LOPEZ, JOHN LENNON S.
ARC 3202
Design Concept
The concept of retreat complex follows the idea of sustainable biodynamic Agritecture. It
is a form of architecture which the art, science, and business of integrating agriculture into the
built environment. Henry Gordon-Smith first popularized such term, in 2011, when he was
researching how cities could use agriculture to address environmental, social, and economic
challenges, and develop resilient food systems in the face of climate change. As for the project,
Retreat Complex are facilities or gathering place for people seeking inspiration and aspiring to
restore the inner balance within themselves or offer more of a break from the hustle of everyday
life. In fact, the site is a former agricultural farm and greatly affects by its agricultural history. The
idea is to embrace the concept of biodynamic agriculture and preservation yet ensure the quality
of services for which the retreat complex has to offer. Biodynamic agriculture is a holistic,
ecological, and ethical approach to farming, gardening, food, and nutrition. Biodynamics is rooted
in the work of philosopher and scientist Dr. Rudolf Steiner, whose 1924 lectures to farmers opened
a new way to integrate scientific understanding with a recognition of spirit in nature. Through
integration, the project will cultivate biodiversity, awareness, upholds agricultural integrity by
creating agricultural sections which exhibits knowledge and values of agriculture such as compost
recycling. Biodynamic agriculture invites us to develop a conscious and creative conversation with
nature. By observing, sensing, and listening to the land, it develops intimate relationships with our
unique farm organisms and expand our capacities for perception, reflection, and imagination.
Biodynamics is not a fixed recipe or prescription. Cultivating awareness strengthens our ability to
work creatively with the dynamics of the land and wider bioregion to bring the vibrancy of the farm
organism to full expression. Building farms and gardens inspired by the biodiversity of natural
ecosystems and the uniqueness of each landscape. Annual and perennial vegetables, herbs,
flowers, berries, fruits, nuts, grains, pasture, forage, native plants, and pollinator hedgerows can
all contribute to plant diversity, amplifying the health and resilience of the farm organism. In terms
of spaces, the project will establish proper planning to ensure a safety and health of its user.
Buildings will be far more distant from each other, and outdoor spaces holds lesser numbers.
Design Consideration
• Users
• Nature
• Spaces
• Land preservation
• Comfort
• Safety and Health
• Sustainability
• Resiliency
• Culture and Traditions
• Accessibility
Project Objectives
Given the problem, this section provides the purpose of the project which seeks to build Retreat
Complex. Factors such as culture, profiles, tourism, demography, and nearby infrastructures are
all considered for user’s accumulation which contribute to economic growth and sustainability of
the users. The study aims:
1.To provide service and satisfaction for its users through the context of natural landscape, green
ecology, and peaceful atmosphere.
2.To preserve the long-term ecological sustainability of the site; and, in partnership with the
community, create an antisprawl, antipollution environment.
3.To establish physical and functional connections between the Retreat complex to residential
and commercial properties beyond its borders.
4.To create additional job opportunities for residents, thereby improving their economic condition
and quality of life and contribute for the overall increase in revenue by enlisting the help of possible
investors.
Design Objectives
In general, the project intends to create a Retreat complex possessed with unique structures and
approach which will consolidate to its environment. Such approach will contribute to the resiliency
and sustainability for both project and site conditions across time.
1.To construct a building with a sustainable design that will provide users with satisfaction, leisure,
and awareness while also setting a new standard in the recreational and entertainment business.
2.To create a structure that preserves the ambience of a location by using the available views,
natural resources, and environment into the design.
3.To develop a functional and aesthetically pleasing design with long-lasting constructions that
can withstand natural disasters.
4.To constitute a project that help reduce Coronavirus transmission or immediate preventative
that can take to reduce the risk of infection.
5.To generate the outstanding structure arrangement and manageable spaces for the Retreat
Complex development’s future residents on the entire site.
