A ‘busking café’ injected into a heritage old train station

“According to National Historical Commission of the Philippines, ‘the least intervention is the best conservation’,” wrote Wendell Marc G. Tamani of this design idea to redevelop the old Philippine National Railways (PNR) Dagupan Station.

Located in a district where different academic institutions are established, the Old PNR Dagupan Station is a heritage site that is envisioned to be a space where community organisations, especially those related to visual and performing arts, can gather to collaborate and showcase their talents to the public.

In addition, the station serves as a loading zone for jeepneys traveling to neighbouring residential areas, including Mangaldan, San Jacinto, and Manaoag, thereby giving commuters a spot for de-stressing after work or school before going home.

Through the proposed function of a ‘busking café’ called Anakbanwa Café, the redevelopment would serve as an educational vehicle for arts and culture and a hub for students and the community to relax in.

The city and station’s name, dagupan, refers to a type of milkfish that represents the coastal area’s fishing culture. This was incorporated in the design by taking inspiration from the milkfish’s pen, combined with arch shapes derived from the train station itself, and PNR steam engines as the overall architectural and interior elements.

“Tactical placemaking principles were used, with the help of the scaffolding structures that can be secured from a nearby ongoing condominium project,” wrote Tamani, illustrating how the original heritage structure could be preserved while injecting new elements and functions. Furthermore in the spirit of reuse, an old small fishing boat is envisioned to be upcycled as a counter for the indoor cafe. “This café design will be a hub for the local creative industry, from music to arts, for all individuals”.

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PROJECT DATA

Project Name
Anakbanwa Café

Location
Dagupan City, the Philippines

Site Area
1,500 square metres

This project by Wendell Marc G. Tamani is part of a design studio for Mapua University, the Philippines in 2024, advised by Dr Lea Dela Rosa.