The architect of the proposed Central Visayas (CV) cultural hub reveals the background regarding the design of the soon-to-be iconic edifice that has been proposed to rise on Mt. Banat-i.

In a radio interview, architect Niño Guidaben explained the design behind the proposed edifice on Newsmakers ug Uban Pa program, hosted by Ardy and Chandymar Araneta Batoy on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020.

He said that the design is a product of a process. Those who were involved in the design underwent a number of exposure trips, workshops, trainings, and schematics, Guidaben said in the interview.

He added the design is customized for Mt. Banat-i’s topography.The complex is composed of five (5) different structures, a black box, a museum featuring exhibits from the four (4) provinces of Central Visayas, which are Cebu, Negros Oriental, Siquijor and Bohol, the architect bared.

Furthermore, there is a contemporary arts gallery and a cinematheque. The hub will also feature a training center that can be used for seminar and other similar activities and an open air ampitheater, Guidaben mentioned in the interview.

A black box is a multi-functional space that can host performances and similar events, he added.

Moreover, the design of the complex is inspired by the ancient seacraft used by pre-historic Visayan people.

Guidaben said the cultural hub is going to be an iconic landmark that Boholanos can be proud of.He also mentioned that the hub is designed to be a place for convergence of culture and the arts not just for Filipinos but the creative industry of the world.

Meanwhile, Gov. Arthur Yap said that based on Guidaben’s plan, the construction cost of the cultural hub is pegged at P 1 billion with an initial funding of P 200 million.

The governor said that the immediate benefit Bohol can get from the project is job generation.