PERFUMA, AERHONE JUDE R.

BS ARCHITECTURE 5B

A BIOCLIMATIC APPROACH FOR THE HINOBA-AN NEW GOVERNMENT

CENTER: A MASTER PLAN PROJECT

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

The government center is the principal administrative structure of a city, town, or municipality.

The central government area consists of several buildings and infrastructures that support two-way

activities between the organizers of local governments and communities in political and

administrative affairs. The town or city council, along with the related departments and their staff,

are typically housed there. The usual location for government buildings is in the middle of cities

and towns. Building city or county offices in a convenient location, close to the employees' homes,

and close to supplementary and supporting retail and services made sense (Siddique et al., 2020).

It serves as the center of the city or town and is typically used as the mayor's residence. Local

government is the administration of government affairs by the local government and Regional

People’s Representative Assembly (Ashila et al., 2021).

According to Thomas J. Watsons, “Design must reflect the practical and aesthetic business, but

above all, good design must primarily serve the people.” In the modern world, government

buildings serve as a hub of activity for the populace and are prized as recognizable landmarks in

cities and towns. One of the distinctive visual elements that gives a developing city or town its

personality is a government building. Modern town halls or "civic centers" in today's government

systems are frequently created with a wide range of purposes in mind. The architecture of city and
town halls is distinctive because they serve as symbols of local administration. The structures are

important historically (Farrell, 2013).

Every government is faced with a difficult paradox. On the one hand, they must carry out a broader

range of policy objectives while operating in a more complex environment. In a society marked

by fast social change, macroeconomic unpredictability, and technological advancement,

individuals' expectations of what their government should accomplish are growing. Governments,

on the other hand, are constrained by unmanageable debt loads and dwindling budgets (Farrell,

2013).

When Los Angeles City Hall was finished in 1928, it embodied the drive and ambition of the day

with its three-tiered towering structure. City Hall was created to mix many diverse aspects to create

a unique hybrid, rather than to adhere to any one preceding age or style, as Austin stated in 1928,

describing the style of the structure as "Modern American” (Miami-Dade County Online Services).

The HKSAR Government Offices, the Chief Executive's Office, and the Legislative Council

Complex are also located in Hong Kong. While each facility keeps its unique character and

expression according to its function, the design aims to create a unified composition. The concept

is a visual landmark conveying the essence of Hong Kong: a city always open and sensitive to new

ideas and varied cultures. It makes a great gesture by opening the site from the city to Victoria

Harbour. The Open Door also represents a city that is justifiably proud of its openness and

transparency in governing. HKSAR Government Headquarters operates urbanistically every day

as a dynamic, essential component of the city's life rather than attempting to serve an overly

symbolic role as a public structure. It is a Government Headquarters with few counterparts

elsewhere since it weaves a significant public space through its center, connecting the city with

the harbor-front in a joyful gesture (Aguilar, 2022).

In Western Visayas, specifically Negros Occidental, one of Bacolod City's newest sights is the

New Government Center, or NGC. Bacolod City Government Center has emerged as the

forerunner in this growth because of the NGC's relocation and construction on a site that is now

well-liked as a tourist attraction in Negros. The NGC has attracted business and trade in the

neighborhood ever since it began operating. What was formerly a sizable sugarcane field has now

been changed into a bustling city development region. In the region, there are now banks,

restaurants, bars, motels, and new jeepney routes (Cmgarrido, 2015).

Hinoba-an on the other hand, a first-class municipality, is in the Negros Occidental Province. The

province's southernmost town is organized into 13 barangays on a political level. By virtue of

Republic Act No. 2154 of April 24, 1959, it was renamed Municipality of Hinoba-an from Asia

(Municipality of Hinoba-an, 2016). The proposed New Government Center is situated on an

institutional lot located at Brgy. 2 Poblacion, Municipality of Hinoba-an, Province of Negros

Occidental, with a total land area of forty thousand or four hectares (40,000 sq. m or 4 hectares),

owned by the government of Municipality of Hinoba-an. The lot slopes are flat with existing

sugarcane plantation. The proposed New Government Center is part of a major development.

The bioclimatic approach is a way of looking at the relationship between climate and humans as it

relates to human comfort in both the built and natural environments (Olgyay V. , 1967). The

growing concern about climate change and environmental degradation in recent years has

inevitably led to the incorporation of bioclimatic and environmentally friendly design principles

into the already complex and demanding architectural design of public buildings. Town halls are

structures that house administration, information, exhibition, and recreation activities, with the

goal of assisting the public with various aspects of local administration. That approach should

always be based on multidisciplinary in-depth research of individual circumstances, ranging from

ecosystem specifics to cultural factors to economic analysis. Finally, the creation of a safe and

comfortable building does not harm the environment, but rather contributes to its health and

biodiversity (Widera, 2015). In general, public buildings can help inform and educate the public

about environmental issues and energy efficiency (Michael et al., 2010).

This researcher will present an architectural design for a new government center that will serve the

people of Hinoba-an and other clients soon. As such, the design seeks to balance the need to stand

out as symbols of democratic processes with the need to create a healthy and welcoming interior

environment for both employees and visitors, ultimately promoting and reinforcing the

relationship between citizens and local government.

1.2 Objectives of the Study

This study aims to present relevant theories and principles on the Bioclimatic Design Approach

for a Master Plan of the New Government Center in the Municipality of Hinoba-an specifically it

seeks to:

1. To establish principles and factors that affect the Master Plan of the New

Government Center.

• These design principles will serve as the universal framework for designing

the Master Plan of the New Government Center architectural spaces. This

principle will then be translated to different space types required for the

facility.

2. To establish the purpose of the study in relevance to Bioclimatic design

architecture.

3. The impact of the study of architectural design.

1.3 Theoretical Framework

This study is anchored on the theory of bioclimatic architecture. Victor Olgyay (1967) coined the

term "bioclimatic" for the first time in 1963. Among his other contributions to bioclimatology, he

created a bioclimatic chart that relates climatic data to thermal comfort limits to identify design

strategies (Olgyay V. , 1973). Bioclimatology is the study of the climate (climatology) in relation

to humans. Bioclimatic design is an approach that takes advantage of the climate by using the right

design elements and building technology to save energy and ensure comfortable conditions in

buildings (GOULART, S. and T. PITTA , 1994; ERG et al., 1999). Olgyay asserts that there are

three interconnected factors, including climate consideration, biological need assessment (in terms

of the degree of human comfort), technological solution, and architectural application, that can

influence the balance between climate and the built environment during the design process (Olgyay

V. , 1973). The bioclimatic approach is a way of looking at the relationship between climate and

humans as it relates to human comfort in both the built and natural environments (Olgyay V. ,

1967).

Bioclimatic architecture has been around since prehistoric times, when people were naturally

attempting to take advantage of the local microclimate, positioning, winds, humidity, underground

streams, tellurian currents, electromagnetic fields, and a good choice of materials in the best way

to create a building that was inexpensive, pleasant to be in, and above all else, healthier (A, Sabio-

Ortega; Montoya, F. G.; F., Manzano-Agugliaro;, 2016). According to Evans, there are two

different ways to achieve protection from the outdoor environment's harsh conditions and the

preservation of environmental factors that promote comfort: either by using resources for

bioclimatic design or by using a mechanical plant to create artificial conditioning (Evans, J. M,

2007). However, protecting the environment and utilizing the favorable conditions also entails
reducing the demand for fossil fuels and non-renewable energy sources and improving the usage

of renewable energy from natural sources like the sun and wind.

Since the Industrial Revolution, the only way to feel comfortable in modern architecture is to use

energy-guzzling, environmentally damaging equipment (Ganem, C. Esteves A. & Coch, H., 2006).

As a result, the connection between shape and energy was abandoned in favor of an architecture

built on technology with high energy consumption (Coch, 1998). In the 1980s, structures

significantly damaged the environment, which gave rise to the idea of sustainability (Metallinou

V , 2006). After focusing the world's attention on sustainability, there has been a return to the

principles of design where bioclimatic concepts are once again taken into consideration ( Levy, G,

2009). The bioclimatic approach's main concern is raising awareness of the need to protect the

environment and conserve energy while being mindful of ecological and regional concepts (Musa,

2012).

Bioclimatic principles are divided into three categories: energy, human health/wellbeing, and

sustainability (Metallinou V , 2006). To apply bioclimatic architecture, the various climate levels

of the building's location must be considered, including the general climate, the mesoclimate, and

the climate near the building defined by nearby elements or microclimate. Design solutions based

on bioclimatic principles that combine natural ventilation, day lighting, passive heating, and

passive cooling should be the outcome of the design process (Sakar A., 2010).

Building envelope and orientation, energy supply, sun-shading equipment, indoor air quality,

heating and cooling, and the landscape are examples of bioclimatic principles (Bioclimatic Design

Principle a Solution to Thermal Discomfort in Minna Residences, 2013). Described are the

building's shape, orientation, exterior and interior lighting, fabric, ventilation, glazing, and

windows, as well as insulation and space (New Cities in Egypt, Conference: World Academy of
Science, Engineering and Technology Environmental and Ecological Engineering). Additionally,

Gutiérrez highlighted the thermal mass techniques, passive cooling systems, sun shading devices,

and ventilation techniques as four factors of bioclimatic design principles (Gutiérrez, 2014).

Building Envelope and Orientation

The building envelope approach assures that both indoor and outdoor materials are long-lasting,

burglar-proof, low-maintenance, and reasonably priced. In building construction, this includes

protection from moisture, air, and temperature ingress and egress. The envelope's primary function

is to give protection from external elements (Howell, 2008). The design of a building's envelope

is a significant responsibility for architects and incorporates several factors, some of which conflict

with others in terms of requirements, such as strength and stability, management of air flow,

rainwater, fire, aesthetics, and cost (Bala, 2014). The thermal performance of building envelope

components is influenced by three key factors: the U factor, which measures thermal resistance;

the thermal mass, which measures the capacity to store heat (HC); and the condition and finish of

the outer surfaces.

Orientation describes the building's placement on the property as well as the configuration of its

rooms, (Council, 2011). To orient a building for maximum comfort and efficiency, it helps to

understand the daily and seasonal movements of the sun and wind. In the tropics, a structure should

be orientated to provide for maximum circulation and natural light input while allowing the bulk

of walls and windows to be easily shielded from direct sun (Wambui, 2014). To lessen the cooling

load on the building, the main openings should face north and south. Other building components,

including as the service core and sun shading, can insulate the structures if the site's orientation

does not line up with that of the sun or if there are significant vistas to the East and West (Yeang,

1996).
Energy Source

In essence, there are two types of naturally occurring sources of energy: renewable sources and

non-renewable sources. Energy that comes from natural processes and is constantly renewed is

known as renewable energy. Because it comes from nature, renewable energy does not harm the

environment way fossil fuels do. The most often used renewable energy sources include sun, wind,

water (hydropower), biomass, and geothermal energy. The availability of these natural resources

is a major factor in the capacity to produce energy from renewable sources (Keung, 2010). Non-

renewable resources come from two processes: the genesis of the planet itself and the

photosynthesis and fossilization of plants and animals. Coal, oil (petroleum), and natural gas were

the initial sources created because of the first step. The second produced uranium, which is the

next set of fuel sources for nuclear energy. According to Macharia, in order to reduce the

environmental effects of energy consumption, our buildings should be equipped with renewable

energy sources such photovoltaic systems (on roofs, facades, or shades), biomass energy,

geothermal energy, and solar energy for hot water (for heating and daily usage) (Perceptions and

adaptation to climate change and variability by immigrant farmers in semi-arid regions of Kenya.

Afr. Crop Science Journal, 2012).

Sun Shading Device

According to Bahrami, solar shading elements like overhangs, awnings, and blinds should be

strategically placed to let solar radiation into the structure in the winter and block it in the summer.

There are numerous movable and permanent shading options available. A building's walls can also

be shaded to minimize the amount of heat that enters the structure overall and, consequently, the

amount of heat that is released into the structure. Canopies, louvers, awnings, and other tools for

external sunshade are a few of the tools employed (Bahrami, 2008). Hernández asserts that it is
crucial to keep in mind that wall shadings are only required in the direst situations. However,

movable shade provides a useful tool all year round ( Hernández, V. & Hellín, P. & Fenoll, J. &

Garrido, I. & Cava, J. & Flores, Pilar., 2015).

Indoor Air Quality

Keung asserts that an effective technique for attaining a satisfactory level of interior air quality is

natural ventilation. Residents of sick buildings are more likely to experience allergic reactions,

respiratory issues, eye irritation, sinusitis, bronchitis, and even pneumonia due to an unfavorable

atmosphere. Depending on the type of building and the residents, the source of indoor pollutants

may change. The most common types of pollutants are microbiological contaminants, gases (such

as carbon monoxide, radon, and volatile organic compounds), particles, chemical substances, such

as solvents, and environmental cigarette smoke. The concentration of pollutants may be reduced

and removed by encouraging effective air exchanges between interior and outside spaces (Keung,

2010).

Heating and Cooling

Somfy Group asserts that the use of a cooling strategy is a response to the requirement for

summertime comfort, including protection from solar radiation and heat gain, reduction of internal

heat sources, removal of surplus heat, and natural cooling. Evaporative cooling, trombre walls,

water walls, water features (like fountains), wind catchers, and judicious use of green elements are

a few of the bioclimatic methods used in hot, humid climates to maximize cooling during the

summer and allow heat uptake during the winter (Group, 2009).
Landscape

When designing the outside environment, several factors, such as radiation, heat, emissivity, glare,

and dust control, should be considered. The three most crucial factors are, however, the

management of solar radiation, wind, and evaporation. Landscape designers and planners employ

all possible design elements and landscape treatments, such as plant, water, and hardscape, to

handle those climate factors (Attia S., & Duchhart I., 2011). By providing shade, deflecting

breezes, and promoting natural ventilation, strategically placed landscape elements like trees,

hedges, and rockeries can reduce radiation penetration and lower air temperatures close to the

building envelope. Greater help is greatly provided in the optimization of thermal performance by

larger trees, which can lower the temperatures of the outside walls and minimize sun exposure to

windows and openings ( Bioclimatic landscape design n extremely hot and arid climates).

1.4 Conceptual Framework

The paradigm shows how each input is related to other inputs and how each input goes through a

specific process that could help shape the findings, conclusions, and recommendations that lead to

the output, "A Bioclimatic Approach for the Hinoba-an New Government Center: A Master Plan

Project."

This study considers the site, building function, building aesthetics, building technology, and

building utilities. Using concepts and ideas gathered from various sources and conversation

participants, the researcher developed the following synthesis for the problem statements.
 INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT OUTCOME

SITE

Circulation
Orientation
Configuration
(Cultural, Natural, Aesthetic)

BIOCLIMATIC BUILDING FUNTCTION

DESIGN Spatial requirements
Legal requirements
User Needs A BIOCLIMATIC
Building Envelope
Orientation
and Orientation APPROACH FOR
Circulation
Accessibility FINDINGS, THE HINOBA-AN
Energy Source
BUILDING AESTHETICS CONCLUSIONS, NEW
Color
Sun Shading Principles of design RECOMMENDATION GOVERNMENT
Form
Device CENTER: A
Spatial relationships
Experience
MASTER PLAN
Indoor Air Quality Finishes/Materials
User preference PROJECT

Heating and BUILDING TECHNOLOGY &

Cooling BUILDING UTILITIES
Materials
Construction Systems
Landscape Standards, Codes
Utility Systems
Latest Developments/innovation
1.5 Significance of the Study

The importance of this study is to be able to plan and design a Government Center that would cater

to the needs of Government Officials, employees, and the communities.

Government

This study will provide ideas on how to build an effective and functional Government Center. It

will help them to identify the specific areas that need to be added and improved, for the

convenience and comfort of its users. Also, it will give them knowledge on how the new

government center would be able to increase the economic value of the municipality.

Province

This study aims to give ideas to the province and the neighboring cities and municipalities about

the study, analysis and planning for Government Center.

Municipal Government of Hinoba-an

This study is a beneficial source of ideas for the future reference in the study and planning of a

government center. It provides ideas on how more functional and effective government centers

could give comfort to the government workers in discharging their duties and responsibilities

effectively. As a result, it would improve the economic aspect of the municipality.

Municipal Government Employees

This study will give them an idea on planning a more functional and effective municipal

government center that would give the employees comfort in performing their duties effectively.

This would give them an operation to identify the areas they would like to improve and to be added

to the new building that would help them perform their duties.
Businessman

This study will give them a guide and idea to what types of business they should consider around

the New Government Center. This would also be a way to persuade them that the proposed new

government center for Municipality of Hinoba-an more likely to flourish and it will be a good

place to invest and have business.

School and Future Researchers

This study would assist the future researchers and school in making aa directory for they where

they could use it as instruction material and reading references

Researcher

This study allows the proponent to be expensed in the real field of work in designing and planning.

Likewise, this study would enhance his skills of design and plans. Most specially, this study could

complete the academic requirements of the proponent as a pre-requisite for graduation.

Architecture Student

This study will provide information to architecture students who will conduct research related to

this topic, as their reference for similar studies. They could browse and get some ideas about the

plan and design of a Government Center that would be conceptualized.

Scope and limitations

This study will focus on Architectural Design and Planning of the New Government Center for

the Municipality of Hinoba-an.

This study will primarily focus on the municipality hall as the major structure. The Government

Center is envisioned to cater to the needs of the government officials, employees, and the

community.

The proposal will focus on the structure and the general aesthetic character of the required facility.

This study will be conduct only in the Municipality of Hinoba-an and limits itself to the design of

municipality hall as the major structure and other minor facilities of a Government Center, it does

not include the structuring of the organization’s programs.

1.6 Definition of Terms

Government Center- (c) This refers to a group of government buildings which the government

day-to-day function are contained.

(o) A city, town, or municipality's main administrative building.

Local Government- (c) Define as the a

(o) Is the administration of government affairs by the local government and Regional People's

Representative Assembly

Town Hall- Are structures that house administration, information, exhibition, and recreation

activities, with the goal of assisting the general public with various aspects of local administration.

Municipality of Hinoba-an- In this study, this is where the New Government Center will take

place.

Bioclimatic Design- Is an approach that takes advantage of the climate by using the right design

elements and building technology to save energy and ensure comfortable conditions in buildings