Chapter 2

METHODOLOGY

“We shall create a sustainable and enabling environment that

will promote the economic stability and ensure the general well-

being of our citizenry” – Baguio City Hall Mission

With the principles of resilient, sustainable, and responsive

building systems design, the study initially aims to

architecturally plan and design a new Technological Skills

Institute in Legarda-Kisad Road, Baguio City. However, with the

existence of modern building technology and the imposing city

mission on upholding sustainable and resilient communities in the

city, a building that houses function and strength in itself does

not suffice.

Thus, the study also aims to examine and analyze the proposed

systematically designed green building by evaluating building

system principles using the point system scheme known as the

Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence (BERDE) for

Educational Institutions (a local counterpart to America’s

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design or LEED) in order to

achieve a systemically designed sustainable and ecologically

responsive technological skills institute.

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2.a THE SITE

Located beyond the low pressure areas, up into the Cordillera

highlands, and amidst the concrete urban community of Baguio City,

Legarda and Kisad Road serve as gateways to and fro the heart of

the Plaza at Kilometer 0.00 and Ben Palispis Highway (formerly

Marcos Highway), the major transport route for buses towards Metro

Manila. Ideal for commercial and institutional education, the zone

abuts the Central Business District and Burnham Park, providing

access to economic centers and open space adjacent to the site.

Both Legarda and Kisad Roads transmute heavy traffic disadvantages

into positive vehicular rerouting as it connects multiple access

to major roads.

As reported by Polonio, J., the city council crafted and

approved the Baguio zoning ordinance, which limits the height of

commercial buildings to 19.5 meters or 6 stories. The National

Building Code of the Philippines (Presidential Decree No. 1096),

meanwhile, sets the limit to 5-stories. Baguio Mayor Mauricio

Domogan, however, corrected the "perceptions that high rise

structures are banned in the city due to alleged geological

disadvantages." He said the height of buildings allowed in the

city depends on soil tests – whether the proposed building can be

supported by the ground underneath it. (Polonio, J. 2015)

Thus, the proposed Technogical Skills Institute to be placed

in this zone, shall conform to the standards of efficient

architectural planning and design, sustainable and resilient

building systems, and applicable methods of construction, although

high-rise structures are allowed in this area.

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 Photo 1. THE SITE (image source: Google Satellite Map 2016)

Once developed with built commercial restaurants and a Bosch

Car Repair Center and now cleared for any new development, the

site lies across Giligan’s Island Restaurant as a through lot and

corner lot to be incorporated as the property of the Technological

Skills Institute and its adjacent pocket park respectively. Owned

by the Prince Henry Development Corporation in the year 1936, under

the presidency of Manuel L. Quezon, the site holds historical

significance of being a place of development for urban livelihood.

This holds true to the existence of its neighboring commercial and

institutional educational centers such as Giligan’s Island

Restaurant, Korean restaurants, Baguio Palace and Prince Plaza

hotels, and the University of the Cordilleras-Baguio Colleges

Foundation adjacent to the site.

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 Photo 4. Highest
Site Elevation Photo 5. Site
Slope

Photo 3. Site
Frontage

Photo 2. LOT PLAN

(Image source: Baguio City Hall Tax Mapping Division 2016)

The site features a sloping contour from Legarda Road

downwards to Kisad Road, similar to the ratio of the minor road G.

Del Pilar Street that connects the two. In compliance with the

BERDE Point System allocation, this sustains a positive impact for

rain harvesting and storm drainage regarding passive systems and

building sustainability in which the land need not to be excavated

and developed with excessive site works.

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Site frontage showing the former use of the site, Bosch Car
Service Center, now demolished, cleared, and highly fenced.
Photo 3. Site Frontage (source: Google Street View 2016)

South View of the Site depicting the highest elevation and

intersection of G. Del Pilar and Legarda Road.

Photo 4. Highest Site Elevation (source: Google Street View

2016)

View of the site slope indicating G. Del Pilar Street as the

connector of Kisad and Legarda Road
Photo 5. Site Slope (source: Google Street View 2016)

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2.b. DATA GATHERING TOOLS

2.b.1. Sustainable, Resilient, and Responsive Building

Systems Design and Methods of Construction:

2.b.1.1 Readings

The study utilizes publications from laws, books,

articles, journals, and the world wide web related to

sustainable, resilient, and responsive building systems

design and construction methods as excerpted in the

related reading section of the thesis. Mainly, the

measuring tools for the process are:

2.b.1.1.1. The Building for Ecologically

Responsive Design Excellence for Educational

Institutions (BERDE 2013)

The BERDE Point System shall be used to gather data

on the criteria for sustainable, resilient, and

responsive building design systems in order to

evaluate and analyze the compliance of the site

location and to plan and design the Technological

Skills Institute as a green building.

2.b.1.1.2. The National Ecolabelling Programme

(NELP) material specification for green

buildings.

Material specification that are ecolabelled are

approved in the BERDE Point System Material section

and shall be used to specify construction

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 materials, equipment, and accessories to uplift

green architecture.

2.b.1.2 Observation

Ocular site inspections and documentation are

translated into visual surveys known as analysis maps.

These are:

2.b.1.2.1. Analysis Maps

2.b.1.2.1.1 Base map (showing existing

site conditions)

2.b.1.2.1.2 Sun and Wind Path

2.b.1.2.1.3 Topographical map (showing

site contour and slope)

2.b.1.2.1.4 Hydrological and Vegetation

Map

2.b.1.2.1.5 SWOT analysis (Strength,

Weakness, Opportunities, and

Threats)

2.b.2. Architectural Planning and Design:

2.b.2.1. Readings

The study utilizes excerpts of pertinent building

laws and ordinances in upholding the aim of the study.

These laws are:

2.b.2.1.1. The National Building Code (PD1096)

2.b.2.1.2. The Accessibility Law (BP344)

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 2.b.2.1.3. Fire Code of the Philippines (RA 9514)

2.b.2.2. Observation

2.b.2.2.1. Analysis Maps

2.b.2.2.1.1 Base map (showing existing

site conditions)

2.b.2.2.1.2 Sun and Wind Path

2.b.2.2.1.3 Topographical Map (showing

site contour and slope)

2.b.2.2.1.4 Hydrological and Vegetation

Map

2.b.2.2.1.5 Visual Map (indicating

pleasant and unpleasant

views)

2.b.2.2.1.6 Olfactory Map (indicating

odor and aroma)

2.b.2.2.1.7 Auditory Map (indicating

noisy and calm areas)

2.b.2.2.1.8 Psychological Maps,

(indicating disturbing and

peaceful areas), and

2.b.2.2.1.9 SWOT analysis (Strength,

Weakness, Opportunities, and

Threats)

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2.c. DATA GATHERING PROCEDURE

2.c.1. Sustainable, Resilient, and Responsive Building

Systems Design and Methods of Construction

2.c.1.1. Readings

In order to achieve the concept of green architectural

principles unto the output of building systems, excerpts of

prevailing standards must be complied with.

First, the measuring tool, the BERDE Point System, shall

be narrowed down to the version for Educational Institutions,

as there are other versions for Residential and Commercial

Buildings. Acquiring the listings for ranking a building as

ecologically responsive allows for measurable data. This data

shall be used in planning and designing the Technological

Skills Institute as a green building.

Secondly, in compliance with the BERDE Point System, a

list of eco-labeled material specifications shall be acquired

under NELP. This list, as prescribed by BERDE, states approved

materials that reduce carbon input and promotes environmental

sustainability and ecological resilience. It shall be used in

selecting materials used for the methods of construction.

2.c.1.1. Observation

Third, after the acquisition of pertinent readings,

analysis maps are to be produced by site inspection and visual

survey. These are done by going to Legarda-Kisad Road at

different times of the day by its sixths: 6:00 AM, 10:00 AM,

2:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 10:00 PM, and optionally by 2:AM; a 4

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hour interval, in order to observe different activities and

environmental conditions at these hours.

To develop Base maps, the site survey plan shall be

acquired at the Tax Mapping Division at City Hall and existing

buildings and surroundings from site visits shall be

indicated into a computer drafted plan drawing.

To develop Sun and Wind Paths, north orientation on the

site survey plan shall be the basis as to where the sun rises

and sets; and where prevailing winds occur from. Site

visitations shall also be referred to as basis for the hottest

and coolest zones of the site, and where the strongest and

weakest winds occur.

To develop the Topographical Map, contours and slopes

from the survey plan shall be acquired at the Department of

Natural and Environmental Resources (DENR). Basis from site

surveys shall be used to indicate the highest and lowest

elevations of the site for the best use of storm drainage and

piping systems.

To develop the Hydrological and Vegetation Map, lines

and symbols indicating main water lines, sewer lines, and

existing trees and shrubs shall be drawn with CAD software

with basis from ocular inspections.

To develop the Visual Map, legends and symbols

indicating pleasant and unpleasant views shall be drawn with

CAD software with basis from in-site and surrounding site

inspections.

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 To develop the Olfactory Map, site inspection in situ and

along circulation networks are being implemented to determine

where foul odor and aroma are most prevalent. These are indicated

by lines and symbols drawn with CAD software.

To develop the Auditory Map, lines and symbols that indicate

noise and quietness in and around the site shall be drawn with CAD

software.

To develop Psychological Maps, variation in time for ocular

site visits shall determine the areas where discomfort and

peacefulness affect a user psychologically. These are translated

in drawing by legends and symbols.

To develop the SWOT analysis, strengths, weaknesses,

opportunities, and threats, regarding the ecology, location, and

visual survey shall be listed into a table format, computer encoded

and printed.

2.c.2. Architectural Planning and Design:

2.c.2.1 Readings

Fourthly, in order to acquire data for

architectural planning and design of the proposed

Technological Skills Institute, excerpts from these laws

are being acquired:

Excerpts from The National Building Code of the

Philippines (PD1096) related to the design parameters,

standards, and method of construction shall be adhered

to by all means in planning and designing the

Technological Skills Institute.

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 Excerpts from The Accessibility Law (BP344) are

being acquired to provide for safety and security design

parameters and standards to cater to senior citizens and

the disabled, as well as children and the target market

of the site.

Excerpts from the Fire Code of the Philippines (RA

9514) are being acquired and listed as basis for planning

and designing the Technological Skills Institute in

compliance with Fire Safety Design Parameters and

Standards within the site and its surroundings.

2.d Application of Strategies

The action of putting these tools into action is being done

in a formal manner. All site inspections and observations are being

implemented with approval of the site owner or custodian and each

visit is being equipped with documentation tools for photography,

videos, and ocular sketches. The process is also formal, as

involved personnel are being informed and visits are being

scheduled.

The policies being used are the principles of green

architecture, specifically: resilient, sustainable, responsive

building systems design and methods of construction; and

architectural planning and design principles. These policies are

the core of the study to be applied in achieving a systematically

design Technological Skills Institute.

With the data gathered, the architectural design stage begins.

Initially, conceptual diagrams and circulation planning are drawn

based on the visual surveys of the site along with the philosophy,

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“Form follows function, and future functions.”(Resilient City)

Thus, space planning incorporates open planning that adapts to

variation in the use of each space. With the most efficient concept

being chosen, schematic plans are derived from data allocating the

best land use of various in the site.

In compliance with the principles of green architecture,

facilities are designated where less maintenance is needed. The

schemes take into consideration the horizontal and vertical

accessibility of users and building systems, in relation to the

building’s axis to the site.

The overall concept of utilizing green building principles in

this study is double edged: firstly, to plan and design a green

building based from the guide for sustainable, resilient, and

responsive building system principles (BERDE); and secondly, to

rate how ‘green’ the building is using the same guide used to

design it (BERDE Point System).

With all schematic designs complying with these guidelines

and the design philosophy, application of material specifications

succeeds. Thus, the order of the procedure as shown in the

theoretical framework is: the gathering of data, analysis of data,

translation of data into design, application of building systems

and architectural principles, and application of material

specifications. These strategies reflect the aim of the study into

a cohesive framework in order to present a proposed Technological

Skills Institute design.

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2.d. METHOD OF PRESENTATION

The method of presentation for the intended output: An

Ecologically Responsive Designed Technological Skills Institute,

will be in these forms from start to finish, chronologically:

2.d.1. Thesis Manuscript – Before oral presentation, the

manuscript containing the final encoded thesis shall be submitted

to a panel of jury. It shall be checked and approved after

endorsement by the thesis adviser and serve as an unpublished

document for educational purposes. The manuscript is to be printed

in 3 copies and Chapters 1 and 2 are to be given for the panel’s

reading and approval before Chapters 3 and 4 are to be initiated.

2.d.2. Working Drawings – Working drawings are then

incorporated as part of the manuscript and submitted along with

the final hard bound output. These drawings are neatly presented

and folded into the bounded book so as to be unraveled by the

panelists when assessing the working drawings. A separate copy of

drawings on A3 size papers are also to be made available for the

ease of assessment by the jury.

2.d.3. Conceptual Boards – After approval of the

manuscript and thesis proposal, a go signal from panel indicates

the start of design conceptualization for the proposed

Technological Skills Institute. These schemes are to be presented

in front of the panel during thesis defense and to be used as a

reference throughout the presentation of visual slides and oral

presentation.

2.d.4. Scale Model – Before the oral presentation, the

scale model is to be presented in front of the jury with the

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vantage point of views facing them. The presentation of the scale

model is static, with optional installation of LED lighting, yet

shall reflect the plans and elevations from the working drawings.

The model is to be presented with the intent to showcase aspects

relevant to the design problem.

2.d.5. Animation - Before the oral presentation, an

animation video showcasing the major facets of the problem and

design solution are to be submitted to the panelists for analysis,

so as to allocate time to prepare evaluative questions during the

defense. The animation will once be played during the projected

presentation on the day of defense before the oral presentation.

2.d.6. Projected Presentation – Finally, this segment

includes the oral presentation and closure of presentations. All

methods of presentations listed above are to be further elaborated

during this stage, wherein a given time limit would be determined

by the jury. This starts with the video and slide projection of

the problem and theoretical framework from the manuscript, on

towards blow up diagrams of design concepts, close-up shots of the

scale model to showcase design exterior, a walk-through animation

to showcase design interior, and relevant working drawing segments

to further elaborate the design solution. These are only visual

aids to complement the oral presentation, as the thesis statements

shall be defended through question and answer forums at a selected

and visually equipped room in the University of the Cordilleras.

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2.f. FINAL OUTPUT
2.f.1. Thesis Manuscript – The manuscript refers to this

encoded project study, written in the APA style format, Courier

New font type, double spaced, and font sized 12. It contains the

project background, details and relevant information gather to

produce the intended design output. It serves as the backbone of

the project and shall neatly be hard bounded and presented

eligibly.

2.f.2. Conceptual Boards – A photo collage of the schematic

drawings, architectural philosophy, and design concepts on a 20”

x 30” illustration board are presented alongside the projected

presentation to showcase the stages of the design

conceptualization.

2.f.3. Working Drawings – 2 Dimensional plans and designs for

the proposed technological skills institute shall be presented

with the aid of Computer Aided Design software Trimble Sketchup

Pro 2016 on A3 size papers, with colored perspectives and grayscale

orthographical projections, and adhering to the standard format

for working drawings as stated in the National Building Code of

the Philippines (PD 1096).

2.f.4. Scale Model – Based on the working drawings and

details, a scaled model of the planned and designed Technological

Skills Institute, in vinyl and illustration boards as major

materials, shall be displayed at a scale of 1 to 200 meters, neatly

constructed with locally available modelling materials and

equipment, and enclosed in glass casing for future display

purposes. It shall reveal the design concept in a three dimensional

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structure, indicating the prominent land use features and existing

topology and demographics based on the analysis maps.

2.f.5. Animation - The scale model could as well be

alternately presented using the 3 dimensional animation software

Act-3D Lumion. The rendered output saved into the formats .mp4 and

shall be compatible for playback showing exterior and interior

walkthroughs of the project.

2.f.6. Projected Presentation – Finally, all 2d and 3d

graphical presentation and text information shall be compatible

for presentation through a VGA controller port between a PC and a

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Project on screen. These include soft

copies of the manuscript, Microsoft PowerPoint 2013 Presentations,

and Trimble Sketchup Layout 2016 Presentations showing all

relevant information and drawings needed to capture the viewers’

retention and clearly exhibit comprehensive analyses in a concise

and understandable manner.

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