The Cloudscape: Utilizing the Concept of Clouds as the means to create an Innovative Architecture

University of Santo Tomas (UST), College of Architecture

Project idea

The cloudscape is a unique vertical resort in the City of Pines Baguio which is inspired from the concept of clouds. This concept is rooted from the climatic characteristics in the city which would be used as the main innovation in the project. It is new in the architecture world especially in the hospitality typology. The project's major goal is to showcase the natural beauty of Baguio City by creating a new paradigm of mountain resort that would aid in the growth of its tourism sector, thereby creating a sense of place for the tourists by utilizing the concept of clouds.

Project description

The site is in Brgy. Dontogan, Baguio City, 2km away from the city proper. It is adjacent to Marcos Highway which is the major access of the site. Addendum, the site has a beautiful vista, overlooking the Baguio Skyline and Pine trees. For the outdoor amenities of the project contains the famous tourist destination in Baguio City and also cloud-inspired amenities that people could enjoy. The project main goal is to showcase the natural beauty of Baguio City by creating a new paradigm of mountain resort that would aid in the growth of its tourism sector, thereby creating a sense of place for the tourists by utilizing the concept of clouds. The objectives of the project are: To introduce a unique paradigm among Baguio hotel establishments that is derived from the nature of clouds, to design spaces by utilizing the concept of clouds and technologies to provide new experiences, and to design a resort hotel that reflects the cultural context of Baguio City. The cloud architecture is a term developed by the researcher that originated from the characteristics of the clouds. It is an object-inspired concept which would be utilized and translated as a guide in creating and designing a unique architecture and human experience. Cloud architecture is a bridge for creating a new ecological system–bridging the gap among people, fog and space. This concept is translated to all the parts of the building. For exterior, the building is painted white to resemble the color of the clouds, while the building form is inspired from the curves and organic shape of the clouds. For the interior of the buildings, the intent is to have a feeling of heaven that is why the color, lights, form and flow of the interior were aligned to the kingdom of heaven. As for the amenities, it is planned to be cloud themed that is why amenity spaces does have cloud/fog effect and related to the fog experience such as themed spa, cloud replica and many more. Lastly, for the planning of the building, the designer wanted it to be very open yet enclosed. The building has many openings to let the fog come in to the building for people to experience heaven but also has operable windows in case there is a rainstorm and other atmospheric events. This building could be a model for hotel that is inspired from the nature of clouds and offer unique experience for people.

Technical information

Structural Concept

The structural of the building is made of reinforced concrete due to the nature of the site. It uses pile matt footing to stabilize the building from the sloping land. The designer uses traditional Reinforced concrete for columns, beams and shear wall.

Fog Innovations

1. PVC Bi-folding Window Shutter
A PVC bi-folding window shutter functions as both a fog regulator and rain protection system, offering versatile control over visibility and weather protection for optimal comfort and safety.

2. Air-Purifying Indoor Plants
Indoor air purifying plants not only enhance air quality but also serve as an unexpected solution for fog regulation by absorbing excess moisture indoors, contributing to a clearer and more comfortable environment.

3. Smart Smoke Detector
Smoke detectors are designed to detect the presence of smoke, and they are generally less effective at distinguishing between smoke and fog.

4. Interactive Lighting System
Incorporate smart lighting systems that can change color and intensity to create different atmospheric effects within the fog. Guests can use a mobile app or voice commands to adjust the lighting to match their desired mood.

5. Fog-Resistant Coating Material
Sanitation/Disinfection area for guests. Provision of disinfectant foot mat and shoe cabinet for hygienic purposes.

6. Non-Slip Flooring
Slip-resistant and anti-skid flooring materials to prevent accidents in areas where the fog is present.

7. Temperature and Humidity Sensors
Sensors that monitor temperature and humidity levels. These sensors can automatically adjust the fog output to maintain optimal fog conditions and prevent over-fogging or under-fogging.

8. Automated Fog Control System
Automated fog control software that can adjust the fog levels based on pre-set schedules, weather conditions, or sensors. This ensures that fog is managed effectively and consistently throughout the day and night.

9. Air-Purifying Pocket Garden
An air-purifying pocket garden integrated with a fog regulator utilizes plant life to cleanse the air while managing humidity levels, creating a harmonious and healthy environment in a compact space.

10. Safety Signage
Clear signage to mark pathways, exits, and potential hazards, even when visibility is limited due to fog. Multilingual signage may be necessary to accommodate a diverse clientele