UST

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
ESPANA, M ,MLA

AD3 MAJOR PLATE NO. 1

UST ARKI BAHAY AD
RESEARCH

Submitted by
Choi, Eunice Abigael D.
San Pedro, Diego

2AR4
8/30/2018

Integration of Tropical Elements in Architectural Studio

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Introduction

The problem and its background

Every Architect needs a suitable place where they can enhance their creativity and make
innovative structures. An effective design studio is important so as to reflect an architects mindset
and help him/her create new ideas. The UST bahay ad is based in making a studio for architecture
students so as to train them while still early, on learning how to think like an architect in a place
for the architects.

Purpose of the research

The purpose of the study is to understand how tropical elements can be successfully incorporated
into architectural studios. This papers aims to gain information of local tropical architecture and
foreign architectural studio. This paper also aims to provide new insight to many different ways to
design tropical architecture while retaining the needs of a studio.

Limitation of the research

This study will focus on at least one or two examples of a tropical architecture, and one or two
examples of an architectural design studio. The study will not conduct questionnaires, surveys or
experiments on any sort. It will be a pure research paper that will includes a variety of photos of
the aesthetics of tropical architecture and the functional needs of an architectural studio.

Definition of tropical architecture

According to Par (2012), there is no single way of doing tropical design. In a tropical country like
the Philippines, the tropical design there relies on cooling techniques in order to provide a more
comfortable space for hot weather, these includes but not limited to the use of specific materials
and big glass windows for better ventilation. Tropical architecture cannot be defined by a single
design, because it can take any shape or form as long as it provides cooling for the spaces. It is
a unique and versatile style.

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Case Study 1 : Bellarocca Resort

One of the examples of Philippine tropical architecture is the Bellrocca Island resort. Located in
Marinduque Buenavista, It is a resort spa that opened at 2009. It is considered a beautiful rock
paradise in the Philippines. It’s architectural style is inspired by Santorini architecture, the resort
is surrounded by nature such as hot springs, waterfalls, underwater fauna, uncharted caves,
seaside cliffs, valleys, and hill. It is also surrounded by numerous greeneries, making it blend in
with the nature.

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It is supposed to have a home-like feel in the interior by giving it an olden style design, with its
main material as hardwood for the flooring.

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The landscaping involves many trees especially pine trees, they are frequently used to contrast
the building, while still complimenting it at the same time. The exterior design of the structure uses
light coloring to reflect the heat, and relies on a lot of open spaces. There is a lot of natural lighting
incorporated into the rooms as well.

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Location, Geography and Culture

The Bellarocca is an island located on the southwest coast of the west of the marinduque
province. It is in the middle of Luzon and Mindanao islands, on the southeast portion. There are
four bays surrounding it at each side, north, south, northeast and southwest, respectively by the
Tayabas Bay, Sibuyan Bay Sea, Mompoy Bay and Tayabas straight. The land area of the
province is 959.2 sq. kilometer. It has four major and 7 minor islets.

The people will usually greet the guest by singing and dancing while showering flowers and coins
at them, the group of performers are called mamumutong. During easter, the people celebrate
the Moriones festival. The Moriones festival reenacts Christ’s death, during this time the people
will usually wear colorful roman clothing, painted masks, and helmets.

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Case Study 2: Manila residences - Ramon Antonio

Location Geography & Culture

Located at Malate a district of Manila, It is a center of commerce and tourism. The word malate
originate from the word “maalat”, which means salty.

Manila

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Manila occupies the plain of Pasig River, the river flows northwest to the Manila Bay. The
Pampanga River is located north of the City. The Sierra Madre lies the northeast and east of the
urban region. To the west of Manila Bay is the Bataan Peninsula. The area of the city is constricted
but is still a good port site, because the harbour is sheltered and has close proximity to the Asian
mainland.

The Sierra Madre protects the city from extreme weathers. Wet season lasts from June to
November, while dry season from December to May. The average annual rainfall is about 80
inches in total. The annual temperature is about F (about 27 °C).

There are lots of tropical trees in the country like pine trees and acacia. As for the animals, the
city has alot of domesticated animals, such as dogs, cats, horses, etc. Wildlife in the city includes,
shrikes, doves, and pigeons. The city is abundant with pollution and the architecture there has
influences from American, Chinese, Spanish and Malay influences.

Another tropical designer is Ramon Antonio, his designs on tropical architecture include glass
windows that give view to the landscaped garden. The structure itself is light colored, but the
interiors can be easily seen because of the glass, and is further enhanced by the usage of bright
colors usually of warm tones. The warm colors together with the color of the plants compliment
well together.

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Case study 3: Architectural Design Studio

Collage Architecture Studio - Bangalore

Architectural Group: Collage Architecture Studio, Bangalore

Architects/Designers: Swapnil,Adwitha,Arun,Manali,Vibhuti
Client: Collage architecture studio
Consultant: Rays consultants (Structural)
Project Location: Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Project Year (Completion): 2012
Project Area: NA
Built-Up Area: 2000 Sq.ft.
Project Type: Office (interiors)

Location, Geography & Culture

Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka which is the state of India. The population is over 10 million.
It is located in southern India on the Deccan Plateau. The elevation of the plateau is over 900
meter above the sea level. Bangalore is located at the southeast of south India. It is considered
the heart of Mysore Plateau, it covers an area of 741 sq. kilometer. Most of the cities of Bangalore
lies in the Bangalore Urban District of Karnataka, while the rest are part of Bangalore Rural
District. The Government carved Ramanagara from the old Rural District.

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The internal court of the studio is laced with bamboos, FRP seaters and sculptures, as a way to
give life to the workplace. There is also natural light for the ceiling above which is given ambience
by the lighting of the interior. The atmosphere of the interior makes it a great place for social
gatherings and such.

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The overall design is minimalistic and organized, but also integrates elements of nature to not
make the design to lifeless, overall, giving the space a sense of balance. The flooring uses simple
white antiskid vitrified tiles. The internal court uses black granite of rough and polished finishes
for the texture of the floor and so to match the ambience of the room.

The reception desk in this area uses Bison Board which makes it a very important element of the
reception court. The overall style of the studio is muted color pallet such as whites and greys, with
occasional greenery for natural light and air. The philosophy of the studio means that the people
should be the one to bring color to the place itself.

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Case Study 4: Mount Fuji Architect Studio

Location, Geography and Culture

The studio is located at Mt. Fuji in Tokyo Japan. Mt. Fuji, which is nicknamed the Land of the
Rising Sun, is known to be the symbol of japan, and it contributes greatly to Japan’s culture,
physically and spiritually. It is the Japan’s tallest mountain, its height is 3776 meters. It is active
and sits on the triple junction of tectonic activity which is the Amurian, Okhotsk and the Filipino
plate. They are all converged beneath the region where Mt. Fuji is. It is 100 kilometers from tokyo.

Mt. Fuji is a popular tourist site. The huts along the way to the mountain provide food and shelter
for the climbers. Climbers usually climb at night to be able to experience the rising sun. It is also
considered a Sacred place for the Shinto practicers. The Shinto worship Princess
Konohanasakuya who is known as the kami of the mountain.

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The architectural style is unique in that the philosophy of the structure is to provide a childlike
atmosphere. The colors are warm and is very in tune with nature, and the interior incorporates
the use of abstract geometrical shapes. It is a design studio that also resembles a tree house.

Case Study 5: Strasbourg School of Architecture

Architects: Marc Mimram

Location: 4 Boulevard du Président Wilson, 67000 Strasbourg, France
Area: 4500.0 sqm.
Project Year: 2014
Photographs: Julien Lanoo
Structural Engineer: Marc Mimram
Acoustical Engineer: PEUTZ & Associes
Contractor: Leon Grosse

Location, Geography & Culture

The school is located in the center of Strasbourg, which is listed as a World Heritage Site by
UNESCO. Furthermore, as the headquarters of the Council of Europe since 1949, the city
is also home to the headquarters of the European Court of Human Rights and the
European Parliament. Not only is Strasbourg one of the top ten tourist destinations in the
world, it is also known for their approach to environmental issues, which is why it’s an
agreeable place to live in.

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In addition, the school is fully equipped with the needs of an architecture student. A few
equipments they have in the school are HD printers, solar simulator, laser cutters, digital
milling machine, model workshop, and even a 3D printer. This structure really shows what
architecture is, through its form, beauty, and purpose.

Case Study 6: Melbourne School of Design, The University of Melbourne

Architects: John Wardle Architects, NADAAA

Location: Melbourne VIC, Australia
Architects in Charge: John Wardle, Stefan Mee (JWA), Nader Tehrani (NADAAA)
Area: 15772.0 sqm.
Project Year: 2014
Photographs: Peter Bennetts, John Horner, John Gollings
Manufacturers: Novotech, Tensile, Alucobond

Location, Geography & Culture

The school is located in the city of Melbourne,

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Conclusion

Tropical design is a diverse style that relies heavily on cooling techniques. Aesthetic-wise, it is
known for using glass windows, light colors paired with warmer tones. One of its key elements
are also nature and/or landscaping. An architectural studio can widely vary, but relies usually on
the theme of order as architects need to have a sound mind, so the interior of a studio is usually
minimalistic, but still with a room for creativity by incorporating an element that stand out from the
usual atmosphere. The studio usually has an element of nature to the design, so it can be said
that the element of nature is usually an important aspect to a studio’s design.

Based on the information, it can be said that tropical elements go hand in hand with an
architectural studio without having to compromise the important aspects of a studio, such as the
use of natural lighting, or the putting wide spaces for better circulation. These are all tropical
elements that can be used or can even be beneficial for an effective design studio. Putting tropical
landscaping can also help give liveliness to a simple design and help enhance creativity for the
architects. The location ang geography of the site is also very important as it will dictate how the
design of the studio will be carried out depending on its context.

References

Par, B. E. (2012, November 14). Case Study of Tropical Design of an Architect. Retrieved
from https://www.slideshare.net/BryllEdisonPar/case-study-of-tropical-design-of-an-
architect

Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://www.manilaluxuryclub.com/venue/bellarocca-island-resort-and-spa

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Labrador, C. (2017, May 19). The Best and the Brightest in Philippine Architecture.
Retrieved from https://www.townandcountry.ph/homes/design/filipino-architects-the-
industry-s-brighest-names-a1700-20170519-lfrm2

Collage Architecture Studio, Bangalore | HAW Magazine. (2016, July 31). Retrieved from
http://www.howarchitectworks.com/collage-architecture-studio-bangalore-2/

Mount Fuji Architects Studio - Tokyo, Japan - Architects -. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.japan-architects.com/en/mount-fuji-architects-studio-tokyo

BELLAROCCA RESORT & SPA. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://malasiatravel.com/philippines/marinduque/bellarocca/location.html

National Geographic Society. (2012, November 09). Mount Fuji. Retrieved from
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/media/mount-fuji/

Mt. Fuji access guide; trains and buses for Lake Kawaguchiko area. - DeepJapan. (n.d.).
Retrieved from http://www.deepjapan.org/a/3197

"District census handbook- Bangalore rural" (PDF). Directorate of census operations

Karnataka. Retrieved 26 October 2017.

"The World's Cities in 2016" (PDF). United Nations. October 2016. p. 4. Retrieved 4 March
2017.

Swaminathan, Jayashankar M. (2009). Indian Economic Superpower: Fiction Or Future?.

Volume 2 of World Scientific series on 21st century business, ISSN 1793-5660. World
Scientific. p. 20. ISBN 9789812814661.

Lonely Planet. (n.d.). Subscribe. Retrieved from

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/maps/asia/india/bangalore/

"Finance budget for 2007–08" (PDF). Government of Karnataka. Archived from the
original (PDF) on 28 June 2007. Retrieved 28 June 2007.

"Ground water information booklet" (PDF). Central Ground Water Board, Ministry of
Water Resources, Government of India. December 2008. Retrieved 16 June 2012.

The Manila Residences, Manila City, Metro Manila. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://philippinerealtygroup.com/the-manila-residences

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Final Results - 2007 Census of Population Archived 2008-11-20 at the Wayback Machine.

Salita, D. C. (2018, July 20). Manila. Retrieved from

https://www.britannica.com/place/Manila

Frearson, Amy. (2014, April 7). Strasbourg. Retrieved from

https://www.dezeen.com/2014/04/07/aluminium-clad-building-marc-mimram-strasbourg-
architecture-school/

Ferrier, Jill. (n.d.). Strasbourg. Retrieved from

https://www.strasbourg.archi.fr/sites/default/files/plaquettes/ENSAS_Englishweb281014.
pdf

John Wardle Architects. (n.d.). Parkville, Victoria. Retrieved from

https://www.johnwardlearchitects.com/projects/melbourne-school-of-design/

Irwinconsult. (n.d.). Melbourne. Retrieved from

http://www.irwinconsult.com.au/experiences/msd-mufabp/

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