T.U.C.A.

D: THE BIKER’S LAIR: A PROPOSED RECREATIONAL

CHRISTIAN JOSHUA C. PADOLINA

An Undergraduate Thesis Presented to the Faculty of the

March 2019

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 Chapter 1 THE PROBLEM

Tourism as whole has a great effect in the economy of a country. It is one of the main

aspects that affect the financial and overall development of a country. With the help of Tourism,

foreign exchange and economic development would be evident. Local employment will also be a

result with a positive impact from economic growth. But on the other hand, tourist must be able

to want some more of the place that they are visiting in order to maintain the surge of tourists.

They must have something to look forward to for them to want to come back. Lately, because of

the pandemic, tourism in the Philippines in the first quarter has declined by PHP 85bn, 36%

lower than the revenues this year according to the Department of Tourism.

Sports tourism on the other hand has been one of the fastest growing sectors of tourism.

Visitors usually look for famous sports attraction on their destinations. Sports Tourism consists

of different types which differ from what are the activities that may be involved. Here in the

Philippines, sports tourism are more on activities found on tourist spots rather that sports events

which happens only a few times only in a year here in the Philippines. Some of the sports

tourism available here in the Philippines are surfing, wake boarding, whitewater rafting,

canyoning, volcano climbing and others. This research will mainly focus on Soft Sports Tourism

which is about tourists who travel in order to participate in certain recreational activities such as

hiking, mountaineering or cycling.

The City of Naga has been promoting cycling for a period of time already. Since the

pandemic, they have been providing the needs of these bikers such as biking lanes and they have

also required them to register their bikes in the City hall of Naga. According to rappler.com,

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Mayor Nelson Legacion supported Bicycle tourism by stating that “Bicycle tourism can attract

visitors and spur growth. They can also help decongest traffic, and significantly eliminate or, at

least reduce losses in travel time.” Mostly of these bikers route are going to Carolina by taking

the Balatas Road to San Isidro Road. In 2016, a house bill was published by the house of

congress that states that each city or municipality shall create a bicycle park to support the

bicycle users of the country per city. At the moment, the local government of Naga is pushing

the concept of Bike Tourism as one of the main reasons that will make the cyclists/tourist come

back to Naga. According to Mr. Boboy Hernandez of Naga City Bicycle Board the city would be

focusing on this type of tourism and is planning to also have a bicycle park in Almeda highway.

Baranggay Carolina has been one of the Local treasures of Naga City for it holds

numerous tourist attractions that helps progress the economy of the city. From the steep terrain

which cyclist are wanting, to the various resorts and natural beauty that Mt. Isarog’s tourist spots.

In fact, due to its beauty, Baranggay Carolina snag 3 spots in an article tripadvisor.com.ph did

about 10 Top attractions in Naga. Those attractions are Panicuason Hot Spring Resort at number

2, Malabsay Falls in number 3 and Mt. Isarog National Park at number 4.

Biking as of nowadays serves an important role in transportation for it is now an

encouraged medium for traveling. Due to the pandemic that has paused the world and made

people realized that self-propelled transportation is important made the demand of bicycles high

in the market. According to an article of spin.ph, bicycle sales around the world had skyrocketed

for the reason that workers were looking for an alternative to buses and subways while people

were unable to go to the gyms and are looking for alternative exercise and families are looking

for ways to make their kids active during stay-at-home orders. In the city of Naga City, locals,

and some that came from outside the city find the city of Barangay Carolina as an ideal mountain

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biking spot for its steep terrain that challenges them and makes them sweat more. They often

take the route from Barangay Cararayan to San Isidro as a way to go to Carolina. Bikers were

seen every day from teens to adults taking this route for it is also much safer from a lot of

vehicles compared to San Felipe route going to Carolina. Biking has also its advantages which

will help the mass to improve their lifestyle and daily living.

The proposal T.U.C.A.D.: The Biker’s Lair: A Proposed Recreational Mountain Park

promoting Biking in Barangay Carolina, Naga City aims to achieve the following: to be a

potential landmark that will start the future developments that may be opened in Carolina, to

provide a potential tourist spot that will help boost the economy of Naga City, to maintain,

develop and preserve the ecological condition of the proposed site in Barangay Carolina, to

provide jobs and opportunities to the locals of the said barangay and he city. The importance of

this proposal to the tourism of Naga as a whole will directly impact the residents that live in

Naga and the residents near the vicinity through progressive design and continuous development

that will lead to progress. It will also be an instrument to promote healthy living and a more

productive lifestyle by strategically considering the needs of tourists, bikers and other various

users for their own benefit.

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STATEMENT OF THE RPOBLEM
The study was conducted to develop a Sports tourism landmark and also to promote wellness

and healthy living through Mountain Biking and other forms of Sports. This aims to answer the

following specific problems:

1.) What is the current status of the site and its tourism?

2.) What kind of architectural approaches and design standards that are needed to be

considered to be able to suffice the needs and functionality of the proposal.

3.) What facilities and developments are needed for “T.U.C.A.D.: The Biker’s Lair: A

Proposed Recreational Mountain Park Promoting Biking in Barangay Carolina, Naga

City”.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study T.U.C.A.D.: THE BIKER’S LAIR: “A Proposed Recreational Mountain

Park Rpomoting Biking In Barangay Carolina, Nagay City” will be a significant landmark to

Naga City and its people through a design which is both functional and pleasing to the eyes. It

will provide a significant role in boosting the economy of Naga City and provide jobs and

opportunities to the locals of Barangay Carolina.

Through the effective and functional design, this proposal aims to benefit the following

sectors in order to influence and educate more about the said topic:

A. The Local Government of Naga City, Barangay Carolina

Through this study, the local government of Naga City may be encouraged and be inspired to

make this proposal into a reality in order to enhance the tourism and economy of Naga City.

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 This may also serve as reference for plans of the city for its future projects to further enhance

the functionality and aesthetically pleasing infrstructures especially in producing sustainable and

green building designs.

B. Local Community of Naga City

Through this proposal, there is a possibility to provide new jobs and opportunities for the

community that the proposal is serving. It will also inspire and encourage the community to

practice healthy lifestyle through different types of sports and involving themselves into a

healthier community.

C. Bikers, Tourists, and Sports Enthusiasts

This proposal will be beneficial for them for they are the ones who will be able to experience

the full capacity of the proposal since one of the main purposes of the project is to provide them

comfort and suffice their needs.

D. Environment

This proposal will promote enhancing and preserving the environment at the same time

through eco-tourism, green architecture and sustainability. Therefore, it will be beneficial to the

environment to have this kind of proposal because it is both healthy to humans and the

environment and making these benefactors as one.

E. Economy

Through this development, the economy of Naga City will have an advantage since having

this kind of recreational infrastructure helps provide jobs, give opportunities and attracts

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investors. Therefore, it is also evident that there will be increase in the government’s budget not

just for development but also for the people.

F. Tourism

One of the main objectives of this proposal is for it to become one of the landmarks that

represents Naga City through architecture. With this in mind, it is important for the proposal to

be one of the main tourist sites when people think about Naga and that it is incorporated to the

beautiful Mt. Isarog. Tourism will boost once this proposal has the enough facilities and

amenities that will cater to different types of tourist whether the tourists like sports or not. Also,

having a high demand on tourism in Naga City will also an advantage and benefit Naga City as a

whole.

G. Future Researchers

May this proposal serve as an inspiration and basis for future researchers to further enhance

their knowledge in architecture. This research can also be used as basis for their future studies

regarding mountain recreational parks with incorporation of green architecture design and eco-

tourism.

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

This research proposal’s scope will be based on the building design standards that are

supported by the National Building Code of the Philippines and other supporting laws, standards,

guidelines, ordinances and design considerations that is being used and approved by this country.

It will also include studies that will serve as a foundation and strengthens the study by using

sports tourism as one of the design solutions that will be used for the design of this proposal.

The study will be focusing on architectural planning and design, architectural programming.
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DEFINITION OF TERMS

 Bicycle – a vehicle composed of two wheels held in a frame one behind the other.

Propelled by pedals and steered with handlebars attached to the front wheel and having a

seat height of 21 inches or greater when the seat is in the lowest possible position;

 Bicycle Rider – a person who rides or travel by bicycle;

 Bicycle Lane –areas designated as lanes for the passage of bicycles/bikes that alert all

road users that a road or portion of a roadway is for the primary, if not exclusive, use by

cyclists.

 Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) - shall refer to the Comprehensive Land Use

Plan of Naga City.

 Cycling – also called as bicycling or biking is the use of bicycles for transport,

recreation, exercise or sport;

 Department – shall refer to the Department of the Public Works and Highways (DPWH)

 Green Architecture - is a philosophy of architecture that advocates sustainable energy

sources, the conservation of energy, the reuse and safety of building materials, and the

siting of a building with consideration of its impact on the government. (Britannica.com,

2021)

 Green Building - is a building that, in its design, construction or operation, reduces or

eliminates negative impacts, and can create positive impacts , on our climate and natural

environment. Green buildings preserve precious natural resources and improve our

quality of life. ( World Green Building Council, (2021))

 Local Government – shall refer to the Local Government of Naga City.

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 Mountain park - a place to take vacation or spend leisure time into in the mountainous

area.

 Sports Tourism – is traveling in order to observe or participate in a sporting event.

Generally, the sporting event has to be the primary reason for travel in order to be

considered as sports tourism.

 Sustainable Architecture –

 T.U.C.A.D. – shall also mean Tourism by Using Cycling in Carolina as an Alternative

Attraction for Day-Trippers.

 Tukad - is a Bicol term which refers to “going uphill or an upward direction”

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REFERENCES
Spin.ph (2020). Boom in Bicycle sales in Manila sees demand surpass Christmas season level.

Retrieved June 14, 2020, from https://www.spin.ph/life/guide/boom-in-manila-bicycle-sales-

sees-demand-surpass-christmas-level-a994-20200614-lfrm

Pwc Philippines (2020). Impact of COVID-19 on the Philippine Tourism Industry. Retrieved

July 2020, from https://www.pwc.com/ph/en/publications/tourism-pwc-philippines/tourism-

covid-19.html

Bicycle Act of 2016, Section 6: Bicycle Park

Sunstar.com.ph. Bike demand up, but supply is low. Retrieved June 02,2020, from

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1858726/Davao/Business/Bike-demand-up-but-supply-is-low

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 Chapter 2 RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter include the related informations, discussion and articles that are connected

to the said proposal. It is where the researcher indicates the studies that are going to be the back

bone and support of his studies in order to prove the feasibility and relevancy of his proposal.

This will also become a basis for his design solution for this chapter also contains building laws,

provisions and guidelines that will provide the correct and efficient solution to the proposal.

LOCAL

THE CITY OF NAGA

Naga is a second class independent city with an estimated population of 230,244 in 2021

according to National Nutrition Council. It is also one of the oldest royal city in the country. At

the moment the city has been starting their bicycle program projects around the city. The Naga

City Bicycle Board which is the official office for everything that concerns with the bicycle

programs of the city has been pushing the idea of Naga City as a “Bicycle Friendly City” to be

alongside other cities which are Pasig, San Juan and Marikina. At the same time, they have been

also wanting to promote bicycle tourism in the city by proposing different programs that will

further enhance the fondness of people in cycling.

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 Tourism in Naga City continues to grow especially with the disaggregation of data being

pushed by the Department of Tourism. Last 2014, a whopping number of 976,822 and it is 13%

higher than the year before. Tourism has been one of the main sources of revenue of every city

and Naga City is not an exemption. Naga City is not just known for as one of the center of

commerce in Camarines Sur but also known for its beautiful natural tourist spots that can be

found in Mount Isarog.

Figure 1.0: Comparative

Tourist Arrivals, 2014

As seen on Figure 1.0 Naga has a 26% share of the overall tourist arrival here in Bicol

Region.

MOUNT ISAROG

The article Mount Isarog of Bicol by Rosevie Decio discusses the beauty of the

mountain. It is also said to be a dormant volcano which has been sleeping for a long time

already. According to the article, numerous tourist go to Mt. Isarog just to enjoy its hidden

beauty. From the 30 different falls that can be found there, to the mossy forest that has been
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waiting to be explored by these hikers and mountaineers. It is said that because of the steep

terrain and the forestry of Mt. Isarog, it has been a must-go-to for hikers that likes to visit the

Bicol Region. The article also praised the scenery that the Mt. Isarog and the sun makes during

sunset and sunrise for the mountain is in the eatern part of Southern Luzon.

SPORTS TOURISM

In an article by Larry Brain in 2010 which is called Sports Tourism Industry in the

Philippines Developing, the author states that the Philippines has already all the ingridients to

become one of the world’s great adventure destinations. It is also for the reason that the

Philippines has the potentials in all types of attraction; may it be land, sea or air. But even with

all this potentials, the country hasn’t even develop this sector yet according to the article. As an

initial step for the progress of sports tourism in the country, various events are being held here in

the Philippines. Philippines also had played as the host of multiple international sporting events.

Because of these opportunities, there would be a possibility of maximizing the tourism of the

events that is being organized in the Philippines. It is said in the article that there should be better

linkages between sporting and tourism groups in order to utilize the capability of the country to

promote sports tourism.

Another factor that is hindering the progression of sports tourism in the country is the

lack of information that it may bring to the economy and tourism. It is going to be hard for them

to to decide without these data that will help them in finalizing the decisions that has to be made.

Even the local offices which is the Department of Tourism and Philippine Sports Commission

has no data about these matter according to the source.

CYCLING TOURISM/CYCLOTOURISM

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 An article about cycle tourism by Atty. Gregorio Larrazabal named Cyclotourism in the

Philippines, he states that bicycle tourism has been practiced since 20th century by using bicycle

touring as a mode of recreational activity. He states that cyclotourism is described as “ a way to

maintain and promote health and sustainable transport, imposes itself increasingly lately

both locally, nationally and internationally, in the context of a pressing economic crisis, of

an increasing fuels price, of the greenhouse gas emissions from transportation and, not

least, of the increasing levels of obesity.”

The article also discussed that cyclotourism is just about cycling around the Philippines

but instead it also refers to simply riding abicycle around an urban area. Cyclotourism is also

divided into two sub categories: urban cycling tourism (mostly short trips or cycling around an

area) and cycle trips (which refers to using bicycle as means of transportation through regions or

provinces). He also said that during the pandemic, there has been a resurgence of the demand in

bicycle for the public wants to use it as transportation to go to their respective works.

He ends his article by stating that cyclotourism can be further enhanced not just by

beautiful structures but also by providing the needs of the public on those infrastructures that is

biker-friendly.

LAWS AND ORDINANCES ABOUT CYCLOTOURISM

Last 2017, a city ordinance in Naga City was passed by Hon. Mayor Nelson S. Legacion

about regulations for the use of promotion of bicycles in the city. Ordinance No. 2017-030 or

also known as “Naga Bicycle Ordinance” tackles the topic about the duties and responsibilities

of a cyclist that should be followed in order to promote safe cycling and also the usage of it not

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just for recreation but also as an alternative for cars and motors. Bike Tourism is also discussed

in Section 6 of the ordinance stating that the office of the Mayor and ACTO (Arts, Culture, and

Tourism Office) shall establish and implement programs that will make the City of Naga a Bike

Travel Friendly City. Also in order to promote biking the ordinance had a section that states that

November should be designated as Bicycle Month in which there will be programs that will

highlight the use of bicycles. For the same purpose, there will be also less car days.

In Article 3 named Cycling Infrastructure of the said ordinance, bicycle lanes are

discussed in which there shall be a 1.5 meters designated lanes for both bikes and e-bikes in all

national roads within the territorial jurisdiction of Naga. It also states that the city should provide

bicycle racks and iron hooks in appropriate public spaces for the parking of these bicycles and o

also ensure the safety of the bicycles. Lastly, a bicycle park should also be established according

to the article. Furthermore, it also stated that the project must contain city-government-owned lot

where the park will be placed.

LAWS, CODES AND ORDINANCES

In order to come up with a proper and efficient design solution to the proposal, the

researcher must include and base his plans to these following laws, ordinances and standards:

Presidential Decree 1096 or the National Building Code of the Philippines include the

correct design standards that will help the designer plan an efficient solution for the proposal. It

contains the laws and standards and technical requirements that will be needed for the security

and safety of the development.

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 In order to provide a safe environment for the disabled and the elderly, the proposal must

be based on Batas Pambansa 344 or the Accessibility Law which provides the correct

measurements and facilities to help them access different spaces provided to them and to the rest

of the target users of the proposal.

National Plumbing Code of the Philippines and its Implementing Rules and

Regulations is an act that provides the information that needs to be considered like consultations,

designing, preparations of plans, specifications, estimates, installations ad supervision of public

work.

Republic Act 9514 or the Revised Fire Code of the Philippines involves the safety

measures and precautions that should be followed in order to prevent fire problems. It does not

only concern safety but also promote the prevention and suppression of all kinds of destructive

fires.

FOREIGN

Mountain Creek Bike Park that is located in New Jersey, United States has been a staple

for cyclists for it has been around for 20 years already and has been a 4-time First Place Best

Bike Park winner of MTBparks. It has been a staple for cyclist in their area for already 20 years

and has been offering various mountain bike trails and will serve as a basis for the proposal for

amenities. They also provide bike shops, repair shops and other bike need that will equip their

cyclists needs in their vicinity.

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THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

Theoretical Framework is the part of the research process which explains and describes

the related theories that will be applied in designing T.U.C.A.D.: The Biker’s Lair: A Proposed

Recreational Mountain Park Promoting Mountain Biking in Barangay Carolina, Naga City. The

proponent has organized theories and principle that are related and relevant to the proposed

development.

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 The illustration represents a wheel of a bicycle which shows the three divisions which the

figure is divided into. The arrows represents the correlation of each concept to each other and it

then leads into the center of the figure which has the logo of the development. This means that

all of the chosen concept that the proponent has selected compliments each other in order to

make a precise and efficient design solution to the desired development.

The dictum by Frank Gehry which states that “Architecture must speak of time and

place, but yearn for timelessness” explains the main goal of the proposal. The development

must possess the characteristics of the place where it belongs. It must serve as a piece of art

which characterizes the city. It may achieve timelessness through providing design solutions that

are aesthetically pleasing but also at the same time functional to the said proposal. By this,

timeless architectural developments always aim for permanency. In that way, providing design

materials that are sturdy and sustainable would definitely help the strength of the buildings. The

purpose of timeless architecture also makes the people feel the ambience of the past but also feel

the present. It is very important for architecture to reflect the design of the past, present and also

the future through a building which characterizes them all.

The proponent used Tropical architecture as one of its main concepts not only because

it is one of the most current approaches in architecture but also because of its functionality. The

Philippines is a tropical country which definitely fits the concept chosen. Tropical Architecture

not only considers the temperature but also makes the development aesthetically pleasing.

Tropical Architecture concept showcases mitigated systems of air condition, ventilation, view

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openings and orientation of the building and lastly, the use of high-tech materials which does not

damage the environment. It is somehow an umbrella term for a wide range of concepts which

includes green and sustainable architecture. All of these concepts often prioritizes the

environment which preserves and minimizes the impact of any development that has to be done.

Building design with tropical nature possess some key features which includes sunshading, sun

protection, sunlouver and has the character of expose building to maximize airflow and natural

lighting.

The proponent also incorporated Tourism Trends as a factor that will affect the

development of the proposal to maximize the potential of the proposal. Considering the

continuous changing likes and demand of tourist must be one of the main priorities of the

proposal since the community, the city and the tourists will all benefit from it.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

The conceptual framework serves as the

REFERENCES

Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia (2021). Naga, Camarines Sur. Retrieved January 15, 2021,

from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naga,_Camarines_Sur

National Nutrition Council (2021). Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and

Barangay. Retrieved January 15, 2021 from

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https://www.nnc.gov.ph/phocadownloadpap/userupload/nnc-ro5/Region_5%20Population

%20Projections%20CY%20%20%20%202017-2021.pdf

Comprehensive Land Use Plan for the City of Naga.

Inquirer (2021). 3 Metro Cities Hailed as Most Bike Friendly. Retrieved January 16, 2021 from

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1354187/3-metro-cities-hailed-as-most-bike-friendly#:~:text=Pasig

%2C%20San%20Juan%20and%20Marikina,to%20cyclists%20amid%20the%20pandemic.

Vigattin Tourism (May 19,2012). Mount Isarog of Bicol Retrieved January 16, 2021 from

https://www.vigattintourism.com/tourism/articles/Mount-Isarog-of-Bicol

Tourism Review News (October 25,2010). Sports Tourism Industry in the Philippines

Developing Retrieved January 17, 2021 from https://www.tourism-review.com/travel-tourism-

magazine-the-case-of-philippines-sports-tourism-developing-article1333

Manila Bulletin (December 1,2020). Cyclotourism in the Philippines Retrieved January 17, 2021

from https://mb.com.ph/2020/12/01/cyclotourism-in-the-philippines/

City Ordinance 2017-030 “Naga Bicycle Ordinance”

MountainCreek (February 8, 2021). Bike Park Retrieved February 8, 2021 from

https://www.mountaincreek.com/bike-park

Mtbparks.com (2019). Mountain Creek Bike Park Retrieved February 8, 2021 from

https://mtbparks.com/New-Jersey/243-Mountain-Creek-Bike-Park/View-details.html#overview

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 CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

This chapter represents the methods that are used in order to understand and interpret the

data collected for the research and research design. These methods will help the proponent make

a precise and efficient design for the proposal.

Research Design

The methodology used in this study were descriptive and analysis of data supported by

surveys and validation through interviews. Site inspection and survey, data gathered were

reviewed, analyzed and discussed in the succeeding chapters. Literature and studies were also

used as a basis in this study.

Data Gathering Procedure

The applied data that was gathered by the proponent was garnered through a systematic

approach and through reliable sources which are:

a.) Interviews. The researcher has conducted various interviews that are from the reliable

offices from the around the city. The data came from government offices, officials, the

locals of Naga City and people who are authorized to provide information that came from

CLUP of the city.

b.) Visiting Library for Sources. Books are still on of the best medium of finding reliable and

precise data. Visiting Libraries are one of the earlier methods but is still used for looking

for research data. Books such as National Building Code of the Philippines, related thesis

proposals, and such make a great help in producing a trustworthy research.

c.) Online Research. On contrary, this is one of the most common and current method of

research for the internet has the up-to-date articles that may be useful for the gathering of
P a g e 21 | 23
 data. It also serves as a bridge for gathering foreign data that cannot be found in our local

libraries. It may also help the proponent decide for concepts and theories that are

applicable to the proposed development.

d.) Site Inspection. This method is used by the proponent in order to know the present

situation of the desired site for the development. This method also includes the gathering

of information that can only be found in the site such as noise pollution, sun path,

orientation of the site and such.

e.) Consultations. The proponent of this development have consulted for advices and

guidance from a Registered and Licensed architect to provide a fit and accurate solution

to the proposal.

Data Gathering Instruments

a.) Interview questionnaires and letters. These are conducted through a thorough gathering of

information from different types of people that are related to the proposal. Their answers

are used to formulate and come up with decisions and patterns that are going to be used

to come up with a precise solution to the design problem.

b.) Ocular surveys. Are conducted by visiting the sites that are potential lot for the proposed

development. Knowing the slope, type of lot, weather, the orientation and wind path in

the site are a few steps to understand the site that will be used.

c.) Library Materials and Techniques. Information were gathered from various library

mediums such as books, thesis, articles by thorough reading and analyzation.

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