Reimagining Dagupan City
by Rahndal Rico
Local artists and designers reimagine the Bangus Capital of the World at the first placemaking contest of the city.
With its rich culture and abundant supply of milkfish, the city of Dagupan has so much potential.
In celebration of this year’s Bangus Festival and in partnership with SM Center Dagupan, the recently concluded placemaking contest, an initiative by Cong. Christopher De Venecia, aims to reimagine an inclusive, sustainable, ang vibrant spaces in the city.
“Through creative placemaking, we have the opportunity to animate public and private spaces, rejuvenate structures and streetscapes, improve business viability, and even address mental health and social cohesion within communities,” De Venecia said.
Out of 70 entries, “PANDARAGUPAN: Dagupan City Culture and Arts” by Joseph Macadenden of University of the Luzon bagged the first place with P30,000 prize.
Pandaragupan is a Pangasinan word translated to “gathering place”. Architect student Macadenden, in an exclusive interview, said the concept was built to create a creative park space and unite the city’s culture, identity, and people.
“Itong ginawa kong project na ito, maraming activities na pwedeng gawin. Also it will showcase the local heritage and the culture of Dagupan through artistic expressions. It will strengthen the bond of the community,” said Macadenden.
He also emphasized his sustainability approach in conceptualizing the project.
“May mga innovative ways at sustainability efforts. There’s a lot of sustainable strategies na ginamit sa project ko like the rainwater harvesting system at waste management. Yung waste management ay naka-locate siya underground wherein there is a lifting platform kapag magppick up ng basura, itataas na lang,” he added.
Macadenden also mentioned that the main feature of his project is the underground prevention system similar to that of Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City.
“Parang sa BGC, Burgos Circle, there is a water prevention system to collect the floodwater para maiwasan yung flooding, which is currently happening in Dagupan,” he said.
Second place and People’s Choice were awarded to “UNISONUS” by students from the University of Santo Tomas, which highlights a “scenic bridge connecting open spaces to a vibrant cultural and arts hub.”
Meanwhile, third place went to “UGMANA: Adaptive Reuse of PNR Dagupan Station” by students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, which aims to reuse PNR Dagupan Station “as a gathering cafe and co-learning hub.”
Honorable mentions were also given to UST Architect students Audrey Perez and Alexi Miel for their “Sibol Pantal Park” (4th Place) and PHINMA-University of Pangasinan Architect students for their Calmay Bridge “Lakbay Saysay” Heritage Park (5th Place).
|
|
The contest was judged by the following architectural design professionals:
- Arch. Jason Buensalido of Barchan Architecture—who designed the District 4’s barangay halls and Biker’s Den in San Fabian;
- Arch. Ronnie Chua of UAP Pangasinan Dagupan;
- Executive Dir. Rhea Matute of DTI-Design Center of the Philippines;
- Arch. Bherlie Joe Libaste of UAP Pangasinan Duma-ya;
- Arch. Ramil Isit of UAP Pangasinan Scale; and
- Oliver Ragudos of UAP Pangasinan Magnayon.
De Venecia stressed that he is committed in “lobbying for the fruition of these placemaking design interventions”—reiterating that the future is creative.
The top three works will be featured at SM Center Dagupan until May 11.
#