Along the shores of Laguna de Bay, where environmental degradation and climate threats continue to challenge communities, one Filipino architecture student imagined a different future.
Through a design concept rooted in sustainability, resilience, and community care, Batangas State University student Dan Maroelle Bernal transformed local struggles into a globally recognized vision for healing both people and the environment.
A fourth-year architecture student, Bernal recently won in the TFT Global Student Competition 2026 with his project, “Ang Pag-ibig Kay Juan” (“Love for Juan/One”), a design proposal that explores how architecture can strengthen communities while restoring ecological balance around Laguna de Bay.
“My experiences as a student helped me realize that architecture is not only about creating structures, but also about addressing real-life problems and improving people’s lives,” Bernal said.
His award-winning concept centers on reconnecting people, nature, and culture through resilient and community-driven spaces. The proposal responds to environmental neglect, climate vulnerability, and the lack of sustainable public spaces by offering solutions that support both the lake ecosystem and the communities that depend on it for their livelihood.
A defining feature of the project is its use of bamboo, a material that holds deep personal significance for Bernal.
Growing up, he watched his father use bamboo to repair their home and fences whenever resources were limited. Those experiences inspired him to celebrate what is often called the “poor man’s lumber” as a symbol of resilience, sustainability, and survival.
Rather than relying on grand or unrealistic solutions, Bernal focused on creating a design that is practical, accessible, and environmentally responsible. He emphasized the use of local materials, waste reduction, and long-term community benefit, believing that sustainability begins at the design stage itself.
“I wanted to explore how architecture could help revitalize and heal the lake while also supporting the people who depend on it for livelihood and survival,” he added.
Winning an international competition came as a surprise to Bernal, especially since it was the first design competition he had joined since entering university. The recognition not only highlighted his work on a global stage but also affirmed his belief that architecture can serve as a platform for empathy, storytelling, and community service.
“I hope to create architecture that fosters creativity, strengthens communities, and improves people’s quality of life. I may not know exactly what the future holds, but I know that I want my work to create meaningful impact,” Bernal said.
Through “Ang Pag-ibig Kay Juan,” Bernal demonstrates that architecture can be more than a blueprint for structures but it can be a blueprint for hope, resilience, and meaningful change.
