A Research Submitted
in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Course
Practical Research 1
By
Tabuna, Klyde R.
March 2019
ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First and foremost, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to our
Research Teacher and Adviser, Mr. Antonio Salido, who gave his unconditional
support and guidance in conducting the study. We thank him for sharing his
We would like to thank our faculty teachers: Ms. Margaret Victoria, Mr.
Aaron Martinez and Arch. Marvin Rimando for helping us validate our research
instrument and for sharing their insights for the betterment of the study.
of the Philippines Senior high school principal Dr. Brenda Corpuz for allowing
us to conduct the study outside the campus and for also supporting us with our
study.
We would also like to thank our participants for their patience and
And Above all, to our Almighty God, who have been there with His
ABSTRACT
residential areas are getting denser as we grow. These are the major problem
that most architects face in every project that they had and coming up with an
innovative and sustainable housing design. The purpose was to know and
qualitative research made use of a case study method to collect relevant data,
purposive and convenience samplings are the techniques used, to attain the
considers different factors and ways in facing problems, and architects apply
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Synthesis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Definition of Terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Research Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sources of Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Primary Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sources of Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Participants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
v
Sources of Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sampling Technique . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Secondary Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Data Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Data Treatment . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary of Findings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommendation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
List of Figures
Figure 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Perspective of an Architect in Creating Residential Building Design in
Dense Urban Areas in Metro Manila
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Today, in modern era, our world keeps on evolving and so are we. As we
keep on growing, it also means that we are growing larger in population. Our
turned to beautiful urban areas that provide us a place that we can call our
home. The residential buildings in urban areas, where we live in are getting
denser as we grow. These are the major problem that most architects face in
every project that they had inside these dense urban areas, coming up with an
innovative housing design that still contributes to the greater good and
areas have nonagricultural jobs. Urban areas are very developed, meaning
designs are having challenges in urban areas, especially from these residential
buildings. ie.edu (2017) stated that the urban population is expected to double
its capacity to create denser metropolises that have high urban quality and offer
high‐density compact cities suffer from large conglomerates of urban land mass
In addition, they have higher ground roughness and poorer urban ventilation.
High anthropogenic heat and pollution emissions are also problems under
of suitable housing is still one of the biggest problems faced by the world. It is
known that increasing population, immigration, and natural disasters are the
main reasons for the great housing demand. The industrial revolution caused
with standard quality. They are also lacking in open and green spaces. Urban
environmental health (Poggio & Vrščaj 2009). Generally, the use of climatic
issue or cannot fully engage the missing link. Understanding this lack of
The study aims to know how architects solve problems involving the
building design in dense urban areas within Metro Manila and to better
in urban areas. Filipinos in dense urban areas often build houses or buildings in
an open space without thinking about the sustainable design. This often
Most of the people who migrate from rural to urban areas have
encountered building their own houses on unused land, thus squatter areas
increase in cities in the Philippines. As a result, this leads to dense urban cities
or areas.
residential building in dense urban area and how do they handle it?
dense urban areas within Metro Manila and how does dense urban areas, and
its factors become one of the problems of architectural design. The study is
issues on how would they design residential buildings especially in the dense
urban cities.
professional architects facing in the present time and conduct a study to know
building in dense urban areas. This research can be their guide in the future as
strategies or techniques that can help them solve a problem that they are facing
problem aspiring architects might face in the future, they would provide better
buildings in the dense urban areas, producing more strategies that they can
use to solve the problem they might face on the coming years.
researchers may use the data and conclusion as they conduct similar or related
studies. This will also serve as a guide for their future research purposes.
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Perspective of an Architect in Creating Residential Building Design in
Dense Urban Areas in Metro Manila
CHAPTER 2
As Winston Churchill said, “We shape our buildings, and afterwards, our
increases so as the demand for service and housing (Orante, 2015). There is a
lot of house or infrastructure due to the high population; therefore, there is only
2018).
Residential Building
provides more than half of its floor area for dwelling purposes. It provides
you will build the residential building is important as it affects the design of the
building. It has important factors to consider in selecting site for any residence,
everyone, now and for generations to come. It means recognizing that our
sustainable cities serves as an important factor for change and improvement for
the city. There are variety of strategies that can be adopted that aims to both
(Huseynov, 2011).
terms of providing the goals of designing. From the architects point of view, the
design process is so varied due to the fact that every designer starts designing
based on their specific method or ways. First, a designer organized the design
problem in order to understand it by using mind ability, then offers the initial
scheme based on creativity. The crucial steps of the design process are formed
in the mind of the designer, unconsciously; generating the concept is the most
and a mind’s ability by using some advice and ways (Parsaee, Motealleh &
Parva, 2015)
8
Perspective of an Architect in Creating Residential Building Design in
Dense Urban Areas in Metro Manila
social effects of buildings with the aid of utilizing layout strategies, substances,
energy and improvement spaces that are not detrimental to the encircling
symbols of evolution and change within societies. The towering fancies of the
affordable.
temporary living spaces complete with facilities, cooking, and bathing. The idea
is that this tubular structure could be easily relocated by a crane to stack on top
of each other in the unused spaces between existing buildings. This concept
would ease the housing crisis in cities like Hong Kong (Jordahn, 2018).
the environment, social, and economy. Urban planning and design for
sustainability is the process of shaping the physical setting of life to deal with
for the well-being of the planet with continuous growth and human improvement
homes are designed to express the latest design news and trends, reflecting
the latest scientific and technological achievements of the building, these are
tend to express the residential function and personality through the latest ideas
practices, techniques and materials, and the development of technology and its
expression pattern changes will occur naturally. First of all, areas of modern
residential building design has been very involved in a wide range, including
knowledge and economics, history, aesthetics and other social sciences, this
technology to create a complex form of the complex, which also makes each
includes Pre-design, thinking and talking about “big ideas” that will help in
designing your house; Concept option, in which you are ready to design, and
explore various ways your home could be organized and positioned on its site;
Schematic design, in this initial design phase, a set of drawings that is being
define in some detail on the design; Design development, in this phase the
they may suggest changes in the design during the construction phase.
Urban growth in the last few decades has led to a number of physical
areas have also contributed to the acute shortage of building space and rise in
density is one among the key issues in planning that can regularly create all
floor space on one unit of land, usually expressed in dwellings per unit. In urban
planning and design, urban density is a term used to refer to the number of
11
Perspective of an Architect in Creating Residential Building Design in
Dense Urban Areas in Metro Manila
people inhabiting a given urbanized area, and the amount of floor area built on
According to Lehmann (2016), there are several ways of measuring the density
of urban areas:
Floor area ratio: the total floor area of buildings divided by the land area
of the plot upon which the buildings are built. It is also referred to as
the development plot ratio, used as a measure of the density of the site
cities may evolve in the future. Density and compactness are two closely
related but different criteria, both relevant for sustainable urban development
and the transformation of cities; however, their relationship is not always well
can be detrimental to live ability, health and urban well-being (Lehmann, 2016).
efficiencies in the use of infrastructure and facilitates vibrant street life, but is
not the ‘silver bullet’ with regard to developing health promoting environments
important role in determining urban form (Baldea & Dumitrescu, 2013). The
divided by the total site area. Some components of urban areas are already
allow greater freedom of use and the ability to adapt to changes in situation
Maintaining a fair ratio of urban greenery with easy access in relation to the built
Climate Factors
research on urban climatology and increasing demand for architects and urban
planner to practice climate-conscious design, there are little evidence about the
some reason for this that will set out a methodological framework for the
that could improve the quality of life if it can be understood and responds in a
use of ‘natural energy’. It is known that cities generate their own ‘climate’.
a building and also the material in use are determined by the maximum and the
minimum temperature of the region. Therefore, the quantity and quality for
consider this during the design process for it can affect the foundation of the
building. The building foundation lies in the soil that is why the soil temperature
regions for human health. Climate is an important factor that affects all activities
of the human being on the earth positively or negatively (Saglik, Ozelkan, &
Kelkit, 2017). According to Koçman (2002) as cited by Saglik, Ozelkan, & Kelkit
(2017), it is often under the control of climate to decide on our goals, our
settlements, our way of life and many other things we cannot count in our life
cycle.
15
Perspective of an Architect in Creating Residential Building Design in
Dense Urban Areas in Metro Manila
Urban Design
design is the artwork and procedure of creating better places for the people with
the aid of designing homes, spaces and infrastructure that enhance the
function, feel, and form of towns and cities. It equally considers aesthetics and
identification, man or woman, and historical past that make up the fabric of
High quality urban design can assist in enhancing the sense of place,
the use of resources. Urban design developed methods imply that kind of
development which does not harm the physical environment and which
structures. Urban design is concerned with the layout and design and
construction of buildings and the spaces between them (Croucher, Wallace, &
Duffy, 2012)
typologies of dense architecture. The first one is the house. The individual
and benefitting of direct, individual or paired accesses from the ground or floor
16
Perspective of an Architect in Creating Residential Building Design in
Dense Urban Areas in Metro Manila
higher degree of density. The second typology is the block, which represents a
moderate, ranging between three and five levels; this height is justified by the
number of levels convenient for walking. It can be freestanding on the plot; can
continue an existing building by cleaving onto the party wall. Next is the city
urban fabric The city block generally involves a large spatial diversity and a
relatively high privacy degree. It can have the same height as the block
typology or higher. The high-rise building type, also called as tower block. It is
According to Reardon (2013), there are some matters that can help in
creating a final design. Create your final design and selection decisions of the
Construction systems
Shading solutions
External finishes
recycling
This stage is often the greatest test of commitment, for both you and
is often when budget overruns become apparent and cost reductions are then
made. This point is usually the single greatest threat to the environmental
considered ‘optional’ and eliminated in the trade-off process even though they
may have relatively low cost. These trade-offs are best managed by dividing
your project into stages. Features you don’t need right away can be built or
added later. Include the sustainability features at the start and reduce your bills
from the day you move in. These features are usually less expensive to
incorporate in the initial build than to add later. Additional spaces or rooms
designed into a total concept at the outset can be added cost effectively when
future finances allow. Changes made after this stage has been signed off will
When both parties are satisfied with the design, submit the final design drawing
2013).
the adaptability of development, efficient use of land and spaces, and the mixed
needs. The proper use of urban spaces also contributes to the social
mitigates the harshness of the environment and enhances the aesthetic value
of an urban area (Ong & Zhang 2004 as cited by Lee & Chan, 2016).
ones and their precincts in response to the demand of their inhabitants. Urban
the ability of the city to sustain its social and economic structures.
and villages, and its objective relies in accordance with the vision
of the future that they represent. Urban design involves coordinated and
their inhabitants (Jon Lang, 2005 as cited by Shahreen, & Voghera, 2019).
19
Perspective of an Architect in Creating Residential Building Design in
Dense Urban Areas in Metro Manila
Synthesis
The study aims to identify more on dense urban area and to find possible
approaches in dealing with urban density. The related literature and studies
have identify the background of urban density and showed various ways and
Alpana (2014), urban growth is one of the factors on why an urban area starts to
be dense as time pass. There are plenty of positive effects to the economy, but
surely there is a negative effect in urban areas particularly when dealing with
compact city may be attained through having the sustainable design. Urban
20
Perspective of an Architect in Creating Residential Building Design in
Dense Urban Areas in Metro Manila
Design is closely related to this, since it deals with the proper design of building
The term Compact City was first coined by George Dantzig and Thomas
Saaty in 1973. The concept of Compact City is based on the sustainability, the
idea of sustainable urban planning. The Compact City is an urban planning and
urban design concept, which promotes relatively high residential density with
mix land use. It is a more sustainable urban settlement type than urban sprawl.
urban design.
The Compact City concept and the Integrative theory were incorporated
in this study as the study states and explain the architectural design in dense
urban areas.
21
Perspective of an Architect in Creating Residential Building Design in
Dense Urban Areas in Metro Manila
Research Paradigm
The figure 1 shows the research paradigm used in the study which is the
Compact City concept and the Integrative theory. The diagram shows its
relatedness with the topic of the research which is the sustainable residential
design in dense urban areas. In the sustainable urban design, there are three
principle. It is the related studies and literature that shows the approach of
creating a high dense settlement considering the surrounding area, to meet the
needs of the inhabitants. A well planned residential building may meet the
demands of the inhabitants in dense urban area. All the components lead to the
areas.
Definition of Terms
Compact city –is an urban planning and urban design concept, which
(Wikipedia).
Dictionary).
Dictionary).
(Merriam-Webster Dictionary).
Residential Building -the building which provides more than half of its
Department).
(Google Dictionary).
Urban –of or relating to cities and the people who live in them
(Merriam-Webster Dictionary).
CHAPTER 3
An overview about the methods that were used and followed in the
study is presented. This includes the research design and the sources of data.
The primary source of data which covers the information on the participants, the
setting where the study was conducted, and the sampling techniques
processed in the study. The secondary sources of data shall also be mentioned
in this chapter along with the instruments used to gather the data, its procedure,
Research Design
and its context are not clearly evident and suitable for studying complex social
phenomena (Yin, 2017). The term case study is used in parallel with terms like
25
Perspective of an Architect in Creating Residential Building Design in
Dense Urban Areas in Metro Manila
field study and observational study, each focusing on a particular aspect of the
research methodology. This kind of methodology is well suited for many kinds
phenomena, which are hard to study in isolation. Case studies do not generate
the same results on causal relationships as controlled experiments do, but they
2009). The case study strategy is appropriate for this study because it is based
Cubao,
2 Male 9-10 Private
Quezon City
Sources of Data
A. Primary Sources
Participants
The participants are the selected architects in Metro Manila. Two (2)
architects were selected to represent the area and these are the criteria for the
participants:
observe confidentiality and to protect the participants from any form of harm.
Setting
27
Perspective of an Architect in Creating Residential Building Design in
Dense Urban Areas in Metro Manila
The research was conducted within the selected area in Metro Manila.
Sampling Technique
There are two (2) sampling techniques used to attain the participants of
B. Secondary Sources
studies as a secondary source that may benefit the study. These sources of
data help the study to support all of the data providing informations about the
in Dense Urban areas in Metro Manila. It helps the researchers to know more
and get information about the subject being tackled. The information gathered
Data Instrument
The collection of data for this study was conducted through interviewing;
interview guide questions were aligned and developed upon the research
questions of the study to acquire information needed for the conclusion of the
study. The participants were asked to be interviewed and their responses were
audio recorded for later transcription and analysis. The researchers used
expand the understanding of the different methods and approaches they use.
the participants while the other record the interview and taking a list of the
Data Treatment
interpretation of data the researchers use the audio that was recorded during
the interview for transcript and analysis. The researchers then come up with a
Limitations
interviews do not employ the rule of random sampling and the sample size is
a larger sample than the one used in this study. Next, names were not used on
Lastly, the sample size is small and it only comes from selected architects from
Metro Manila. The results however may be used to inform the design of future
Manila. Thus, this research does not represent the whole population of
architects.
CHAPTER 4
The case study conducted classified two (2) participants for the study. The
dense urban area? (2) What are the common problems architects encounter in
31
Perspective of an Architect in Creating Residential Building Design in
Dense Urban Areas in Metro Manila
designing residential building in dense urban area and how do they handle
Participant 1 stated:
“Of course, ang kuan dito, ang importante, is it feasible dun sa area and
then, yung zoning if it is for residential really or industrial area. Importante dito is
of course yung the budget itself diba, if, if ever na conducive dun sa, even sa
kuan sa part dito, sa local, i-consider yung location, important yun, para at least,
ganyan ang isang part doon. Very important yun eh. Of course yung part doon,
if it is mass housing, kailangan din natin na will rely on the building codes if it is,
may mga considerations kasi yun eh, kaya as much as possible hindi tayo
Participant 2 stated:
“Well in terms of given location like urban areas syempre alam natin
masisikip na yan, walang space gaano for open space kasi kapag nagdesign
ka ng residential kailangan kasi may open space siya para yung circulation ng
air kahit na mainit yung lugar ng pagtatayuan mo lalo na sa urban areas, much
cooler yung bahay mo kapag may open space. So yun yung nagiging challenge
32
Perspective of an Architect in Creating Residential Building Design in
Dense Urban Areas in Metro Manila
sa mga architect kapag nagdesign sila in urban areas kung paano nila
idedesign yung given areas, which is kapag sinabi nating open space, kakain
area, and the zoning, if it is really for residential or industrial area. He said that
the important is of course the budget itself, if ever that part is conducive, and in
local, considering the location important for him too, for at least it will not
wander from the residential and commercial area to the other. Participant 1 said
considers it, so that they will not have any conflict on the existing building
codes. This supports the study of Anupoju (2016) about Residential building
wherein the selection of site where you will build the residential building is
given location should consider the open spaces for the proper ventilation or the
circulation of air in the building and for the air to be cooler to make the
residential building comfortable and livable. This supports the study of Ong and
Zhang (2004) as cited by Lee and Chan (2016), about finding the proper
location and properly designed an open space that mitigates the harshness of
the environment.
identifying different ways like design, structure, budget, soil condition, color,
etc.
33
Perspective of an Architect in Creating Residential Building Design in
Dense Urban Areas in Metro Manila
Participant 1 stated:
“Actually yun, very basic yun, from, we learn from the school, many
subjects that involved, in such cases, may mga part doon, yung design, from
the very start pa lang ng first year ka, you have already design subject, design 1
up to design 10, so yun yung isa. Sa structure meron tayong, yung basic din, we
course, we rely on the soil conditions pag sa mga part ng, when you set up a
building, be sure that we, if ever three storey to four storey or up, consider yung
soil condition kasi we need, if ever na hindi feasible yun, we need to provide
structural, structural help na pwedeng yung pile system na ilalagay prior doon
sa ilalagay na structure. Yung color and others, we could learn this during yung
mga subjects na involved eh. Sa theory of designs meron non, kaya importante,
from the very start, first year ka pa lang may mga subjects na involved, iba iba,
isang structure. Iba ibang subjects, marami, kaya importante dito may mga
certain areas yan na pwede mong, for example yan, budget, importante din yun
eh. When you do a structure, example, a simple residential, know always yung
budget eh. Makukuha mo per, example per square meter, para you could come
Participant 2 stated:
Participant 1 stated that they learn from school, many subjects are
involved, from the very start, in first years, you have already design subject,
terms of budget, in estimates and in soil condition, they rely on the soil
conditions, because if not, they need to provide structural help. He stated that in
colors and others, they learn it in subjects involving theory of designs. When
they are doing the structure, like a simple residential structure, they always
know the budget so that they could come up with current budget per area.This
supports the study of Zareaian and Zadeh (2013) in terms of soil condition, the
Participant 2 stated that there are some knowledge learned at school but
there are more knowledge and experience one can gain in the field as they
experience the actualization of the skills they have. This supports the compact
city concept of Dantzig and Saaty (1973) which shows the idea of sustainable
urban planning.
Participant 1 stated:
35
Perspective of an Architect in Creating Residential Building Design in
Dense Urban Areas in Metro Manila
“Oo tama ito, it differ, example, the client wanted you to design a
area rin na, depende sa settings eh, example nasa beach area ka, of course
sa lugar, diba, so ganon. Kung ano yung tema ng building mo, example we
have a character of a Chinese building, kung yun yung client mo, a Chinese, he
yung subject mo is example, meron kang resort, resort yung required ng kuan,
in a way na, ganito yung character na gusto ko, Chinese character yung
interior. Konektado yan lahat eh, of course kailangan lang naman unang una,
ask your client if ever na kung magkano yung budget if it is ano, kaya ng, as per
Participant 2 stated:
“Ibig sabihin niyan malalayo yung ano natin diba.. Well in fact. Hindi
architect kailangan mo munang i-study feasibility in every location, what are the
trends o ano yung mga kailangan nila dun sa lugar na yun so dun mo babagay
yung design mo. So you cannot create ng design kung makakasama naman
ang design mo sa community like for example..yung mga ano natin sa mga sa
Ilocos sa Vigan.. so you cannot design a modern house from Vigan kasi kilala si
36
Perspective of an Architect in Creating Residential Building Design in
Dense Urban Areas in Metro Manila
Vigan sa mga old houses dun sila nakilala. So kailangan mo munang i-study
yung location or feasibility, kung ano yung kailangang design nila bago ka mag
Participant 1 stated that the way they design differ from one place or
location to another. He stated an example that if the client wanted him to design
area, depending on the setting, if the setting is tropical; his design will be a
tropical design. Participant 1 said that the character of the building differs too,
particular area. He said that the design of the exterior should blend with the
design of the interior, it is all connected, but if ever, they always ask their client
if how much will their budget if it possible as per of the particular location. This
since it is given that they have to study the feasibility in every location and
create a design base on the location or site because the designs created
building in Vigan, Illocos, one should not design a modern house since Vigan is
well known for its old houses. This supports the study of Lee and Chan (2016)
about the developmental strategy involves the efficient use of land and spaces
residential building in dense urban area and how do they handle it.
Participant 1 stated:
“Actually very common ito na depende sa how you manage yung ano,
yung design ma-encounter mo dito is, kaya importante, between you and the
client yung proper orientation na kung ano yung needs nila. Sabihin natin na
always provide yung technical descriptions ng lot or the area itself, mangyari
nagkakaroon din kasi ng kuan doon yung example very irregular yung lot, pag
doon sa irregular area na ano, tapos ang isa pa doon is, kailangan mo na, (the
naming ito, yung lalo na sa planning, sometimes the client, we do really have an
parang hindi, parang sila na mismo yung nagrerevise kaagad yung mga
changes, well usually na-eencounter namin yon, at the same time kapag
that what is have been finalized before, parang ganon. Of course, yun nga yung
sinasabi dito na how do they handle it, yun nga yung proper management ng
sometimes, may mga, sa mga building officials, did you have yung checking. Ay
prior to this pala, ang nangyayari ano, kapag hindi talaga naaprubahan ng city
hall, yung mismong design mo, kailangan talaga na i-iron out muna prior doon
Participant 2 stated:
“Well space..yes.. limited space but the client wants more for their rooms
so yun yung nagiging challenge din sa amin so kung paano naming siya
Participant 1 stated that the common problems for them are: first on how
they manage the design that they encounter, it is important to have a proper
orientation between the architect and the client about the client’s needs.
Second, they are always providing technical descriptions of the lot or the area
the irregular area. Next, they also encounter problems in terms of planning like
sometimes, the client and the architect already have an agreement, and at the
same time, major changes happen, because of not having consultation to the
architect, sometimes the client is the one that is revising the design that has
been already finalized but then, eventually, changes happen. Lastly, the
architect stated that if the design planned was not approved by the city hall, it
should iron out first prior to the implementation, that’s the important thing, it is a
problem in dense urban areas like Metro Manila is the limited space. He stated
39
Perspective of an Architect in Creating Residential Building Design in
Dense Urban Areas in Metro Manila
that given the limited space the clients wanted more room in the residential
building, that challenge the Architects in how will they maximize the small or
limited space given. This supports the compact city concept of Dantzig and
Saaty (1973) which shows the idea of sustainable urban planning as it identify
Manila.
Participant 1 stated:
“For as long as you could comply with the building laws naman, there’s a
when you already have a plan, it should go through the process na it could still
approved by the building officials, para wala tayong ma-encounter in the future
na nagkaroon ng violations dun sa mga dinesign natin. May guidelines eh, may
mga restrictions ang certain localities na ina-avoid nila, example doing outside
the property line, nagkaroon ka ng, lumagpas ka, it is violation yun, and even
opening doon sa side wich is violation yon, so hindi dapat mag-crossover doon
Participant 2 stated:
“Ah well kailangan mong magstart ng scratch until you make it na design
nating risk for safety.. so yun yung guidelines ko para makapagcreate ako ng
then.. over over again na magdesign ka.. until na ma-approve ng client and
Participant 1 stated that complying with the building laws and having the
plan or design approved by the building officials could lessen problems in the
future, as it secure that one has followed to the given conditions or restrictions
problems could lessen in the future. Participant 2 stated that one should start
from a scratch until the design was approved by the client. He stated that the
scratch is his guideline to create design that is not awkward and liked by his
clients. It is to make sure that it is not a safety issue or the result of the design is
approved by the client and the building officials. This supports the Integrative
Subtheme #3: Religiously following the given codes of conduct and regulations
Participant 1 stated:
regulations before coming up, yes! Actually yun nga, very important ito, always
go through with the ano, yung mga codes nga and restrictions na dapat
Participant 2 stated:
41
Perspective of an Architect in Creating Residential Building Design in
Dense Urban Areas in Metro Manila
ah kasi sa actual location,actual needs ng client na sabi gusto nila ganito, gusto
minimize yung mga code or standard design pero kung halimbawa talaga
namang nagiging risky yung design. Sa akin ha hindi ako na tinutuloy yun, so
sides in a rear para maiwasan yung pag nasunog matama yung house mo and
then the adjacent sunod sunod so yun yung nagiging dahilan balkit pag
nasunog ang isang lugar magkakasunod sunod sila kasi wala silang firewall na
minemaintain, the rest kung hindi naman risky parang sinasacrifice ko na.”
Participant 1 stated that he follows and consider the codes of conduct and
regulations even before coming up with a design to avoid further revisions in the
future due to violations. Participant 2 stated that in reality, the codes are not
religiously followed because of the actual location and need of the client. It is for
the designer to find a way to minimize the code or standard design but if the
design is to risky, He stated that he no longer continue the design and he insist
his client that they need a firewall to prevent continuous fire because of the
dense area. He stated that it is one of the code in design that he maintain and if
it the design is not risky, he sacrifice it. This supports the compact city concept
of Dantzig and Saaty (1973) which shows the idea of sustainable urban
planning and shows the connection of the characteristics of compact city to the
area.
Participant 1 stated:
mga materials, it should be safety and then yung mga materials na yun,
actually yung specially one example was you are using yung roofing na it
mo dun sa building designs mo, kasi yung mga example yun nga, yung hollow
tohollow blocks, may mga other materials na pwedeng kuan, yung mga
recycled part, maging lightweight, instead na CHB wall, gawin mong may
Styrofoam sa loob reinforced with wires and then yung plastering, iba na, so in
Participant 2 stated:
mga yan light.. aircon, electric fan, and then kasi ang pagkakaalam ko nga
so kailangan natin i-design yung house natin which is comfortably for living din
43
Perspective of an Architect in Creating Residential Building Design in
Dense Urban Areas in Metro Manila
naman so sa tingin ko kaya naman yon na gawin ang isang design basta
sustainable design, like using plastic and light materials for roofing and for the
walls, respectively. He said that, in this way, you don’t only save materials, but
you can save money on budget, too. Participant 2 stated that in designing
should be minimized. He said that sustainable should not use powers so the
design must be comfortable to live in and the design can be created, only if an
design principles.
Participated 1 stated:
“Yung mga application ng mga green building materials eh, yun yung
isang part na magiging sustainable yung mga design mo. May mga, example
recycled materials, di ba mayroon kang glass or yung instead glass blocks, may
mga bottles to have yung natural light na papasok intead na totally isang glass
block lang yung ginamit mo. Pwedeng sustainable din pwede yung mga
44
Perspective of an Architect in Creating Residential Building Design in
Dense Urban Areas in Metro Manila
Participant 2 stated:
green building materials. He said that one example is recycling materials like
bottles in place of glass blocks to have natural light enter the building. Using
Participant 2 stated that limit the use electricity and having the windows
widened, for him to make a natural ventilation and to minimize the use of
electrical power. This support the study of Huseynov (2011) on green cities,
they use variety of strategy to make a sustainable cities that can also improve
the environment.
Participant 1 stated:
“Ito kasi, depende sa location nga eh so, part of Metro Manila, more or
less meron parin na application, pwede naman dito sa Pasig, pwede rin dito sa
along San Mateo. So pwede naman jan, pwede mong apply yung locations
niyan kasi for now doon sa part na yun even some drowned part of Marikina, we
45
Perspective of an Architect in Creating Residential Building Design in
Dense Urban Areas in Metro Manila
do still have open space but, of course dapat ma-identify mo kung ito ay dapat
sang-ayon dun sa zoning plan, meron kang kuan, kung pwedeng maitayo yung
mismong design natin na residential building. So from there, well advise pa rin
ng kuan eh, kasi may mga proposal yan, example may isang developer or ano,
they could go to the have research first eh prior doon sa if it is feasible or not, sa
along flooded area? Hindi, dapat it is conducive to the location and it should be
is yung eco system na tinatawag natin na, baka kasi yung mga rivers natin
isang developer, wala silang mga ganon, so importante doon ngayon yung
nirerequire nila ngayon yung mismong incinerator or yung mismong pag mga
environments.”
Participant 2 stated:
“Kasi sa tingin ko kais medyo limited na kasi yung ibang materials natin
like woods to create a sustainable urban areas but kailangan siguro magkaroon
mga commercial areas kailangan lang nila ng space para sa mga ventilation,
proper ventilating, like windows to minimize yung paggamit ng power and then
pag meron kasi tayong open space malilimit natin yung paggamit ng yung mga
niya yung heat niya so ganon kainit sa Manila, kasi lahat jan puro pigment wala
nila sa design yung mga open space nila so tinatamnan nila ng mga bushes,
trees and grass para yung init na nag-aabsorb hindi siya magbounce back so
open space talaga ang kailangan.. yes.. and then siguro magcreate sila ng mga
yung mga we called it parang pasyos para sa mga trees o ano nila.”
Participant 1 stated that in the places like Pasig, or along San Mateo can
still have open spaces, they must identify if it is agreed to the zoning plan,
meaning if the residential building design can really be build on the particular
have research first prior if it is feasible or not, so for example, in the part of
Marikina, they can’t build a residential in the flooded area because it should be
conducive to the location and it should be on the higher area. He said that one
proper drainage system. Participant 2 stated that materials like woods are
buildings for proper ventilation, like using windows to reduce the usage of
power. He said that if there is an open space, the use of pigments could lessen,
because pigments could absorb the heat then it releases the heat in the
evening. It is hot in Manila because they use a lot of pigments and there are
limited spaces unlike in Singapore they plant some bushes, trees and grass in
47
Perspective of an Architect in Creating Residential Building Design in
Dense Urban Areas in Metro Manila
open spaces so that it can absorb the heat and the heat will not bounce back.
This supports the study of Howard (1833) as cited by Erell (2008), which talks
CHAPTER 5
that the researcher try to find in the study conducted to identify the perspective
from the result of the study findings based on the objectives that the
residential building in dense urban area and how do they handle it?
Based on the results presented in the preceding chapter, the following findings
building, architects have to consider the location and examine its feasibility.
residential building in dense urban area and how do they handle it?
architects encounter are the limited spaces, they have to maximize the space
the design, there will always be revisions on your design; there will be problems
if the design was not approved by the building officials and if it does not a
building permit. To avoid more problems and to handle it, architects have to
comply with the given codes to avoid violations. Starting your design from
scratch could also help according to your clients preference but also ensure the
urban areas?
has the Application of green and safe materials. The use of electrical power,
Manila, architects have to consider the condition of the site or location, whether
it is safe and has the enough resources needed. Avoid the usage of materials
that absorb and releases heat especially in dense areas like Metro Manila.
Conclusion
50
Perspective of an Architect in Creating Residential Building Design in
Dense Urban Areas in Metro Manila
spaces, building codes and open spaces are important to consider before
should consider how to manage the budgets and examine the particular lot or
permit and problems in limited spaces of Metro Manila. Creating a design from
scratch that is complying with the guidelines and building laws is an essential to
make sure that the design follows a safety measures and avoid future problems
and violations.
3. The researchers conclude that a sustainable design is one that make use of
recycled and green building materials that does not harm the environment and
the peoples health. The design should observe the use of natural light, proper
ventilation, lessen the use of electrical power and avoid the use of harmful
materials.
Recommendation
51
Perspective of an Architect in Creating Residential Building Design in
Dense Urban Areas in Metro Manila
aspirants should study more about their field specifically about residential
building for them to find more solution concerning density in urban areas.
creating design in dense urban areas, they should improve their strategies and
quality of the design in order to make a sustainable residential building for the
community.
dense urban areas, they should show concern about the prevailing problem
REFERENCES
Books
Hong Kong 2030plus (2016).Planning and Urban Design for a Liveable High-
Research Journals
Ajmone, M.F., Hepperle E., Poggio, L., Schulin, R., & Vrščaj, B.(2009).
10.14989/doctor.k19347.
Judd, S. (2008). We shape our buildings... thereafter they shape us'. SAGE
Publications.Vol 7,163-165.
Kelkit, A ., Ozelkan, E., & Saglik, A. Role of Climate in Landscape Design and
47.
Kondo, .A, Narumi, D., & Shimoda, Y. ( 2009). Effects of anthropogenic heat
9717.1000141
building energy use: Urban density versus daylight and passive solar
DOI: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2011.04.007
10.1108/02630800510586907
Zareaian, S. & Zadeh, K.A. (2013). The Role of Climate Factors in Designing
197-200.
Chan, E.H.W., & Lee, G.K.L. (2016). Factors Affecting Urban Renewal in
High-Density City.
Hubert, M. (2016). “We Shape Our Buildings; Thereafter They Shape Us:”
University.
Web Sources
https://theconstructor.org/building/types-site-selection-residential-
building/5995/.
Brink, E., Rivera, C., & Wamsler, C. (2013). Planning for climate change in
https://buildabroad.org/2017/08/15/sustainability-in-architecture/.
http://www.metricity.net.
Croucher, K., Duffy, S., & Wallace, A. (2012, June).The Infuence of Land
Review_of_infleunce_of_land_use_mix_density_and_urban_design_on
_health_final.pdf.
fromhttps://hi.works/residential-design-process.
Jordahn, S. (2018, March 16). Micro homes in water pipes could take
https://www.dezeen.com/2018/03/16/ movie-james-law-cybertecture-
opod-tube-housing-micro-homes-water-pipes-video/.
from https://krmangalam.edu.in/blog/role-architecture-todays-society.
56
Perspective of an Architect in Creating Residential Building Design in
Dense Urban Areas in Metro Manila
age-population-health.
design.com/sustainablearchi.html.
http://www.yourhome.gov.au/you-begin/design-process?fbclid=
IwAR1jF7ET8RFZRqNMyJUqmnl_NDCj2hMw6vBtVICYqn_3O4MdqeF
38Ld3R9I.
Shahreen, F. & Voghera, A. (2019). Urban Planning and design methods for
trends/full.
Whangarei district council. (2011). Making great places to shape our future:
http://www.wdc.govt.nz/Plans PoliciesandBylaws/Plans/Urban
Design/Documents/Urban-Design-Strategy.pdf.
57
Perspective of an Architect in Creating Residential Building Design in
Dense Urban Areas in Metro Manila
APPENDIX A
RESEARCH INSTRUMENT
1. What are the different ways of Architects in designing residential
building in dense urban area?
Q: Does the way you design differ from one place or location to another? What
are your considerations? How do these affect your creativity?
Q: Do you religiously follow the given codes of conduct and regulations before
coming up with a design?
Q: What can you suggest to the locations like Metro Manila in terms of
designing sustainable residential building?
APPENDIX B
A. Participant 1
“Of course, ang kuan dito, ang importante, is it visible dun sa area and
then, yung zoning if it is for residential really or industrial area. Importante dito is
of course yung the budget itself diba, if, if ever na conducive dun sa, even sa
kuan sa part dito, sa local, i-consider yung location, important yun, para at least,
ganyan ang isang part doon. Very important yun eh. Of course yung part doon,
if it is mass housing, kailangan din natin na will rely on the building codes if it is,
may mga considerations kasi yun eh, kaya as much as possible hindi tayo
identifying different ways like design, structure, budget, soil condition, color,
etc.?
“Actually yun, very basic yun, from, we learn from the school, many subjects
that involved, in such cases, may mga part doon, yung design, from the very
start pa lang ng first year ka, you have already design subject, design 1 up to
design 10, so yun yung isa. Sa structure meron tayong, yung basic din, we have
rely on the soil conditions pag sa mga part ng, when you set up a building, be
sure that we, if ever three storey to four storey or up, consider yung soil
structural, structural help na pwedeng yung pile system na ilalagay prior doon
sa ilalagay na structure. Yung color and others, we could learn this during yung
mga subjects na involved eh. Sa theory of designs meron non, kaya importante,
from the very start, first year ka pa lang may mga subjects na involved, iba iba,
isang structure. Iba ibang subjects, marami, kaya importante dito may mga
certain areas yan na pwede mong, for example yan, budget, importante din yun
60
Perspective of an Architect in Creating Residential Building Design in
Dense Urban Areas in Metro Manila
eh. When you do a structure, example, a simple residential, know always yung
budget eh. Makukuha mo per, example per square meter, para you could come
Q: Does the way you design differ from one place or location to another? What
“Oo tama ito, it differ, example, the client wanted you to design a commercial
building, if it situated in a commercial area, ibahin mo dun sa rural area rin na,
depende sa settings eh, example nasa beach area ka, of course hindi mo
so ganon. Kung ano yung tema ng building mo, example we have a character of
a Chinese building, kung yun yung client mo, a Chinese, he wanted to have a
example, meron kang resort, resort yung required ng kuan, in a way na, ganito
labas magbeblend dun sa loob na design mo, sa interior. Konektado yan lahat
eh, of course kailangan lang naman unang una, ask your client if ever na kung
magkano yung budget if it is ano, kaya ng, as per dun sa location na ano.”
residential building in dense urban area and how do they handle it?
“Actually very common ito na depende sa how you manage yung ano, yung
design ma-encounter mo dito is, kaya importante, between you and the client
yung proper orientation na kung ano yung needs nila. Sabihin natin na always
nagkakaroon din kasi ng kuan doon yung example very irregular yung lot, pag
doon sa irregular area na ano, tapos ang isa pa doon is, kailangan mo na, (the
yung mga designs na it’s already been finalized and then eventually
time kapag naubusan na ng budget, architect you need to revise our plan
course, yun nga yung sinasabi ditto na how do they handle it, yun nga yung
did you have yung checking. Ay prior to this pala, ang nangyayari ano, kapag
hindi talaga naaprubahan ng city hall, yung mismong design mo, kailangan
Manila?
“For as long as you could comply with the building laws naman, there’s a
when you already have a plan, it should go through the process na it could still
approved by the building officials, para wala tayong ma-encounter in the future
na nagkaroon ng violations dun sa mga dinesign natin. May guidelines eh, may
mga restrictions ang certain localities na ina-avoid nila, example doing outside
the property line, nagkaroon ka ng, lumagpa ka, it is violation yun, and even
may mga restrictions na it should be obly fire wall and then nagkaroon ka ng
opening doon sa side wich is violation yon, so hindi dapat magcrossover doon
Q: Do you religiously follow the given codes of conduct and regulations before
“Eto, do you religiously follow the given codes of conduct and regulations
before coming up, yes! Actually yun nga, very important ito, always go through
with the ano, yung mga codes nga and restrictions na dapat ma-avoid, sa
mga materials, it should be safety and then yung mga materials na yun,
actually yung specially one example was you are using yung roofing na it
mo dun sa building designs mo, kasi yung mga example yun nga, yung hallow
hallow blocks, may mga other materials na pwedeng kuan, yung mga recycled
part, maging lightweight, instead na CHB wall, gawin mong may Styrofoam sa
loob reinforced with wires and then yung plastering, iba na, so in a way
“Yung mga application ng mga green building materials eh, yun yung
isang part na magiging sustainable yung mga design mo. May mga, example
recycled materials, di ba mayroon kang glass or yung instead glass blocks, may
mga bottles to have yung natural light na papasok intead na totally isang glass
block lang yung ginamit mo. Pwedeng sustainable din pwede yung mga
Q: What can you suggest to the locations like Metro Manila in terms of
“Ito kasi, depende sa location nga eh so, part of Metro Manila, more or less
meron parin na application, pwede naman dito sa Pasig, pwede rin dito sa
along San Mateo. So pwede naman jan, pwede mong apply yung locations
niyan kasi for now doon sa part na yun even some drowned part of Marikina, we
do still have open space but, of course dapat ma-identify mo kung ito ay dapat
sang-ayon dun sa zoning plan, meron kang kuan, kung pwedeng maitayo yung
mismong design natin na residential building. So from there, well advise pa rin
ng kuan eh, kasi may mga proposal yan, example may isang developer or ano,
they could go to the have research first eh prior doon sa if it is visible or not, sa
along flooded area? Hindi, dapat it is conducive to the location and it should be
is yung eco system na tinatawag natin na, baka kasi yung mga rivers natin
isang developer, wala silang mga ganon, so importante doon ngayon yung
nirerequire nila ngayon yung mismong incinerator or yung mismong pag mga
environments.”
B. Participant 2
65
Perspective of an Architect in Creating Residential Building Design in
Dense Urban Areas in Metro Manila
“Well in terms of given location like urban areas syempre alam natin
masisikip na yan, walang space gaano for open spacekasi kapag nagdeisgn ka
ng residential kailangan kasi may open space siya para yung circulation ng air
sa mga architect kapag nagdesign sila in urban areas kung paano nila idedesig
yung given areas, which is kapag sinabi nating open space, kakain siya ng
identifying different ways like design, structure, budget, soil condition, color,
etc.?
Q: Does the way you design differ from one place or location to another? What
· “Ibig sabihin niyan malalayo yung ano natin diba.. Well in fact. Hindi
architect kailangan mo munang i-study feasibility in every location, what are the
trend o ano yung mga kailangan nila dun sa lugar nay un so dun mo babagay
yung design mo. So you cannot create ng design kung makakasama namn ang
Ilocos sa Vigan.. so you cannot design a modern house from Vigan kasi kilala si
Vigan sa mga old houses dun sila nakilala. So kailangan mo munang i-study
yung location or feasibility, kung ano yung kailangang design nila bagoka mag
residential building in dense urban area and how do they handle it?
“Well space..yes.. limited space but the client wants more for their rooms
so yun yung nagiging challenge din sa amin so kung paano naming siya
Manila?
“Ah well kailangan mong magstart ng scratch until you make it na design
nating risk for safety.. so yun yung guidelines ko para makapagcreate ako ng
67
Perspective of an Architect in Creating Residential Building Design in
Dense Urban Areas in Metro Manila
Q: Do you religiously follow the given codes of conduct and regulations before
ah kasi sa actual location,actual needs ng client na sabi gusto nila ganito, gusto
minimize yung mga code or standard design pero kung halimbawa talaga
namang nagiging risky yung design. Sa akin ha hindi ako na tinutuloy yun sa
sides in a rear para maiwasan yung pag nasunog matama yung house mo and
then the adjacent sunod sunod so yun yung nagiging dahilan balkit pag
nasunog ang isang lugar magkakasunod sunod sila kasi wala silang firewall na
minemaintain, the rest kung hindi naman risky parang sinasacrifice ko na.”
mga yan light.. aircon, electric fan, and then kasi ang pagkakaalam ko nga
so kailangan natin i-design yung house natin which is comfortably for living din
naman so sa tingin ko kaya naman yon na gawin ang isang design batsa
Q: What can you suggest to the locations like Metro Manila in terms of
· “Kasi sa tingin ko kais medyo limited na kasi yung ibang materials natin
like woods to create a sustainable urban areas but kailangan siguro magkaroon
mga commercial areas kailangan lang nila ng space para sa mga ventilation,
proper ventilating, like windows to minimize yung paggamit ng power and then
pag meron kais tayong open space malilimit natin yung paggamit ng yung mga
niya yung heat niya so ganon kainit sa Manila, kasi lahat jan puro pigment wala
69
Perspective of an Architect in Creating Residential Building Design in
Dense Urban Areas in Metro Manila
nila sa design yung mga open space nila so tinatamnan nila ng mga bushes,
trees and grass para yung init na nag-aabsorb hindi siya magbounce back so
open space talaga ang kailangan.. yes.. and then siguro magcreate sila ng mga
yung mga we called it parang pasyos oara sa mga trees o ano nila…”
APPENDIX C
07 March 2019
May we have the honor to request permission to conduct our study entitled, THINKING OF AN
ARCHITECT: CREATING SUSTAINABLE RESIDENTIAL BUILDING DESIGN IN DENSE
URBAN AREAS WITHIN METRO MANILA.This is in partial fulfillment of the course requirement
in Practical Research 1 (RES 001).
The undersigned will utilize an interview questionnaire.The professional and expert architectsare
the participants for this research. All responses will be treated with utmost confidentiality.
70
Perspective of an Architect in Creating Residential Building Design in
Dense Urban Areas in Metro Manila
Respectfully yours,
Noted by:
APPENDIX D
07March 2019
Dear Participants:
We wish to solicit your valuable assistance on the identified aspects of the subject to provide
them with the needed data.
You are assured that every response made will be treated with utmost confidentiality and will only
be used for the purpose of the study.
71
Perspective of an Architect in Creating Residential Building Design in
Dense Urban Areas in Metro Manila
Respectfully yours,
Klyde Tabuna
Researchers
Noted by:
APPENDIX E
CURRICULUM VITAE