De La Salle University – Dasmariñas

College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology

Architecture Department

RESEARCH TITLE PROPOSAL (T-ARCH 413)

Research Methods of Architecture

PROPONENT’S NAME: Mark Joseph O. Llorente

SCHEDULE OF SUBMISSION: November 8, 2023 / 5:30PM

PROPONENT’S TITLE/ TITLE NUMBER: #1
#1: Puhon: Enhancing Disaster Resilience in the Philippines: A Sustainable Architectural
Approach for Community-Integrated Evacuation and Health Centers
RATIONALE:

Disasters, arising from natural hazards such as typhoons, earthquakes, droughts, forest fires, and
heatwaves, have profound implications for both human lives and the built environment. In the
past decade, Our World in Data (2023) reported that approximately 45,000 individuals
worldwide lost their lives due to natural disasters, accounting for 0.1% to 0.4% of global
fatalities. Of particular concern is the Philippines, a nation situated in Southeast Asia, which
ranks as the most disaster-prone country globally. It holds a World Risk Index (WRI) of 46.86,
surpassing countries like Indonesia (WRI 43.50) and India (WRI 41.52). The vulnerability stems
from its location within the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it susceptible to earthquakes and
volcanic eruptions (Climate Change Knowledge Portal, 2020).

Figure 1: Number of deaths caused by natural events and disasters in the Philippines, 2022

Source: Statista Research Department (2022)

The Philippines has confronted numerous calamities, including 565 natural disasters, ranging
from storms and droughts to landslides, tsunamis, and earthquakes (Climate Change Knowledge
Portal, 2020). Particularly vulnerable regions, such as Eastern Visayas and Northern Luzon, have
witnessed a combined casualty count of 10,198 deaths (Statista Research Department, 2022).

Figure 2: Number of Evacuation Centers in the Country as of 2019

Source: Philstar Global (2019)

In response to these recurrent crises, the Philippine government has enacted legislation,
including the Climate Change Act of 2009 and the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Act of 2010. These measures have led to the establishment of evacuation centers,
often repurposing schools and covered courts, with a total count of 28,083 facilities (Philstar
Global, 2019). However, these centers often lack the capacity to meet evacuees' needs and suffer
from issues like disorder, poor health and safety conditions, limited accessibility, functionality,
security, and privacy. Evacuees find themselves crowded into classrooms with unsanitary mats,
limited cooking facilities, insufficient privacy, and inadequate sanitation and hygiene resources.

Hence, there is a pressing need to design and plan architectural solutions that address these
deficiencies and enhance community resilience. This research proposal aims to introduce a
Community Disaster-Resilient Center that leverages sustainable architecture and biomimicry
principles to create a versatile facility. This center will not only serve as an evacuation site but
also as a 24/7 health and emergency response hub, addressing the scarcity of healthcare services
in rural areas. By promoting community well-being and safety, the proposed center seeks to
serve as a replicable model for other disaster-prone regions and offer a beacon of hope within
these communities.

In the words of Macuto R. (2013), "Every barangay should have an evacuation Centre. A good
evacuation Centre is something that can be used even during normal times. It should be big so it
can accommodate many people and has segregated restrooms for males and females." In line
with this vision, this research proposes the development of a comprehensive and innovative
Community Disaster-Resilient Center, aiming to transform disaster preparedness and response in
the Philippines.
PROBLEM STATEMENT:
The Philippines faces a persistent threat of natural disasters, including typhoons, earthquakes, and
volcanic eruptions, resulting in significant human and infrastructural losses. While the government
has established evacuation centers, these facilities often lack the capacity and functionality to meet
the essential needs of evacuees, leading to overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and compromised
safety.

The problem at hand is the inadequate state of current evacuation centers, which fail to provide a safe
and resilient refuge for affected populations. This gap in disaster preparedness highlights the pressing
need for innovative architectural solutions that transform evacuation centers into multifunctional
Community Disaster-Resilient Centers, serving as both disaster shelters and 24/7 health and
emergency response hubs. Such centers have the potential to enhance disaster resilience in the
Philippines and offer a model for other disaster-prone regions.

The research has three main objectives, as outlined below

1. To Develop a Comprehensive Architectural Design that will achieve improvision of current
Evacuation centers that will cater to every physical and psychological needs of users with the
integration of target design considerations.
2. Incorporate Sustainable and Biomimicry Principles to integrate sustainable architectural and
biomimicry principles into the design to ensure environmental and ecological sustainability.
3. To develop a Replication and Adoption of Community Disaster-Resilient Centers model in other
disaster-prone areas.
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE:
A. LOCAL RELATED LITERATURE:
1. EVALUATION OF THE SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF EVACUATION CENTERS
IN METRO MANILA, PHILIPPINES
A recent study, entitled 'Evacuation of the Spatial Distribution of Evacuation Centers in Metro
Manila, Philippines,' has shed light on concerning findings regarding evacuation centers (EC) in
the region. The study identified that many of these ECs are located within hazard zones, posing a
significant risk during natural disasters prevalent in the country. Furthermore, the research
highlighted an uneven distribution of ECs across different cities and municipalities within Metro
Manila. Many of these ECs, including barangay halls, multipurpose halls, public school
buildings, covered basketball courts, and public gymnasiums, were not originally designed for
their current purpose. They are repurposed only when disaster strikes, raising questions about
their effectiveness in times of crisis.

This observation underscores the need for a more strategic approach to disaster risk reduction and
management in the Philippines, particularly in rapidly urbanizing areas like Metro Manila. In the
21st century, the concept of resilience has gained significance. Originating from physics,
resilience refers to the ability of an object to recover from deformation under external forces. In
the context of ecosystems, it allows them to adapt to external shocks and control interactive
changes (Yang et al., 2021). Proposing and developing resilient communities not only protect
existing populations more effectively but also prepare them to face future crises more efficiently.
Resilience becomes a crucial element in safeguarding communities in one of the world's most
disaster-prone countries.

2. Philippine Health Facilities Resilience (2020)

The source, titled Philippine Health Facilities Resilience, holds significant relevance to the
research at hand. While the primary focus of the research centers around disaster-resilient
architectural design and evacuation centers, understanding the broader context of health facility
resilience in the Philippines is vital. This source is likely to provide valuable insights into
disaster-resilient healthcare services, preparedness and response strategies for health facilities
during disasters, and the role of healthcare services in disaster management.

3. Cheng R. & Kim. T (2019) Building Community based Resilience in the Municipality of
San Francisco, Cebu, Republic of the Philippines
The research paper, "Building Community Disaster Resilience through Private-Public
Collaboration," accessible through ResearchGate, presents a highly relevant resource for the
ongoing research. This source delves into the crucial concept of community resilience,
particularly through the lens of public and private sector collaboration. Understanding how
various stakeholders, including governmental and private entities, collaborate to enhance disaster
resilience, is pivotal to the research's focus. The paper is anticipated to offer key insights into the
roles played by public and private entities in disaster resilience initiatives, collaborative
approaches, frameworks, and successful examples of public-private partnerships in disaster
management. Moreover, its present strategies and recommendations for fortifying communities
against disasters. The paper provides data, real-world examples, or case studies of private-public
collaboration in disaster resilience, such information can be particularly valuable for bolstering
the research rationale and illustrating the feasibility of the proposed Community Disaster-
Resilient Center. It is imperative to follow the required citation style when incorporating this
source into the research paper or proposal. To gain an in-depth understanding and extract
pertinent data and insights, the content accessible through the provided ResearchGate link should
be thoroughly reviewed. This process will enable the extraction of relevant information that
aligns with the research objectives and rationale, contributing to a more informed and
comprehensive study.
A. LOCAL RELATED PROJECTS
1. Department of Public Works and Highways (2019) DPWH Evacuation Center Projects
Ready for COVID Patients
Figure 3. Regional Evacuation Centers

Source: Department of Public Works and Highways Official Website (2019)

The DPWH's innovative approach to repurposing evacuation centers into healthcare facilities during
the COVID-19 pandemic presents a valuable case study that directly informs the research on
Community Disaster-Resilient Centers in the Philippines. The core findings underscore the
adaptability and versatility of existing infrastructure, a concept central to the development of
Disaster-Resilient Centers proposed in the study. This successful adaptation of evacuation centers
demonstrates their potential multi-functionality, aligning with the vision of creating versatile and
resilient centers capable of serving various community needs. Moreover, the emphasis on strategic
location and compliance with safety guidelines aligns with the objective of establishing these centers
in low-risk areas, free from geological hazards, as outlined in the research rationale. The
collaborative efforts between government agencies and regional authorities emphasize the vital role
of coordination and inter-agency cooperation, which can be invaluable in shaping the implementation
and expansion strategies of the proposed centers. The DPWH's endeavors highlight the importance of
adaptability, resilience, and a coordinated response during crises.
2. Dangcalan R., Dela Cruz R. et. al. (2019) Designing a Disaster Resilient City: A Study of the
Institutionalization Process of the Marikina City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
Office
A Study of the Institutionalization Process of the Marikina City Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Office' offers a compelling source of insight for the study on Community Disaster-
Resilient Centers in the Philippines. This study delves into the process of institutionalizing
disaster risk reduction and management within Marikina City, a region prone to natural disasters.
It provides a practical case study of how a local government has endeavored to enhance its
resilience to disasters. By examining the strategies, processes, and outcomes of Marikina's
journey, the researchers gain invaluable insights into the practical aspects of disaster resilience at
the local level. With this, it can be a inspiration and learn from Marikina's experience in efforts to
create effective and resilient Community Disaster-Resilient Centers across the Philippines. This
reference underscores the significance of implementing strategies that enhance resilience at the
community level, aligning closely with the objectives of the research.

3. Tecson Z. (2021) Philippine News Today, Disaster-resilient evacuation center in Aurora

completed
Figure 4. Aurora Evacuation Center

Source: Philippiones News Agency (2021)

The completion of a disaster-resilient evacuation center in Dipaculao, Aurora, as reported by the
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), provides a compelling case study for
researchers studying Community Disaster-Resilient Centers in the Philippines. This newly
constructed evacuation center, designed with specific features and capabilities, aligns with the
central principles of the research. It serves as a temporary shelter for residents during calamities,
addressing the pressing need for a safe haven during disasters, a core objective of their proposed
 Community Disaster-Resilient Centers. The incorporation of amenities such as bathrooms,
laundry facilities, a reliable water supply system, and comfortable sleeping areas underscores the
importance of providing a well-equipped and functional space for evacuees, a key aspect that
their research aims to address. The DPWH's commitment to constructing the evacuation center in
a low-risk area and ensuring its resilience to various disasters resonates with the vision of resilient
centers within the researchers' study. The completion of similar facilities in Central Luzon
bolsters the importance of such centers in enhancing disaster preparedness and response,
providing real-world examples that can inform the researchers' study on Community Disaster-
Resilient Centers in the Philippines.

4. UNICEF (2018) BUILDING SAFE SPACES FOR THE COMMUNITY: A Practical Guide
for Constructing Disaster-Resilient Community Evacuation Centres in the Philippines
Figure 5. UNICEF Practical Disaster-Resilient Community Evcuation Center

Source: BUILDING SAFE SPACES FOR THE COMMUNITY (2018)

The Philippines susceptibility to natural disasters, including daily earthquakes and frequent typhoons
due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire and Typhoon Belt. The government's response to
this vulnerability involves implementing disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) measures
through frameworks such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Philippine
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010. These initiatives signify a shift from a
reactive disaster response system to a proactive one that prioritizes community resilience and
sustainable development.
The devastating impact of Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 exposed the inadequacies of existing
evacuation centers, emphasizing the need for more robust facilities. An assessment conducted by the
International Organization for Migration (IOM) revealed the urgent requirement for safer and
stronger evacuation centers that adhere to international and national engineering guidelines.
Furthermore, the collaboration between IOM and UNICEF focuses on building resilient community
evacuation centers, aligning disaster risk reduction with long-term development goals. The text
underscores the significance of safe spaces and humanitarian standards, resonating with the study's
emphasis on Community Disaster-Resilient Centers in the Philippines, with a focus on safety, multi-
stakeholder involvement, and community-centered disaster risk reduction.

B. INTERNATIONAL RELATED LITERATURE:

1. WORLD RISK REPORT 2023, BOCHUM, GERMANY
Disasters, are natural events and phenomenon that greatly affects the lives of many. As stated by
the World Risk Index (WRI), these natural occurrences are deemed normal however its impact to
the lives of many are not. With this in mind, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction
calls for "disaster risk reduction practices that are multi-hazard and multisectoral, inclusive and
accessible in order to be efficient and effective (WRI, 2023). A disaster is something not one
wishes to happen yet it is something we are unable to control as mundane. Procedures concerning
these are done as a totem to reduce lives lost when such natural calamities happen however,
credibility may be questioned in regards to the infrastructure present in the country considering
how it ranks first as one of the most risked countries globally
Ranking first on something such as being the top one risked country globally in terms of natural
calamities, is one negative indicator as it consistently affects not only the lives of many but also
the livelihoods these people have started. According to Cajucom, et. al. (2019), Natural hazards
commonly occur in the Philippines. The most frequent type of hydro-meteorological hazards in
the country are tropical storms or typhoons that are accompanied by heavy rain and/or strong
winds that may result in floods, landslides and storm surges. The susceptibility of the Philippine
archipelago to natural hazards, especially in terms of Tropical Cyclones (TCs), is defined by its
 geographic location and attributes. For this reason, it is crucial to develop a disaster risk reduction
and responsive procedures that would implementation of proper evacuation programs allowing
life saving techniques to foster.

2. Yang Q, Yang D. Li P. et. al. (2021) Resilient City: A Bibliometric Analysis and
Visualization
The research article, Agent-Based Modeling of Disaster Resilience in Urban Areas, introduces an
innovative method using agent-based modeling (ABM) to examine disaster resilience in urban
settings. It emphasizes community-level resilience and strategies for enhancing resilience. The
study's focus on Community Disaster-Resilient Centers aligns with the idea that effective disaster
resilience begins at the community level.
By integrating these methodologies and concepts into the study on Community Disaster-Resilient
Centers, a more comprehensive approach to resilience can be achieved, encompassing both
physical infrastructure and community preparedness. This holistic approach can lead to more
effective disaster resilience solutions in the Philippines.

B. INTERNATIONAL RELATED PROJETCS:

Schulze S. (2017) AEGIS: Architectural Solution for Community
and Critical Facility Resilience

Source: Lund University, Faculty of Engineering (2017)

 the intricacies of cyclone-resilient architecture in regions highly susceptible to such natural
disasters, with a particular focus on densely populated areas like Asia. It underscores the
challenges associated with avoiding exposed locations, especially when over 90% of Asia's
population resides in cyclone-prone zones. The text argues for a comprehensive approach to
resilience that extends beyond individual buildings to encompass entire communities,
acknowledging the broad impact of disasters on physical and socio-economic levels. The need for
adaptable guidelines tailored to local conditions is emphasized, recognizing that a one-size-fits-all
solution may not be suitable. Furthermore, the text highlights the significance of building
materials, construction techniques, and the utilization of local resources in constructing resilient
structures.
In the context of the author's proposal, the primary objective is the creation of a disaster-resilient
community in the Philippines. The proposal takes into account the unique local climatic
conditions and addresses urban planning, particularly in terms of building arrangement,
accessibility, structure size, and height, as well as strategies for effective waste and stormwater
management. Additionally, the proposal places special emphasis on critical facilities such as
health centers and schools, as they are pivotal during typhoons, where the most vulnerable
individuals, including children and the sick, require uninterrupted services for their well-being.
The author's approach involves designing buildings that exhibit resilience at various levels, all
while maintaining their functionality in everyday scenarios, with a specific focus on construction
techniques, floor plan layouts, interior ventilation, and protective measures during typhoons.
RESEARCH STRATEGY:
These systematic strategies serve as a structured framework to efficiently achieve the architectural
study's objectives and desired outcomes, guiding the researcher throughout the research process.

A. Research Method
To enhance the comprehensiveness of the research on Community Disaster-Resilient
Centers, a mixed-method approach that integrates both quantitative and qualitative data
collection will be employed. The primary focus of this study revolves around the
architectural aspects and functionalities of these centers. By conducting in-depth case
studies of existing Community Disaster-Resilient Centers, the research aims to unravel
the intricate relationship between architectural design, functionality, and the overall
resilience of such facilities. The quantitative dimension will examine structural and
spatial features, while the qualitative aspect will delve into the experiences and needs of
the center's users. This mixed-method strategy is chosen to ensure a well-rounded
exploration of these centers, offering a more comprehensive understanding of how they
can effectively serve their purpose in disaster risk reduction and management.

B. Gathering of Data
1. Review of Related Literature
Relevant related literatures to the study shall be provided in this section and these literatures shall
provide the researcher all the necessary additional information to meet the objectives of the study.
a. Related Local Projects
b. Related International Projects

2. Review of Published and Unpublished Materials

This section is comprised of the written and printed materials related to the proposed project.
a. Research Design
1. Library Research
2. Internet Research
3. Government Agencies and Organizations including Non-Government Organizations
4. Design Standards
5. Governing Laws
6. World and Government Organizations including Non-government Organizations
b. Research Instruments
7. Library Resources
8. Internet Resources
9. Video Documentaries
10. Participatory Observations
11. Semi-structured Interviews
12. Documentation
C. Gathering of Data Analysis
Data to be gathered shall include both primary and secondary data relevant to the study. Also,
existing descriptive and statistical data are to be collected from official websites and conversations
with the practitioners from the field.

1. Precedent Studies
These studies will provide a foundational understanding of theories, processes, and strategies,
offering valuable insights that can be applied and reinterpreted in the proposed project.

2. Site Analysis
Involves the process of evaluating a particular location to determine the economic feasibility
of the proposed project. All factors that would affect the planning and construction of the
proposed project shall be taken into consideration to achieve efficiency in design.

3. Comparative Case Study Analysis

Through comparative studies, the researcher will be able to conclude that the one variable is
better than the other. As this method support deeper and more detailed investigations into
“how” and “why” issues women’s shelters through learning and real-world situations, it shall
allow the proponent to further discover associated theories for the development of structured
tools, systems, and frameworks for the study.

4. Critical Analysis
As the name suggests, this method is a critical one in terms of formulating solutions and
alternative architectural features as it follows a detailed examination of the elements or
structure of something. Wherein, component parts are seen as a whole and separately from the
whole.
 5. Architectural and space programming methods
This shall serve as the basis of the proposed project’s architectural design as it produces a
geometric configuration of a space layout in accordance with the proposed project’s requirements.
TYPES OF DATA TO BE COLLECTED: The following data shown are the data's to be
collected during the whole process of researching and studying the proposal:

PRIMARY DATA
a. Data from semi-structured interviews
b. Data from observations
c. Perception of residents
• Demographic information
o Number and ages of children
o Number and ages of adults
o Number and ages of PWD
• Admission Information
o Admission date
o Family composition
o Referral sources
• Stability Factors
o Issues requiring legal support (i.e. protection orders)
o Type of housing immediately prior to admission
o Health and mental health status
• History of exposure to violence
o Type and frequency of exposure (may be collected as part of a risk assessment)
o Status of current related health and injury issues
d. Land Mapping
• Mapping of the site
• Land use mapping
• Road network mapping
• Zoning classification mapping
e. Project Requirements
• Required Site Area
o Minimum/Maximum Area
o Expansion Capabilities
• Location Preferences
o Delineated Area Boundaries
o Adjacencies
• Site Coverage
o Building Footprint Area
o Parking
o Circulation and Open Space
• Security Requirements
o Setbacks
o Entry Control
o Site Access
• Traffic and Transportation
o Public Transit/Walkability
o Service Access
o Public Parking
Traffic Capacity SECONDARY DATA
 1. Review of Related Projects:
a. International Projects
b. Local Projects
2. Review of Related Literatures:
a. International Literatures
b. Local Literatures
Laws:
a. Presidential Decree No. 1185 or the Fire Code of the Philippines
b. Presidential Decree No. 1152 or the Philippine Environmental Code
c. Republic Act No. 1378 or National Plumbing Code of the Philippines
d. Republic Act No. 184 or Philippine Electrical Code
e. Batas Pambansa 344 Accessibility Law
f. Presidential Decree 1096
a. Philippine Human Rights Information Center
3. Design Standards
To guide the proposal with different design standards
a. Anthropometric Design Standards
b. Time-Saver Standards for Building Types
c. Standards and Guidelines for the Design and Management of Shelters for Abused
Women
5. Municipal Planning and Development Coordinators Office Comprehensive Land-
Use Plan
6. Project Typology
7. Physical Elements of the site
• Site Context/Location
• Hydrology/Topography
• Physical Features
• Vegetation and Landscape
• Archaeological Features
• Environmental Hazards
• Threatened, Rare, and Endangered Species
8. Design of Evacuation Centers for the past 50 years
9. Statistics of Calamity danger zones per year in the Philippines

Evaluation Result: Approved Disapproved

By:
The Title Review Board

Member 1 Member 2 Chair

Signature over Printed Signature over Printed Signature over Printed

Name/Date Name/Date Name/Date