Slater Young drew mixed reactions after he turned to the internet to show off his latest project, which is supposedly inspired by the Banaue Rice Terraces. “It’s very, very interesting especially because we are building it on the side of the mountain. We had three pillars in mind when we were designing this. We wanted to be architecturally forward, something that Cebu or the Philippines has never seen before,” he said.
On the other hand, there were a few who argued that while project aims to incorporate environmentally conscious elements, the construction process itself would supposedly entail altering the natural landscape of the mountain.
I’m torn in this. On one side, I think, with climate change and rising sea levels, living on a mountain can improve chances of survival. Of course, only for those who can afford. As for flooding on the low lying areas, the structure can incorporate a water reservoir to catch rainwater. The structure can also be designed to prevent landslides.
The inhabitants, including wildlife and flora, displaced will be the collateral damage. I’m not sure if it’s worth it. How do you put a price on that? Is it even ethical to put a price?
