For many, racing is all about the adrenaline—the blur of wheels, the thunder of engines, the roar of the crowd. But for architecture student Jay Mark E. Empenado, racing is also about something deeper: connection, culture, and community.
His thesis, “Autocycle Racing Hub and Entertainment Complex in Negros Occidental,” is the product of a lifelong passion for motorsports and a strong desire to give his home province something it’s been missing—a purpose-built space where the thrill of autocycle racing meets the warmth of Filipino hospitality.
Empenado sees motorsports not just as a competitive event, but as a social experience. “Negros Occidental has the land, the energy, and the people—but not yet the venue,” he observed. His project fills that gap with a design that balances the kinetic intensity of racing with a strong commitment to safety, sustainability, and inclusivity.
Designing for Energy and Responsibility
The complex is carefully planned to accommodate not just the technical needs of racers, but the broader experience of the public. Empenado integrated safety-first principles into every aspect of the site—from spectator zones set at a safe distance, to clearly defined barriers that protect without isolating.
At the heart of the design is a striking feature: kinetic solar panels mounted on the façade of the main building. These panels not only supply renewable energy to the facility—they move with the wind and light, a living metaphor for the ever-evolving world of motorsport. For Empenado, they are a statement of both technological innovation and environmental mindfulness.
Beyond the Track: A Place for All
While racing may be the complex’s core, it’s far from the only attraction. Empenado’s master plan includes a commercial village, leisure park, green spaces, and shaded walkways that invite visitors of all ages and interests. Whether someone comes for the race, a family outing, or simply to enjoy local food and music, there’s a place for them here.
Accessibility was a top priority. From intuitive circulation paths to transportation links and inclusive design elements, the complex was envisioned as a space for everyone, regardless of background or ability.
Site-Sensitive Planning
Rather than imposing the racetrack on the land, Empenado designed the site to follow the terrain, making use of Negros Occidental’s natural contours and vistas. Native plants, water features, and landscape buffers create a seamless integration between man-made structure and environment. The result is a facility that respects the land while enhancing its use.
The entire site flows like a track itself. Movement is a core principle—not just on the racetrack, but in the design logic. Visitors naturally transition from the grandstand to the paddocks, to the food court, and on to quiet green zones. The complex is alive with rhythm and accessibility.
A Hub for Culture, Community, and Future-Forward Design
Empenado’s thesis is more than a proposal for a sporting venue—it’s a call for a new kind of public space. One where motorsports aren’t just watched, but experienced. One that gives back to its community through jobs, tourism, and pride of place.
With this project, Jay Mark E. Empenado offers Negros Occidental a landmark of motion and meaning. A space built not only for speed—but for lasting momentum.
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