For many cities in the Philippines, the coastline is a secret—tucked away behind concrete, industry, or neglect. It’s treated like the utility room of the urban landscape: useful, but rarely celebrated.
But what if the shore was a stage? What if it was the heart, not the edge?
This is the question John Paul N. De Luna asks in his architectural thesis, “Silay City Waterfront Development.” And his answer is as thoughtful as it is transformative.
“Silay’s heritage is undeniable,” John Paul begins. “But its waterfront? It’s been left behind. I saw a chance to reconnect the city to its coast—not just physically, but emotionally and culturally.”
The project is born out of both observation and conversation. While the city’s core has long embraced its colonial history and vibrant identity, its shoreline remains underutilized and disconnected. After speaking with residents, John Paul learned what the maps and plans couldn’t show: a longing for shared spaces, a need for economic opportunity, and a desire to feel connected to the coast again.
So he got to work.
His design reshapes the waterfront into a living public space—where ecology meets culture, and every path, plaza, and plant has a purpose.
It’s a place where flood-resilient buffers and native vegetation protect the shoreline, while plazas inspired by Spanish-era town squares invite music, conversation, and community pride. Where passive cooling and sun-shading reduce energy needs, and traditional architecture meets modern use. Where the smell of salt air is joined by the warmth of outdoor dining, weekend markets, and small local businesses reclaiming space.
“It’s not just about aesthetics,” he explains. “It’s about giving Silay something that feels true—something that’s built to last, and built for people.”
What makes this development different is that it’s not trying to reinvent the city—it’s revealing what was always there: the stories, the lifestyle, the quiet strength of a coastal heritage ready to be reawakened.
With its soft infrastructure and climate-ready design, the project is more than just a destination. It’s a blueprint for resilience, especially for heritage cities navigating urban growth and environmental risk.
“I see this as Silay’s new heartbeat,” John Paul says. “A place where the city can gather, celebrate, and remember where it came from—while stepping forward into what it can become.”
In a country of rising tides and rapid change, maybe it’s time we looked to the shore—not just for what we’ve forgotten, but for what we still have the chance to shape.
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