Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Fresnoza, Jefferson C.
2009180022
Part 1: Background and Its Problem
Chapter I.1
General Overview
Introduction
The National Housing Authority (NHA), which was established in 1938, is the national
agency in the Philippines that is mandated to construct houses for low-income Filipinos to address
the housing problems in the country. Some of the housing structures the agency builds are Corehousing, Mid-rise Housing and Community-based Housing. It is the agencys mission to provide
decent, adequate, and affordable housing, with the necessary utilities, to poor Filipino families in
order to secure their access to basic social services and economic opportunities.
The Housing London: A Mid-rise Solution (2014) explains that providing solutions to end
homelessness is a great leap in recognizing structural societal problems that bring about poverty.
Thus, the construction of mid-rise resettlements is designed to address the housing dilemma not
only in England, but also to the other parts of the world such as the Philippines. In general, the
resettlement project provides permanent residence for the poor citizen of these nations.
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resettlement building.
Significance of the Study
The study on rehabilitating the mid-rise resettlement project in Camarin, Caloocan City
addresses the need to maintain government resettlement projects and provide additional
amenities for the residents. This study shall also provide information for students and researchers
conducting academic inquiries on the topics of public resettlement and tropical architectural
designs.
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It will also include the study of space requirements for mid-rise housing in our
The study will be limited only on the users field of interest and innovative
designs of space.
Assumptions
The primary assumption the student stands in this study on mid-rise resettlement in the
Philippines is that architectural design alone cannot provide solutions to the various socioeconomic problems, especially the disparate proportion of residence population to the
depreciating condition of the area, in the proposed site of Camarin, Caloocan City. The proposed
mid-rise resettlement housing plan by the student shall only address the current architectural
problems of the site: deterioration and unsustainability of the resettlement structures. The
proposal will help students and individuals who are conducting academic researches because the
proponent will design the tropical vertical building as a place where people living inside the
structure can uplift the socio-economic aspects of their lives. The target users of this study will
be the residents living along inlet canals (estero), railways and streets. It is assumed that the
proposal will be effective in the present period today due to the use of modern methodologies in
the design approach.
The potentiality of this proposal will serve as a improved model of the site; thus, the site
will be pleasing for the residents. On the other hand, designing a resettlement housing structure
is very distinctive. This is different from other housing projects wherein cost is only the main
target. On this proposal, housing, sustainability and social problem is the main concern.
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Through the gathered concepts and ideas derived from various authorities, the researcher came
up with the following formulation to be adapted in the current thesis problem.
We cannot ignore the perennial problems and convenience that attend life in the tropics.
Sweltering summer heat, typhoons and resulting floods, power disruptions and water shortage
create discomfort for the users. These factors must all be considered in architecture to adapt in
what the condition of the place we are in to.
A satellite design by Sigmunds book of Landscape Architecture is the appropriate design
concept for the site development wherein the structure will be in harmony with the site and with
each related site areas.
Organic Architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright expresses that to build forms which are
natural than nature itself it must go with our environment. Architectural forms must be
determined in each case by the particular function of the building, its environment, and the type
of materials employed in the structure.
The relationship of each input (independent variable) wherein it undergoes certain
processes (intervening variable) that could possibly help create an output (dependent variable).
An accessible, well planned and functional tropical building design could be achieved by making a
selection of the site which meets every consideration of the major conditions; site analysis to
identify the type of planning that is suitable for the site development; space programming and
analysis of the space required; interpretation and translation of adapted concepts into visual
forms according to the aesthetic philosophy, design concept, and principles of composition;
structural design analysis of structural design principles adapted; layout and specifications of
utility components for the required engineering and utility systems.
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PARADIGM
INPUT
PROCESS
The Site
OUTPUT
Major considerations
given in the Selection
Process
Site Development
Site Development
o
Necessary and
applicable site
planning concept
o Site analysis
Site- structure study
o Site use program
Function
Function
o
o
o
Tropical Building
Design
Space programming
Space analysis
Required spaces
and facilities by
authorities
Aesthetics
Aesthetics
o
Theories of space
planning, principles
and concepts
Interpretation and
translation of
adapted concepts
into visual forms
o Aesthetic philosophy,
design concepts,
principles of
composition
Strength
Structural design
principles
Specification of
materials
Utility Systems
Required engineering
and utility systems
Specification of
materials and
components
Strength
o
Structural design
analysis and
application
FEEDBACK of
materials
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Utility Systems
Assignment, layout
Acronyms
NHA National Housing Authority
HUDCC - Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council
MRH Medium Rise Housing
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The process of site planning begins with the gathering of basic data relating specifically to the
site under consideration and the surrounding areas. The data should include such items as
master plans and studies, zoning ordinances base and aerial maps, surveys, topographic data,
geological information, the hydrology of the area, types of soils, vegetation, and existing
easements (De Chiara, Site Planning Standards).
The idea on this statement is to consider all the aspects around the proposed project,
and every detail and characteristic must be studied and analyzed by the proponent to be able to
arrive a much more sustainable and suitable for the particular project.
The sustainable approach to site planning and design goes beyond combining and comparing site
inventories. A sustainable process attempts to determine the relationships between site factors
and how these factors will adapt to change (Planning and Urban Design Standards by John Wiley
and Sons, Inc.).
The main thought in this account is appropriate to this study in terms of analyzing the
site for the proposed project. There are the features that must be measured and be analyzed to
provide the necessary requirements to make the project capable for development. These matters
about investigating the whole thing about the proposed site with due process to come up with a
master development plan that suite with the condition of the site
A building should be designed to accommodate the most diverse functions. The four functions
are: living, communication, work, recreation (Herman Hertzberger).
The mixture of function creates a social basis that contrasts with the separation of
functions. The structure must function as if everything a man needs is found in there. This gives
the researcher an idea to create something that the occupants will be comfortable with. The
structures must be functional, efficient, and easily maintainable. The design should encourage
visitors to move above the buildings, grounds and trails in an efficient manner and that it is, as
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well, accessible to handicapped visitors. The buildings functions are designed to fulfill the goals
and objectives of the structure (IOWA Association of Naturalists, 1990).
The passive or bio-climate approach means designing systems so that various potentials found in
our immediate environment are utilized creatively to provide a desired level of sustainable
qualities within the built space (Idea, Form, and Architecture: Design Principles in Contemporary
Architecture by EgonSchirmbeck).
This statement focuses on the passive design approach such as day lighting, passive
heating, shading, ventilation cooling, water spraying/evaporation and composting. In this design
approach, the proponent will have an idea on how to endeavor a tropical building that can
sustain, easily maintain, cost efficient and can improve through time.
We are living in a tropical country and is experiencing two seasons the wet and the dry season.
Building design speaks of the climate where-in it its located because building design is essential
to the persons who occupy the space for this could help minimize the problems brought by
climate.
The locally available product and recycled materials should be used. The use of bamboo, nipa,
stones and etc. are recommended. (Mary Jane R. Cabarles, 2009)
This statement by Cabarles contributes to the thought of the researcher that climate can
influence the aesthetics of the structure. The materials to be used in the structure must be
capable of handling the forces of nature. It is a matter of being practical that it would cost less in
terms of the maintenance of the structure.
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The Forte Building Apartment Building, located in Australia, is the first tallest apartment
in the world. This revolutionary design approach of the building can reduce carbon dioxide (CO2)
emission by more than 1,400 tones more or less its equivalent to 345 cars removed on the road.
It is a five-star green building. It was equipped with LED lighting in home displays linked to smart
meters and rainwater reuse. The use of timber in construction phase is more efficient and
environmentally friendly.
The engineered Cross-laminated Timber (CLT) is widely used in Europe in many years
because of its sustainability and lower environmental footprint features.
A building material that has been around for centuries, timber, enables the permanent
capture of carbon so buildings become essentially carbon sinks.
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The Newton Suites of Singapore was design by WOHA in 2003 and completed in 2007.
This high-end green apartment building in Singapore was designed to sustain itself economically.
The facilities such as the social terrace, the landscaped deck and gymnasium have unique
designs.
The site is economically used, with the tower set to one side. The recreation deck the
facilities of which include a social terrace, sauna, steam room and gymnasium complex, all well
located on the far side of the pools covers over the above-ground parking, with vine-covered
screen enclosures that reduce negative by-products from the cars. The roof and walls of the
gymnasium match the chequered arrangement of painted panels a subtle combination of beige
and various shades of grey that covers all planar surfaces of the tower, thus uniting the two
buildings and providing a hard-edged counterpoint to the softness of the surrounding water
and vegetation.
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The twenty two-acre residential Park Apartment in Northern India has a scenic lawn to
boast. The structures was developed by the New York-based architectural design company u+a.
It includes basement car parks, health club and community retails.
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Research Methodology
In conducting this study, specific research and deeper understanding of the problem will
solve the design solution. The content of this data will be based on the relevant studies gathered
by the proponent.
Research Design
Qualitative Research Further studies on public resettlements and private mid-rise
apartments and tropical architectural design will be extracted from different digital and print
sources (books, articles, academic journals, annual reports, etc.).
Data Gathering Relevant studies and materials on the subject matter must be included.
Pertinent data from the National Housing Authority (NHA) are also incorporated.
Case Studies:
East Residences
Existing Structure
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East Residence is a Mid-rise condominium located at Ortigas avenue. Its a modern contemporary
design having a 5 storey walk up condominium with a maximum of 6 units per floor
Building issues
Existing Structure
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Unstable foundations
Unsafe staircase
Existing Structure
National Housing Authority Medium Rise Housing (MRH) is a housing program of the National
Government for the informal settlers living in the dangerous areas in the country. It consists of 5
storey low-cost Mid-rise buildings within the given site.
Building issues
Units have a high amounts of direct solar radiation because of a minimum window
openings
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Research Instrument
The proponent will use references like books coming from different facilities, digital media
files, magazines and the World Wide Web. Further observations from the case studies are also
done by the proponent because the essence of the proposals comes from the different studies
both foreign and local.
An interview will be conducted on the proposed site. The respondents are residents of
the area. In the next chapter, the results will be discussed and further explanations provided
with analysis about the research development.
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According to Nelda Sipe, the usual problem of their building is the faulty roofing
and the small space of each unit to accommodate members of the extended family. The
roofs leak during the wet season. Then during the dry season, the roofs do not help in
insulating the high temperature which brings inconvenience to the residents.
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Question # 2
2. Ilan miyembro kayo sa pamilya?
(How many are you in the family?)
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Question # 4
4. Ano-ano ang mga kadalasang problema na nai-encounter ninyo sa structure ng pabahay?
(What are the common problems the neighborhood encounters with the structure?)
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Question # 6
6. Naiangat ba ng pagtira sa pabahay ang estado niyo sa buhay?
(Did residing in the resettlement building uplift the socio-economic status of your lives?)
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Question # 8
8. May mga nais po ba kayong baguhin sa kasalukuyang disenyo ng pabahay?
(Are there any design recommendations/revisions that you want to share regarding your
present resettlement building?)
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Question # 10
10. Nais niyo bang magkaroon ng isang mid-rise resettlement housing - tropical building
design na pabahay dito sa Pilipinas?
(Do you prefer to have mid-rise resettlement housing - tropical building design here in
the Philippines?)
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answered based on the results provided in the study, it should be practical and there must be a
need to do the proposal. The target users of the proposal are the tenants of the resettlement
building and local residents adjacent the site because their lifestyles are also inclined with the
structure.
Target users include all the tenantschildren, families, elders. The mid-rise
resettlement housing - tropical building design will fulfill the target users preferences. Socioeconomic
status
and
living
experience
of
the
residents
will
be
improved.
The recommended research approach for the proposal must be modern and innovative.
The building design must have enough aesthetics that will serve as a landmark for the potential
site. The activities inside the building must be also modern in such a way that the lifestyle in this
generation is more on fast-paced activities. By means of technology, this will be done easily for
the users and also for the proponent itself. The tropical design of the proposal must also serve
as a way of communicating for the users who will benefit a lot especially the residents of the
resettlement building.
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Vertical Farming
-
Its a sustainable design approach its typically apply to the high rise structures.
Its a space wherein the users can plant their and developed their vegetations
and can sustain and assist their socio-economic problems.
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Building Envelope
-
Building envelope should help bring in wind and regulate the airflow especially at
higher altitudes
Ramp System
The overall design of the proposal mainly consists of ramps which is a very strong concept for the
circulation of users and activity inside the building. Ramp system maximizes the spaces
throughout the structure and lessens the need of elevators inside the building. Since it is a long
span passageway and it doesnt conflict any enclosed areas.
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Rationale
Chapter II.2
The research focus is relevant because it is the primary backbone of the proposal. Being
a tropical design mid-rise housing in terms of building technology, it adds appeal to the space and
can uplift the living experience of the users of the building. The main principle is to change the
face of the typical resettlement building.
Mid-rise housing concepts today differ from the typical medium-rise buildings.
Modern and tropical concept of the mid-rise housing give additional appeal for the users and
since their activity will become different from the others that they usually do inside the
resettlement building.
The orientation of the overall design should also be considered in order to maximize
potential of the various tropical design elements (wind direction, sunlight path, soil stability etc).
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A suitable space is needed for this project type. Selecting a site for a proposal is one of
the critical stages in formulating the project. To determine the appropriate location of the project
site, the residents socio-economic attributes must be addressed. Apart from this, the biophysical
aspects of the proposed site should also be weighed in. These biophysical aspects are as follows:
water supply, topography, soil type, adequate zoning area, drainage, land rights, land ownership,
orientation, site area, aesthetic value of the site and technical description. In the economic part
of the project, the site criteria mainly focus on providing additional income to the locals.
This research study includes the compatibility of the proposal to the site and its
surroundings. The site criteria should consider the following:
The site should cater all potential users especially the residents.
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It is also accessible to
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Road Map
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Sun Path
The sun moves from east to west with varying heights and intensity. As shown in the
figure below, the highest temperature is represented by red and the lowest temperature is
represented by blue. The hottest time of the day is from 12 PM to 3 PM.
Prevailing Winds
The prevailing winds for the site is based on the detailed data given by the Philippine
Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). The data
shows the directions of the wind for the year 2012. As shown in the figure, the prevailing winds
are coming from the north, west, east, south east, and south west directions.
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Sample Questionnaire
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