Castro, Bea Janica M.

AR-4B

Punlaan: Uplifting The Agri- Tourism Hub through Biophilic Architecture

Abstract

This research document focuses on economic issue of rice production that can be fostered through

a meaningful architecture. It identifies and analyses the manner architecture can be used as a platform to

promote agri-tourism hub in the Philippines. The study goes beyond the findings related to environmental

impact of tourism development on host destination.

Agriculture and tourism plays a major role in the Philippine’s economic and cultural

development. Agri-tourism also referred as ‘farm tourism’ is a form of tourism activity conducted in a

rural land areas in which may include tending to farm animals, planting, harvesting and processing of

farm products. It covers attractions, activities, services and amenities as well as other resources of the area

to promote an appreciation of the local culture, heritage and traditions through personal contact with local

people.

The proposal enables to address current issues regarding the agriculture productivity in the

Philippines. Few problems act on against the success of the agri-tourism development. Provision of

solutions for these main problems related to; rice shortage due to importation, relevant training and

education for the farmers, climate change and natural disasters, Land is being intruded upon by the

housing and industrial sectors, proper measures to waste management as well as suitable environment

protection methods in those areas will enhance the benefits of agri-tourism as a sustainable rural

development strategy.

Architectural elements and design factors are focused upon to design an optimal composition to

achieve an effective environment that comprehensively addresses the needs of the tourists and the locals.

It also presents various needs and issues related to the farmers to inform the architectural approach that is
required to promote agri-tourism hub. Through the use of biophilic design that incorporates low-impact

design that can be achieve true and lasting sustainability and bringing the agri-tourism hub creating a less

isolating, more positive, therapeutic environment for the tourist and locals.

Key Words: Biophilic Architecture, Agri-tourism hub, Agriculture