ATENEO DE DAVAO UNIVERSITY

School of Engineering and Architecture

Architecture Division
_______________________________________________________________

July, 2014

Thomas Weisner
Director, Center for Culture and Health
Semel Institute

Pleasant day to you and your good office!


I am, Mary Anthonette A. Olmoguez, a fifth year BS Architecture student at the
Ateneo de Davao University in the Philippines. I am currently doing my thesis entitled A
Proposed Tertiary Hospital a study on socio-cultural architecture and typologies as
considerations for an efficient healthcare design, this study is anchored in the study of
sociology of architecture.

Before anything else, I would like to briefly discuss my study. The study aims to
develop a new typology for hospitals considering the culture in planning and designing a
healthcare facility. Filipino Culture will be the focus of the study; the proponent aims to figure
out the factors which affect the design process and its importance in improving the quality of
healthcare. The challenge in this development could be most likely on up to what extent can
the existing guidelines of healthcare design be altered or improved in order to provide an
effective planning and design.

Your answers will be vital to the completion of my study and any form assisted will truly be
appreciated. May This Letter merit your immediate response and kind consideration.


Sincerely, Mary Anthonette A. Olmoguez

Noted:

Arch. Xupery Gerard Porras
Thesis Moderator
1.1 Abstract

Architecture is the visual shape ("Gestalt") of society. And within that, all the various
building types could become objects of architectural sociology and how it exhibits the
culture of a certain society. Therefore, there is a need in designing a structure which will
allow people to understand the interrelationship between people and their built environment
and natural surroundings through the application of Socio-cultural Architecture.
Architecture is basically constituted of the aesthetic, the engineering and the social
aspects. The built environment which is made up of designed spaces. Space which are
inter-related with people, inter-related in a way in which the designed physical environment
influences and is also influenced by society and human behavior.
As a result, the proponent aims to develop a more humane healthcare design, a
design which aims to help boost patient recovery, recovery through application of
sociological and psychological techniques. Furthermore, the proponent will examine and
study the different factors that affect the identity of the building, may it be culturally, socially
or the like, as a huge contribution for a better healthcare design, along with the study on
hospital typologies.
Moreover, the plans and layouts of the hospital will be studied so that there will be a
compare and contrast among the different planning and design strategies applied to it and
maximizing the value that each plan contributes. As a result, the study is expected to
establish a design and typology for the new generation.


In relation to this academic endeavour, I would like to request for your guidance and expertise
regarding the following:


1. How can culture contribute in the well-being of patients in a hospital facility?

2. Can culture help boost patient recovery?

3. What are the things that must be considered in the study of culture?

4. If there is any, what books or references could you suggest with regards to this study?

5. Can culture affect the way people behave in a hospital setting?

6. What are the cultural factors that affect hospital design?

7. What are your insights and suggestions regarding the Proposal as a whole?


Thank you so much for your response sir .Your answers will be vital to the completion of my
study and any form assisted will truly be appreciated. May This Letter merit your immediate response
and kind consideration.