Banahaw. From this vantage point, visitors can see the interlinked rings of the Rizal Eco Center’s crown roofs and the path leading down the hillside to its entrance.

The project was initiated by the Liter of Light Global Foundation, led by its Executive Director, Illac Diaz and Rizal town’s mayor, Antonino Aurelio. Our firm was engaged in designing the pavilion to celebrate the centennial anniversary of Rizal, named after the country’s national hero José Rizal, and to cater to the needs of the 60,000 yearly visitors to Tayak Hill.

The Rizal Eco Center will provide shelter for nature enthusiasts and Catholic pilgrims from the sun and the rain. Functions and community events will be hosted in the covered and open spaces of the pavilion. As a pioneering town in recycled plastic bottle building supported by the foundation, the mayor was enthusiastic about using plastic bottles and bamboo as the primary building materials for the Eco Center. The building uses 30,000 recycled plastic bottles. The pavilion is designed to welcome visitors from all directions and different backgrounds to the sacred site where history, nature, and religion intersect.

The interlocked volumes allow for connection to views of the landscape of Tayak Hill, including the landmark cross. It also encourages social interaction between visitors as they traverse the building and the site.

Credits:

- Junior Architect - Rhomierene Quisto - Lead Technical Architect - Rommell Corpuz - Graphic Designer - Daryll Daria - Liter of Light Global Foundation - Executive Director - Illac Diaz - Principal Architect - Denise de Castro