources and reduces pressure on community resources.

Use of Local Labor and Materials:

Our team proposes to use local labor for production and carbon reduction. Due to the reduction of costs and reduction of carbon consumption in the region, we propose a suite unit for both common space and individual space, all of which can be used at very low costs and quite economically

Our Sustainable Cultural Village in Palawan demonstrates that sustainability and cultural preservation can coexist while providing a functional and aesthetic space. By incorporating local design elements, sustainable features, and the use of local labor and materials, we can create structures that not only serve their purpose but also contribute to society and the planet. The project serves as a model for future developments in the region and demonstrates the potential of responsible tourism that benefits both locals and visitors.