Museo Realonda: The Manila Multisensory Interactive Exhibition Hall and Learning Hub For The Visually Challenged
Museo Realonda: The Manila Multisensory Interactive Exhibition Hall and Learning Hub For The Visually Challenged
Museo Realonda: The Manila Multisensory Interactive Exhibition Hall and Learning Hub For The Visually Challenged
In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements
For the Degree of
Bachelor of Science in Architecture
03 September 2020
Museo Realonda: The Manila Multisensory Interactive
Exhibition Hall and Learning Hub for the Visually Challenged
September 3, 2020
Dear Sir:
I have the honor to submit my thesis proposal entitled, “Museo Realonda: The Manila
Multisensory Interactive Exhibition Hall and Learning Hub for the Visually
Challenged” as a partial requirement for the degree of Bachelor of Science in
Architecture. With the goal of shedding more light to the blind and visually
impaired people by constructing a museum designed especially for them, which
enables them to experience being able to learn about history and appreciate art
better through their other senses. The following are its project objectives are deemed
to be attained:
Upon the approval of this proposal, it is understood that I shall proceed with the
research work and submit it on the designated date. Justification and other requirements
for the proposal are included herewith.
Sincerely yours,
TALAMPAS, FREAZEL ANNE S.
5AR-7
3
The Pontifical and Royal
University of Santo
Tomas España Blvd.,
Manila
Certificate to Proceed
You are now tasked to proceed with your research works in accordance with the existing
guidelines and policies of the College. You are likewise enjoined to submit the said research
work on the time and date designated by the Thesis Adviser this Semester.
Title Page....................................................................................................................i
Letter to the Dean.......................................................................................................2
Certificate to Proceed.................................................................................................3
Abstract…...................................................................................................................4
Table of Contents…....................................................................................................5
List of Figures….........................................................................................................6
List of Tables
Chapter 1: Introduction.............................................................................................7
1.1 Background and Nature of Project….....................................................7
1.1.1 Origin of the Name of Project
1.2 Statement of Problem...............................................................................8
1.3 Project Goals and Objectives…..............................................................8
1.3.1 Project Goal…...........................................................................8
1.3.2 Project Objectives......................................................................9
1.4 Significance of the Project…....................................................................9
1.5 Scope of the Project..................................................................................9
1.6 Limitation of the Project
1.7 Acronyms and Abbreviations…............................................................10
1.8 Definition of Terms….............................................................................10
Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature................................................................12
2.1 Blindness and Visual Impairment.......................................................12
2.1.1 Common Types of Visual Impairment
2.1.2 Common Causes of Visual Impairment
2.1.3 How Blind and Visually Impaired People Deal with their
Condition
2.2 Museum Architecture
2.2.1 History and Background
2.2.2 Common Types of Museum
2.2.3 What is a Multisensory Museum?
Museo Realonda: The Manila Multisensory Interactive
Exhibition Hall and Learning Hub for the Visually Challenged
3.5.2 Interview
3.5.3 Online Research
3.6 Timeline
Chapter 4: Site Profile and Analysis….....................................................................25
4.1 Overview.................................................................................................25
5
4.2 Site Selection..........................................................................................26
4.2.1 Criteria for Site Selection........................................................26
4.2.2 Site Description........................................................................27
4.2.3 Site Selection Table…...............................................................30
4.3 Site Selection and Justification................................................................31
4.4 Site Profile...............................................................................................32
4.4.1 Macro Site Profile....................................................................32
4.4.2 Micro Site Profile.....................................................................33
4.4.3 Location....................................................................................33
4.4.4 Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP)…...........................34
4.4.5 Contour Map............................................................................34
4.4.6 Flood Map................................................................................35
4.4.7 S.W.O.T. Analysis....................................................................36
Bibliography….........................................................................................................38
List of Figures
Chapter 1
Figure 1-1: Teodora Alonzo Y. Quintos
Figure 1-2: Linear trends of visual impairment, Philippines
Figure 1-3: Prevalence of visual impairment, 1995 vs. 2002, Philippines
Chapter 2
Figure 2-1: Marilyn Monroe
Figure 2-2: They say your eyes are the window to your soul, and my soul was hungry.
Figure 2-3: Grapes by Ai Weiwei
Figure 2-4: Frank Stella, Die Fahne Hoch! (1959)
Figure 2-5: Radical Presence: Black Performance in Contemporary Art
Figure 2-6: Hubris Atë Nemesis installation curves up Maine contemporary art gallery
Figure 2-7: Exhibition | Anish Kapoor: Earth Art in Brussels
Figure 2-8: Untitled by Jean-Michael Basquiat
Figure 2-9: Camila Soato, Imundas e Abençoadas 0, 2014. Zipper Galeria
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Figure 4.1 Site A (Google maps, 2020)....................................................................27
Figure 4.2 Site B (Google maps, 2020).....................................................................28
Figure 4.3 Site C (Google maps, 2020).....................................................................29
Figure 4.4 Contour map (Google maps, 2020)........................................................32
Figure 4.5 Contour map (Google maps, 2020)........................................................33
Figure 4.6 Contour map (Google maps, 2020)........................................................34
Figure 4.7 5 Year Flood Hazard (NOAH, 2020).................................................35
Figure 4.8 - 25 Year Flood Hazard (NOAH, 2020)...............................................35
Figure 4.9 - 100 Year Flood Hazard (NOAH, 2020)................................................36
List of Tables
Chapter 1
Table 1-1: Prevalence of visual impairment, Philippines
Table 1-2: Prevalence of blindness by region
Table 1-3: Main causes of bilateral
blindness Table 1-4: Main causes of low
vision
Table 1-5: Visual impairment by age and gender
Table 1-6: Prevalence of visual impairment by region
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 1: Introduction
A museum tells a story about how humanity has overcome a lot of challenges
and important events over the years. It contains natural historical elements, collections
of heritage, identities, records of historical events, artifacts, and a lot more. Museum
acquires and conserves rare objects, researches, communicates and exhibits the
tangible and intangible heritage of humanity and its environment for the purposes of
scholarship. Bringing people face-to-face with our objects is a way of bringing them
face-to-face with people across time, across space, whose lives may have been
different form our own but who, like us, have hopes and dreams, frustrations, and
person has a bigger impact rather than seeing something on a book or on a computer
screen because seeing something with your own eyes gives you the privilege of
visualizing and witnessing different perspectives from everything and anything in the
world.
However, accessing museums has been difficult for those people who are blind
and partially sighted, often due to objects being placed in glass cases creating a barrier
to access. Many museums around the world provide some accessibility but what
happens when a museum looks at the issue in its entirety and sees blind and partially
Accessibility for blind people do not depend on their ability to deal with
obstacles in the physical environment, rather, it results when access requirements are
considered during initial planning so that blind people can freely share, enjoy, and
participate in social and cultural life. Museums should serve as a beacon of hope to
everyone, especially for those blind and visually impaired people, to encourage them
to visit the museum and have the assurance of being welcomed and well-appreciated
Figure 1-1: Teodora Alonzo Y. Quintos On the other hand, the name of
Manila City, which is well known for being the heart of heritage and history of
the Philippines.
approximately 285 million people worldwide are visually impaired, with 39 million
blind and 246 million with low vision. The leading cause of blindness is cataracts,
the 2018 report of the Philippine Blind Union (PBU), there are approximately 500,000
people who are blind or visually impaired and majority of them are poor and
uneducated. In addition, data from Resources of the Blind Inc. (RBI) shows that
40,000 of them are in school age and a very small percentage have been able to enroll
A legislation called R.A. 6759, also known as “White Cane Act of 1989” was
initiated by the first leaders of the Philippine Blind Union (PBU) namely Capt. Oscar
Taleon and Mr. Michael Barredo. Every August 1 of each year, the law mandates the
celebration of the White Can Safety Day to remind the public of the need for respect
as well as assistance for people using white can for their mobility. Along with this, the
PBU often conducts white can provision projects with the support of government and
of
the blind in the country. In terms of safety and precaution for the blind and visually
was held in Cebu City which nationally declared DIDRRM and its framework of
action. A workshop was conducted which includes blind delegates to ensure inclusion
of measures on how to help the blind and visually impaired people in an emergency
situation.
Source: Cubillan, L. D., MD, MPH, & Olivar-Santos, E. O., MD, MHA. (2005). Third National
Survey on Blindness. Philippine Journal of Ophthalmology, 30(3), 100-114.
In addition to the statistics stated above, a Third National Survey on Blindness
in the Philippines was conducted from October 2001 to May 2002 to determine the
major causes of visual impairment in both national and regional levels in the
Philippines. The results showed that a total of 29, 888 people among 6, 757
households were visually impaired, 24, 624 (82.39%) of them were examined. The
bilateral low vision and monocular low vision nationwide is 4.62%, while the regional
prevalence of blindness is from 0.16% to 1.08% and low vision from 0.60% to 4.07%.
It also showed that cataract is the most common cause of blindness. In conclusion of
the results, there are over 400,000 bilaterally blind people in the Philippines, 62% of it
is caused by cataract.
Source: Cubillan, L. D., MD, MPH, & Olivar-Santos, E. O., MD, MHA. (2005). Third National
Survey on Blindness. Philippine Journal of Ophthalmology, 30(3), 100-114.
Figure 1-2 shows the dissemination of the visually impaired persons according
to their age in 10-year intervals. An increase in visual impairment was notices as the
Source: Cubillan, L. D., MD, MPH, & Olivar-Santos, E. O., MD, MHA. (2005). Third National
Survey on Blindness. Philippine Journal of Ophthalmology, 30(3), 100-114.
Figure 1-3 illustrates comparison of the commonness of visual impairments
between year 1995 and 2002. It shows that bilateral low vision was the highest in the
Source: Cubillan, L. D., MD, MPH, & Olivar-Santos, E. O., MD, MHA. (2005). Third National
Survey on Blindness. Philippine Journal of Ophthalmology, 30(3), 100-114.
Table 1-3 demonstrates the main causes of bilateral blindness. Cataract has the
largest number of 108 of the 174 (62.1%), while amblyopia has the lowest number of
1 of the 174 (0.6%). Other causes of blindness, in decreasing order, were glaucoma,
Source: Cubillan, L. D., MD, MPH, & Olivar-Santos, E. O., MD, MHA. (2005). Third National
Survey on Blindness. Philippine Journal of Ophthalmology, 30(3), 100-114.
Table 1-4 presents the main causes of low vision. 317 out of 598 persons had
598 persons (0.82%). Other causes of low vision were maculopathy, retinopathy,
Source: Cubillan, L. D., MD, MPH, & Olivar-Santos, E. O., MD, MHA. (2005). Third National
Survey on Blindness. Philippine Journal of Ophthalmology, 30(3), 100-114.
Table 1-6: Prevalence of visual impairment by region
Source: Cubillan, L. D., MD, MPH, & Olivar-Santos, E. O., MD, MHA. (2005). Third National
Survey on Blindness. Philippine Journal of Ophthalmology, 30(3), 100-114.
the right people. However, the people responsible for resolving it do not give enough
attention to this problem which can cause reduced ability and loss of self-esteem of
the blind and contributes towards the reduction of quality of life of the blind people
and their respective families. This may lead to economic complications with loss of
productivity and income which can lead to poverty and social dependency of these
people.
The project aims to shed more light to the blind and visually
awareness to normal people to remove the stigma from the blind and
Museums have always been one of the most visited institutions around the
world because it gives knowledge to the people especially to the tourists on a certain
country. The project aims to produce an institution for learning and creativity through
designing a museum which is accessible for everyone especially the blind and visually
impaired people.
Through this project, the range of possibilities for the people to visit this
museum will go wider and higher which will give a big impact on the economy of the
country. In addition, more people will have the opportunity to learn and have
awareness
regarding blindness and visual impairment. And most importantly, blind and visual
impaired people can visit the museum without worrying about their incapability of
seeing things.
to people with low vision in all ages. Since it is a multisensory museum, this can also
give opportunity for the deaf, mute and people with disabilities. A learning facility is
also a part of this project to offer education not only for the blind and disabled, but
also for people without complications to give more knowledge about visual
impairment and disabilities in general. The scope of this project includes research
studies and data analysis regarding museums, blindness and visual impairment.
operations of a museum and its management. It also includes the different innovations
that can be applied for the easy access for the blind and visually impaired people.
These are some of the main topics to be discussed: visual impairment, blindness,
accessibility, sensory design, museum design, architecture, the project site and its
constraints, design strategies and design solutions, The data gathering includes online
research, case studies, statistics, surveys and interviews. These are the forms of data
gathering conducted by the researcher to be able to come up with plans and solutions.
The final output is consisting of the following: conceptual analysis, floor plans,
Amblyopia
interest.
Blindness – the state of being unable to see due to injury, disease or genetic condition.
Braille
Cataract – a medical condition in which the lens of the eye becomes progressively
Corneal opacity
Glaucoma – a condition of increased pressure within the eyeball, causing gradual loss
of sight.
Graffiti
Heritage – it is the full range of our inherited traditions, monuments, objects, and
culture.
Legal blindness
Low vision – it is a kind of visual impairment that is not correctable through surgery,
such as blurred vision, blind spots or tunnel vision, but also includes legal blindness.
Maculopathy – any pathological condition of the macula, an area at the center of the
Monocular blindness
Monocular low
vision Museography
Near
sightedness
Optic atrophy
Refractive error – a common eye disorder which occurs when the eye cannot clearly
focus the images from the outside world. It may result to blurred vision, which is
Retinitis pigmentosa
blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (retina).
Slate
Stylu
s
Visual impairment – a decrease in the ability to see to a certain degree that causes
This chapter presents the information gathered from the different reading
materials such as books, journal articles, websites, and personal communications. The
People who experience any kind of visual impairment are having trouble seeing
clearly, especially those who have a severe condition which may lead to total
blindness. Sight loss is one of the most common causes of disability around the world,
based on statistics, everyday there are 100 people start to lose their sight and one out
of twelve people will become blind or partially sighted by the time they reach the age
of 60, which can rise to one in six people by the time they reach the age of 75. There
are many causes of sight loss. Some people may inherit an eye condition from their
parents, some may get it from illness or being too old. The most common cause of
sight loss is cataracts which is an age-related condition. There are different kinds of
visual impairment which varies depending on how severe the condition or whether it
is treatable or not.
- Blindness is defined as a visual acuity worse than 20/400 with the best
2.1.2.1 Glaucoma
pressure inside the eyes. It causes a tunnel-like vision. The clear vision
remains at the center while the peripheries start decreasing. The tunnel-
like vision at the center of the eye reduces its size which can lead to
cottony opacity darkens the central part of the vision. This condition
blurs the sharpness of central vision which hinders the person to do
2.1.2.3 Cataract
the vision starts to get cloudy which affects the whole eye lens. This
back of the eyes over the retina cause by diabetes. It is the most
wherein a person can see nearby objects clearly, but distant objects
2.1.3 How Blind and Visually Impaired People Deal with their Condition
person will have a hard time understanding the situation unless they
who experience it need to learn and adjust on their condition to help them live
without seeing the world around them. Here are some of the common coping
have a railing to guide them, less clutter to avoid tripping, and a proper
distribution of lighting for those people who are partially blind. Each
of these changes can be done with slight adjustments and enough time
of raised dots that allows the blind to use their fingers to read,
everything will be much easier for them. It will give them a lot of
around them such as their items inside their home to guide them daily.
2.1.3.3 Travel
option for the blind people to help them navigate around. Another
option is for them to take care of a trained dog which can accompany
person might feel frustrations and anxiety more often than a person
who have a
clear vision. Reaching out to people can help them a lot such as
humankind, human activity, and the natural world, museums have a long and
varied history, springing from what may be innate human desire to collect and
role and significance of a museum. Borrowing from other disciplines and other
specialization.
2019).
2.2.2.3 Science and technology museums
so many objects of art and science that they would more properly be
museum does not house actual objects and therefore lacks the
to be designed and built. Since the majority of the visitors are visually
impaired, the main focus of this study is all about multisensory museums.
immersive experiences and diverse sensory engagement for blind and visually
through viewing them with their eyes, neutral smells and sounds are applied in
galleries so that the visitors can focus on the artworks, but those factors can
alter the whole purpose of a museum experience. All of the senses – sight,
sound, touch, smell, and hearing – are a part of a real museum experience
aesthetic and social. The end result might be learning, wonder, reflection and
consider their potential impact on visitors and the opportunity they represent
2.2.3.1 Touch
the object through seeing it, but that haptic processing employs many
regions during haptic perception reflects visual imagery. There are two
types of visual imagery which varies on an individual’s preference.
“Object” imagers
tend to generate images that are pictorial and deal with the actual
color and texture. On the other hand, “spatial” imagers tend to generate
more schematic images dealing with the spatial relations of objects and
object while spatial imagers do not and employed tasks that required
2.2.3.2 Sound
pleasurable smells can turn a museum into a place wherein people with
smell.
determine for most of the people. It is not simply called as a ‘modern-day art’
“contemporary” is entirely possible once one learned about its history and
genre is still debated; however, many art historians consider the late
ideas and concepts rather than precious objects and the skills needed to
Projection Art, and in the process took full advantage of new media
Pop Art
Figure 2-1: Marilyn Monroe
It is the first contemporary
accessible art. While the movement lasted roughly from the 1950s
through the early 1970s, it was reborn by artists like Jeff Koons as
Photorealism – a concurrent
Artists like Chuck Close and Gerhard Richter often worked in this style.
Conceptualism
Figure 2-3: Grapes by Ai
Weiwei This movement also came
Major
Minimalism
Figure 2-4: Frank Stella, Die Fahne
Hoch! (1959)
Minimalism came to life in
they see – not what they think a given work of art represents. So the
perspective of each viewer. Donald Judd, Sol LeWitt, and Dan Flavin
message or idea, just like the usual work of art that can be seen in a
Installation Art
Figure 2-6: Hubris Atë Nemesis
installation curves up Maine
contemporary art gallery Like performance pieces,
Installation Art is an immersive
Earth Art
Figure 2-7: Exhibition | Anish Kapoor:
Earth Art in Brussels
It is like Installation Art,
garde
earthworks.
Street Art
Figure 2-8: Untitled by Jean-Michael Basquiat
It is one of the most
stenciled
images, and stickers erected in public spaces which often rooted from
social activism. Key street artists include figures from the 1980s, like
Feminist Art
Figure 2-9: Camila Soato, Imundas e
Abençoadas 0, 2014. Zipper Galeria
An art movement
tend to depend on the expertise or whim of the curator. This produced some
original form, etc. This can be achieved through proper care of its collections
and a decent laboratory where preservation and restoration can be done in the
right way. Since a museum holds millions of items at the same time,
documentation system is being used on majority of the museums all over the
its exhibitions; this includes the displays, exhibits, collections and storage of
who will witness and experience them. By using the proper amount of color
and light, sound, video, virtual reality and traditional methods, museums tend
to be more relaxing and inviting for the visitors which results to an increase in
outstanding because of the restoration of the 90-year old office of the tourism
department which was turned into a museum known as The National Museum
into a world-class museum facility that will benefit all Filipinos by helping us
all to know better and develop a greater appreciation for the gifts of nature
The private sector gave funds to the government to erect the Tree of Life. Del
Rosario said that the museum is not complete without it, so they needed more
funds to construct this magnificent structure inside the museum. The Tree of
Life is a glass and aluminum dome with an elevator at the center which gives
opportunity to the visitors to see the topmost portion of the museum wherein
there is a big amount of natural light which gives more life to their museum
experience. Some of the galleries that can be found inside consists of beaches,
forests, mangroves, and ocean life. Marine and Forest life are also displayed in
some of the galleries in the museum. The newly opened museum received a lot
of compliments from the public especially the students who are too distracted
see the response of the people, so many people especially young people in
particular are very interested in coming to see this new museum but not only
this museum all the other museums have generated crowds that surpassed our
expectations through
these months and years, it gives me a sense of pride and satisfaction,” del
Rosario said.
MoMa has a long history of serving individuals who are blind or have
low vision. They started offering the first Touch Tours of original sculptures
in 1972 which made the museum establish itself as a leader in the field of
accessible programming. Over the years, MoMa learned from their blind and
partially sighted visitors that they wanted to access all of their collections and
photographs that could not be touched. MoMa responded to the visitors’ needs
and began offering art appreciation courses that employed the use of tactile
diagrams, visual description, and art making. During the art courses, MoMa
learned that many of their participants wanted to spend less time in the
MoMa launched the Art inSight program as a monthly offering to the general
public. In the program, specially trained art historians provide detailed verbal
descriptions to help paint a picture in the mind’s eye and also share art
MoMa faced was to develop a plan for an art-making workshop that would be
sophisticated enough not to feel childish but accessible enough that it would
MoMa focused more on the exploration of artistic ideas and processes rather
than finished products which would allow all participants to leave the
sculptural objects out of white paper clay. They chose paper clay because it is
virtually odorless, has a pleasing texture that is not overly sticky, is easily
manipulated, and can be used to create fine details. There are several reasons
these is because they do not want their participants to get caught up in trying
wanted to create some of the more complex ways that artists translate ideas
into objects and employ symbolism in their work. They also wanted to
encourage self- expression to their participants and for them to share aspects
of their personalities and interests in one another. And lastly, they wanted
participants to make works that were small and sturdy enough to be passed
They seemed to enjoy the opportunity to share their creations and to see and
feel the sculptures that others had made. Even the few participants who
seemed less enthusiastic about making art at the beginning of the workshop
expressed their satisfaction with the experience. Everyone agreed that they
2.4 Innovations
2.4.1 Braille
It is a series of raised dots that can be read with the fingers by people
which languages such as English or Spanish may be written and read. Braille
symbols are formed within units of space known as braille cells. A full braille
cell consists of six raised dots arranged in two parallel rows each having three
dots. The position of the dots is identified by numbers from one through six.
There are sixty-four possible combinations using one or more of the six dots.
There are many ways on how to write in braille. One of them is the
The more complicated one is the Grade 2 braille. In this system, cells are used
whole words. Braille can be written on paper using slate and stylus. With
paper
placed in the slate, tactile dots are made by pushing the pointed end of the
stylus into the paper over the depressions. Other way of producing braille is by
a machine called braillewriter. It is like a typewriter which only has six keys
and a space bar. The six keys correspond to the six dots or braille cell.
Learning braille is important for people who are blind or partially sighted for
television, movies and other art forms for people who are blind, partially
those images that a blind person cannot see. In museums, audio description is
commentary and narration which guides the listener through the presentation
produce sound. This is helpful for a blind person to explore the museum
independently.
2.4.3 3D Printing
Blind, partially sighted and visually impaired people can now visualize
an art without seeing it, this is because of the invention of 3D printing for
a digital model. Existing objects can be scanned and reproduced, and new
designs can also be created. This can be helpful for museums because it can
make
replicas of artefacts which are fragile and should be properly taken care of. It
can also bring galleries and exhibitions come to life by providing tactile
experience for the visitors. Overall, there is a whole lot of possibilities with
this kind of innovation. It gives museums the ability to make their collections
Making art more accessible to people who cannot see does not require
changing already existing pieces. Paintings, for example, can be created with
the consideration of people with low vision in mind from the start, layering
more textured work is common, artists who use the technique specifically to
make their art more inclusive are relatively rare. Regardless of the lack of
popularity, painting with texture is a simple, low-tech way to bring art to those
This technique has made possible through the use of screws of different
wooden boards, making images with the meticulous gaps and grooves.
Because of this technique, people with low vision or even those who are blind
3.1 Overview
studying the thesis proposal. All the information gathered by the researcher will be
figure out the proper architectural design solution for the problems of the research
proposal.
Souce: Uplane, Megha & Wadegaonkar, Ashwini & Sonawane, Sanjeev. (2015). THEORETICAL
FRAMEWORK OF SOCIALIZATION FOR INCLUSION OF VISUALLY IMPAIRED.
International Journal of educational research studies. 1. 28-45.
3.3 Research Design
This type of research will answer the why’s and how’s of decision
will help the researcher to focus and analyze this information to come up with
a solution to the problem. This contains a more in-depth study of how blind
and visually impaired people feel about visiting a museum, how they want to
be welcomed, what works best for them, etc. Through qualitative research, the
researcher will be given the opportunity to adjust some details on the project to
museum; how it works, the organization of it, the flow of the exhibitions, how
it serves people with disability, etc. The outcome of the design solutions and
important to deeply understand and analyze the project through this method,
and to be able to attain more knowledge related to the typology of the project,
the core of the project, its uses and benefits to the people, etc.
3.3.2 Quantitative Research
the future visitors of the museum, especially those who are blind and visually
the season, estimated population of the blind and visually impaired people, etc.
to be able to determine the required spaces needed for the project. This can
also serve as a guide for future expansions and innovations for the museum
itself.
This method will be used to identify key issues that will affect the
will study the present situation of behavior of the people and function of a
museum in the society. Through this, the researcher will be able to come up
process.
more design
solutions for the problems that the project may encounter in the future,
determining the required spaces and its benefits to the users and for the
3.3.3.2 Survey
current situation, online survey forms are the only way of gathering
tourists, people with eye problems, and other people that may
This method will involve the careful analysis of the past events that deal
with the present situations. In relation to the project, historical research will be
applied to gain vital information regarding the past events or records on the
history of a museum. This will open a whole lot of ideas and solutions that can
contribute in the planning process, strategies to be applied to the project, and for
and gain knowledge in the facility, that is why people with visual
visual impairment. So, other participants who from the medicine field,
following people:
A. Ophthalmologist
B. Optometrist
D. Orthoptist
E. Optician
F. Cornea Specialist
G. Retinal Specialist
H. Glaucoma Specialist
I. Neuro-ophthalmologist
autism spectrum disorder (ASD), are also vital for this research since this
project will be primarily designed for people with incomplete senses. Other
people who are related to persons with these disabilities, such as caregivers
The research instruments will help and guide the researcher in gathering
information, facts and opinion that will affect the output of the project. These
instruments will improve the quality and the feasibility of the design project.
3.5.1 Survey Questionnaires
recognition type (multiple choice and checklist format), and coding type (5-
3.6.2 Interviews
3.6 Timeline
This chapter contains the discussion of the comparison between three selected
locations for the proposed study. Detailed analysis of each site will be presented as
well as the site criteria and S.W.O.T. analysis which will serve as a guide to choose
4.1 Overview
One of the most vital parts of a thesis proposal is the location because it can
have a big impact on the overall design of the structure depending on the situation of
the site. Study of the site should be taken seriously as it will greatly affect the users of
the project.
Since the project proposal is a museum, it is important to build it in a place
wherein people visit more frequently especially tourists from around the world. In this
way, the museum has a big possibility to be noticed and to be known. The site will be
located in one of the busiest cities in the Philippines – The City of Manila, which is
located within Metro Manila also known as the National Capital Region of the
(WWF), Manila has the second highest population density among all cities
worldwide. Being one of the major tourist destinations in the country, the city attracts
over 1 million visitors from all over the world every year. Overall, Manila has high
physical and social resilience and moderate economic institutional, and natural
resilience.
The following criteria will help the researcher in determining the most
appropriate site for the project. It will be rated either one (1), two (2), or three
(3) with one (1) being the lowest score and three (3) being the highest score.
people and it would be a lot easier for them if the museum is located
somewhere they can easily go to despite which place they come from.
Proper Land Use and zoning – The location must be able to follow
facilities.
a good air circulation and natural lighting will highly benefit the
maintenance.
Site must be big enough for easy navigation of the visitors and for
future expansion – The site must have an extra space allotted for
future expansion of the museum and for bigger spaces needed for
cities are welcome to visit the museum which will encourage more
Category Points
Accessibility
Site Drainage
Topography
Climate
Orientation
Vegetation
Category Points
Site Potential
Facilities
Category Points
Ease of Ownership
Land Cost
Compatibility with Adjacent Land Use
1- Lot size is inadequate to meet the suggested minimum lot size requirement set in
2- Lot size is adequate to meet the suggested minimum lot size requirement set in the
3- Lot size exceeds 50% of the suggested minimum lot size requirement set in the
national building code and provides area for possible expansion for other amenities
and activities
4- Lot size exceeds 75% of the suggested minimum lot size requirement set in the
national building code and provides area for possible expansion for other amenities
and activities
5- Lot size exceeds more than 100% of the suggested minimum lot size requirement
set in the national building code and provides area for possible expansion for other
vehicles
5- In close proximity to airport terminal, and by public bus, jeepneys, PUVs, ride
1- Soil is unstable all over and soil is mostly consisting of made ground or fill
2- Soil is unstable for most parts of site and is mostly consists of peat and organic soil
3- Some remote area of the site has unstable soils and is mostly consists of cohesive
4- Most areas of the site have stable soils and is mostly consists of non-cohesive soils
5- Soils are stable and mostly consists of rocks (igneous, gneissic, limestone,
1- Non-existing utilities and services and has known difficulties of access on site
2- No existing utilities and services but is accessible far from the site
4- Existing utilities and services are available adjacent to or near the site
4- Site has definite drainage with water coming from adjacent properties but can
merely be contained
5- Site has definite drainage with no unnecessary water coming from adjacent
properties
uses 2- Site is not even, and can only hold certain possible use
3- Site is not even, but can still hold all possible uses
1- The site does not have good sun and wind orientation
3- The site has good sun orientation but satisfactory wind orientation
expansion
development 5- Has larger area for additional amenities for the property
development
1- Land's present/future zoning does not allow use for a vertical structure
2- Land's current zoning does not allow vertical structure, but exemption can be
appealed
usage 4- Land is currently within a C-3 zone and but will probably
change
5-Land is within a C-3 zoning classification set in the National Building Code or
1- Site is high-priced
1- Incompatible with the adjacent land use and the surrounding context
context 3- Certain differences with the adjacent land use and surrounding
context
4- Relatively fit with the adjacent land use and surrounding context
5- Perfectly relates with the adjacent land use and surrounding context
2- Site is potential for local business sectors and agencies, job opportunities and
rationalized residential plan
3- Site is potential for local and international business sectors and agencies, tourism
vehicle ride
area
2- Pedestrian access can be constructed, but pathway work is required, and traffic
4- Site has existing pedestrian access that is suitable for 500-meter travel and has
5- Site has existing pedestrian access that is suitable for 250-meter travel and has
Manila
Blg. 2 and Kalaw Avenue. It can also be accessed through a minor road called
General Luna Street. It is a heptagonal lot which has a total lot area of approximately
16, 976.83 square meters and it is zoned as general institutional zone (INS-G) based
on the Land Use Map of Manila. The establishments that can be found near the site
are National Museum of Natural History, Rizal Park, Asia Link Finance Corporation,
Hospital, Araullo High School, Santa Isabel College Manila, etc. It is within an area
where most of the tourists visit since most of the establishments around it are the go-
Manila
It is an interior lot which is bounded by one major and three minor roads,
namely, Taft Avenue, Cecilia Munoz St., and Antonio Villegas St. It is a trapezoidal
site which has a total lot area of approximately 14, 193.64 square meters and it is
zoned as general institutional zone (INS-G) based on the Land Use Map of Manila.
The establishments
that can be found near the site are SM City Manila, Unibersidad De Manila, Mehan
Garden, Manila City Hall, Baluarte de San Francisco de Dilao, Maynilad Water
Services, Metropolitan Theater, Suntrust Parkview, etc. It is near Site A, but this site
can give more exposure to the museum since the area in front of it is empty.
Nicolas, Manila
It is an interior lot which is bounded by one major and two minor roads,
namely, Muelle dela Industria, Numancia St., and Prensa St. It is a rectangular site
which has a total lot area of approximately 11, 558.74 square meters and it is zoned as
general institutional zone (INS-G) based on the Land Use Map of Manila. The
establishments that can be found near the site are Jose Abad Santos High School,
Galeria De Binondo Condominium, Justice Jose Abad Santos General Hospital, Sky-
Med Health and Laboratory Center, San Nicolas Fire Station, etc. It is adjacent to the
Pasig River which can give not only a scenic view but can also give good air
Location and
3 2 1
Accessibility
Good Orientation
orientation)
Accessibility to
2 3 1
utilities
navigation of the 3 2 1
future expansion
Must be in
proximity/accessible 3 2 1
to the Urban
Total 15 14 10
The results above show that Site A had a total of 15, Site B with a total
of 14, and Site C with a total of 10. Site A, which has a total lot area of 16,
976.83 square meters, is the most appropriate lot which will be used for the
project.
The site selection is based on the results shown in table 4.1 above which
Sites A and B scores are the closest with each other because both of these sites
conform to the criteria that the researcher produced. Site C acquired the least point
since it is the hardest to access and it is quite isolated from the busy parts of the city.
Each of the chosen sites has a potential, site A is the nearest to most of the famous
establishments in manila, the front side of site B is currently empty which gives it
more benefit in terms of façade exposure, and lastly, site C has the best orientation
and air circulation since it is adjacent to the Pasig River. All of the sites have a proper
In terms of roads, sites A and B has a common road which is Taft Avenue
which is a major road in the south part of Metro Manila, it passes through three cities,
namely, Manila, Pasay and Parañaque. Since it connects three cities, sites A and B are
both accessible for the people. Lastly, Site A is the largest among three sites so it is
the most appropriate in terms of future expansions and it is also the best site that can
The natural lighting that can penetrate the site is decent although it can be
blocked by the National Museum of Natural History beside it. In terms of air
circulation, more northeast monsoon can be felt in the site and less of the southwest
monsoon because it is also blocked by the existing museum. Since the site is located
in one of the busiest cities, it is expected to have a massive amount of noise pollution
Medium to high traffic flow exists in this area especially on the two major
4.4.3 Location
Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, is the center of the country’s
economic, political, social and cultural activity which makes it the best place
those is Ermita. It is located in the central part of the city, it is the center of
finance, education, culture and commerce and it also serves as the civic center
of the city since it bears the city government and some of the employment,
museums and universities thrive in Ermita and most of the tourist attractions
based on the Manila City Ordinance of 2015. Land Use Intensity Control
Occupancy (PLO) shall be 0.6 and the maximum Floor Area Ration (FAR)
shall be 4.
is relatively flat so the construction and design process will not be too difficult
Strengths
There are few alleys for pedestrian use only which makes it
safer for the blind and visually impaired people to navigate and
High noise and air pollution caused by vehicles around the site.
Opportunities
secured.
Threats
LRT is on one side of the site which can block the façade of the
museum.
Bibliography