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CHAPTER 2

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK AND RELATED LITERATURE

2.1 Related Literatures and Studies

2.1.1 Local Literatures 2.1.1.1 Title: Eco Friend, saving the world one building at a time Source: BluPrint Magazine Volume 5 2008 Author: Joseph Alex The article highlights the design competition launched by Hunter Douglas- a private company producing window coverings and other architectural products. The

competition entitled Eco art, Eco build and Eco watch: a global awareness, aims to produce sustainable and creative designs using Hunter Douglas products. The grand prize winner is the entry by Ar. Francisco L. Santoromana- the De La Salle Santiago Zobel Sports Pavilion. The existing De La Salle gymnasium was converted by Santoromana into an international standard sports facility which follows design principles of sustainable architecture. Some of his design strategies are the use of passive cooling through operable louvers which can channel cool air in and hot air out; plus the application of Hunter Douglas ceiling panels that distribute sunlight easily thus limiting the use of artificial light on the gyms interior spaces.

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Analysis: This article revealed that it is the responsibility of an architect to design buildings which are in line with nature. Moreover, older structures can be refurbished and converted into environment-friendly facilities thus avoiding total destruction or demolition. Approach: Theres a unique feature on Santoromanas design: a 187 -meter practice indoor track, surrounding the main courts of the gymnasium. I wish to apply this attraction in the proposed BIRETRACCs gymnasium, in order to maximize the use of space even up to its borders.

2.1.1.2 Title: The Activists, five advocates of Filipino design speak up; and Modernist Mix Masters, five modernist designers share their views Compiled by: Chiquit M. Torrente and Rachelle F. Medina Source: BluPrint Magazine 2004 Anniversary issue The main theme of our thesis study is green, modern and vernacular design. In relation, I have found two (2) articles regarding the advocates of Filipino design and modern architecture; while both teams are all Filipino designers, they have different views and inspiration regarding their chosen design adaptation. The Filipino design advocates like Kenneth Cobonpue, Francisco Manosa, Rosario Encarnacion-Tan, Budji Layug and Honrado Hernandez have their own opinions about Filipino design. According to them, theres no such thing as Filipino design, its a combination of different cultures, drawn from different countries that had colonized our country. There are two (2) forms of Filipino design: (1) the physical and literal approach or the use of symbolic Philippine forms or indigenous materials; and the (2) cultural or behavioral approach or the design of spaces addressed towards the Filipino. Cobonpue, Manosa and Encarnacion-Tan have been adopting the physical or literal approach to their designs. For instance, like Cobonpues croissant sofa which is made of indigenous and modern materials; Manosas San Miguel Corporate Headquarters or the
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EDSA shrine-inspired by the Banaue rice terraces and Encarnacion-Tans bamboo architecturecombining bamboo with modern materials to form structural and other building elements. On the other hand, Layug and Hernandez are promoters of the cultural or behavioral approach. According to them, it is better to design interior spaces addressed to a Filipinos social tradition and values rather than showing the exterior form of a building which depicts a particular Philippine iconic form. Although they have different views regarding Philippine design, all of them wanted to not adopt the styles of European, Mediterranean or French which do not fit in our local setting. The second article are the modernist mix masters-Ed Calma, Jorge Yulo, Joey Yupangco, Anna Sy, Jason Chai and Andy Locsin Jr. Filipino modernism is characterized by clean lines, use of modern materials like the combination of stones, steel, glass and concrete or simply minimalist in character. If Filipino design advocates have their own views regarding the vernacular, Filipino modernists on the other hand, had succeeded in making a design formula: adapting foreign influences in the Philippine setting but reinterpreting it to make it our own. Analysis: It is good to know the different opinions of famous Filipino designers regarding modern and vernacular architecture. Whether physical or cultural approach, the safest way is to combine the two; consider the values/behavior of the users and also adopt a well-known Philippine form into our design. Approach: I will apply both the physical and cultural methods in my proposed design either on specific building elements or the interior spaces of the project.

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2.1.2 Foreign Literatures 2.1.2.1 Title: Joe Addo looks beyond Architecture for his native Ghana Source: Architectural Record October 2008 issue Author: Joan Gonchar, AIA Joe Osae Addo is an African-born architect and hed started his practice at Los Angeles, California. He then went in 2000 at his country Ghana and has decided that theres a need to transform the Architecture of this African nation. Addos design is characterized by the

combination of advanced techniques with traditional materials and methods. One major example is his design of a conference center in Tamale. This building had two concrete-framed structures raised on pilotis that have adobe infill and operable glass louvers. The buildings are wrapped in bamboo slats, providing shade and evoking locally made baskets. Analysis: This article shows one form of vernacular design-the physical and literal approach. Architect Addo had combined both local materials and modern methods of construction to create his architectural creations. Even more, the current development of Ghana is a noted proof that Architecture can change and improve the quality of life. Although, Addos works concentrated primarily with elite Ghanaians, hopefully with enough fund and help from their government, he can venture into the slum areas of Ghana. Approach: Finally, this writing revealed that architects must give back to their place of birth. I was inspired especially in my study for a better BIRETRACC; hopefully I can produce a good research and architectural design-my own way of serving my hometown Binangonan.

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2.1.2.2 Title: Design and Evolution of Recreational Architecture Source: FUTURARC first edition 2nd quarter 2006 issue Author: Liyang Sun The author Liyang Sun conferred the importance of planning up to the proper management of recreational facilities. According to Sun, when designing large-scale recreational architecture, the architect must comprehensively evaluate the constructability of the project and analyze its potential impact on the economy, ecology, the environment, the regional-cultural structure and human cultural factors. For instance, applying a building form which will have a problem from public conception (the Esplanade in Singapore was criticized as similar to the spiky-skinned and pungent fruit durian, while others likened it to siopao). He also talked about the relevance of considering the phases of a projects development plus considering not just the present needs of the project but also the future. Even more, with a wide experience in integrating architecture and environment, Sun list down the identities of good recreational facilities: Recreational facilities must give the tourists continuous fun and excitement throughout the year; The architecture should also be in harmony with its surroundings; Complexes with several recreational buildings shall focus on the buildings individuality and create a unique or innovative environment; and A well designed recreational building must meet the users needs for both natural and artificial environments plus provide a pleasant, comfortable, easy and safe atmosphere.

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One major contributor in the article is Team Zoo, a group of unconventional Japanese architects which balance both the human element and the environment in their works. Their design techniques include the following: Conform to the topology of the construction site. Take the user into serious consideration. Tolerate diversity. Create spaces that interact with the five senses (sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste). Harmonizing with the surroundings by using natural elements. Make visitors feel welcome and comfortable. Execute both the architectural design and the construction supervision oneself.

Analysis: The author did not explain nor cite any example regarding the traditional forms of recreational architecture. Although he provided the modern means of this type of architecture, it is better to describe the past forms, in order to properly visualize the evolution of recreational spaces. However, his addition of numerous design strategies in the field of recreational architecture is a great help to any student engaging in this type of study. Approach: I will incorporate in my proposed design the Trio of Environmentally Sensitive Design. It is the triangulated relationship of users, architecture and environment. It is our responsibility us future Filipino architects to plan and design buildings which are stable, functional and beautiful (architecture), consider client demands (users) and which respect nature (environment).

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