Batangas State University

College of Engineering, Architecture and Fine Arts

Architecture, Interior Design and Fine Arts Department
ARCH 541 Architectural Design 9
Thesis Research Project Proposals
Project Title No. 1. SHIELD: A Biophilic -Design and Disaster Resilient Medical Center A
PROPOSED RELOCATION AND MODERNIZATION OF
EASTERN VISAYAS REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
Project Location

Tacloban City, Leyte

Proponent/Year & Section:

Zara, Irwin Samuel F / ARC-5101

Owner/ Implementing/ Cooperating Agency Study Project : DOH

Proposed/ Estimated Cost:

2.4 Billion Pesos

Background Rationale: The existing EVRMC, located near the Tacloban Port Area along
Senator Enage Street and Magsaysay Boulevard, was severly damaged by the
strong winds and storm surges of Super Typhoon Yolanda on 08 November 2013.
Because of the Yolanda disaster and the lingering hazard to storm surges, the
modernization project will relocate and rebuild EVRMC at the mountainside of
Brgy. Cabalawan, Tacloban City, which is far enough from the shorelines.

Background: Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center Modernization Project, which seeks to
expand the hospitals bed capacity from 325 to 500, transfer to a new site in Tacloban
City, and establish a new IT system and medical equipment. The hospital project cost is
estimated at P2.40 billion
Justification of the Study: The project is one of the proposed interventions under the
Yolanda Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Plan to build back better the health
facilities in Eastern Visayas.

As regional referral center, modernizing EVRMC will improve quality health services
to the people of Eastern Visayas, ensure resiliency in times of disasters, enhance
health outcomes, and achieve equity in healthcare in the region
Its new site, which is about 10 kilometers from Tacloban City proper, is situated
along the Maharlika Highway and close to San Juanico Bridge making it more

accessible especially to the people of the poverty-stricken municipalities in the

three Samar provinces.

Objective of the Study

General Objectives: This study aims to design a Biophilic architecture and Disaster Resilient
Medical Center. It will relocate and modernize to have more accessibility as well as for
the patients to have an environment for natural faster healing and improve the health
needs of the people of the entire Eastern Visayas as well as the international standards.
This ensure resiliency in times of disasters, enhance health outcomes, and achieve
equity in healthcare in the region.
Specific Objectives:
The following principles based on researches and studies work in hospitals, this will be
advantageously infused in the concept and construction of the new hospital. These are
as follows:
1. Keep it Green - Lush, layered landscapes with shade trees, flowers and shrubs at
various heights should take up roughly 70 percent of the space; concrete walkways
and plazas about 30 percent.
2. Keep it Real - Abstract sculptures do not soothe people who are sick or worried.
3. Keep it Interesting - Mature trees that draw birds and chairs that can be moved to
facilitate private conversation foster greater interaction.
4. Engage Multiple Senses - Gardens that can be seen, touched, smelled and listened
to soothe best. But avoid strongly fragrant flowers or other odors for patients
undergoing chemotherapy.
5. Mind the Walkways - Wide, meandering paths that are tinted to reduce glare allow
patients with low eyesight, wheelchairs or walkers to get close to nature. Paving
seams must be narrower than one eighth of an inch to prevent trips by patients
trailing wheeled IV poles.
6. Water with Care - Fountains that sound like dripping faucets, buzzing helicopters or
urinals do not relax anyone, and neither does the strong smell of algae.
7. Make Entry Easy - Gardens should not be far away or behind doors that are too
heavy for a frail or elderly person to open:
8. To consider structural modification for earthquake resistance
9. To include aerodynamic design that will adapt to wind flow
10. To elevate finished floor line to avoid flooding
11. To use fire resilient materials