Now in its fifth year, Estudio Damgo student leaders are moving towards the idea of designing a suitable public restroom facility for the users of waterfront Rizal Boulevard, Dumaguete City.
Architecture in the Philippines is often underrated and underappreciated, especially when it comes to public or civic buildings. A lot of people tend to think that these buildings normally go into the form of boxes, but Foundation University's Estudio Damgo wishes to alter this poor building mentality and prove that even public restrooms can be aesthetically pleasing, functional and sustainable.
Iconic, Green and Catalyst are key themes in coming up with a design concept that takes into consideration the user's quality of life. This makes use of native material resources such as bamboo and araal stones, along with the natural methods of construction. This design also is geared towards sustainability in less consumption of water and electricity. Moreover, this building incorporates a unique way in dealing with sewage problems through multi-tiered sewage gardens.
The south end of the boulevard is often disregarded as the area that has not been fully developed of its potential as a tourist destination. The presence of this facility will serve as a catalyst in reviving the whole stretch of the boulevard to be more inviting and sociable. This also showcases the beauty of using locally available materials that will help to change how Filipinos view local materials in its application in architecture as well as a greater appreciation for their environment.
