Pilgrim Shelter

Atop Tumandok Hill, a risen Christ watches over Pueblo de Panay with outstretched arms — a symbol of the triumph of good over wickedness. Standing at 132 feet (40 meters), the Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is said to be the tallest of its kind, and is one of the more famous pilgrimage destinations in the area. Masses and healing sessions are held regularly at the church on its foot, which was built using only local materials, like bamboo and thatched roof. It was on December 2019 when tropical cyclone Ursula (also known as Phanfone) ravaged through the Philippines on Christmas Eve, and left a trail of wrecked structures and submerged areas along its path. Among its many casualties was the Shrine, leaving the church in debris with its roof swept away. However, not even destruction and calamity can hamper the parishioners’ devotion. Not more than two months later, a humble nipa structure was erected on site to serve as a makeshift haven for faith. This was where masses were temporarily held, while the community sought to rebuild with a design that could withstand the test of time and the elements. The studio was inspired by this fervent devotion. They wanted the new Shrine to mirror the people’s strong faith, so they took the humble silhouette of the nipa structure, and armored it to perform in the harshest conditions. The concept of a modular precast concrete system was then born, which struck the perfect balance between rigor and permeability. -Jalousie doors on the sides act as storm shutters to prevent turbulent wind from entering the shrine. Even when closed the jalousie doors still allow air to flow inside. -Cross aisles allow easy distribution/circulation during the Eucharistic celebration. -Area created between each buttresses act as spill out space for when the shrine is at full capacity Materiality -Designed together with the community, one of its contributors specializes in concrete which is the main material used in the structure for its structural integrity and availability. Keeping it bare reduces cost for maintenance works.