In episode 152 of ARCAT’s Detailed podcast, host Cherise Lakeside sits down with Carlos Arnaiz, the founder and Principal of the Brooklyn-based architecture firm CAZA, to unpack the ambitious vision behind The Shore-Side at Nawin. Set against the rugged cliffs of Nasugbu Bay in Batangas, Philippines, this massive landscape and urban development project is designed to completely redefine the relationship between land and sea. During the interview, Arnaiz details how the CAZA team approached transforming a formerly industrial shoreline into a dynamic, contemporary port town. The conversation highlights the complexities of cliffside development, showcasing an architectural approach that is deeply rooted in both the region’s dramatic topography and its coastal traditions, seamlessly weaving hospitality, culture, and coastal ecology into a highly walkable, layered environment.
The feature heavily explores the specific programmatic and design elements that make the Nawin Marina such a transformative endeavor. Drawing inspiration from historic harbor precedents ranging from Antigua to Villefranche-sur-Mer, Arnaiz explains how the master plan integrates a diverse mix of building typologies, facades, and natural materials across a heavily sloped platform. At the project’s heart is Marina Town, a bustling hub combining residential villas, hillside residences, and commercial spaces anchored by a striking yacht club composed of five pyramidal volumes. The discussion also highlights the project’s playful Waterfront Pavilions—arranged like an orchestra of water lilies—which provide shaded promenades and public gathering spaces, ultimately reviving the bay as a vibrant and beloved waterfront destination.
The team from CAZA recently journeyed to Cagayan de Oro in the Philippines to visit the manufacturing factory and warehouse of Rizome, a global pioneer in sustainable building materials. Inside the bustling facility, the CAZA team witnessed firsthand how locally harvested bamboo is transformed into advanced engineered lumber that boasts the strength of steel, the toughness of concrete, and the aesthetic warmth of hardwood. Rizome’s manufacturing process champions sustainability by utilizing a rapidly renewable resource that sequesters massive amounts of carbon and prevents soil erosion, all while providing vital economic opportunities for native communities. For CAZA, this visit was a crucial step in overseeing the high-tech precision manufacturing of the custom beams and structural components destined for their groundbreaking new architectural venture.
These meticulously crafted engineered bamboo elements are being produced to serve as the structural backbone of CAZA’s FEU Pavilion, a multi-faith space located at the heart of Far Eastern University’s vibrant Diliman campus. During the factory tour, the architects observed how the engineered bamboo was being specially shaped and prepared to execute their complex, computer-aided design, which features sweeping petal-shaped roofs and curving clerestory windows. By assembling these natural materials—including engineered bamboo and bagol—using state-of-the-art precision, the pavilion reimagines solemn geometry into a light-filled, open-air sanctuary. Ultimately, the robust structural components manufactured in the Cagayan de Oro warehouse will come together on campus to create what is celebrated as the world’s first engineered bamboo building, resulting in a monumental structure that appears to soar with the lightness and dexterity of a living forest.
During the vibrant DUMBO Open Studios 2026, the Brooklyn waterfront came alive with creative energy, drawing The New York Times for a special visit to the headquarters of CAZA Architects. As the Times correspondents and photographers stepped into the workspace, they immediately began documenting the studio’s dynamic atmosphere, snapping photos of the intricate physical models, digital renderings, and the team at work. The journalists spent a significant portion of their visit speaking directly with CAZA’s principal, Carlos, who guided them through the firm’s unique creative process and its foundational philosophies of Metabolic Architecture. This candid conversation gave the press an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at how the Brooklyn-based firm develops its concept-driven environments right in the epicenter of the borough’s art community.
While the journalists were impressed by the studio’s innovative approach to Blue-Green Infrastructure, they were most astounded by the immense scale of CAZA’s global portfolio and the sheer ambition of their designs. Carlos detailed how the firm tackles massive urban interventions, but it was the striking “Love Island” project that truly captivated the Times team. The reporters marveled at the project’s sweeping magnitude and the way CAZA managed to balance monumental, landscape-altering architecture with intimate, human-centric spaces. By opening their doors and sharing the monumental scope of works like Love Island, Carlos and his team demonstrated how architecture can drive bold environmental transformation while remaining deeply rooted in Brooklyn’s hands-on maker culture.
Iconic Capitol Building, continues to be constructed in the heart of CamSur
The news feature on the Camsur Capitol highlights the provincial government’s ambitious move to redefine civic architecture in the Philippines through a sustainable and culturally resonant landmark. Designed by CAZA, the building is presented as a “spiraling assembly of pili nut-shaped husks,” a direct homage to Camarines Sur’s agricultural heritage and the silhouette of Mt. Isarog. The narrative in the feature emphasizes that the Capitol is more than just a house for governance; it is an “iconic” and “Instagrammable” public symbol intended to boost local pride and tourism. By utilizing metal sun-screens and a modular, parametric design, the structure provides shaded roof terraces and an open-air atrium, blending modern technological efficiency with the region’s natural landscape.
Beyond its striking aesthetic, the news coverage spotlights the Capitol’s role as a resilient sanctuary and a “machine for survival.” A key feature mentioned is the integrated crisis management center on the first floor, designed to remain operational and provide essential services during the natural disasters frequent to the Bicol region. This aligns with CAZA’s philosophy of Metabolic Architecture, where the building acts as a living organism—harvesting solar energy, facilitating natural ventilation, and adapting to environmental shifts. The feature portrays the Capitol as a forward-looking prototype, demonstrating how Philippine architecture can bridge the gap between indigenous identity and high-tech urban resilience.
Greenfield Development Corporation’s (GDC) groundbreaking of Greenfield Diagonal Park marks a pivotal evolution for the Greenfield District, establishing a one-kilometer “green spine” that connects the Shaw MRT station to the district’s core landmarks. Designed as the “living room” of the urban center, the park features a 20-meter-wide pedestrian corridor through the Mayflower Park block, creating a seamless link between commercial hubs like Greenfield Tower and residential anchors like Twin Oaks Place. By prioritizing a walkable, interconnected grid over traditional road-heavy planning, GDC is transforming the district into a cohesive landscape where public transit and everyday community life are physically and socially integrated.
Designed by CAZA Architects, this development aligns closely with the firm’s core design principles, particularly the concept of Metabolic Architecture and the focus on Blue-Green Infrastructure. Just as CAZA’s Camsur Capitol mimics organic forms to manage environmental energy, the Greenfield Diagonal Park functions as a “metabolic” organ for the city—a breathing space that facilitates the flow of people while enhancing the well-being of the urban “body.” The park mirrors CAZA’s philosophy of “Atavistic Transformation” by taking the fundamental human need for nature and movement and elevating it into high-tech, resilient urban infrastructure. By prioritizing the life that takes shape between buildings rather than just the structures themselves, GDC’s vision reflects CAZA’s commitment to creating concept-driven environments that foster ecological consciousness and human connection.
In a compelling video commentary by MGS Global, the spotlight turned to CAZA’s design for the Camsur Capitol, an architectural marvel that redefines civic identity in the Philippines. The commentary highlights how the structure serves as more than just a government hub; it is a “metabolic” landmark that breathes with its environment. MGS Global emphasizes the building’s striking silhouette—a spiraling assembly of pili nut-shaped husks that mimics the natural contours of the nearby Mt. Isarog. By integrating solar-harvesting metal skins and a radial, open-air atrium, the design is praised for its ability to modulate the tropical heat while remaining deeply rooted in the province’s agricultural heritage.
The narrative further explores the Capitol’s dual role as a beacon of modern governance and a resilient sanctuary. MGS Global points out that beneath its iconic, “starburst” exterior lies a highly functional crisis management center, designed to protect and support thousands during the region’s frequent typhoons. Through this feature, the video underscores CAZA’s vision of “atavistic transformation”—taking ancient, organic forms and elevating them into high-tech instruments of survival. By showcasing the building’s public terraces and helicoid ramps, the commentary celebrates a future where Philippine architecture doesn’t just withstand nature, but thrives in constant dialogue with it.
As Camarines Sur undergoes a radical transformation into a “Smart Global City,” the new Camsur Capitol stands as the definitive symbol of this metamorphosis. Designed by Carlos Arnaiz and his Brooklyn-based firm CAZA, the structure is a masterclass in bio-mimicry, drawing direct inspiration from the local pili nut to create a silhouette that is both ultra-modern and deeply rooted in Bicolano heritage. Currently 70% complete, the center is more than just an aesthetic landmark; it is a vital piece of civic infrastructure that houses a fully equipped mega evacuation center. By blending high-concept urban design with life-saving functionality, CAZA has provided the province with a resilient “living legacy” that mirrors Governor LRay Villafuerte’s ambitious 12-point agenda for a greener, smarter, and more connected future.
The partnership between CAZA and the provincial government signifies CamSur’s ascent as a premier investment magnet and a burgeoning hub for global technology. As the heart of the “CamSur Uptown” district—which is already attracting industrial giants like Google for local manufacturing—the government center serves as the anchor for a sprawling ecosystem of logistics centers, residential villages, and health facilities. CAZA’s contribution to this “Smart City” framework reinforces their reputation for building the impossible in the Philippines, joining an elite portfolio that includes the BCDA Iconic Building and Caticlan Airport. This project not only redefines the provincial skyline but also solidifies the province’s transition from a struggling economy into the third richest province in the nation, proving that world-class architecture is a key catalyst for regional pride and economic acceleration.
Read the full article from Journal News Onlinehere
Nestled in the cliffs and coves of Nasugbu, Batangas, NAWIN emerges as a pioneer in being the first Marina Township of its kind in the Philippines. Meticulously designed with the intention of bringing the ocean experience straight to the shore, it strategically incorporates outdoor water features, pathways, and vistas to its array of luxury villas, ocean-view restaurants and hotels, members-only yacht club, and waterfront amenities that can be enjoyed both by the private and the public.
Redesigned with intention and clarity, the new CAZA website redefines the way visitors experience interacting with us online. Thoughtfully structured to enhance navigation and discovery, it offers a seamless journey through our portfolio of projects, insights, and stories. Inclusive of features that provide potential clients and visitors with an insider perspective into our process, narrative, and studio life, the platform creates an open space for connection, exploration, and collaboration — a digital reflection of the design values we uphold.
In our current era, where human activity is the main cause of planetary change, there’s growing concern about how our cities and towns function. Think of a city as having a “metabolism”—it consumes resources to be built and to operate.
This book presents a new way to analyze a city’s environmental impact. It introduces a method to track the complete lifecycle of all the materials and energy a city uses. This process follows them from the very beginning, where resources like water, energy, and raw materials are first taken from the environment; through their use, as they are transformed to construct and run the city; and all the way to the very end, to see what happens to them after buildings are demolished and systems are no longer in use.
By creating this full “cradle-to-grave” picture, designers and planners can identify key problems—like hidden energy consumption and carbon emissions—and develop innovative solutions to create more efficient and environmentally friendly cities.
“Metabolism is a glimpse into the future of design – an excellent dive into economic and design thinking that will be required to understand and address climate issues as well as water and material shortages that we know lie ahead. The authors have captured the thinking that we will need to evolve the systems to survive the challenges of the future, which are formidable. Highly recommended.”
— James B. Blackburn Co-Director, Severe Storm (SSPEED) Center, Rice University.
Nestled in the vibrant heart of the Bronx, the Banknote residential project is a bold fusion of contemporary design and historical homage. This striking new construction addresses the city’s pressing need for affordable housing, offering spacious two-bedroom units averaging 900 sq ft. The building’s angular geometry harmoniously integrates with the surrounding urban landscape, while wrapping around the original structure to retain elements of the historic façade—such as pilasters, materiality, and expansive arched windows—juxtaposed with sleek, modern rectangular windows and balconies.
This architectural dialogue creates a visually compelling narrative that balances past and present. Green living takes center stage with a vertical garden wall and lush surrounding landscaping, which extends to ground-level amenities that encourage a healthy, community-driven lifestyle, including sports and garden areas. With its prime location offering easy access to public transportation and local amenities, Banknote exemplifies a modern vision of urban living that honors both history and sustainability.
We imagine a VICTORIAS NEW GOVERNMENT CENTER that fosters an awareness on how our buildings and bodies interact with their surroundings.
Our proposal for the VICTORIAS NEW GOVERNMENT CENTER foregrounds biospheric designso that the architecture can go beyond sustainability management and serve as ademonstration of the city’s ambitious Climate Action Plan. We envision VICTORIAS NEW GOVERNMENT CENTER that joins net-zero construction with nature-based designs solutionto create public spaces that demonstrate how our buildings are not mere containers butalso metabolic machines that process water, waste, energy, and air.
VICTORIAS registers an average of 234 days a year with rainfall. The city’s tropical monsoon climate climate reveals the extreme symptoms of our current environmental regime. During periods of highest heat, precipitation has been dropping while the greater frequency of thunderstorms has raised the risk of climatic variation from flooding and drought.
We have used data related to humidity and temperature to design the VICTORIAS NEW GOVERNMENT CENTER so that the building that actively interacts with its users and its environment. We have designed a building with heat dissipating chimney that passively cools the interior using natural ventilation and thermal mass differentials between the water, ground and air.
We have designed rain catchment umbrellas that harvest water, storing it for future use in underground cisterns and flood retention ponds. We have placed the VICTORIAS NEW GOVERNMENT CENTER within a landscape of pleasure gardens, and event spaces designed to manage rainwater and provide a matt of cool air for the building. The roof the VICTORIAS NEW GOVERNMENT CENTER works as a solar farm undulating like a series of palms to offer shade for the building users. The façade screen out the heat with a filigree structure of colorful pipes that support climbing plants.
In short we have customized the walls, floors, and ceiling assemblies to reduce the heat island effect and ensure that the VICTORIAS NEW GOVERNMENT CENTER becomes a hallmark of progressive green public building design in the world.
Our proposal for the VICTORIAS NEW GOVERNMENT CENTER doubles as creative hub with spaces for exhibition, performance and discussion providing platforms for community engagement with the process of managing the city. We envision a building whose architecture can open to support events to spur municipal growth and community awareness. Our design offers indoor venues such as the food d=foods center with a botanical courtyard giving the city a flexible and transformable floor plan with lots of resources for people to connect with one another. We believe that VICTORIAS NEW GOVERNMENT CENTER can engage physical experience as a life-changing event and present architecture as a means of mediating between community and culture.
Bacolod is the next big story. We are transforming Bacolod into a super city by building mobility and resiliency infrastructure.
Bacolod’s blue-green infrastructure will be water-conscious, managing stormwater through bioswales and river promenades connected to coastal parks that support sustainable aquaculture while promoting tourism with spaces for recreation and community engagement.
Bacolod’s’ new mobility infrastructure will foster a more connected lifestyle providing essential services within 15-minutes by developing a multi-modal transit hub, a coastal highway, boulevards with tree-lined sidewalks, bike paths, a BRT system and smart city technologies, from eco-sensors to energy-efficient lighting.
Three growth zones will drive Bacolod’s rise as a regional powerhouse for commerce and industry.
First, the North City, where Pulo and Mandalagan Creek merge into Catmon River, creating a natural framework for an international port, ferry terminal, eco-industrial park, and Agri-industrial logistics complex, connecting industries with local ecosystems for optimized growth.
The second, Center City, anchored by a 12,000 sq mt multi-modal transit center supporting 50 buses, linked to a brand-new 26,000 m² fresh market with 300 parking lots to ensure a convenience and integrated to new housing options from towers to townhouses for a wide range of markets is a model of thoughtful urbanization, blending functionality, accessibility, and sustainability to create a vibrant core for Bacolod’s future.
The third, South City between Lupit & Magsungay River supports a tech district featuring start-up hubs, maker spaces, and a digital nomad village. A coastal road and waterfront park complete this lifestyle-focused district.
These three growth zones are the backbone of Bacolod’s vision of sustainable growth, supported by custom-tailored urban planning guidelines for high-, medium-, and low-density urban development that redefines connectivity and connects communities to their ecosystems setting the stage for a more robust economy.
We see a new age dawning for Bacolod wherein the super city functions as an urban-rural network of work, live, play, and make creating opportunities for innovation, investment, and community building.
This vision is ambitious, but ambition is what drives transformation. Together, we have the power to shape Bacolod into a city that inspires and leads. I invite you to be part of this journey—a journey to craft a city where design meets purpose, and innovation meets heart.
As part of a new generation of buildings being built in regeneration landscapes, CAZA’s design for a community center at La Salle Botanical Gardens in the Philippines contributes to a location affected by a 20th-century volcanic eruption. The multipurpose cluster of organic volumes comprises event spaces, a chapel, grottos, and back offices, all linked together by a series of pergolas. The 7,500 sqm proposal features dome vaults, catenary arches, and an insulated sky box built out of glass, concrete, and patented 3D-printed bricks that reduce the building’s carbon footprint by 70%.
CAZA imagines a new way of vertical urban living in Manila, Philippines. Anchored on community and access to nature, the Industria Tower is a seismic resistant residential building with recreational zones dispersed throughout. The podium base houses wellness spaces and plants that filter air and reduce heat gain for the reinforced concrete structure. Atop the green podium is an elegant tower clad in a lightweight metal mesh with strategic punctures and cantilevered balconies looking out to the river and city views.
