Daenna Miles Pizarro didn’t just design a school. She designed a message—a quiet but powerful call to rethink how we build for every child, not just some.
Her thesis, “A Special Needs and Inclusive Education Complex in Bacolod City,” is rooted in empathy and shaped by vision. It’s not about ticking accessibility checkboxes—it’s about creating a space where everyone belongs, grows, and feels seen.
“I’ve seen how gaps in educational spaces can limit a child’s potential,” Daenna says. “I wanted to design something that challenges that.”
At the heart of her design is a beautiful metaphor: building blocks—symbols of growth, connection, and possibility. From that core idea rises a learning environment intentionally built for dignity, accessibility, and empowerment.
The space unfolds gently. There are wide, smooth pathways for mobility. Calming sensory rooms for regulation. Visual and tactile cues that make navigation intuitive. Acoustic design that eases noise sensitivity. And flexible classrooms that adapt to each learner’s needs and pace. Everything is thought through—not just for functionality, but for emotional safety.
“I wanted to go beyond compliance,” she explains. “That meant designing for neurodiversity—recognizing how students think, feel, and engage differently.”
You’ll find biophilic design woven throughout the space—natural light, greenery, and textures that soothe. It’s not only about learning. It’s about confidence, independence, and belonging.
More than a project, this thesis is a call to action. A reminder that architecture can be an act of justice.
“I hope this inspires Bacolod—and future architects—to rethink how we design schools. Inclusive design isn’t optional. It’s the foundation of a compassionate community.”
And with Daenna’s vision, that foundation just got stronger.
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