CHAPTER 3-TERMS OF REFERENCES

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

ARTICLE NO.1: THE CASE FOR BRINGING BACK CLARITY IN INSTITUTIONAL DESIGN
Source:

Alcazaren, Paulo G. The Design Sourcebook: Blu Print. Institutional Design.

(Volume 2 2010, pp.80-81) Metro Manila: Mega Publishing Group.

A.

ABOUT THE ARCTICLE

Most of the institution buildings nowadays aim to blur the lines of structures, meaning

most of the modern architecture can be faulted for removing too much of what is needed to
identify what it is supposed to house. For such reason this is fine for commercial office
buildings, whose the reason is the profit and efficiency, via the maximization of space with
simplest expense to make it. But less means more difficulty of understanding by people need to
identify before they enter and use such types of buildings. Today, in case of Changi Airport in
Singapore, people will have difficulty telling it as a mall from an airport; they are one and the
same. Commercial, retail structures, business and shopping centers are not institutional
architecture anyway.
The current school of thought of mixed-use
development is that diversity is delightful and should
be encouraged in almost architecturally for human
use. Mostly, mixed-use is being pushed to an extreme
and many people cant get what the building is,
leading to a weak image making the places
memorable and not the buildings.
Placelessness replaced the sense of place,
due to copying of Philippines structures facades and
spaces from existing buildings overseas. Genus loci
when used by local cultures to channel or replicate
other places, becomes a brainless exercise.
So what should institutional buildings such as
schools, hospitals and government buildings look
like? What architectural style should be applied?
Tradition calls for a neo classic architectural style or
revival styles derived from Greece and Roman
Architecture. (Asian) Colonial styles evolved from
these directions and our legacy heritage architecture

Figure 3.1 Our institutional architecture,

seem to take on the appearance of
commercial buildings; making them blend
undistinguished into our ruined urban
landscape. (Source: BluPrint The Design
Source book Institutional Design
Magazine)

from out Spanish and American eras of history. Based

from styles of ones history, we cannot replicate it
anymore but we can adapt. To rebuild based from
these already established language of architecture,
appropriation of styles is applicable.

17 CHAPTER 3- TERMS OF REFERENCES

B.

ARTICLE RELEVANT INFORMATION

Real institutions hold duty to serve essential services to public, thus shall make clarity as

the main tenet of its designs. It should convey an expression of message that this institutional
building is where the public are being served and not where they are gypped. A call for a robust
architecture is essential, meaning strong & healthy that able to withstand or overcome adverse
conditions, to set apart and enable it to project stability and reliability.
A Modernist faade can adapt and appropriate to styles that had been considered
language of architecture established in the past. Modernist architecture , thought of as reductive
and generating white boxes, can be like traditional styles that are based on classical proportions
and massing that never go out of date. Considering best examples of modernist facades, in
facts are based on classicist tenets of balance, proportion and clarity. Architecture and design
can be subtle to different shade of meaning, expression, or sound. The Filipino architecture can
speak for its vibrant culture and set on a specificity landscape, making institution worth visiting
for people.
C.

CONTRIBUTION TO THE STUDY

Since the project is a government institution, the article help the proponent on having

insights of conveying a strong image, making applicable of its goal to make the DOH Central
Office as an institution that will be valued and identified by its occupants. A call for robust design
will be applied, meaning the structure must be enable in conveying stability and reliability
(structural durability), and can overcome changing conditions (flexibility). Modern style can be
considered, as long as it has classicist tenets of balance, proportion and clarity, making the
institution worth visiting.
ARTICLE NO.2: LONG LIFE, LOOSE FIT, LOW ENERGY- ALEX GORDONS DEFINITION
OF DESIGN ADAPTABILITY.THE ADAPTABLE HOUSE: DESIGNING FOR THE FUTURE

Source:

Ar. JR Fullton LEED AP. The Green Door. Retrieved on July 26, 2014 from Site
point: http://www.greenworksrealty.com/news/GreenDoorNov.pdf, 2004

A.

ABOUTH THE ARTICLE

New buildings must last and meet future occupants needs; in this way it will truly make

the building sustainable. This is to say that the building shall be built and renovated in such a
way that change is easily accommodated. When a building is highly specialized, chances are
greater that it will become obsolete. The idea is to future proof buildings by taking consideration
structural durability, flexibility, and adaptive reuse. A durable structure obviously insures
longevity, but flexibility also plays an important role. Flexibility enables a building to withstand
routine reconfigurations while retaining the same larger purpose. Adaptive reuse on the other
hand, is a major shift in function and is long term and done less frequently.

18 CHAPTER 3- TERMS OF REFERENCES

B.

ARTICLE RELEVANT INFORMATION

The Six Ss identified by Stewart Brand is his book How Buildings Learn includes the

major categories of design as well as the hierarchy of building decisions.

S1 SITING takes into consideration the buildings location, which should be convenient
and desirable for decades to come. Proximity to the roads, utilities and conveniences, how the
suns light approaches, and where shade can be found are all siting factors. Included in the
siting is determining the shape and size of your floor plans, massing and elevations. Selecting
multi-story solutions has some advantages in that you build more densely and maintain more
natural environment around your building. It also allows you to pick narrower floor plan to
improved flow through ventilation and daylighting possibilities. Density is a very sustainable
concept.
S2 STRUCTURE will make your building stand and while safety is an important factor,
you do not want to overbuild, utilizing more structural materials than are necessary. Some
structural systems are much easier to change. Wood is easy to adapt. Concrete is difficult, but
can provide advantageous nonstructural aspects like thermal mass, which can be used to better
heat and cool your building. Simple shapes are also easier to change.
S3 SKIN protects the inside of your building. Generally simpler, lighter skins like wood,
steel and cement board are easier to change than concrete and brick. It is important to insulate
the skin and install appropriate windows and doors, as this will not only allow increased energy
performance but more privacy and better acoustics as well.
S4 SYSTEMS provide heat, light, air, power and information through separate
mechanisms. These systems should be working closely in conjunction with available natural
systems like wind, shade, sunlight and the microclimate of the site and interfacing with each
synergistically. Systems also have the tendency to be overbuilt. You want to be adequate with
some spare capacity, but the tendency is to design and build for the worst case scenario.
S5 STAGE is how you divide up the interior of your building. Design flexibility should be
thought of in two ways-one is to create rooms to appropriate size, shape and connection so that
the room can serve multiple functions during its life. The second part of design flexibility is to try
to keep internal partitions independent of structure as much as possible, while still maintaining
the cost effectiveness. If the wall has to move it should be easy. You may consider interior walls
that are designed for reuse like steel studs and or panels that can be moved and easily re-used.
In all areas we need to pick our materials carefully, as some materials age better than others.
S6 STUFF is all the things we bring into our buildings-furniture, tools. These are often
the most transitory, and are often more subject to fashion. We can do a lot to make our
acquisitions more appropriate. We can plan for less fads and longer life. We can select stuff that
can serve multiple functions. We can buy recycled, we can buy less.

19 CHAPTER 3- TERMS OF REFERENCES

C.

CONTRIBUTION TO THE STUDY

The S6 is very much relevant to what the proponent is trying to achieve specifically it

adds insight on how to achieve the long life and loose fit approach. The proponent will choose a
site which has already established roads, utilities and support infrastructures in order to come
up a development that can handle changes as decades come. Narrow plan and splitting its
mass can provide good ventilation and natural daylighting. Materials that are easy to change
such as steel, glass, cement board and wood will be use as the building materials for the
proposed project. The real key for the proposed development to be able to adapt growing
changes and needs of its target users is to design having flexibility in mind.
ARTICLE NO.3: LEEDS LOOSE FIT, LONG LIFE SUSTAINABLE DESIGN APPROACH
TO

GREEN

COMMERCIAL

ARCHITECTURE

IS

GOOD

FOR

BUSINESS,

THE

ENVIRONMENT, AND THE WORKPLACE

Source:

Andree Iffrig LEED AP. LEED for Green Office Environments. Retrieved on July
28, 2014 from Site point: https://suite.io/andree-iffrig/t4k245, 2008

A.

ABOUT THE ARTICLE

Green building practices enshrined by LEED, an internationally recognized standard for

sustainable building design, arent just good for the planet; theyre also good for the workplace.
By applying the LEED principles of loose fit and long life, organizations can realize the full
spectrum of sustainable design benefits: social, environmental and economic.
B.

ARTICLE RELEVANT INFORMATION

An Economic Argument in Favor of Sustainable Design
Sustainable buildings are designed so they meet not only immediate needs, but

accommodate possible future functions. Loose fit, long life means producing designs with builtin flexibility. Mergers, outsourcing and downsizing can all affect an organizations spatial needs.
The more adaptable a buildings floor plate and mechanical systems, the longer its shelf life.
Another economic advantage of applying loose fit, long life to clients projects is a
reduction in floor space requirements. The more specific and compartmentalized an office
design, the more floor space it tends to require. Since every square foot of built space has a
cost, reducing a buildings size brings immediate financial benefits.
Environmental Reasons for Embracing Loose Fit, Long Life
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in an Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas
Emissions and Sinks, 1990-2006, has estimated that buildings in the U.S. contribute 45% of
carbon dioxide emissions. Floor space reductions in buildings result in environmental benefits.
The goal of sustainable design is to diminish a buildings negative impact on the environment

20 CHAPTER 3- TERMS OF REFERENCES

and improve its performance. Reductions in floor space realized through LEEDs loose fit, long
life approach mean fewer building material demands and smaller mechanical systems, thereby
reducing buildings eco footprint.
Social Impact of Sustainable Design
By applying loose fit, long life to an office interior, its also possible to create more
engaged workplaces, a design bonus that appeals to organizations struggling with recruiting
and retaining employees during a labor shortage.
Features of a green commercial building include windows users can open, lots of natural
light, and open floor plans to promote better air circulation. A typical layout has employee desk
spaces next to window walls, with meeting rooms, washrooms, storage areas and elevators
located in the buildings core. Ideally, the floor plate is long and narrow, so that all work stations
can be accommodated close to natural light sources. Collaboration happens more readily in this
kind of open workplace environment.
C.

CONTRIBUTION TO THE STUDY

The article supply the validity of choosing long life, loose fit as the design approach

integrated to the project proposal, for it brings sustainable benefits. Things to consider are
flexible floor plans, ideally long and narrow, which will allow each worker to achieve natural light
as well as easy to change its layout. Other upside is to engage spaces that will make a work
environment engage collaboration.

ARTICLE NO.4 : A BRIEF INTERPRETIVE HISTORY OF THE GROWTH OF FLEXIBLE

BUILDINGS: FROM OFFICE PLANS
Source:

Thomas, Susan Paul. Building Flexibility: FLEXIBLE BUILDING APPROACHES.

(pp 14-15)

A.

ABOUT THE ARTICLE

No change is needed in a building as long as the necessities of the occupants are met.

As soon as the requirements of the occupant changes, there rises the need for the building to
adapt accordingly. Flexibility can be applied in architecture through partition-able spaces in the
interiors, adaptable external facades that can be easily dismantled, intelligent materials and
finishes, extendible structural members and many more possibilities.
B.

ARTICLE RELEVANT INFORMATION

The purpose is to adapt using least amount of effort and resources as possible, hence,

in order to appreciate and recognize the importance of this approach, distinctive categories of
building flexibility types have been identified as follows:

21 CHAPTER 3- TERMS OF REFERENCES

a. Adaptable refers to where modifications within

the existing building are possible. The spaces can
be changed or repositioned using partitions
following the occupants needs. Such buildings
are characterized universal due to their open floor
plans and facilitate the ease to adapt. With
partition-able structures, the building space can
be easily divided into several smaller units or the
smaller spaces can be merged to create a bigger

Figure 3.2 Building flexibility

type- Adaptability

space. Several units can also be rearranged.

Case study: NEXT 21, OSAKA, JAPAN

Next 21 built in 1994 was an experiment 18-unit

housing
architects.

project

designed

The

building

by

13

different

elements

were

categorized into two camps: the long term

elements which provided the structure such as
columns, beams and floors; and the short term
elements like partitions and building equipments
and services which can be easily adjusted without
interrupting the overall system. The flexibility
factors that were included in the project are:
Generous floor to floor height allowing space for utility distribution and thus
allowing ducts and pipes to route independently.
Reduced depth of beams in the mid-span thereby allowing the ducts and pipes to
pass over the beams without using sleeves
The building frame, external cladding, interior finishes and the mechanical
systems were designed as independent subsystems and thus anticipating a
varied repair, upgrade and replacement cycle easily.

Figure 3.4 Front view of Next 21,

incorporating natural greenery
throughout the high-rise structure

Figure 3.5 Structural Components of Next 21

22 CHAPTER 3- TERMS OF REFERENCES

b. Movable where the structures are capable of being disintegrated repositioned and
reassembled to other locations.

c. Responsive where the buildings can respond and interact to various external
dynamics such as the environmental conditions-response to climate and other
factors like the rate of occupancy and usage. Buildings with responsive and
intelligent technologies can improve its energy performance through sensors,
actuators and many more; incorporated within the building fabric.

Case Study: HOUSE R128, GERMANY

Erected in 1999-2000, House R128 was an

experimental design by Werner Sobek
involving spatial intricacy and innovative
energy concepts. This four-storey selfefficient recyclable building produce no
emissions and is a zero-heating-energy
house

with

an

innovative

computer

controlled technology where information

regarding the house can be delivered to the
client through mobile or computers. The

Figure 3.6 A single family modern house

R128 by Werner Sobek: modular and
recyclable design

access to the house is through bridge which

leads to the top floor. The entire building consists of an open plan with no partition
walls indicating maximum transparency within the
building.
The structure
Structural
Components
of Nexthas
21 a
modular design assembled with mortice and tenon joints, which is completely
recyclable. Most of the piping and cabling are either exposed or concealed behind
metal covers. The innovative technology includes voice recognition system to control
the door rather than the conventional locks and task

Figure 3.7 Geothermal energy and cooling

concepts integrated into the design

Figure 3.8 Creative and interesting interiors

designed with glass steel frames

23 CHAPTER 3- TERMS OF REFERENCES

Lighting & water taps operated thorough infrared sensors. The heat radiated by the
sun is absorbed by water-filled panels in the ceiling which is transferred to a heat
store and used during winters to warm the building.

d. Transformable where the structures are characterized by modular design, being

capable of adding and removing components as well as to open and close thereby
changing in form. Such type of spaces allows ordered growth with the use of efficient
structural systems.
C.

CONTRIBUTION TO THE STUDY

Office flexibility, which related to long life and loose fit, is necessary in achieving
buildings which can adapt to possible growing needs and demands of its users. The
proponent was able to know the implications of flexibility such as the building planning
and design must be adaptable, movable, responsive and transformable. An idea of
using steel and glass to serve as the structural systems will be integrated. Also the
proposed project will introduce technologies such as infrared sensors, centralized
operation information systems and water harvesting.

ARTICLE NO.5 : INTERVIEW ABOUT THE OFFICE BUILDINGS AND HEADQUARTERS OF

TOMORROW: KNOWLEDGE-BASED DESIGN
Source:

Henning

Larsen

Architects.

Interviews about

the

office

buildings and

headquarters of tomorrow. Spaces for Knowledge and growth

A.

ABOUT THE ARTICLE

Sustainable office building is about much more than technical ventilation solutions and
solar cells on the roof. It is also about happy efficient employees and social responsibility. As all
other sustainable buildings, sustainable office buildings are based on a number of
environmental, economic and social considerations. It is about asking questions such as: How
do we make it nice to go work in this building? Which needs do the individual departments have
in relation to space, acoustics and light? Which human values should the architecture support?
B.

ARTICLE RELEVANT INFORMATION

Today, the key to growth is productivity and efficiency, and this is only obtained in office
environments where employees thrive and do not get ill. In sustainable office buildings,
measurable sustainable solutions as regards energy consumption and economy-research
based knowledge that we transform into good spaces and healthy buildings.
For the past 20 years, office buildings have been characterized by a homogeneous
glass box aesthetics. Large, transparent icons have risen all over the world without

24 CHAPTER 3- TERMS OF REFERENCES

consideration for regional climate conditions- based on the belief that this type of building
symbolized transparency and openness to the outside world. However, the reality is that glass
houses are often experiences as very introvert. Further, they are very easily overheated and
thus spend a lot of resources on mobile solar protections and cooling. Last but not least, the
architectural quality has become poorer because local materials and building traditions have
been forgotten.
Fortunately, this has changed. Today, we look at each faade separately and place all
functions carefully in relation to light and shadow. In this way, we optimize the indoor air quality
without necessarily implementing technical cooling and ventilation solutions. This method we
call knowledge-based design, and this is exactly how we as architects and engineers can
contribute to the developments of sustainable buildings.
Seen from an energy perspective, companies are a necessity in the city because they
have the opposite needs of the households. However, they are also necessary seen from a
social perspective. Today, we see a smooth transition between office space and urban space,
achieved by integrating publicly accessible functions and areas into the office buildings. This
makes companies truly transparent and demonstrates that they assume responsibility for city
life and comfort. In addition to these measures, the employees contact to the surrounding
community is further strengthened by introducing balconies and green roof terraces that
integrate the city in the building and vice versa.

Figure 3.9 Microsofts Danish

headquarters will be situated in
the heart of Lyngby, north of
Copenhagen. The urban context
ensures the organisations
interaction with other businesses
in the city as well as the students
from the adjacent Technical
University of Denmark,

C. CONTRIBUTION TO THE STUDY

The article denotes the importance of not only incorporating green technologies to
achieve sustainability, but also in attracting and sustaining talented employees and making the
most of them. The proponent will do measures regarding the overall economy and factors in
future savings in energy consumption as well as enhancing the wellness of the target users. In
this case a win-win situation can be achieved for both the company and employees as well as
for the environment. Also factor on selecting the project location shall have the best site where
the already established infrastructure house society who is parallel to the project users target,
in this case, the purpose of the proposed project development will achieve efficiently.

25 CHAPTER 3- TERMS OF REFERENCES

CASE STUDY NO.1 U.S. CENSUS BUREAU HEADQUARTERS, Suitland, Maryland

designed by SOM Architects Project year: 2004-2007 (Foreign)

Source:

Skidmore,Owings and Merrill LLP Civic/Government Projects. U.S. Census

Bureau Headquarter. Retrieved on July 24, 2014 from Sitepoint:
http://www.som.com/projects/us_census_bureau_headquarters

A.

SUMMARY
Every 10 years for the census taking, the U.S. Census Bureaus staff headcount

expands and then contracts by one-third. SOM award-winning design for the federal agencys
headquarters accommodates this fluctuation in a large office building that nevertheless
maintains an open, elegant feel.
The complex consists of two long, low-slung curving volumes separated by a courtyard.
Their narrow footprints ensure daylight penetrates throughout the interiors. A brise-soleil of
wavy, white oak panels reduces solar glare and helps the structure blend into its wooded, 80acre in suburban Maryland. Paired with a water reclamation system and other sustainable
features, the sunshades helped the project earn LEED Silver certification.
B.

ARCHITECTURAL ANALYSIS
Architecturally, the design interprets and
supports the agencys work with a progressive
spirit. It is efficient and rational. Its layout
emphasizes the everyday well-being of the
Bureau staff.
Figure 3.10 The building is very porous and
conceived to be part of the landscape (Source:
SOM United States Census HQ publication)

The headquarters composed of two

large structures function as a single building.
They are sized and situated to minimize their
impact on the land. In places the structures hug
the ground, but large portions float above it on
raised columns.
Figure 3.11 Major elements of the HQ are lifted
off the ground to minimize the footprint.
(Source:
SOM
United
States
Census
Headquarters publication)

The skin is the most outstanding aspects of the scheme. Across the outer facades is a
unique wood veil comprising thousands of bent and straight blades of white oak. The blades
filter daylight and help to integrate the building with the landscape.

26 CHAPTER 3- TERMS OF REFERENCES

Figure 3.12 Wood

Veil a
sustainable feature that maximize
view yet also reduces solar gain by
nearly 50% (Source: SOM United
States Census HQ publication)

Figure 3.13 warm-toned ipe wood a matl raised

and harvested in a certified sustainable fashion
which enhances visual relationship between the
large, solid volumes, appearing changing
perspectives. (Source: SOM United States Census
Headquarters publication)

On the northwestern edge of the building are three smaller-scaled structures called
rest pods- a cafeteria, a set of office lounges, and an auditorium. Large expanses of glass
open views into the forest and admit tempered daylight deep into the interiors.
Beyond the south end of the complex stands the library, a small-scale pavilion
surrounded on two sides by an L-shaped reflecting pool. Directly east of the main building stand
two five-story parking garages whose simple structures are covered with a wire amature
supporting ivy growing from irrigated planters positioned above the first level to the roof line.

Figure 3.14 HQ auditorium with large

expanses of glass that open views
into the forest (Source: SOM United
States Census Headquarters
publication)

Figure 3.15 Darkly tinted curtain

walls hallmark the facades where
two buildings face each other
(Source: SOM United States Census
Headquarters publication)

Sustainability was a priority in the development of the headquarters. The visitors lobby
has an extensive garden. There are significant parts of the building with green roofs that help
reduce heat gain, venues that are parks that can be used as breakout spaces during the
workday.
Approximately east-west orientation of the complex maximizes solar exposure, bringing
filtered sunlight into offices. The floor plate is only 41 feet wide so staffs on either side of the

27 CHAPTER 3- TERMS OF REFERENCES

corridor are, at most, three bays from a window. Corridors have clear site lines to the exterior
that reinforce the close relationship to the site.

Figure 3.16 Interiors with generous

daylight, healthful indoor environment and
broad view to the outside (Source: SOM
United States Census HQ publication)

Figure 3.17 Landscaping flows under,

around, and into facilities (Source: SOM
United
States
Census
Headquarters
publication)

Raised floors make it easier to shift workstations, a feature that will allow the
headquarters to meet future needs for years to come. Workstations are no more than three
deep from a window, ensuring access to views and tempered natural light.

Figure 3.18 Raised floor plenum of flexibility

for changing workstations (Source: SOM
United States Census HQ publication)

Figure 3.19 Office interior and sun

shading, no more than three deep from a
window (Source: SOM United States
Census HQ publication)

Two large water retention ponds, one of which doubles as a reflecting pool, collect storm
water runoff and recycle it for landscape irrigation.

Figure
3.20
Healthful
indoor
environment having interior light
that relies from the exterior (Source:
SOM United States Census HQ
publication)

Figure 3.21 Water retention ponds that manages

storm water runoff to prevent flooding and erosion
(Source: SOM United States Census HQ
publication)

28 CHAPTER 3- TERMS OF REFERENCES

Typical floor-to-floor heights measures slightly more than 13 feet. The building is
organized into 23-foor modules for flexibility in space programming.
Throughout the entire building, open workspaces with low partitions surround the
perimeter to allow for natural light exposure and easy communication. Offices with glass fronts
and internal support rooms are located in the core, easily accessible to each work group.
The units are connected vertically by an internal stairway linked to support nodes. These
nodes provide pantries, lounges, copy centers and gathering spaces, where employees can
have chance meetings with their colleagues.
Lastly, the team developed and employed
three major unifying and way finding concepts: the
Street, the Boxes and the Color Spectrum. The
Street is the main passageway to access the
amenities, such as the caf, the fitness center,
the auditorium, etc.

Figure 3.22 A garden that helps integrate the

natural surrounding with architecture (Source:
SOM United States Census HQ publication)

Spaces distribution:
1.

The buildings first floor contains the lobby and amenities intended for all the staff. Floors 2
through 8 are office. Each office floor contain division reception areas, a large employee
lounge, a conference room, meeting rooms for up to 20 people, teaming rooms, shared
stations, two largely-volume copy rooms.

2.

The cafeteria has indoor seating for 620 people in a skylight dining room, plus 100 seats on
an adjacent outdoor terrace.

3.

A conference center contains one large column-free space that can be subdivided. A
column-free auditorium has a retractable stage and theater-style for 500. Its layout can be
altered for different types of events.

4.

An employee fitness center has locker rooms for men and women, a group exercise room,
and exercise machine area; a juice bar; a shared conference room; and adjacent health
unit. There is also a credit union.

C.

FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS:

Among the Census Bureaus greatest challenges is hiring and retaining a highly skilled

workforce, including collectors of field data and specialist. Competition from the private is
intense. Responding to this situation, the new headquarters had to meet the highest standards
of workplace comfort and productivity.
By combining the latest thinking in corporate workplace design with amenities that help
to create community and a strong connection to the landscape, the interiors of this complex give

29 CHAPTER 3- TERMS OF REFERENCES

the agency an appeal that few employers, public or private, can match. The design, engage a
workplace that will help the Bureau maintain its world-reowned integrity and reliability.
D.

RECOMMENDATION/APPLICATION TO PRESENT STUDY

The U.S. Census Bureau Headquarter helps the proponent to execute an innovative

and optimistic design by creating facilities and spaces that will aid in achieving enhancement on
workplace comfort and productivity. The mentioned features in the spaces and facilities of the
U.S. Census Bureau HQ will be integrated to the proposed project development such as
gardens, retention pond, raised floors and large column-free spaces, which will be later
discussed more in detail in chapter 6. Also the mentioned support facilities such as fitness
centers, auditorium, training centers and pantries will be incorporated to the proposed spaces of
the development that will be discussed more in detail in chapter 5 of the research book.

CASE STUDY NO.2

SAN FRANCISCO FEDERAL BUILDING, designed by Thom Mayne,

Morphosis Architects Project year: 2004-2007 (Foreign)

Source:

Morphopedia. San Francisco Federal Building in Architecture. Retrieved August

11, 2014 from:http://morphopedia.com/projects/san-francisco-federal-building

A.

SUMMARY
The Federal office building in United States of 18-story tower, public plaza and four-story

annex houses offices for the Department of Health and Human Services, Social Security
Administration, Department of State, Department of Labor, and the Department of Agriculture.
An additional support facilities includes a conference/community center, day care, fitness
center, public sky lobby, public plaza, and caf.
The project has developed around three objectives: establishment of benchmark for
sustainable building design through the efficient use of natural energy sources; redefinition of
the culture of the workplace through office environments that boost workers health, productivity,
and creativity, and the creation of an urban landmark that engages with the community.
B.

ARCHITECTURAL ANALYSIS
The re-definition of circulation and
vertical

movement

paths

provides

opportunities for chance encounters, and

places for employees to gather across the
typical confines of cubicles, departments, of
floor plates.
Figure 3.23 Vertical and Horizontal Circulation
of the San Francisco Federal Building

30 CHAPTER 3- TERMS OF REFERENCES

The layout locates open work areas at building perimeter and private offices and
conference spaces at the central cores.

Figure 3.24 Floor

avoiding corner office

plan

layout

Figure 3.25 North Facade

The federal building is the first office tower in the U.S. to forgo air-conditioning in favor of
natural ventilation, the building provides natural ventilation to 70% of the work area in lieu of airconditioning, and affords natural light and operable windows to 90% of the workstations. A
folded, perforated metal sunscreen shades the full-height glass window wall system and a
mutable skin of computer-controlled panels adjusts to daily and seasonal climate fluctuations. A
three-story sky garden occupies a notch on the side of the building from the 11 th to 13th floors.

Figure 3.26 Sky Garden located at

11th to 13th floors

Figure 3.27 The building automation system

that open vent windows during evening,
allowing cool night air to enter the building

SUSTAINABILTY - During warm weather in San Francisco, the building automation

system in the evening will open the vent windows- which have small motors attached to themand allow cool night air to enter the building which is 20-25 cooler than the daytime temperature
and bathe all the concrete ceilings in cool air. There are sensors buried inside the concrete
ceiling and each time it has absorbed enough cooling energy into the structure the windows will
close and seal that cooling energy in.
SOCIAL

INTERACTION

AND

CONNECTIVITY-

It

incorporates

state-of-the-art

technology and performance driven innovation. Users enjoy sweeping views of San Francisco,
and an abundance of natural light and natural ventilation that promote a healthy work
environment while dramatically reducing energy consumption.

31 CHAPTER 3- TERMS OF REFERENCES

The location of cafeteria on street level

across the plaza and the use of skip-stop elevatorselevators that stop at every third floor, opening onto
soaring lobbies with wide, open-stairspromote
cardiovascular fitness and reduce lost work hours.
Figure 3.28 Building sections showing
skip-stop elevator and wide open stairs

ELECTRICAL
Lighting is typically the largest energy cost for
an office building, representing up to 40 percent of a
facility's total energy load. The new San Francisco
Federal Building's lighting strategies improve the
workplace and are a critical facet of this project's
sustainable design. Approximately 85 percent of the
workspace is illuminated with natural light.
Figure 3.29 Section showing sun
shading strategies

Powered

lights

are

also

provided

to

supplement the natural light. Through simple sensors,

the

building's

automated

systems

manage

the

balance between powered and natural daylight. The

powered lights are on only when people are at their
Figure 3.30 Day lit interior

workstations.

Some of the openings in these windows walls are controlled by the occupants and some
by the building automation system

Figure 3.31 Section Detail through typical office floor

32 CHAPTER 3- TERMS OF REFERENCES

C.

FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS

During the design process of designing and planning the San Francisco Federal

Building, the designer sees the importance to learn the decisions of maximizing energy
efficiency that will able to create a high-quality workspace that redefines bureaucratic culture.
The building physically democratizes the workplace as it enhances health and comfort and
empowers its users with a sense of control over their surroundings.
D.

RECOMMENDATION/APPLICATION TO PRESENT STUDY

The case study helps the proponent to push and embraces a more progressive

architectural character which is far from institutions that are regarded as culturally fixed and
conservative, the proposed project will have a modern approach which will make the
development unique. The design of the proposed development will take on side of being
contemporary, making most of the employees to feel virtuous about going green and grateful for
the fresh air and great views. The mentioned features such as the choice of the materials and
the BMS will be use and discuss in more detail in chapter 6 of the research book.

CASE STUDY NO.3

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, San Lazaro Compound, Tayuman

Manila (Local)
Source:

A Legacy of Public Health. The Department of Health Story. (2013) Philippines/

Republic of the Philippines. Department of Health. www.doh.gov.ph

A.

SUMMARY
The Department of Health (DOH) holds the over-all technical authority on health as it is a

national health policy-maker and regulatory institution. Basically, the DOH has three major roles
in the health sector: (1) leadership in health; (2) enabler and capacity builder; and (3)
administrator of specific services. Its mandate is to develop national plans, technical standards,
and guidelines on health. Aside from being the regulator of all health services and products, the
DOH is the provider of special tertiary health care services and technical assistance to health
providers and stakeholders. Together with its attached agencies, the DOH constituted of
various central bureaus and services in the Central Office, Centers for Health Development
(CHD) in every region, and DOH-retained hospitals performs its roles to continuously improve
the countrys health care system.
B.

ARCHITECTURAL ANALYSIS

In the local scene, the Department of Health Central Office is located in San Lazaro
Compound, Tayuman Manila, where it houses its various central bureaus and services. Due to
Universal Health Program, the DOH Central Office will be relocated to Quezon City to give way
to the Trimedical complex project where the Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital will transfer to the
same compound.

33 CHAPTER 3- TERMS OF REFERENCES

Despite of the said relocation, it is still relevant for the proponent to study the existing
DOH Central Office located in Manila, to analyze it functions, programs and spaces needed.

Photos for documentation

Figure 3.32 The Ruin (in left, a

historical building) & the airconditioned
Health
Human
Resources Bureau Building (in right),

Figure 3.35 The Patio Carmencita

Garden

Figure 3.33 Water Tank

Figure 3.36 Gymnasium at

the same time serve as a
storage

Figure 3.34 The San Lazaro Church

built during the Spanish Era

Figure 3.37 Entrance and Exit to the

DOH Compound, unpleasant
adjacent establishment frontage

Figure 3.38 One of the bureaus Figure 3.39 Window with sun
building which is sore to the eye shading device, yet air-conditioned
are still preferred to use

Figure 3.41 Doque Hall:

Information and Training center

Figure 3.40 Sewage

treatment plan

Figure 3.41 Unshaded pathways Figure 3.41 Spanish Style Office

of the Secretary Building

34 CHAPTER 3- TERMS OF REFERENCES

DOH CENTRAL OFFICE LOCATION MAP AND DOH CENTERS AND BUREAUS

35 CHAPTER 3- TERMS OF REFERENCES

DOH CENTRAL OFFICES RELOCATION & SITE ALLOCATED FOR JOSE FABELLA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

SITE ALLOCATED FOR JOSE FABELLA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

Figure 3.45 Existing Jose Fabella

Hospital

36 CHAPTER 3- TERMS OF REFERENCES

Figure 3.46 crowded maternity ward at

the state-run of Jose Fabella Hospital

C.

FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION

The proponent where able to find out the bureaus and centers within the compound, that
comprises the organizational structure of the Department of Health. The DOH compound
present condition is a mixes of good and ugly, there are buildings that were maintained properly,
especially those where the executives work in. These are buildings that stood time because the
designer or the architect planned its structural very well and the users give importance on it.
However, there are also those which are not aesthetically appealing due to lack of proper
planning, neglect of the users and cant accommodate the growing needs and demands of the
department. Employees prefer to use air-conditioned and artificial lighting, instead of the natural
ventilation and daylighting.
The adjacent establishments can also effect on how the Filipino masses look and
understand what the DOH Compound is all about, unfortunately the current loci of the central
office doesnt contribute to a positive image that the department want to convey. Support
facilities were also identified by the proponent, these are the gymnasium, training centers,
garden and chapel, that are necessary in enhancing the working environment of the employees.
D.

RECOMMENDATION/APPLICATION TO PRESENT STUDY

As a recommendation, the proponent shall not only cater all the needed spaces of the
bureaus, centers and units of the department but also in the social aspect for the employees
and users well-being. An increase on the productivity of the employees will be achieved in a
well-planned building, maximizing the natural resources available (prevailing wind and sun
orientation); in this way cost-cutting will be maximize. Necessary facilities aside from offices
such as training centers and gymnasium will be also provided in order to support the function of
the whole development. The selection for the location of the proposed development shall imply
an existing surrounding that is conducive for working as well support the department goals and
objectives.

37 CHAPTER 3- TERMS OF REFERENCES