5TH PLACE :LIWASANG DADIANGAS/h1>

Bulloso, Joshua G., Gutierrez, Alyssa, Matic, Jimuel Matthew M.
Don Honorio Ventura State University

Liwasang Dadiangas is a vibrant green space that brings nature back into the heart of General Santos City, which is rapidly urbanizing. The name “Dadiangas” comes from the Blaan people, the original inhabitants of Gensan. In this city, which lost its natural spaces with urban growth, the park brings new life to the community because it is a place for refreshment for people to reconnect with nature while highlighting the need for sustainable development.

1. Gathering Area

It takes inspiration from the fishermen’s boats in Gensan, reflecting the city’s cultural ties to the sea and as the country’s holder of the second-largest daily total fish catch. It incorporates Blaan textile on its tensile roofing, celebrating the craftsmanship passed down through generations. By incorporating fishing themes and Blaan culture, the structure serves as a cultural landmark.

2. Shaded Structures

These are designed with the tuna’s silhouette, symbolizing Gensan’s identity as the Tuna Capital of the Philippines. These structures reflect the significance of tuna in the city, as fishing has sustained generations and shaped the local economy. By integrating these tuna-inspired elements, the shaded structures convey the importance of preserving this legacy and passing it on to future generations as inspiration and sustenance.

NARRATIVE (GATHERING AREA + WALKWAY + SHADED STRUCTURES): The GATHERING AREA embodies fishermen in boats, casting their net COVERED WALKWAY to catch the tuna-shaped SHADED STRUCTURES. This design represents the community’s relationship with the sea, where the fishermen’s dedication is mirrored in the interconnected spaces of the site. As visitors navigate it, the dynamic interplay of shapes and narrative sparks curiosity, inviting them to reflect on the deep cultural significance of fishing and the collective effort that sustains Gensan’s livelihood.

3. Iconic Public Toilets

These are inspired by Mt. Matutum, symbolizing the region’s natural and cultural heritage. The design emulates lava flow, creating a witty concept—drawing playful yet fitting parallel between the natural call of a volcano’s eruption and the facility’s purpose. HCG fixtures are used to ensure exceptional durability and sanitation; inclusivity is ensured with features accommodating PWDs and all genders.

4. Art Installation + Art Display

The Local Art Installations feature the tuna’s life cycle. The Malfabi Ani Faya (Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow) Neighborhood Art Display features canoes as functional seating, with their bow waves reimagined as a striking wall exhibit showcasing local artistry. This design embodies the notion of passing on the greatest creations to the next generation.