Bridging the Waters: Re-defining the Architectural Paradigm of the Badjao Culture in the 21st Century

Project idea

Intricately woven into the fabric of the Badjao culture is their deep connection with the sea. For years, the sea has been not just their home but also their spiritual anchor, shaping every aspect of their lives and traditions. The sea's unpredictable rhythms have etched deep into their cultural identity, adapting a temporal nature that helped the Badjaos navigate the ebbs and flows of life. However, as the world continues to evolve, the Badjaos stand at the crossroads of preserving their rich traditional ways of life and adapting to the demands of the contemporary world. And so this thesis serves as a bridge that both preserve and propel the culture of the Badjaos forward by embracing temporality as a dynamic force for adaptation. “Bridging the Waters” envisions an organic architectural framework that will allow the Badjaos to construct, deconstruct, and reconstruct as they see fit. The community model is designed to serve as a timeless testament to the Badjaos rich culture and heritage. An architecture that doesn’t impose, but rather, allows the people, the Badjaos, to give form to their own community.

Project description

The thesis presents a community model designed as a timeless testament to the rich culture and heritage of the Badjao people. To ensure the project reflects these objectives, a tailored community-building framework was developed, serving as the foundation of the model. This framework comprises three phases aimed at creating a culturally sensitive community design while addressing contemporary challenges.

The approach integrates policy-making and implementation processes to create a sustainable community capable of withstanding the test of time. Essential components include a management process guide and the Badjao modular system, both harmonizing with the temporal nature of the Badjao community. The thesis addresses the lack of facilities and infrastructure essential to the Badjao's cultural needs by integrating architectural innovations and sustainable practices. This ensures that the new community not only meets the immediate necessities of the people but also fosters long-term sustainability.

Technical information

The construction of the community is based on a design guideline that serves as an easy-to-use manual for the Badjao people. The foundation of the design is rooted in modular architecture, aligning with the Badjao's embrace of temporality and their nomadic lifestyle. This modular approach allows for flexibility and adaptability, ensuring that the community can be easily assembled, disassembled, and relocated as needed, while still providing essential facilities and infrastructure.