4TH PLACE : PARAGOS

Arman Luis D. Lopez, Enjay Mico S. Paule, and Einor Asher C. Tayao
Pampanga State University

Gliding Through Heritage

Paragos embodies a design philosophy that harmonizes national identity, regional heritage, and environmental responsiveness, positioning the airport terminal as a cultural landmark and contemporary gateway to Zambales. The overarching concept, Structured Softness, fuses disciplined structural clarity with organic, culturally inspired forms, resulting in
an architecture that balances strength and gentleness, efficiency and expression.

The terminal’s defining architectural gesture is its petal-shaped roof, inspired by the
Sampaguita, the Philippines’ national flower. Floating above the building, the roof symbolizes
unity, purity, and the uplifting spirit of travel, while its flowing geometry conveys lightness and
continuity. Encasing the structure is a woven, nest-like façade derived from the indigenous
craftsmanship of the Aeta communities, translating traditional weaving into a contemporary
architectural skin. This layered envelope softens the building’s mass, provides shading and
ventilation, and establishes a strong sense of place rooted in local culture.

Spatially, the airport is organized around hierarchy, openness, and cultural storytelling.
The Main Lobby serves as the communal heart of the terminal, defined by soaring timber columns that branch into intersecting trusses, evoking forest canopies and vernacular construction. Suspended above is an installation of floating Sampaguita petals crafted from bamboo and rattan, reinforcing narratives of flight, transformation, and cultural continuity. Clerestory lighting enhances spatial warmth and orientation. The Check-In Hall integrates weaving-inspired textures and natural materials into functional surfaces, guiding passengers intuitively through the space. Beyond security, the Concourse Lobby transitions into a calmer, more private environment that balances serenity with operational efficiency and visual continuity.

Arrival and departure gates extend this narrative through panoramic views, warm timber
finishes, and woven accents, maintaining a visual connection to the region throughout the
journey. Pasalubong Centers celebrate local culture and commerce through curated zones for
indigenous crafts, regional delicacies, and coastal lifestyle, each expressed through distinct
materiality and lighting. Even the Iconic Toilet is reimagined as a biophilic space, employing
natural textures and green tones to elevate a typically utilitarian function.

Structurally and environmentally, the design integrates performance with expression.
Tree-like columns and modular trusses support expansive roof spans, while façade porosity,
shading strategies, and building orientation optimize daylight, ventilation, and thermal comfort.
Titled Paragos, a traditional carabao-drawn sled, the project subtly reflects the airport’s role as a
vessel of passage—steadily carrying people, culture, and movement forward—complementing
the ethos of Structured Softness without redefining.