Project Title:
BILAG: “From Scattered to Gathered Space for Sunbathed Grains”.
Integration of Rice Drying Observation Tower to a Community Development Center for Rice Farmers.

Design Concept Statement:
“Converging Replicable Spaces through Agri-tecture”.

Consider the worst-case scenario in agriculture when we envision crops ravaged by an unforeseen catastrophe, particularly in a typhoon-prone country like the Philippines. Imagine the tireless efforts of rice farmers battling heat and floods during the harvesting period, where the fruits of their labor may vanish in just a blink of an eye. These challenges not only undermine the farming industry but also necessitate a shift towards more resilient methods to revive the country’s agricultural identity.

In the Philippines, rice holds an unparalleled position among agricultural produce, serving as a staple food for every Filipino. Its significance transcends mere sustenance, evolving into an economic juggernaut that propels the nation's growth trajectory and profoundly influences the livelihoods of the nation’s farming community. Moreover, this prominence extends beyond Philippine shores, resonating throughout Asia, where rice similarly holds sway as a dietary cornerstone for millions.

While many perceive rice farming as simply planting and harvesting, it's imperative to recognize the unforeseen element in its production which is the drying process. This vital stage of rice production significantly impacts the quality of the rice produced. The meticulous management of this process is often overlooked, yet it plays a crucial role in ensuring the final product meets the highest standards of quality and value.

The traditional method, known as "Panagi-Bilag," an Ilocano term meaning "to dry under the sunlight," is a process often observed on streets, sidewalks, and open courts to take advantage of natural light for quicker drying, bypassing the need for costly drying machines. However, this approach comes with its own set of challenges, particularly regarding food safety. Utilizing roadsides for drying leads to traffic congestion and grain loss, especially during extreme weather like unexpected typhoons, increasing postharvest losses, and affecting both the quantity and quality of the rice produced.

Addressing these micro-problems requires innovative solutions, such as the Idea of "Drying Experience in Greater Heights," which entails the creation of a prototype structure that improves the process of rice drying by merging it into an observation tower to attain efficiency. Such towers are typically constructed from scaffolding, assembled temporarily, and placed randomly in various spaces. Despite its minimal function and unnoticeable character, this structure possesses an advantage due to its dynamic and transformable features. Conventional observation towers are commonly found in rice fields to facilitate crop management. Thus, modifying them into a multifunctional structure elevates their initial purpose, achieving productivity during the rice drying process.

Integrating various farming development components, such as research facilities, agricultural training areas, community spaces, and rice production spaces, among others, into a cohesive development is a prime objective. The concept not only ensures the safety of rice produced from unforeseen natural calamities and other micro problems but also aims to foster solidarity and economic growth within farming communities. Through its research, social, training, and trading spaces, it serves as a venue for collaboration and progress.

The concept also provides areas for various farming needs, as well as spaces that respect one’s customs and values. The provision of areas intended for traditional and local modes of transportation, the integration of new and innovative spaces and components, and the incorporation of one’s cultural identity are the concept's strategy to uplift the morale of the farming community.

The agricultural development center for rice farmers, with the integration of rice drying towers, heralds a transformative vision which is to unite scattered agricultural components into cohesive spaces for development. It stands as a testament to the power of purposeful design, where architecture harmonizes with agriculture, cultivating a brighter future for farmers, communities, and humanity as a whole.