Student No.

20100426
Student No.:

20100550
BESPOKE STANDARDIZATION AND PLACEMAKING:
THE 21ST-CENTURY BARANGAY HALL IN BANGAR, LA
UNION

The Lakbay 21st-century barangay hall is a beacon of community empowerment in

Bangar, La Union.

The Lakbay Barangay Hall, a 21st-century community center located in the

vibrant town of Bangar, La Union, Philippines, is a modern interpretation of the
traditional Barangay Hall. It serves as an administrative center and a symbol of
community unity, diversity, and progress. The design seamlessly blends elements of
traditional Filipino architecture with modern design principles, creating a functional and
culturally significant space.

The concept of the Barangay Hall has evolved significantly over time. In the
past, Barangay Halls were straightforward structures that served as the administrative
center of the smallest government unit in the Philippines. However, in the 21st century,
Barangay Halls have become symbols of community identity and participation. The
Lakbay Barangay Hall emerged from the need to create a space that not only serves
administrative functions but also fosters community engagement and reflects the
cultural identity of its people. This aligns with the trend seen in the Pangasinan
Barangay Centers project by Buensalido + Architects, which emphasizes community-
driven design and mindfulness of social and environmental impacts.

The design of the Lakbay Barangay Hall addresses several socio-cultural and
political issues. It provides a space for community policing, drug awareness programs,
and job creation initiatives, addressing common issues like crime, drug abuse, and
unemployment. The hall is designed to be inclusive and accessible, promoting gender
equality and countering discriminatory social norms. It also serves as a physical
manifestation of the democratic process, reminding the community that every
individual voice counts.

The Lakbay Barangay Hall serves as a beacon of community identity and

empowerment. It is a place where residents can engage with their leaders, participate
in community affairs, and access government services. The hall's design incorporates
local art and sustainable practices and promotes environmental stewardship and
cultural preservation. This aligns with the values of Buensalido + Architects, who
emphasize community-driven design and mindfulness of social and environmental
impacts.
 The design of the Lakbay Barangay Hall is also inspired by the Sulong Maynila
Barangay Hall, which incorporates movement systems with patterns to offer security,
engagement, reconnection, landmarking, and monitoring. It also draws inspiration
from the Pangasinan Barangay Centers project, which uses locally produced materials
and involves community participation in construction.

According to Buensalido + Architects, as they designed a barangay hall, the

Pangasinan representative who authored the Philippine Creative Industries
Development Act introduced a bill pressing for mandatory architectural input in local
government units. The project’s success could serve as a compelling argument for his
bill. The law could start a groundbreaking shift in the Philippine architectural landscape
if enacted. The Pangasinan Barangay Center project, under De Venecia’s ambitious
patronage and B+A’s innovative guidance, is not just about constructing community
hubs. It’s a war cry for architects in the public sphere, a call to arms for the creative
industry to reshape the face of government-led design. (Kasingsing, 2023)

To this day, the barangay system emphasizes small clusters of autonomy,

allowing close-knit communities to develop their own culture and rules that ironically
contribute to a division and lack of consistency in the larger scale of politics. This
disparity leaves its traces in the design of barangay centers, which are often designed
barebones to maintain some sort of status quo and convey a sense of order rather
than creativity. (Kasingsing, 2023)

The vision proposes refocusing public sector projects on the most significant
and catalytic prospects that may reimagine Barangay and its cultural heritage as the
beating heart of our country. These projects are game-changers; each was chosen for
their financial and immediate feasibility and their impact on their locality and the town.
In order to build a healthier and more socially sustainable urban environment, this plan
to revitalize and redefine barangay for the future generation aims to enhance and
strengthen our communities. (Locsin, 2021)

In conclusion, the Lakbay Barangay Hall is a testament to the evolution of

Barangay Halls in the 21st century. It addresses key socio-cultural and political issues,
serves represents the identity and empowerment of the community and exemplifies
the potential of architecture to foster community building and local empowerment. The
hall is a symbol of the community's commitment to progress, unity, and inclusivity,
serving as a reminder of the power of architecture to shape societies and influence
the course of history. It stands as a beacon of hope for the future, a testament to the
resilience and spirit of the Filipino people, and a model for future community centers
around the world.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Kasingsing, M. P. (2023, December 26). Bespoke Standardization and Placemaking

Undefined: Pangasinan Barangay Center by Buensalido+Architects - Kanto - Creative
Corners. Kanto - Creative Corners. https://kanto.com.ph/spaces/architecture/pangasinan-
barangay-centers-buensalido-architects/

Locsin, B. (2021, January 29). Sulong Maynila: Barangay Hall - WTA. WTA.
https://wtadesignstudio.com/sulong-maynila-barangay-hall/

Gov. ph (2024, January 5). PBBM underscores role of barangays, calls on Filipinos
to join Community Development Day. In https://pco.gov.ph/news_releases/pbbm-
underscores-role-of-barangays-calls-on-filipinos-to-join-community-development-day/.
pco.gov.ph.

Gender Equality | United Nations. (n.d.). United Nations.

https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/gender-equality

World Bank. (2023). Community policing, drug awareness programs, and job creation
initiatives. https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/zh/131241468741885005/pdf/multi-
page.pdf.