UPLIFTING SUSTAINABILITY AND MODERNISM TO THE INTERIORS OF A CONVENTION CENTRE

A Thesis Presented to The Department of Interior Design College of Fine Arts and Design University of Santo Tomas Espaa, Manila, Philippines

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of Bachelor of Science Major in Interior Design

Submitted by: RYENA M. ESTRADA

TABLE OF CONTENTS Title Page i Table of Contents.. iivi Approval Sheet.. vii Jurys Approval Sheet........................................................................................... viii Acknowledgement.... ix Thesis Abstract x CHAPTER I: Introduction A. Background of the Study...................................................................................... B. Statement of the Problem...................................................................................... C. Significance of the Study......................................................................................... D. Scope and Delimitation of the Study...................................................................... CHAPTER II: Theoretical and Conceptual Framework Review of the Literature and Related Studies............................................................. Conceptual Framework.............................................................................................

Definition of Terms................................................................................................... CHAPTER III: Methodology Research Design........................................................................................................ The Sample.............................................................................................................. The Instrument........................................................................................................... Data Collection Procedure........................................................................................... Data Analysis Procedure.............................................................................................. CHAPTER IV: Presentation of Analysis and Data Area 1: Cinema Lobby.................................................................................................. Master Plan................................................................................................................. A. Data Analysis................................................................................................. B. Design Documents......................................................................................... Area 2: Restaurant..................................................................................................... Master Plan................................................................................................................. A. Data Analysis................................................................................................. B. Design Documents...................................................................................... Area 3: Cinema........................................................................................................... Master Plan.................................................................................................................

A. Data Analysis................................................................................................. B. Design Documents......................................................................................... Area 4: Convention Hall.............................................................................................. Master Plan................................................................................................................. A. Data Analysis................................................................................................. B. Design Documents...................................................................................... CHAPTER V Summary, Conclusion, and Recommendation............................................................... Re-capitulation............................................................................................................ Bibliography............................................................................................................... APPENDICES Letter to Architect....................................................................................................... Letter of Consent.......................................................................................................... Interior Design Contract............................................................................................... Charts......................................................................................................................... Brochures..................................................................................................................... Bio data.......................................................................................................................

APPROVAL SHEET

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Fine Arts Major in Interior Design, this thesis, entitled, UPLIFTING SUSTAINABILITY AND MODERNISM TO THE INTERIORS OF A CONVENTION CENTRE has been prepared by RYENA M. ESTRADA, who hereby recommended for oral deliberation.

Recommendation Approval: _____________________________ Asst. Prof. Rodolfo s. Olaso Thesis Adviser Interior Design 4A Thesis Programme

Approved by: _____________________________ Asst. Prof. Rodolfo s. Olaso

Interior Design Department Head College of Fine Arts and Design

__________________ Date JURYS APPROVAL SHEET

This thesis entitled, UPLIFTING SUSTAINABILITY AND MODERNISM TO THE INTERIORS OF A CONVENTION CENTRE prepared by RYENA M. ESTRADA, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Bachelor of Science Major in Interior Design is hereby accepted after having been presented in oral defense.

PANEL OF JURORS

______________________________ Chairman

______________________________ Member

______________________________ Member

______________________ Date ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

THESIS ABSTRACT

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION

The discussions in this chapter consist of an overview of the study, specifically divided and labeled into parts as: Background of the Study, Statement of the Problem, Significance of the Study and Scope and Delimitation of the Study.

Background of the Study Through communications and interactions, the world and its many industries has prospered and evolved with time, culture, and most especially the societys expanding needs. In all sorts of businesses, theres always a need for meetings, seminars, expos and trade shows that involves a great mass of attendees. Thus a Convention Centre that allows these activities to take place is definitely one of the necessities of the world today. Somehow in our way of living we cant deny that the environment just sometimes couldnt

handle it anymore. Because frankly saying, construction itself is already destructive to our environment. Our built environment most of the time adds up to the problems of the environment or the nature itself. And theres no one else to fix our damage but us, this is why Sustainable or Green Design has emerged and has to be put into practice and application. One of the newest establishments here in the Philippines specifically in Mandaue, Cebu is the JCX Convention Centre which was opened during November 2011, and developed by Everjust Realty Development Corp. The Centre has an area of over 1, 700sqm with three (3) meeting/conference rooms. Providing companies, exhibitions and shows a place to conduct their big events. This study intends to get a clear and precise understanding of the principles of sustainable design (acc. to College of Architecture and Urban Planning; The University of Michigan), namely Economy of Resources, Life Cycle, and Humane Design. This also aims to explore the different Modern Design strategies for a sustainable future. Incorporating comfort and function to the requirements of the four selected areas. And create a green and healthy interior for us and the natural world. In conclusion, this study aims to create a modern and sustainable interior for the Convention Centre. Our primary necessity is the environment, and it is a responsible design to create interior spaces that ensures us sustainable and better future. This study is expected to present the client and consumers innovative indigenous resources and materials Cebu offers, some of it are; Coco Coir,

Cogon Grass, Giant Bamboo, Gmelina and Water Hyacinth, which are healthy, eco-friendly and not toxic to the environment and most of all to us.

Statement of the Problem Conventions are one of the fast growing industries today in our world. And the fact that conferences and conventions are in no doubt will be with us in the next decades, this leaves us a big challenge. The modern-day society needs a built environment thats sustainable for the future; this is not just for the nature or our environment. This is above all for every one of us, for our health and especially for the future generation. Exhibitions, Trade shows and Conventions are mostly what the public awaits every year. And this is a place where a great number of people from different places and sometimes of different culture and environment gathers and communicate. Which means though its not used daily, once the area is used by the consumers; it is used vigorously for a long period of time. To this, this study seeks to answer the following questions: 1. How can the modern designs cope with the sustainable environment the clients of the Convention Centre needs?

2. What are the latest sustainable design strategies and materials can our country specifically Cebu City, offer us today? 3. What advantages can these designs provide the environment and the people? 4. How can this study be beneficial not only to the exhibitors but also to the public? 5. How can this study be able to present Sustainability, Modern Design, health and comfort in the interiors of the Convention Centre?

Significance of the Study Conventions provide us new opportunities, investments and it also allows us to be exposed to the new discoveries available in our world. Expos brings together the best in any given field making it easy for exhibition goers to get what they need with less effort. And top companies and businesses are always interested for any break they could use to introduce new things to the public. It is just right that we design these spaces critically, because all over the world today, more meetings and conventions are held every day. If we want more establishments then we should think to design for our survival in designing our built environment with respect to our main source of materials, the nature. This study provides Sustainable Design solutions for the convention centre and new alternatives for the materials we normally use in designing such spaces. It also provides better environment for us, spaces that are not only good for the nature but also to our health. This study aims

to establish an innovated area for companies and audience of any field to conduct expositions and shows. This can serve as an inspiration to any designer or person thats interested in creating spaces that could help us sustain our environment. Everyone is expected to benefit from the findings and outcomes of this study, but the main people that could wholly profit from this are as follows: 1. Public Assembly designers, managers and even attendees. 2. Designers that are about to embark on Sustainable Design. 3. Business men that held conventions, expositions, shows and meetings very often.

4. Researchers focusing on the subject Sustainable Design. 5. Investors and Product Companies that seeks more knowledge for the event spaces they use and its effects unto them.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study Predominantly, this study aspires to formulate a sustainable design solution for the Convention Centres interiors where as comfort and modern design is incorporated. Succeeding goal of this study is to discover the latest of our countrys available resources for sustainable design. Different strategies are to be applied to the four (4) selected areas from the Convention Centre to be designed. The focus of this study will be on these four areas having certain objectives as listed:

Cinema Lobby 1. To be able to create relaxed, comfortable and inviting atmosphere. 2. To rely more on sustainable materials rather than artificial materials. 3. To provide enough space for a good traffic flow of the attendees.

Restaurant 1. To design a healthy and sustainable setting for eating. 2. To create an appetizing mood for the customers. 3. To be able to offer a green and modern interior.

Cinema 1. To introduce a sustainable interiors for the cinema through a modern approach. 2. To be able to create a healthy surrounding that is appropriate for all ages.

Convention Hall

1. To construct a sustainably designed free space thats convertible and adjustable according to an events needs. 2. To offer a variety of lighting modes depending on a certain events requirements. 3. To provide modifiable ventilation contingent upon an expected number of attendees.

CHAPTER II THEORETICAL AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

This chapter will be discussing first, about the Review of the Literature and Related Studies, Conceptual Framework and lastly the Definition of Terms.

Review of the Literature and Related Studies A. Cebu

It has been named that Cebu is the Philippines home for the most innovative design products, and is aiming to be Asias design destination. And even more, Cebu has been hailed as Philippines furniture capital. The Cebu furniture industry has gained significant achievements over the past ten years. It has grown from mere rattan pole trading to being one of the major contributors to the Philippine economy. Always noted for their good designs, excellent craftsmanship and the creative use of traditional and indigenous materials, Cebu furniture is one of the top five exports of the province. (cebueuropeconnect.com, 2007) An article written by AJ de la Torre in 2009 for Philstar entitled Development plans to push use of indigenous materials discussed the factors on why the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) would to set in motion the employment of native materials of Cebu. DTI Undersecretary for regional operations Merly Cruz said in a recent interview that they are bracing up business development plans to shift towards using materials that are not harmful to the environment. Cruz said that they would like to share the concept of being able to minimize the pollution through injecting in their product development plans the use of indigenous materials. It is good not to be in the industry for the business only but also for the protection of the environment. Cruz said that with the current problems caused by typhoons, people are becoming more active in participating in efforts and initiatives that are geared for environment protection and they are hopeful of the participation of more industries through this reinforcement of projects. According to Cruz, they are also partnering with other offices like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for their projects and also the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the Department of Science and Technology in helping more people be educated in using materials that would not harm the environment.

Cruz said that this could also have a good effect on the exporters most especially since the efforts on environment protection is being strengthened worldwide and products that are made by indigenous materials would be highly appreciated by a lot of people. (philstar.com, 2009)

B. Convention Centre Convention and conference centers belong to the visitor industry, wherein collaboration with other industries such as business and hospitality industry is a necessity. Amenities offered by a convention centre is one of the main factors clients, investors and business men look after. As what is said in the book Public Assembly Facilities: Again, the size of the facility, population of the community, and the amount of the convention sales budget will to a great degree determine the facility managers involvement in this aspect of the marketing picture. In smaller communities the manager may be serving in a major role and working directly with the hotel/motel industry by inviting conventions to the city. In larger metropolitan areas in which major hotels with sales personnel are allocated in the facility managers responsibility may be more that of supporting and assisting the sales activity of the convention bureau. In either event the facility manager can help his community and the building by analyzing his property to determine exactly what its capabilities may be; for example, the number of exhibit booths that can be accommodated in exhibit areas; the seating capacity of each room under varying conditions, and the number of people that can be served at food functions. (Don Jewell, 1978) D. Modern Design From the Latin word modo which means just now, came the word Modern. In which was applied into design in the late 19 th century through the early 20th century, and named as the Modernism design movement. In both

architecture and interior design, modern design was always up to newest styles and materials, and updated trends in the field of art. Modern Design has always been and will always be associated with the concept of energy. For the reason, art copes up with time and technology. This is the basis why it is called a movement; it will and always come along with the era and the latest available materials and ideas. The development of the concept of modern style or international style, whether through intention or misunderstanding, was fundamentally antithetical to Modernism. The rejection of the a priori application of style, whether neoclassical or gridded curtain wall, was, and remains, at the heart of a true modernist attitude. Modern architecture could not have happened without the availability of concentrated energy, primarily petroleum. The drake oil well, which is usually cited as the first commercial operation of its kind, was drilled in 1859 and began the pattern of exponential growth in hydrocarbon fuel consumption that now so threatens the ecosystem. Here is one of the great ironies in the history of architecture and environmental consciousness: the technologies that underlie the evolution of modern thought were dependent on readily available energy sources-electricity, oil, and gas. The modern city, with all of its global environmental benefits, is a product of modernism. (Carl Stein, 2010) E. Public Assembly Many has said and pointed out that a facility for public assemblies are now one of the necessities of a community, especially when its residents or occupants mostly come from the business and trade industry. To accommodate shows, exhibitions and mostly convention of great population, convention centers were built and delivered to the people. And to the reason that, these are the factors that would be necessary for every one of us especially in the near future, it is in no hesitation that these establishments should be sustainable.

In some situations the need for a performing arts center or a convention hall may be obvious. In others, however, the first step in planning is to determine carefully what-if anything-is required. Ideally, an investigation of a communitys current demands should include an inventory of existing facilities, followed by an examination of future requirements. In most cases accommodations for sports, shows, exhibitions, conventions, concerts, and other cultural events may be included. Further study will fix seating capacities, floor dimensions, number of meeting rooms, and other specifics. Feasibility studies of one kind or another are one of the normal beginning points for most communities interested in the development of new or expanded facilities. These studies may be directed toward a broad assessment of community requirements or sometimes toward determining the need for a hall to serve a specific purpose or segment of the community. It is at this point that the marketability, or perhaps usability, of a building should be closely scrutinized. A city, state, country, or province rarely, if ever, erects a building or complex of this kind of its own use. A governmental body customarily builds a facility for leasing to others. If the potential user or lessee finds that he does not want it, that he cannot afford the rent, or that it fails to fill his requirements, the building may stand idle a great part of the time. (Don Jewell, 1978)

F. Service Industry An industry that provides adequate help and assistance is the Service Industry. Offering the community services that are much in need for our daily activities and living. As the tertiary sector of industry, stressing attention to the many and increasing activities done by the people today is highly required. Not only on the material things our body should receive but as well as the environment, space and physical factors our daily commotions requires us to have.

In economics textbooks and most other mainstream microeconomic works the pair of goods and services are treated as one. There is little recognition of the fact that services are different from material goods in some basic respects for microeconomic analysis, In view of the size of the service sector, even macroeconomic analysis can be seriously flawed when the special nature of services is overlooked. There is really just one characteristic of services that has attracted the attention of economists, and given rise to a substantial literature: the assumed much lower rate of productivity growth of services compared to goods. In this connection, however, too little account is taken to the fact that the heterogeneity of the service sector is great; it is misleading to treat services, the service sector or the service industries as a reasonably homogeneous aggregate for economic analysis. In accordance with the supply-side definition applied in the National Accounts, the service sector can be divided up in five sub-sectors which are very different in some important respects for economic analysis: (1) Distribution of goods; (2) Housing; (3) Business-to-business services; (4) User-financed consumer services; (5) Tax-financed consumer services. (Jansson and Garzon, n.d.) G. Sustainable Design The natural resources presented to us by the earth are finite, meaning somehow, sometime in the future this resources will come to an end, only if we do not know how to maintain and take care of it. The question is how the expanding built environment and human needs can cope up with the resources given by our natural environment? Sustainable design is the answer established by designers and architects. A sustainable future, one in which humankind will have a place in the ecosystem of the earth, depends on a fundamental reconsideration of how we utilize all of the resources that support the qualities of our life. The earth is essentially a finite system. The limits of nonrenewable resources are obvious. Renewable resources are limited by the rate at which they are received and by the environmental disruption caused by their capture and use. There are limited amounts of ways the earth can accommodate before environmental conditions change to the point that current life patterns become untenable. Each new demand on limited resources creates additional pressures on other critical areas. There is a finite amount of arable land on the planet. We have already seen that initial, small steps from petroleum to

bio fuel produce dramatic effects on the coast and availability of food. There is no quick fix. There is no technological fix. What is required is a change in our fundamental approach to providing quality of life-from basic survival to the highest planes of culture and spirit. While advances in science and technology will certainly address many of the problems we are now confronting as we move ever nearer to the limiting conditions of resource availability, they will take decades to implement and will have issues we do not yet fully understand. The one broad strategy that can produce immediate, meaningful results is to do more with less. This, in turn, requires we first be clear about what we need to do more of. A modernist perspective offers some guidelines. (Carl Stein, 2010)

Conceptual Framework Fig.1

CONVENTION CENTRE

Sustainable Design

Area 1 Cinema

Area 2 Restaurant

Area 3 Cinema

Area 4 Convention

Application of Modernism Indigenous Cebu Materials Sensu al Social

Visua l

Tactil e

Definition of Terms

Intelligent Design Solution

Cinema- a theatre where films are shown for public entertainment Convention- a meeting or formal assembly, as of representatives or delegates, common for discussion of and action on particular matters of concern.

Convention Centre- a large civic building or group of building designed for conventions, industrial shows, and the like, having

large conference and other

unobstructed exhibit areas and often including rooms, hotel accommodations, restaurants, facilities.

Green Design- Product design philosophy that treats environmental attributes as design objectives and not as constraints. It aims at compromising and the useful life of the incorporating those attributes without performance, quality, functionality, item.

Lobby- a room providing a space out of which one or more other rooms or corridors lead, typically one near the entrance of a public building Modern Style- The architecture, furniture and furnishings of today. Hence a constantly changing style influenced by various countries, the 20th straight lines recognizably functional new inventions, new materials, etc. Generally in century, modern can be described as clean, with simple refined curves and a quality.

Sustainable Design- A process that maintains an ecological balance between the natural and built environment Recycle- convert (waste) into reusable material Reduce- make smaller or less in amount, degree, or size

Restaurant- a place where people pay to sit and eat meals that are cooked and served on the premises

Reuse- use again or more than once

CHAPTER III METHODOLOGY

This chapter will be containing discussions regarding the Research Design, The Sample, The Instrument, the Data Collection Procedure used, and lastly the Data Analysis Procedure used.

Research Design The ideas and findings in this study are done using a descriptive research method. This is to be able to present the public or the audience a clear and well stated interpretations and processes. The descriptive method is something more and beyond just datagathering; the latter is not reflective thinking nor research. The true meaning of the data collected should be reponed from the point of view of the objectives and the basic assumption of the project under way. This follows logically after careful classification of data. Facts obtained may be accurate expressions of central tendency, or deviation, or of correlation; but the report is not research unless discussion of those data is not carried up to the level of adequate interpretation. Data must be subjected to the thinking process in terms of ordered reasoning. (Aquino, n.d.) This studys aim is to create a sustainable space for conventions. The researcher of this study is desires to explore the members or staff of the convention centre. Information gathered are expected to present the researcher accommodating inspirations and ideas she could apply in designing the four (4) selected areas from the Convention Hall.

The Sample Sampling may be defined as measuring a small portion of something and then making a general statement about the whole thing.

(Bradfield and Murdock, n.d.) In requirement for the information needed in the process and completion of this study, certain persons are to be interviewed by the researcher to get further knowledge of the study. They are as follows; 20% of the staff, or management including the convention manager and event supervisor, and 10% of the public or the attendees population. Attendees include persons that have attended and experienced trade shows, conventions and expositions.

The Instrument To gather relevant idea the study uses multi-method approach, books, magazines, electronic sources, semi-structured interview using sets of tape and transcribed structured questionnaire. Broad researches on the main subjects; Sustainable, Green Design, Modernism and Convention Centre are done through understanding and reading articles, researches, journals and books containing further studies of the topics. Here are the primary questions asked during the interview: What are your experiences in this industry? For you, how important is the convention industry today? Being 1 as the lowest and 10 as the highest. Has sustainable design or eco design been introduced to your industry?

Do you think your establishment is helping Cebu City in promoting its natural resources? In what way?

Does your establishment provide environment friendly facilities and amenities?

Does your office provide you enough space? Does it provide you a comfortable and productive ambiance?

During event decorations, do you provide the materials or is it the presenter or client?

What is the most number of events you get in a month?

Data Collection Procedure The field of conventions, exhibits and shows are not much away from any field or job a person has. Almost all of us, even kids experience shows and mostly expositions of many kinds. The method used in the completion of this study includes extensive research through different sources, namely books, journals, magazines, theses, encyclopedias and electronic sources. Thoughts and knowledge coined from reviewing the said materials are interpreted into words and put into design. This study has undergone researches on better and sustainable materials and alternatives for construction the Philippines can offer the construction industry. Some of the main methods in completing this study are as follows; getting a precise topic, determining the problem and the solution acquired, gathering of information from books, literatures, journals, magazines and

from electronic sources in further understanding of the research topic, formulation of questions for the interviewees as well as for the questionnaire that are to be distributed and answered.

Name: ________________________________________________ Age:_______________ Occupation: __________________________________________ Answer the following questions precisely. Please check the box of your answer. 1. How many conventions, trade shows, expos, exhibitions, launching events, etc. have you already attended? 1 2 3 4 5 and more

2. Rank the following according to what you think is the most important (5), important and least important (1) factors you consider during expos, conventions, etc. ___Ventilation ___Ambiance ___Space Allocation ___Appearance of the Area ___Lighting 3. During events, what do you think is more important to you? Comfortable walk space or seating How healthy the area is

4. Rate how strong do you think lighting affects an exposition or a convention, being 1 as the lowest and 5 as the highest. 1 2 3 4 5

5. Rate how strong do you think ventilation and color scheme affects your mood and interest towards a current expo or convention, being 1 as the lowest and 5 as the highest. 1 2 3 4 5