ACROSANTI
Hagonoy Vertical Cemetery
Addressing the needs of a low density place to honor departed loved ones, Acrosanti combines the solution of vertical development upward, and also utilizing underground rainwater control.
The cultural importance of providing space for the departed is the Filipinos way of life, however, further
horizontal development of this typology will result in wastage of land area, not to mention that the park is only populated during the day of the dead, land that can be used to address immediate problems of flooding and lack of recreational space is left unnoticed.
horizontal development of this typology will result in wastage of land area, not to mention that the park is only populated during the day of the dead, land that can be used to address immediate problems of flooding and lack of recreational space is left unnoticed.
Hagonoy is one of the coastline towns in Bulacan that is annually flooded by rainwater and high tides. Reclamation of aquafarms and open spaces prevent the water from spreading out. The design aims to change the notion of building vertically, and continuing to be sensitive to the prevailing environmental constraints.
Responding to the immediate need of
1. Flooding in the community
2. Underutilization of vertical space
3. Lack of recreational space
2. Underutilization of vertical space
3. Lack of recreational space
Inspired by Paulo Soleri’s Arcosanti , which is a prototype of a sustainable community, the design integrates this idea with Mies, Schipporeit and Heinrich’s radial plan of vertical development (radial plans provide larger shade for the park, expose larger side of the building to cool winds, and provide a stable structural design to the entire building)and Francisco Mañosa’s Filipino vernacular style.
The design also aims to remove the stigma of horror in the context of memorial park, and intends to utilize the large amount of space in memorial park for regular leisure and for people to experience nature.
Harnessing nature’s power is of 5 points, according to The Landscape Journal: Safely convey rainwater away, reduce downstream flooding through detention, hold stormwater for reuse by retention, reduce stormwater pollution by filtration, and promote groundwater discharge by infiltration.
Windows are inclined so that water and dirt shall not flow in and reduce maintenance costs.
During times of typhoon, the sunken park transforms into a rainwater management facility, which holds the rainwater to prevent it from spreading into the neighboring settlements, and harnessing it for plants after.
