DHVTSU Architecture Thesis Manual 2019-2020

[DHVTSU THESIS MANUAL 2019-2020]
DON HONORIO VENTURA TECHNOLOGICAL STATE UNIVERSITY

Bacolor, Pampanga
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
AND ARCHITECTURE
Department of Architecture
ARCHITECTURE THESIS MANUAL 2019-2020
1
Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING
1.1.1 INTRODUCTION/ BACKGROUND

This part is supposed to give the reader a clear idea of what your
thesis is all about. Remember, clear idea. Therefore, you cannot go
discussing anything you come across without understanding how it
relates to what you want to achieve in the end.
Here are some of the point you have to cover to make sure that you
Introduction will give the reader a strong vision of of the direction
you want your project to take.
1. Present the problem and concerns, which will bring you to choose to
work on your proposal. You should do this without using the word “I”
and without presenting your proposal just yet.
2. Inform your reader about the present scenario – the unsatisfactory

conditions and problems that your feel need to be solved (and that YOU
can actually solve ARCHITECTURALLY). These would include such aspects
such as technical problems; absence/ incompatibility of present site;
need for proper planning need for recognition of potentials; etc. Make
sure, though, that you stick only to the relevant factors.
3. State the reason/s why it is necessary to conduct the study, which

will lead to your solution. This is sometimes called the “RATIONALE”
(which is also a tip: this is where you rationalize what you are
doing) why in the world must you do this? Will it make the world a
better place?)
4. Does your problem has a historical background? Most problems do.

Trace it. Then present it clearly and coherently. However, be careful
about delivering too much on the historical context. Once you have
connected the historical events with present developments and the
problem at hand move on.
5. Ask yourself these questions: Do you have a clearer and deeper

understanding of the conditions pertinent to your problem? Do you want
to find a way to solve it? If there are already existing ways of
solving it, are you interested on going the extra mile to come up with
a better solution? If your answer to these questions is a resounding
“YES!”, then tell your reader so (again: do not use “I” and do not
actually address your reader). All you have to do here is to convince
your reader that your project is worth your effort and the reader’s
attention.
6. Describe the condition of your study locale. You should do this in

an informative manner, which is not too technical for readers with no
background in architecture. In addition, you should do this whether
the locality is being used as a source of basic data or a targeted
site for application.
2
7. Wrap up. Before you start with the next part, make sure you have
linked all the things you have discussed. Do not leave the reader
wondering where you got the idea of conducting this study. If you can
come up with a clever parting statement here, then by all means, DO!
1.1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This is composed of a GENERAL STATEMENT of a MAJOR PROBLEM and
SPECIFIC QUESTIONS or SUB PROBLEMS pertaining to your thesis topic. If
you ha e formulated them in the introduction, you only need to repeat
them in this section.
Since you will be focusing on several RESEARCH TOPICS, you may be able
to come up with different specific needs that you have identified are
supposed to make your project unique from other studies. Let your
reader know this by stating your problem is a SIMPLE, CLEAR and DIRECT
manner.
1.1.3 ARCHITECTURAL THESIS GOALS/ OBJECTIVES/

STRATEGIES
1.1.3a ARCHITECTURAL THESIS GOAL

There is one very important word here and that is “ARCHITECTURAL”. You
can begin “selling” your project here by defining what kind of
structure you want to see in the translation of your study. A brief
description of the outcome could also help so that a conceivable
“Image” may be formed. Keep in mind that you are doing an
architectural thesis. Refrain from devising PROGRAMS for the operation
of your project.
1.1.3b OBJECTIVES
Objectives are more SPECFIC targets, which eventually lead to the
attainment of your architectural goal. You may want to group them by
certain categories as determined by your goal, or arrange them
accordingly to importance.
1.1.3c STRATEGIES
Strategies are particular actions you have to do to achieve each
specific objective. Forget about architectural for a while and focus
on RESEARCH WORK. What you need to know, study, research on, survey,
observe, estimate or program in order to create a body of knowledge
that will lead to meeting your objectives. It would, therefore, be
more comprehensible if you allow the succeeding outline in stating
your thesis goals, objectives and strategies.
3
GOAL
OBJECTIVE
1.
STRATEGIES
1.
2.
2.
STRATEGIES
1.
2.
3.
As you enumerate the objectives and strategies, keep checking their

relevance to your goal. If you do not see a direct relationship, scrap
the objectives before you get carried away identifying the strategies.
In addition, please be consistent with your sentence structure. If you
begin the GOAL and the first OBEJCTIVE with “To + verb....” use the
format until you ran out of objectives to state.
Strategies are very different thing. They are structured in the

imperative form (the better to scare you into doing them, perhaps?).
1.1.4 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS
1.1.4a SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This is very important that you state in the clearest manner possible
the coverage of your study and project. To do this, you must first ask
yourself what you need to do and why you need to do them. Once you
have identified this you can again categorize or group them to gauge
the task better.
Let us say you will be covering a lot of investigation with respect to

the site. Identify what you need to know as required by your project.
Then let us say again that you also have to conduct a deeper research
about your thesis topic/s. do you know why? Of course, you do. Write
your purposes. Elaborate if possible. Then let us say further that
you’ll be conducting case studies. What will be your subjects? What
will you be looking into? Will it be the locale, the users, the
activities, what? Then (as you may have already guessed) you have to
explain why. Then let us say you stop. Good.
1.1.4b LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

Most researchers make the mistake of using this part of the paper to
state simply what their project will NOT be about. But then again, who
said that you are like most researchers? You are not, right? Right. So
make this a statement of the constraints or limiting factors that
might affect your research and therefore, the final output. Some
examples would be budgetary limits (don’t we all have this??),
4
unavailability or inaccessibility of data, and not of course our

favorite excuse: time constraints.
However, these limitations determined only to keep your study at a

realistic level in no way should be used as an excuse for personal
shortcomings o blocks in the outcome of the projects.
1.1.5 PURPOSE/ RELEVANCE/ SIGNIFICANCE OF THE THESIS

Who will benefit from your studies? How can this study be of any help
in fostering a better architecture? These are few of the questions you
have to take into considerations in writing the significance of your
thesis. This may deal with the social, economic or cultural aspects of
the project. You can even combine or address all of the aspects if you
like. But HOLD IT! Do not think of yourself as some kind of God who
can actually SOLVE the problems with your thesis in blink of an eye.
You cannot alleviate poverty nor improve the whole bureautic system
through your study.
But it can be a TOOL. (and it MUST be a tool if that is what you aim).
Always keep in mind that you are an architect, not a psychologist,
sociologist, physician, nor a politician. And so you must always
direct your discussion on the ARCHITECTURAL aspect of your work.
Oftentimes you get carried away by the description drawn from the
client’s project proposals and thereby forgetting the architectural
contributions you want your project to have. Example, if you are
working on Rehabilitation Center for Drug Dependents, you will not say
that your thesis can actually heal these addicts. Instead, you can
state your possible contributions, as an architect, to meet this
concern.
1.1.6 ASSUMPTION
The thesis, though a theoretical exercise which need to immediate
application, should however be REALISTIC and ACHIEVABLE as possible.
It would only mean that you will be dealing assumptions which will
support your study and give substance to your work. These may be
conditions where you base your study that needs some validation
through key informants you have interviewed. Your client’s name, the
possible funding source, the organization which will run the proposal
and the likes are example of these. Your assumptions can be of great
help when dealing with programming and cost analysis. Further, it can
bring your project into a more realistic sense and create a more
formidable framework for the design.
1.1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS AND CONCEPT

One in doing this: this is NOT a mini-dictionary. And so you are
reminded that you will just write words that you believe that are TOO
TECHINICAL for your readers. Do not include terms which are only
5
unfamiliar to you. You might end up doing a list of terms for you not
your readers.
The following are some guidelines in writing an effective definition

of terms:
1. Only terms, words or phrases which have special or unique meaning

in the study are defined. Example: learning areas may be defined as a
classroom, but may take another meaning is to what your study is all
about, say a laboratory or a drafting room, study room.
2. Terms should be defined operationally, that is, how they are used
in your study. For instance the study is about accessibility. What do
you mean by accessibility? To make the meaning clear you have to
define what covers the term, essential for a clearer understanding of
your study.
3. You may develop your own definition of from the characteristic of

the term defined. Thus, a house made of light materials as one made of
bamboo, nipa, buri, etc. this is also an operational definition.
4. Definition may be taken from valid sources. Encyclopedias,

reference books, magazines and newspaper are samples of these. And
hey, because these are printed and published materials, you need to
acknowledge them in any form possible. Definitions taken from these
kinds of materials are called conceptual or theoretical definitions.
5. Acronyms should always be spelled out especially they are not

commonly known or if they were used for the first time. You may be
using and typing the same long meaning of Department of Environment
and Natural Resources for a hundred times or even more along your
work. So don’t you think DENR would be a better alternative?
6. Use simple words in defining your terms. It would be more

complicated if you will not, and therefore building another bulk of
things to be defined.
7. Definition should be as brief, clear and direct as possible. Need

we say more?
1.2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

When you already established your scope, you probably would have also
known the coverage of your thesis. Hence, you are ready to define
varied literature related to your study. These are summarized versions
of articles, researches, write-ups and other thesis works which are
somehow related to your topics(s). The key here is simple. The more
you read, the better! And therefore the easier for you to visualize
and understand the needs of your work. This would also help you know
where will you take-off. Having known what were already written and
published, you will then have the idea where would you start study.
Will it just be a continuation of an existing project? Will you just
be pushing a new theory related to those previously stated? Or is it a
totally new project with totally new concepts related to the existing
ones? To help you further understand, here are some guidelines on
citing related literature.
6
1. Materials must be as recent as possible. New informations are

discovered every day. Your piece of literature may be true and
relevant today but not in the next months or years. It is not that
changes occur that abrupt but developments may arise which may have
altered the theories presented on your researched literature.
2. Materials must be as objective and as unbiased as possible. You

have to avoid materials which are obviously and extremely siding an
organization, group or an individual figure, whether political,
religious, or otherwise.
3. Materials may not be too few or too many. It is always best to know
where and when to stop. Maintain a balanced presentation of
literature, just when enough, not to overwhelm your readers. In an
undergraduate thesis like yours ten (10) pieces of literature for
review is recommended.
1.3 THEORETICAL/ CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Your thesis is a research-based thesis. It means that you are supposed
to formulate ideas based on your gathered facts and information to
later on be applied to a specific project. To know the applicability
of these theories, it is essential that you create a framework.
Something which will bind your thoughts into one concrete THRUST—
where ALL your inputs as well as your outputs will be based. Usually,
your research topics correspond to be supportive ideas in the
development of your study, if not the main end of it.
This will be the part where you will inform your readers if there is a
theory you want to prove e.g. a limited area can affect the behavior
of a drug dependent, or a concept you want to test say, a moving space
is a best suited for the healing mind.
You might wonder what the difference between a theory and a concept
is. According to humans (1967), a THEORY has three basic components
(1) conceptual scheme (2)set of propositions stating relationships
between properties or variables and (3) context for verification. Your
Theory of Architecture subjects (T.ARCH 1, 2, and 3) clearly state
this as a relation between two properties, in the given example, space
and behavior.
Theories have been subjected to further studies by various people and

yet they are still something that can be verified. Your thesis can be
a supportive study and a test if the theories presented are really
true. A theory is something which already has a proponent. It means
that a person before you had already proposed this theory and other
people have been verifying this as well. Therefore, your framework
should be based from a proponent and the consolidation of studies made
as well to see the extent of verification done.
CONCEPTS on the other hand are just ideas or concrete expression of

terms (see chapter on concept). These may be based on your OWN ideas
and NOT coming from another researcher or proponent. If your research
topic will be working on this type of framework, then you have to
state so. Yes, this may sound a little bit confusing and difficult at
7
first but you have already done this before, haven’t you? You are just
to organize and give your work a more solid basis by stating the
theories and/or concepts and HOW will you go about this. Again, these
may just be part and parcel of the research topic of the entire
thesis.
1.4 METHODOLOGY OF RESEARCH

In any research, it is not only important that you know WHAT to do but
more essentially HOW you will do it. The methods of research will help
you with this process. You see, this is an organized table or
framework which explains the step by step process of doing your study.
You can choose from a number of methods used in an architectural
research (descriptive, analytic or a combination), you have to
enumerate them and elaborate and explain as well why are you using
them. If it is an interview: wt whom? Why? Etc. if it is a survey:
what type of question will you be asking? How were you able to
establish them? And so on and so forth... it is also recommended that
you prepare a WORK PLAN. This is a synthesis of your plan and how are
you going to conduct the study.
a. SYSTEM OF INQUIRY
b. RESEARCH DESIGNS
c. RESEARCH TACTICS
1.5 BIBLIOGRAPHY
This is the list of reference (books, magazine, interviews, etc.)
you have consulted in the development of your book.. Here items are
arranged alphabetically regardless of the articles a, an, and the. You
may provide bibliographies for every chapter and have them listed at
an end. You can break down rather long bibliography according to
topics or type of publication, but you have to maintain an
alphabetical arrangement within each section.
Remember to put the authors’ surname first, then the first name and
middle name or initial (if any). Separate the major elements with a
period. Page numbers are only necessary if the source s an article,
but if it is a book, you need not indicate them.
The following are some examples of possible sources and the manner by
which you should include them in the Bibliography.
1. Bibliography style for a book by one author
Jodidio, Philipi. Architecture Now. Cologne, Germany: Taschen

GMBH,
2001.
2. For a book by two authors. Use commas to separate names.
8
Kirk, Stephen J. and Spreckelmeyer, Kent F. Enchancing Value in

Design Decisions. New York: Random House, 1993
3. For a work cited in another work.
Walpole, Jane R. Why Must the Passive Be Damned” College Composition

and Communication. 30:3 (October, 1979), 251. In Bush “The Passive.”
Techinical Communication, 28:1 (First Quarter 1981) 19-20, 22.
4. For articles. Give title of article in quotation marks, title of

Periodical underlines, volume number and issue number and date and
inclusive pages that the article appeared on Lacayo, Richard.
“Buildings that Breathe” Time Magazine. (September 2, 2002), 60-62.
With newspapers, it is sometimes necessary to give the section number
or name with the page number Clines, Francis X. “The Mother Tongue Has
a Movement.” New York Times (June 3, 1984), 8E.
5. From an on-line information. This is treated as a printed material,

but with a reference to the source/site at the end of the entry.
Walpole, Jane R. Why ust the Passive Be Damned?”
[www.archieoverload.blogspot/com~waltrj\passive]
6. For a computer software program.
 Include the name of the writer of the program, if known.

 Underline the title of the program
 Label Computer Software neither underlined nor enclosed in
quotation marks.
 Separate items with periods, but place between distributor nad
the year of publication.
 Add any pertinent information like the computer for which the
software was designed, the number of units of memory, and the
form of the program

Chapter 2: PRESENTATION OF DATA
2.1 DATA MANAGEMENT

After drawing a clear introduction and orienting your readers with the
particulars of your thesis, you are supposed to give them the “meat”
of the book in this chapter. However, you should be careful on what to
present. This is not a mere tally or a collection of data.
Presentation involves organization. To give you a clearer picture, you
may do the following suggestions:
1. Segregate the facts from the concepts. You probably know now what
the difference is between this two. Factual data are those information
based on what is existing, something which is of truth and reality.
Conceptual data may be written ideas which you could use as basis for
your study. It is necessary for you to know this so as you would
determine which data can be processed and what are not.
9
2. Recognize what data to present. You might be tempted to present

several bits of information or a huge number of knowledge about the
topics you are studying.
DON’T. analyze the articles, tables, etc. and their relevance to your
thesis. Ask yourself. Are these really helpful? Are these important?
Can I do without them? You see, not because an article or a clipping
tells you about your topic, it would automatically qualify and be
accepted as data.
3. Organize your data. It would be necessary to have a proper

sequencing of the data you will be presenting. Sequencing would mean
developing your data presentation from the simplest to the most
complex ideas. It would also help if you would relate topics after
topics so that you would establish the links between them, to later on
be connected to the main thing.
Alright, you may be a bit lost about that, but here’s a more
comprehensible way of looking at it. The following is a detailed
discussion of the types of data to be presented and the manner it
should be presented.
2.1.1 PRESENT CONDITION

It is inevitable to come up with basic data about your proposal. These
come in statistical form. You may have come to come back to your god
old junior year in high school to be able to understand this. But hey,
haven’t you done this before when you were doing your research methods
a year ago? Yes, this is as simple as showing factual data to your
readers, whether in textual, tabular or graphical form
However, you have to take note that these are “statistical” data and
so these are data, already processed, initially, by the agency where
you got them. Population, vehicular volume and Growth in Rice
Production are just few samples of such.
1. DEMOGRAPHIC DATA
 Present and Projected Population

 Population Distribution by:
Age, Sex, Religion, Educational Attainment, Employment,
Income
 Urban-Rural Population Distribution
 Population Density
 Growth Trends
 Literacy Rate
 Household Size
 Number of Dwelling Units by:
Type of Construction Materials, Structure, Ownership
2. PHYSICAL DATA
 Macro-Site Data
Political Boundaries
Area and Land Uses
Climate
10
Adjoining Areas and Uses

Access
 Micro-Site Data
Boundaries
Area
Land Use
Topography/ Landform
Water Bodies and Quality
Orientation in relation to solar paths and wind paths
Vegetation
Flora and Fauna
Visual Resources
Existing Structure
3. SECTORAL DATA
 General Public Services
This covers the administrative system of the municipality, e.g.,

organizational structure, policy development and information
management. This also includes the local government’s financial report
and fiscal administration.
 Social Services
This encompasses education, culture, sports and manpower development;

health and sanitation, nutrition and population policies; housing and
community development; social welfare, protective services and
recreational facilities of the municipality.
 Economic Services
This covers agriculture, trade and industry, tourism, labor and

employment; existing and projected income and employment
opportunities; direction and pattern of growth of agriculture and
industry.
 Physical Infrastructure
This includes the inventory of roads, transportation, communication,

sewage and drainage power, telecommunication, drinking water, solid
waste disposal, transport terminal, traffic management.
4. INDUSTRY PROFILE
This consists of pieces of information relative to particular

industries or aspects of the economy following are some examples of
industries that need to be studied relative to a number of thesis
topics.
Industries Thesis Topics
11
The Housing Industry Subdivision development Community

development Housing component s
and materials
The Retail sales industry Commercial development
The Health care Industry Pharmaceutical Facilities Hospital
Complex
The tourism industry Historic town renewal plans
Some of the basic data that make up the industry profile are the
following:
 Current Standard of Operations

 Accomplishments and Shortfalls
 Administrative/ Organizational, Technical/ Technological,
Problems
 Outlooks or envisioned future business environment
 Players and Leaders in the Industry
 Competitions and Competitive Advantages
 Opportunities for Improvement
2.1.2 PRIMARY DATA
Primary data come from original sources. They are not commentary about
the topic, but rather consist of information that must be commented
upon the succeeding topics.
Tactics that may be used to gather Primary Data include interviews,

listening (to symposia, lectures), focus groups, surveys and
observations (participatory, non-participatory)
Tactics Interviews Non-interactive
Interviews  In-depth interviews

 Key informants
interview
 Career History
Listening  Symposia  Lecture
Focus Groups  Discussion guided
to test in small
groups
 Participants help
construct the right
questions
Surveys  Multiple Sorting
 Projective Survey
Observation  Participant  Non-participant
observation observation stream
of behavior
 Chronicles
 Field notes
 Visual mapping
12
2.1.3 TABLES and GRAPHS
You may be already identified these tables and graphs at the beginning
of your book you might be wondering where this will appear. If you
think that it they will all come in a single bulk in just a single
chapter, think again. This chapter may contain most of these figures
but you are free to present some whenever the need in certain
discussions arises. We are architects and so this graphs and
illustrations will be our most effective tools in expressing our
thoughts.
Now, the question you might have In your mind is what are these
tables? What about these graphs? A statistical table or simply table
is defined as a systematic arrangement of related data in which
classes of numerical facts or data are given each a row and their
subclasses are given each a column in order to present the
relationship of the sets or numerical facts or data in a definite,
compact and understandable form of forms. Now, you may probably
recognize a table when you see one, right?
A graph on the other hand is a chart representing the quantitative

variations or changes of a variation itself, or quantitative changes
of a variable in comparison with those of another variable or
variables in pictorial or diagrammatic form. There are some advantages
of using a graph over a table. These are:
1. It attracts attention more effectively than tables, and,

therefore is less likely to be overlooked. Your readers may skip
tables but pause to look charts.
2. The use of colors and pictorial diagrams make a list of figures
in thesis report more meaningfully.
3. It gives a comprehensive view of quantitative data. A moving line
exerts a more powerful effect in the reader’s mind that the
tabulated data. It shows what is happening and what is likely to
take place.
4. Its general usefulness lies in the simplicity it adds to the
presentation of the numerical data.
But the graphs have disadvantages as well as advantages. They are

generally inaccurate, incomplete, more expensive and time consuming.
Further, graphs can only be made only the data have been tabulated.
Listed below are the varied types of graphs you may encounter:
1. Bar graphs
a. Single vertical bar graph
b. Sing horizontal bar graph
c. Grouped or multiple or composite bar graph
d. Duo-directional or bilateral bar graph
e. Subdivided or component bar graph
f. Histogram
2. Linear graphs
a. Time series or chronological line chart

b. Composite line chart
c. Frequency polygon
d. Ogives
13
e. Band chart
3. Hundred percent graphs or charts
a. Subdivided bar or rectangular bar graph

b. Circle or pie chart
4. Pictograms
5. Statistical maps
6. Ratio charts
You might just be copying these tables, graphs and charts as part of
your presentation of data. But you think it would be more fruitful on
your part if you’ll be doing these by yourself? Why not? You might
have already gathered your data and so you are in the right position
to process them yourself and show your readers these data as you
understand them.
2.2 CASE STUDIES

This chapter us actually an extension of your Research Data. The
difference is that with Case Studies, you are analyzing existing
related structures, groups, localities and situations and you
might be getting information that may not be available in
textbooks or previous studies. This is especially true for local
cases that may have some connection with your project. Focus,
however, should be on the variable that may be difficult to
determine without actual reconnaissance. Do not forget that you
are the one who has the best understanding of your project and
what information you need from the case studies. That simply
means that it is also YOU who can conduct the studies most
effectively.
If you need information regarding structures or scenarios abroad

(especially if you want to determine the applicability of
certain theories and principles to the Philippines , you may use
secondary data. It is best, in this case, to come up with at
least one local study (besides the foreign one) so that it would
be easier to determine the applicability and feasibility of
foreign concepts in local settings.
2.2.1 SCOPE and DELIMITATIONS
As you study different cases, it would become evident to you

that each structure, user group, locality or situation is made
up of several variables. A study of a municipality, for
instance, could cover its physical, cultural, historical, social
and economic frameworks. But not all of these may be relevant to
your project. So, you have to state in the SCOPE all the
14
specific concerns that you will focus on. You also have to
discuss the extent of work that you will cover in regard to
these elements.
To further clarify matters, you can discuss all those concerns

that you will NOT be covering in the DELIMITATION. This will
give your reader a more simplified view of what to note in the
cases under study.
2.2.2 CASE STUDIES

Each case study can be presented by first explaining how they
are related to your project. You can discuss the situation by
dividing it into sub components and presenting their respective
merits. If you think that sketches, maps, graphs, and
photographs would help you explain them better, then use them to
support your data. Just remember to provide proper captions or
else, they may be useless.
Lastly, you have to maker sure that all the specific concerns
are discussed properly, and their relevance to the project
stated clearly. It is also advisable that you choose cases that
are related to your thesis in distinctly varied ways. One case
study may be concerned with a project similar to your proposal
and another which employs a technology which is comparable to
what you are proposing. You might also be able to draw more
reliable conclusions by studying both local and foreign cases.
At least three TOPICS for study would be ideal -- a study of

similar user groups, a study of a case similar to the project
(local and foreign), and a study of the current trend/s (local
and foreign) pertinent to the project. It might also be useful
to include a failed case that used the same technique or was
intended for the same user group. Even the failed cases are
helpful in your research as they give you a fairly good idea of
what NOT to do. However, please take note of the word TOPIC.
This does not mean that you have to limit your case studies to
three also.
2.2.3 SUMMARY and RECOMMENDATIONS

This is where you correlate a d summarize all the factors that
you have studied to see their implications to the project. You
can end this chapter by recommending and endorsing concepts and
approaches learned from the case studies according to their
suitability to your project.
15
C. RESEARCH TOPIC (or you can write the TOPIC TITLE)
A research topic is something born with your thesis. Ideally

these topics should be thought of before the project since these
are basically the things of your interest.
But of course, we don’t want to be too idealistic here, and so

they may come together as a package, with the source of your
project hooked on these topics.
In selecting a research topic, you should look into your thesis

project and see the possible requirements or kind of character
which will make it unique or increase its architectural value.
In other words, being the “soul” of your book, this section will
give your readers a great deal of what they will be reading as
they go along with your thesis. These research topics do not
only explain the essential things about your study but clarify
as well the theoretical or conceptual framework you mentioned in
Chapter1. This would require you to write the applicability of
these topics to your project and so you should be wise in
selecting the topics. Be very specific. Focus.
How will you do this? First, you have to orient your readers why
you choose the topics as your focal points of study. You can
very well do this be reiterating the roots of your problem(s).
You have to go back to the background you have presented in
Chapter 1 and stress the need for the topics to be studied so as
to have a clear solution, in the end, to the problems posted in
your statement.
THE RESEARCH BODY
This is the thorough discussion regarding your research. This

should contain studies, approaches as well as trends (of course
acknowledged)relative to your topic. But don’t be misguided. A
common mistake here is that the contents of the research body
are lifted from published work, completely! This is a big no-no!
Any data or information appearing on this part will have to be
processed and quoted.
Discussion should be paraphrased and again - for the nth time-

properly acknowledged! The information should be brief and
discussions well-organized. Again, the key is focus. If for
example you are to discuss behavioral analysis as a research
16
topic, do you need to write everything about behavior including

the psychology of the human mind if your readers about the
basic, why not? But the meat of the discussion should be on the
psychology of children. Focus! You may also want to mention
cases and examples, but you must not discuss them fully as you
would be required to do in the Case Studies.
APPLICATION
It was mentioned earlier that your research will not have any
value or significance unless you connect it with a project which
will manifest the studies made. This is the part where you
relate your topics with your project. Let us continue our
example in the behavioral analysis. It will be pertinent to note
not only the theories on behavior but its application to the
architectural sense as well. You may have to study theories on
perception, color and space to support your documented research
when applied to the “real thing”. Again, you have to be
specific. Bear in mind that what you’ll be writing should be
something which will give your readers a clear understanding of
your thesis and not confuse them. So go straight to the point.
However, you will not stop when you have given the application.
You still have to cross examine these data. Check on its
economic feasibility and other areas you might thinks its
appropriate for study.
CHAPTER 3. ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA
3.1 SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS

3.1.1 IDENTIFICATION/ASSESSMENT OF NEEDS
If you need that it is enough just to gather and present your
data think again. They will have no value unless they can be
related to the project. What you have to do in this chapter is
“sift” through the information that you have presented in the
previous chapters and come up with those that can serve as a
basis for further developments. With the theoretical foundation
that you’ve laid out in Chapter 1 and the factual components
that you’ve presented in Chapter 2, you can very well analyze.
WHAT REALLY NEEDS TO BE DONE? But remember, the needs you

identify here should always be ones that can be satisfied by
ARCHITECTURAL SOLUTIONS. Otherwise, discard them or process them
so that although the root maybe social, psychological,
17
physiological, etc., the expressed needs and requirements are

architectural.
3.1.2 RESTATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Okay, so you might think that we’re going back to Chapter 1
here. This time, you’re right. At least, in a way. You have to
reread the Statement of the Problem you formulated with only
preliminary information and high hopes. You have the facts now.
This time, they should anchor your thoughts to the ground.
Your situation can have you viewing the problem in a new light.
You might need to come up with a NEW STATEMENT. Just don’t veer
too far from what you have previously stated. Keep this in mind:
new view but not necessarily new problem.
If, on the other hand, all the facts just reinforced the problem
you stated in Chapter 1, do not feel compelled to change your
statement. All you have to do in this case is to RESTATE it.
That simple.
3.1.3 RECOMMENDATIONS
So, you have made the problem clearer and more specific than
before. What do you do now? That would be what you will be
discussing in this section. This maybe a statement of what
structure you have concluded is necessary to solve the problem.
If there are concepts and theories that need to be studied and
discussed further so that you could arrive at the most effective
design solutions, you have to present them along with your
recommendations. Same goes if you think that there is a new
design approach which has to be developed and used for the
proposal.
3.2 SITE
It must be our primary concern as designers to find the most ideal
combination of function and location. We might struggle to create a
very well-contrived plan but if the structure juts out like a sore
thumb in its location, all the programs we use and the designs we
produce can come to nothing.
For this chapter, you will have to conduct several types of studies at
several levels to come up with the best site for your proposed
project. The extent of what you will discuss here will depend
basically on how important and influential the choice of site is to
your project. Your focus should be on the appropriateness and
feasibility of possible sites to the intended use. And to determine
this, you have to conduct comprehensive analyses of the
characteristics of the site and its surrounding areas. Of course, in
the end, you will have to indicate how these factors and attributes
will affect the project.
18
There are several topics to be covered in this chapter. However, this

is once again NOT a standard thing. You can add relevant topics but
make sure that each one will be discussed clearly and thoroughly.
3.2.1 BACKGROUND
With a reliable knowledge and a vision of your project proposal,
you can now determine its requisite site requirements and the
possibility of having to seek for alternatives. Your site may be
given, but that does not mean that you will have a lighter
workload than if you have to look for one. At this point, at
least acquaint your reader with your situation (or predicament?)
and what you plan to do about it. If the site is given, brief
your reader about pertinent matters in regard to it (location,
size, etc.). If it’s not, don’t whine. Just tell the reader so
and give him an idea of your game plan for your quest.
3.2.2 SITE SELECTION CRITERIA

In this section, you will have to discuss what features of a
site -- both natural and built -- are best-suited to your
requirements. It is, therefore, a huge advantage if you can
coherently state the character of your project, the site
attributes that it requires and why. Don’t worry. The “why?” is
quite easy to answer. Did you get them from a textbook? Did you
so brilliantly come up with it on your own? Are you following
standards set by a government agency? Or is it all of the above?
Once you have stated your answer, discuss each criterion
intensively. And there’s your SITE SELECTION CRITERIA.
Some points may be helpful here:
1. Be specific. Avoid vague statements such as “big enough”,

“should be accessible”....
2. Stick only to the criteria that are most relevant to your

project. Time distances relations, for example, may mean the
world to one project and have no effect whatsoever on another
3. Be realistic. Do not seek qualities that would be impossible

to find. Yes, that makes a location on top of a snow-capped
mountain here in the Philippines totally out of the question!
3.2.3 SITE SELECTION and JUSTIFICATION

So, let’s say that you were lucky enough to find three possible
sites for your project. Start by pointing out their favorable
and unfavorable aspects by BRIEFLY discussing each one. It might
also simplify the work if you can try to evaluate the sites’
merits using a rating system (1 for severe limitation, 2 -
moderate constraint, 3 -good condition, 4 -excellent condition).
Then, select the most ideal one. This is the site that could
meet the project requirements with the least modifications. Try
19
to see if the score in the rating system validates your choice.

The table on Figure 2 is very effective tool in selecting the
best possible site for your proposal.
3.2.4 SITE ANALYSIS

Although the Site Selection Process has already given your
reader an idea about your site, deeper analysis is still needed.
This is usually done in two levels -- the
MICRO SITE ANALYSIS which includes the specific area within the
property boundaries and its immediate environs; and the MACRO
SITE ANALYSIS which includes the examination of the site
environs up to the horizon (sometimes even beyond). In this
analysis, the condition of various factors such as utilities,
natural elements, climate, infrastructure and sensuous
characters are presented. Of course, a discussion of how these
factors affect your project always follows.
It is sometimes very tempting to limit the discussion of the effects

to the most obvious and conspicuous. But since an extensive analysis
should be involved, it is possible to learn how each factor influences
the project at a deeper level. There will be times, too, when you
would feel like you have to LIE about some of the factors.
Please DON’T. Your site needs not be perfect. Ideal, yes. But perfect?
Not really. If some important elements are absent in your site, say
water system, tell the truth. They might sound like big limitations
now, but in the end they will serve you better as useful design
determinants. So, the more honest you are about the,, the better.
3.2.5 SWOT ANALYSIS
To most designers, a tabulated SWOT analysis (defining its your

project) maybe the best visual guide t the analysis. It can give your
reader an idea of how suitable the site is to the project with just
one look. It will also enable you to relate your site’s potentials as
well as it’s imperfections.
Figure 2. SITE SELECTION CRITERIA
From Landscape Architecture: A Manual for Site Planning and Design
By John Ormsbee Simonds
New York: Mc-Graw Hill, 1998
CRITERIA SITE SITE SITE SITE SITE
1 2 3 4 5
20
I.
REGIONAL
Climate (temperature,
storm, rainfall, etc.)
Soils (Stability,
fertility, depth)
Water Supply and Quality
Economy (rising, stable,
declining)
Transportation (highways
And transit)
Energy (availability and
Relative cost)
Landscape Character
Cultural opportunities
Health care facilities
Major detractions (list
and describe)
Exceptional features
(list and describe)
II.
COMMUNITY
Travel (time-distance to
Work, shopping, etc.)
Travel experience
(pleasant or unpleasant)
Community Ambiance
School
Shopping
21
Churches
Cultural opportunities
(library, auditorium)
Public Services (fire,
Police, etc.)
Safety and Security
Medical facilities
Governance
Taxes
and describe)
(list and describe)
III.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Landscape character
Lifestyle
Compatibility of
Proposed uses
Traffic ways (access,
hazards, attractiveness)
Schools
Convenience (schools,
Service, etc.)
Parks, recreation and
Open space
Exposure (sun, wind,
Storms, planning)
Freedom from noise, fumes
Etc.
22
Utilities (availability
And cost)
and describe)
(list and describe)
PROPERTY
Size and Shape
(suitability)
Aspect from approaches
Safe entrance and egress
On-Site “feel”
Permanent trees and cover
Need for clearing
Ground forms of gradients
Soils (quality and depth)
Relative cost of
Earthwork and foundation
Site Drainage
Adjacent structures (or
lack of)
Neighbors
Relationship to
Circulation patterns
Relative cost of land and
Development
and describe)
(list and describe)
23
BUILDING SITE
Topographic “fit” of
Programmed user
Gradient of Approaches
Safe distance and
entrance drive
Orientation to sun, wind,
And breeze
Views
Privacy
Freedom form noise and
glare
Visual impact of
neighboring uses
Visual impact upon
neighboring uses
Proximity to utility
leads
LEGEND
* - Severe limitation
# - Moderate constraint
^ - condition good
> - condition excellent
Note: By substituting numbers for symbols, the arithmetic sum for each
column would give a general indication of its relative overall rating.
It is to be realized, however, that in some cases a single severe
constraint or superlative feature might well overwhelm the statistics
and become the deciding factor.
And remember that this is SITE analysis. Some municipality, city,

provincial or even regional data may help but they should NEVER be the
focus of this part, much less it’s only character.
24
3.2.6. BASELINE STUDIES
Baselines are starting points from which the design proper takes off.
They help paint the backdrop against which the research undertaking is
being pursued. Baseline information can be the bases for formulating
the parameter by which the outcomes of the researchers can be
evaluated.
1. MAPS
Base Maps
 Municipal or General Base Map

 Poblacion or Urban Base maps
 Base Maps for other Built-up Areas
 Vicinity Map
 Thematic or Analytical Maps
 Contour Map
 Soil Map
 Slope Map
 Land Capability Map
 Soil Suitability for Agricultural Uses
 Soil Suitability for Urban Uses
 Hydro-geologic or Groundwater Map
 Facilities/ Infrastructures Map
 Development Constraints Map (geologic, fault,
flooding, etc.)
 Special Projects Map
 Weather Map
2. EXISTING STANDARDS
Quality Standards
 Governing Benchmarks that require that regulate the

physical make-up of industry outputs. These are
often measured by getting feedbacks form users or
consumers.
Performance Standards
 These are standards that regulate operations or

ways of doing things. These are often quantified
and measured in terms of units such as speed, rate,
efficiency, etc.
3.2.7 FACTORS and ISSUES RELEVANT TO THE SITE
These are factors and considerations in regard to the site that will
be relevant to your project. You may begin the section by presenting a
Code Survey. Look for local laws, codes and policies (or even
international ones, if necessary) that will help you define the limits
of your development. Aside form these, you also have to identify and
study other factors that are not based on the law. These will include
phenomena which are natural to your site (flooding, strong coastal
winds, etc.), local ordinances, local customs and community
characteristics. Of course, in the end, you will have to state how
will all these affect your site.
25
CHECKLIST OF SITE DATA
From Site Planning by Kevin Lynch
M.I.T. Press, Massachusetts. 1979
a) INITIAL PERSONAL RECONNAISSANCE - observation of the site’s

apparent character, problem and possibilities presented through
notes, sketches, photographs, etc.
b) COLLATION OF EXISTING DATA such as contour maps, aerial photos,

geological soil and water surveys, climate records, ecological
studies, engineering reports, boring tests, census materials,
histories, social studies, market documents, traffic studies,
legal and public control documents, official proposals, records
and current controversies
c) SUMMARY DESCRIPTIONS OF THE OFF-SITE CONTEXT AND ITS CHANGES -

geographic location, surrounding populations, social and
political structure, general economy, ecological and principal
off-site destinations and facilities
d) DATA ON THE SITE AND ITS IMMEDIATE CONTEXT
A. PHYSICAL DATA
1. GEOLOGY and soil
 Underlying geology, rock character and depth
 Soil type and depth, value as engineering
material and as plant medium
 Fill, ledge, slide and subsidence
2. WATER
 Existing water bodies - variation and purity
 Natural and man-made drainage channels - flow,
capacity, purity
 Surface drainage patterns, amounts blockages,
undrained depressions
 Water table - elevation and fluctuation,
springs
 Water supply - quantity and quality
3. TOPOGRAPHY
 Pattern of Landforms
 Contours
 Slope and Analysis
 Visibility Analysis
 Circulation Analysis
 Unique Features
4. CLIMATE
 Regional data on variation of temperature,
precipitation, humidity, solar angle,
cloudiness, wind direction and force
 Local micro-climates: warm and cool slopes,
air drainage, wind deflection and local
breeze, shade,heat reflection and storage, plant
26
indicators
5. ECOLOGY
 Dominant plant/animal communities - location
and relative stability
 Their dependence on existing factors,
self-regulation, sensitivity to change
 Mapping of general plant cover, including
wooded areas
 Specimen trees to be retained: their location,
spread, species and elevation at base
6. MAN-MADE STRUCTURES
 Existing buildings: outline, location, floor
elevation, type, condition, us
 Circulation facilities (roads, paths, rails,
transit, etc.): location, capacity,
condition
 Utilities (Storm and sanitary sewers, water,
gas, electricity, telephone, steam, etc.):
location, elevation, capacity
7. Sensuous Qualities
 Character and relation of visual spaces
 Viewpoints, vistas and visual focal points
 Character and rhythm of visual sequences
 Quality and variation of light, sound, smell
and feel
B. CULTURAL DATA
1. Resident and using population
 Number and composition
 Social structures and institution
 Economic structure
 Political structure
 Current changes and problems
2. On-Site and adjacent behavior settings: nature,

location, rhythm, stability, participants, conflicts
3. Site values, rights and restraints

 Ownerships, easements, and other rights
 Legal controls: zoning and other other
regulations
 Economic values
 Accepted “territories”
 Political jurisdictions
4. Past and future
 Site history and its traces

 Public and private intentions for future use of site,
conflicts
5. Images
27
 Group and individual identification and organization of

site
 Meanings attached to the site, symbolic expression
 Hopes, fears, wishes, preferences
C. DATA CORRELATION
1. Classification of site by areas of similar structures,

quality, and problems
2. Identification of key points, lines and areas
3. Analysis of curret and likely future changes – the dynamic
aspect of the site
4. Identification of significant problems and possibilities
3.3 BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS
3.3.1 ACTIVITY FLOW DIAGRAM
As your project will cater mainly to its users, it might be

useful to your study to look into their patterns of activities as
these would help determine the characteristics of spaces which
will be provided for them. The pattern of activity of spaces and,
consequently, structures.
For some projects, the activity flow diagram may be governed by a

given schedule. This is true for schools, for example, where the
activities of the users as based on the scheduling of classes.
For others, the pattern may have to be determined through direct
observation, interviews or any first-hand procedure. It is also
important to note the less obvious details in the pattern aside
from those which are based on a given program or are easily
discernible through observation.
3.3.2 ENVIRONMENT-BEHAVIOR STUDIES
Should your thesis have the behavior of the users as its main
thrust, you should expand this part and have a through and in
depth out-put. You may not only be dealing with the activities of
the users for the time being would most probably extend your
analysis to the culture of these people. Moreover, this would
entail a comparative analysis of your users’ behavior with that
of other paradigms.
Again, this is an analysis and so you would not just list the
activities. Apart from identifying the activities and behavior of
your users, whether individual or group, you are to give your
readers a hint of why you’re discussing these things. How will
these affect the overall concept of your thesis? In what way
can these behaviors be a toll in designing an effective
working environment? Do you need to apply your knowledge in space
engineering?
The concepts of territoriality, defensible space and bubbles are

very helpful tools in analyzing the behavior of people in
relation to the environment. In the end, this procedure will help
you understand how the environment shapes behavior and vice-
versa.
28
3.3.3 INTERRELATIONSHIP ANALYSIS
This is the simplest part of spaces programming—but not quite. If

you think that doing matrices and bubble diagrams would be too
easy for you to do, well unfortunately, they’re not. Although
such graphical instruments help facilitate the organization of
spaces, they may be too flexible, and so you’ll have the tendency
to overlook at the appropriate circulation. To avoid this, it is
recommended that you have to go further and create alternative
schemes or bubbles (variation of your design) and even zoning
(based on the result matrices) with circulation diagrams of
various types of users. The result of your case studies would
probably be applied here. Again, you are encouraged to draw
various schemes to present probable solutions- and it will not
stop there. You have to orient your readers of the variances and
indicate the advantages and disadvantages of each scheme so that
you would not have the difficulty of explaining the design of
your choice when later on tested against the concepts. Remember
to include the services and utilities.
There are different methods in programming spaces. It can be a

matrix which allocates specific variable depending on the
activity e. g. pivotal and then coming up with the area. You may
also use basic standards from the National Building Code or other
building standers and multiply these with the number of users.
Another way is to lay-out a scheme containing the furniture,
spaces, and circulation (of course in scale). This may be most
helpful for rooms requiring specific furniture as in hospitals,
laboratories, factories and the like.
3.4 VIABILITY STUDIES
Viability studies are undertaken to ascertain the possibility of

the project getting implemented. They are used to determine
probable impediments to project realization and to identify
measures by which these impediments may be minimized or
eliminated.
3.4.1 TECHNICAL VIABILITY & ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT
The Technical Design Constraints – All designers must work within

a set of parameters based on the following:
Technology
The project must be realizable based on the available systems,

infrastructure and know-how. Production, replication, testing
must be possible within the existing framework of expertise and
tools by which the processes can be carried out. Propositions
must be grounded on theories that are sufficiently backed up by
past research undertakings.
It’s also possible that the proposed project is illustrative of

new technology. In this case, the research output must include
recommendations on the development of the proposed technology.
29
Cost
Project Cost – these are expenses that are directly attributable

to the completion of the project. Examples are: design
development cost, construction/ development/ production cost.
Capital – this covers all initial, one-time expenditures.

Examples are: construction of production plants, equipment
purchase, land acquisition
Operation – regular/ periodic expenses such as utility bills,

salaries for personnel, rentals
Maintenance – periodic or one-time expenses for repairs and

facilities upgrading
Time
Timeframe – a schedule showing how the project will progress over

a projected duration must be shown. Schedules may be in the form
of a bar chart, and S-curve or a PERT-CPM diagram
Phasing – project completion may be done in period may be needed
Gestation – a lead-time or preparatory period may be needed

before a project can fully take-off
Resource Requirements
Materials – the types, sources and availability of needed

building or product components need to be firmed up
Manpower – the labor component, required expertise,

organizational requirements also need to be identified
Equipment – pieces of light and heavy equipment needed for the

production and operating stages must be available
Site Conditions
Location/ Surrounding
Areas
Land Area and Configuration
Access
Climate
Landforms
Topography
Geology
Soil Type
Water Bodies
Hydrology
Oceanology
Vegetation
Atmosphere/ Air quality
Fish and Wildlife
Visual Resources
Danger/ Hazard prone areas
Existing Structures
Infrastructure
Utilities
Water
Power
30
Drainage Communication
Environmental Impact Assessment – An EIA is undertaken to compare

scenarios with and without the proposed project. The results are
used to weigh favorable against unfavorable impacts of the
project on the environment. The word ‘environment’ here refers to
both the physical and non-physical dimensions.
The physical dimension cover ecological and technological

concerns while nonphysical dimensions cover the social, cultural,
economical and political concerns.
The Environmental Impact Statement Outline prescribed by the

Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
1.0 Name and Address of Project Proponent

2.0 Type of Projects
3.0 Overview Summary
4.0 The Project Setting
5.0 The Proposal
6.0 A Brief History of Past Environmental Conditions and a
Description of the Existing Environmental and Resource Use.
7.0 Future Environmental Conditions without the Project (An
Average of fiver tears projection)
8.0 Prediction and Assessment of Impacts
9.0 Contingency Plans
10.0 Environmental Briefings and Monitoring
11.0 Mitigation Measures
12.0 Residual/ Unavoidable Impacts
13.0 Information Deficiencies
14.0 Appendices
15.0 Consultation and Comments including Public Recommendations
• Details are in the attached Readings
Considering that projects of all types and scale have varying

degrees of environmental impacts, the EIA is used to identify
ways by which unfavorable impacts may be mitigated.
3.4.2 LEGAL VIABILITY
Project must be developed and implemented within the existing

framework that is defined by the following: Design Laws, Codes,
Guidelines – examples are the National Building Code, the
Referral Codes, Batas Pambansa 220, Batas Pambansa 344,
Condominium Act, Presidential Decree 957
Patent Laws/ Intellectual Property Rights – there are procedures

for claiming ownership over intellectual properties in the form
of creative work, inventions, models and paradigms
Accreditation – there are also procedures for recognition prior

to entry into the target market. For example the AITECH
(Accreditation of Innovative Technology) is a task force that
screens, evaluates and approves new technology for housing.
31
Other Laws – Other Laws that can directly or indirectly affect

the project outcome are Civil Code, laws that cover national
defense, trading, taxation, etc.
Another legal concern has to do with the entities or

personalities that will be tapped to develop and implement the
proposed project.
Institutional Arrangements – the type and level of networking

required to effect project completion need to be identified.
Concerned Agencies – the particular public or private

organizations and their roles in the network should also be
clarified it would also be possible that the project is
illustrative of the need to modify certain aspects within the
existing legal framework. In this case the research output must
include recommendations on how these modifications can be
systematically effected.
3.4.3 FINANCIAL VIABILITY
Sources of Funds
Funds, for various project types, come basically from either

public or private sources. Investments of any form and origin
need to be recovered and in most cases with an acceptable level
of profit. Recovery of investments could be through any of the
following:
Sales
These are the proceeds from the outright disposal of completed

products or its independent components. Selling price is
determined by market forces and by the prevailing ratio between
supply and demand. The final price that is passed on the buyer/
consumer should cover the cost production and the mark-up.
User Charges/ Rentals
This strategy attempts to extract the amount required to finance

services from those who benefit their existence. Under perfect
conditions, i.e., when the benefits are acknowledged by the
beneficiaries as allocated, the user charges must show a direct
linked between the quantity or services and the revenues
generated to finance their services.
Shared Taxation
A tax is a compulsory contribution to government without

reference to a particular benefit received by the taxpayer.
Subsidy from general taxation occurs when there are some degrees
of general benefit, or where consumers cannot afford the full
cost of a service that is regarded as essential to human welfare.
Funding Terms
Borrowing/ Loans
32
Large capital investments are usually financed by loans that are

granted based on specific lending terms. These terms specify
repayment period, mode of payment, interest rated and provisions
for penalties. The total amount of loan is distributed over its
life and, therefore, to successive beneficiaries.
Grants
This form of assistance is usually given for pre-identified

projects, i.e., condition for users are normally stipulated. Full
cost-recovery is not always expected out of projects that are
financed through grants.
Financial Benchmarks
Profitability
The assessment of profitability is begins with the computation of

the net income, which basically is equal to Total Revenues less
Total Cost. The bottom line figure is then used to compute for
the following profitability ratios:
(
Return of Investment (ROI) =
)
Net Income
Total Investment
Project Life
Profit Margin (PM) = Net Income
Total Investment
Gross Profit Ratio (GPR) = Gross Profit
Total Sales
GUIDELINES FOR SITE DEVELOPMENT COST

From Problem Seeking by William Pena
1. SITE PREPARATION
Estimate 1% to 3% of building cost
2. PARKING
Refer to required ratio to get number of parking slots.
Estimate per slot.
3. ROADWAYS
Estimate per linear meter
4. SIDEWALKS AND TERRACES
Estimate 1%to 7% of building cost
5. WALLS AND SCREENS
Estimate .5% to 2.5% of building cost
6. OUTDOOR SPORTS FACILITIES

Estimate lump sum per unit per type
7. ON-SITE UTILITIES
8. OFF-SITE UTILITIES
9. STORM DRAINAGE
33
Estimate .5% to 2.5% building cost

10. LANDSCAPING
Estimate 1% to 2% building cost
11. OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT
Estimate lump sum
12. OUTDOOR LIGHTING
Estimate pedestrian lighting 1% of building cost; parking
lighting lump sum per car
3.4.4 DESIGN PROPOSAL
Take a deep breath. You’ve come a long way. Take a minute

or two to congratulate yourself for what you have
accomplished so far. Actually, you will need all the
confidence you can muster as you forge through the next
step: stating your DESIGN PROPOSAL.
Since this is the foundation of all that you will be

conceptualizing from hereon, the Design Proposal should be
discussed in the clearest and most coherent manner
possible. Avoid words that may be too technical or too
complex or too vague. With just one look at the Proposal,
the reader must have a good idea of what to expect in the
translation.
Aside from this, you must also enumerate the specific

functions that your project will perform and the specific
activities that your project will perform and the specific
activities that it will house. Refrain from naming specific
spaces though. This should be done in the Programming part.
For example, you can say “a venue for the exhibit of native
Filipino art” but you cannot say “museum”. Not yet.
Remember: functions and activities only.
3.4.5 DEVELOPMENTAL CONTROL AND COMPUTATIONS
Computation of the following based on NBC RULE 7&8

Total Lot Area
Allowable Maximum Building Footprint (AMBF1, AMBF2, AMBF3)
Percentage of Site Occupancy
Impervious Surface Area
Maximum Allowable Construction Area
Minimum Unpaved Surface Area
Open Space within Lot (TOSL)
Incremental Setbacks if applicable
CHAPTER 4: PROGRAMMING
This is perhaps the most important part of your thesis.

Here, you have to come up with the possible areas for your
project as a concrete solution to the things you discussed
in the earlier part of your work. It would be difficult to
34
understand and appreciate what you’ll write here if you

don’t give your readers a background of your project, its
purpose, and users. In addition, since the discussion to
follow will delve on the administrative structure of the
proponent, then it would be helpful if you could also
explain what this organization does. Your organizational
chart could be your best tool on doing this.
Before you go deeper with the details of space programming,

it would be appropriate to define the term for you. Space
programming is an exercise for the student to concretize
the abstractions of space relationships into units of
measure as well as the flow or circulation. It is the
consolidation of all the requirements, standards, rules and
regulations. Requirements would mean the needs of the
project (users and systems) in terms of 3-dimensional
spaces, facilities, spatial relationship, etc. these may be
guided by legal standards or conditions informally set by
the unit of analysis as dictated by the needs.
Rules and regulations are the legal guidelines that you

must follow in the course of the design. The main end of
this exercise is to have a systematic presentation of all
these requirements to later on be translated in into
schemes and plans. For the purpose of the thesis, you are
to stick to the minimum requirements. However, should the
project need to provide areas for expansion, let this be
stated and taken into account.
4.1 BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS
As your thesis will cater to its users, more than anyone

else, it is but rightful to take a look into their
activities as well as their operations if they move in an
organization. The visiting public would also share an ear
with the analysis. In this part, you will enumerate the
main departments or units and how the relate to each other.
This will give you and your readers an idea how a certain
department works and interrelate with each other. In doing
so, you will find yourself identifying which units are
active, thus requiring an active space, and which are not.
You have to indicate the magnitude and level of sensitivity
of service to adequately and effectively provide a space
for them, afterwards.
Analyzing the schedule of the activities would also be

helpful. Should your thesis focus on the behavior of the
users as its main thrust, you should expand this part and
have a thorough and in depth out-put. You may not only be
dealing with the activities of the users for the time being
but would most probably extend your analysis to the culture
of the people. Moreover, this would entail a comparative
35
analysis of your users’ behavior with that of other

paradigms.
Again, this is an analysis and so you would not just list

the activities and presto! You’re done with it! Apart from
identifying the activities and behavior of your users,
whether individual or group, you are to give your readers a
hint of why you’re discussing these things. How will these
affect the overall concept of your thesis? In what way can
these behaviors be a tool in designing an effective working
environment? Do you need to apply your knowledge in space
engineering? You watch and see.
4.2 INTERRRALATIONSHIP ANALYSIS
This is the simplest part of space programming—but not

quite. If you think that doing matrices and bubble diagrams
would be too easy for you to do, well unfortunately,
they’re not. Although such graphical instruments help
facilitate the organization of spaces, they may be too
flexible and so you’ll have the tendency to overlook at the
appropriate circulation. To avoid this, it is recommended
that you have to go further and create alternative schemes
or bubbles (variations of your design) and even zoning
(based on the result of matrices) with circulation diagrams
of various types of users. The results of your case studies
would probably be applied here. Again, you are encouraged
to draw various schemes to present probable solutions- and
it will not stop there. You have to orient your readers of
the variances and indicate the advantages and disadvantages
of each scheme so that you would not have the difficulty of
explaining the design of your choice when later on tested
against the concepts. Remember to include the services and
utilities.
There are different methods in programming spaces. It can

be a matrix which allocates specific variable depending on
the activity e. g. pivotal and then coming up with the
area. You may also use basic standards from the National
Building Code or other building standers and multiply these
with the number of users. Another way is to lay-out a
scheme containing the furniture, spaces, and circulation
(of course in scale). This may be most helpful for rooms
requiring specific furniture as in hospitals, laboratories,
factories and the like.
4.3 QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS
This has been proven as one of the most effective, if not the
most effective way of programming spaces. Its is a tow-fold
analysis, which initially caters to the qualities of the project,
and later on translated to be quantitative one. Let us first deal
with the first one. Let us first deal with the first one.
36
Qualitative analysis, as the term suggest is an analysis

pertinent to the QUALITIES of your proposal which will inevitably
become bases for the design.
This would have to do with five major concerns namely:
(1) Establishing GOALS,

(2) Collecting and Analyzing FACTS,
(3) Uncovering and Testing CONCEPTS,
(4) Determining NEEDS and
(5) Stating the Problems
All these concerns will have to be interacted with four (4)

considerations: FUNCTION, FORM, ECONOMY, and TIME. You may notice
that this programming method include the basic steps in design or
what you familiarly know n as DESIGN PROCESS. You’re right! You
will have to use the objectives in chapter 1 (goals), the data
(facts) you have gathered in chapter 2, and the proposed ideas
(concepts) you have in the next chapter to do this.
Like the interrelationship analysis, this analysis also comes on

matrix form.
Therefore, it can be interchanged so as to fit the desired

program. Provided with this manual is a simple table with
possible issues for each concern. You may consult the book
Problem Seeking by Pena to further understand this discussion.
4.4 QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS
Like any other data, a qualitative input would have to be

translated into a more perceptible program to be understood and
later be translated into a plan. This is what a quantitative
analysis does. It translated the qualitative matrix you did to a
more tangible thing. That’s right, the word is TANGIBLE. While
the qualitative speaks of the abstract, the quantitative talks of
the more realizable output- something which can be grasped by the
readers at once. You may ask: why then can’t you go directly with
the quantitative? The answer is simple all the inputs in this
section will be taken from the Qualitative analysis. Remember,
you will only TRANSLATE on a quantitative evaluation.
What then would be the content of this part? You will be

enumerating the areas which you think will be needed by your
proposal (again, based on the qualitative analysis). These are
general areas which can be specifically named in various terms,
depending upon the function it will perform. Example, when you’re
dealing with the schools, you may want to call a classroom, a
laboratory and a drawing room under a single heading, say
learning areas. This way, you can generalize the function of the
space you are providing. But you have to identify all these rooms
as well since you will be determining the required number in the
end. Yes, you read it right!
NUMBERS. Quantitative analysis involves quantities, figures,

number, numerals and therefore computations. This will contain
the mathematical computations for your project.
37
From the most basic computation of space areas to CONSTRUCTION

COSTS, OPERATION COSTS, LIFE CYCLE COSTS, MAINTENANCE COSTS, etc.
Perhaps, you could also deal with the analysis of the COSTING and
RETURN OF INVESTMENT through concepts on funding and its possible
revenue schemes.
CHAPTER 5: SYNTHESIS
You’re almost done! This is the phase where you summarize all
that has been done in the book. You may have to go back to your
objectives and see if you were able to meet them or restructure
your concepts so that your readers will have a clearer vision of
what you plan to do in your Design 10 (knock on wood!). This
chapter will be your LINK to your translation in your bid for an
architectural degree. How about that for a push?!
The discussions to follow may not be new to you for you have been
doing this for the past four, five, or more so years in your stay
in the institute. These are the basic contents of your concept
board. Something you should have known now by heart.
5.1 DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

Sure, you have established the theories and the concepts you’ll
need for your proposal, but it wouldn’t be enough to just have
them and let loose of the unifying thing in work. Philosophies do
this. These are the bases of your ideas for the proposal, a
guiding dictum which gels your proposed work into one, single
composition. There are two types of philosophy. One, coming from
a person, living or not, who may have studied the same topics
you’re dealing with and defined ideas appropriate for your study.
Thus, you have to quote them and tell your readers so.
And two, it may be YOUR OWN notions for the project. Yes, you can
be a philosopher, why not? And so, you are able to conceive your
own thought especially if you were the one who proposed the
study. CAUTION: you may be tempted to user philosophies you
already have used for your design plates when you were in your
lower years. Why not? But see to it that it would be applicable
for your project you’re doing. Philosophies are NOT FIXED. On
the contrary, they should be FLEXIBLE.
Meaning, they must bend to where they should go and reflect

the design you would like to have for your project, and
vice versa. And you must understand them! “Form follow
function” may be a cute cliché but WAKE UP! You CANNOT use
it all the time. Dictums of well-known architects (refer to
your Theory of Architectural Design 02) will be a great deal of
help for you in doing this part of your thesis.
5.2 DESIGN GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Nope, you are not going back t your chapter 1 and rewrite the
objectives and goals you have written there, though this may be
your take-off point. You could base your design objectives from
the objectives of your thesis. But take note that these are
38
DESIGN goals and objectives – different from the goals and

objectives of your STUDY. The things you’ll present here are the
ones relative to your probable DESIGN. What do you wish to do
with your structures? How would you like the systems to go? What
would you like to achieve at the end of your translation? Hey,
wait! These do not only pertain to the possible appearance of the
structures but the overall objectives of the design as well. In
other words, these are more FOCUSED on the DESIGN aspects of your
project. See, perhaps you now realize that there REALLY IS a
difference after all.
5.3 DESIGN CONCEPTS

Concepts are thought concerning the way several elements or
characteristics can be combined into a SINGLE THING. In
architecture, a concept also identifies how various aspects of
the requirements for a building can be brought together in a
SPECIFIC thought that DIRECTLY influences the DESIGN and its
CONFIGURATION. This only means that the concepts you will be
providing will somehow wrap up the totality of your design
program.
Do you still remember the discussion in the framework? While that

framework will be your THRUST, the Design Concepts will be the
BACKBONE of the ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN. And they should go hand in
hand to effectively work together – the framework and the
concepts.
This may be simple for you to understand if you were getting high
grades in your concept boards in your past design subjects. If
not, here’s a review of your design concepts. Basically there are
five (5) types of concepts in architecture. See if you can still
remember them.
1. Analogy (looking at other things)

Here you identify possible, literal relationships between
things. You tend to look for a desirable characteristics of an
object and make this as the model for your project.
2. Metaphors and Simile
This type of concept also identifies relationships between
things. However, the relationships are abstract rather than
literal. You may have to establish certain patterns of
parallel relationships.
3. Essences
The whole program that you have for your thesis, complicated
as it is, is explained in terms of terse, explicit statements.
It has to connote insights, meaning, and your personal
accounts for the project. Most of the time, this comes with a
conceptual scenario – a short essay that tie together all the
important factors and ideas that influenced the design
solution. It may also be something which discovers the roots
of the issues.
4. Programmatic
This is what you have been doing all the while in your lower
design subjects, where you write the problems, come up with
the objectives, state your philosophers and come up with a
39
concept at the end. In that way you directly respond to the

stated requirements.
5. Ideals
Here you look at the universality of the concept. You view the
project as a universal one – something which will be a
universal solution for even a general problem
So, how well did you fare in remembering them? You don’t have
to use all five at the same time. You just have to choose
which of the fits your thesis.
5.4 DESIGN INSPIRATION

Whether it’s a sailboat, moon, or orange wedges that inspired
John Utzon to a design the Sydney Opera House wouldn’t matter at
this point as long as it will look good on paper. On this sub-
topic you will state your inspiration and vision of what your
project will look like. It can be reflected on different aspects
and features of your proposed projects.
5.5 DESIGN PARAMETERS

All you need to do now is check the existing standards applicable
to your thesis for translation. These will comprise your design
parameters. You may also want to call these as Design
CONSIDERATIONS. And as the term conveys, you are to state the
thing s you would have to consider in doing your design. This
applies both to the structures and its immediate environment
(both the micron and the macro). You may have to be guided with
legal documents and follow pertinent laws to do this. Building
Orientation, Circulation, Security, Accessibility, and Economy
may be the factors you would be looking at here. But it would not
just end in writing these headings. It would involve an
explanation along with a long list of the laws, rules and orders
governing such considerations. Yes, you’re right again! This part
will be your DESIGN GUIDELINES which will tell your readers as
well the restrictions for your project. Having established the
guidelines would only mean you’re ready to go to you drawing
board and translate this book into ARCHITECTURAL PLANS.
CHAPTER 6: TRANSLATION
40
41

DHVTSU Architecture Thesis Manual 2019-2020

Загружено:

Сведения о документе

Оригинальное название

Авторское право

Доступные форматы

Поделиться этим документом

Поделиться или встроить документ

Параметры публикации

Этот документ был вам полезен?

Это неприемлемый материал?

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

DHVTSU Architecture Thesis Manual 2019-2020

Загружено:

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

[DHVTSU THESIS MANUAL 2019-2020]

DON HONORIO VENTURA TECHNOLOGICAL STATE UNIVERSITY

ARCHITECTURE THESIS MANUAL 2019-2020

1.1.1 INTRODUCTION/ BACKGROUND

2. Inform your reader about the present scenario – the unsatisfactory

3. State the reason/s why it is necessary to conduct the study, which

4. Does your problem has a historical background? Most problems do.

5. Ask yourself these questions: Do you have a clearer and deeper

6. Describe the condition of your study locale. You should do this in

1.1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

1.1.3 ARCHITECTURAL THESIS GOALS/ OBJECTIVES/

1.1.3a ARCHITECTURAL THESIS GOAL

As you enumerate the objectives and strategies, keep checking their

Strategies are very different thing. They are structured in the

1.1.4 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

1.1.4a SCOPE OF THE STUDY

Let us say you will be covering a lot of investigation with respect to

1.1.4b LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

unavailability or inaccessibility of data, and not of course our

However, these limitations determined only to keep your study at a

1.1.5 PURPOSE/ RELEVANCE/ SIGNIFICANCE OF THE THESIS

1.1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS AND CONCEPT

The following are some guidelines in writing an effective definition

1. Only terms, words or phrases which have special or unique meaning

3. You may develop your own definition of from the characteristic of

4. Definition may be taken from valid sources. Encyclopedias,

5. Acronyms should always be spelled out especially they are not

6. Use simple words in defining your terms. It would be more

7. Definition should be as brief, clear and direct as possible. Need

1.2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

1. Materials must be as recent as possible. New informations are

2. Materials must be as objective and as unbiased as possible. You

1.3 THEORETICAL/ CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Theories have been subjected to further studies by various people and

CONCEPTS on the other hand are just ideas or concrete expression of

1.4 METHODOLOGY OF RESEARCH

1. Bibliography style for a book by one author

Jodidio, Philipi. Architecture Now. Cologne, Germany: Taschen

2. For a book by two authors. Use commas to separate names.

Kirk, Stephen J. and Spreckelmeyer, Kent F. Enchancing Value in

3. For a work cited in another work.

Walpole, Jane R. Why Must the Passive Be Damned” College Composition

4. For articles. Give title of article in quotation marks, title of

5. From an on-line information. This is treated as a printed material,

6. For a computer software program.

 Include the name of the writer of the program, if known.

Chapter 2: PRESENTATION OF DATA

2.1 DATA MANAGEMENT

2. Recognize what data to present. You might be tempted to present

3. Organize your data. It would be necessary to have a proper

2.1.1 PRESENT CONDITION

 Present and Projected Population

Adjoining Areas and Uses

 General Public Services

This covers the administrative system of the municipality, e.g.,

This encompasses education, culture, sports and manpower development;

This covers agriculture, trade and industry, tourism, labor and

This includes the inventory of roads, transportation, communication,

This consists of pieces of information relative to particular

Industries Thesis Topics

The Housing Industry Subdivision development Community

 Current Standard of Operations

2.1.2 PRIMARY DATA