The proposed thesis project will be the first medical resort development in the Philippines for people with disability that will be located in Quezon City. The main goal of the thesis project is to create the first resort in the Philippines integrated with medical rehab facilities designed for the persons with special physical and cognitive/intellectual needs, through the concept of being a “complex of inclusion” and “health and relaxation”. With the rise of the population of persons with disabilities but lack of facility for them, especially a facility for leisure, health and wellness, integrated with their medical needs, the study is a fulfillment of the medical tourism promotion of Department of Tourism together with Department of Health and the Local government of Quezon City.
The research methodology was guided by inductive method of research wherein all gathered data will be analyze to produce a theory as a solution for the development of the project. Gathered data were from different government and non-government organizations such as National Council on Disability Affairs, Philippine Orthopedic Center, Philippine Institute for the Deaf, Autism Society of the Philippines, Department of Health, Department of Tourism, Quezon City Hall, Philippine Statistics Authority, Quality Life Discoverie, and different hospitals in Quezon City stated on Chapter two of this book.
Review of Related literature and case studies were focus on the approach of the project which is design sensibility. The case studies discussed the different related facilities to the project as well as the architectural solutions applicable for each type of disabilities whether physical or intellectual. Aside from architectural case studies, a behavioral case studies were also conducted on different therapy facilities and hospitals to gather a first-hand information and observation of the users.
After gathering the data about statistics, the types and characteristics of persons with disabilities, site selection process was conducted followed by site analysis. Based on the likert scale used, the site from Matandang Balara Quezon City was the most suitable site for the development. Environmental systems used such as those for structural were based on the conditions of the site such as the soil composition and proximity to west valley fault and any other related environmental factors that could affect the integrity of the building. Aside from this, the sensibility for the users were also considered for environmental systems such the use of transparent hydraulic elevator which has a positive effects for people with autism and intellectual disabilities, the finishes of the floors, color schemes, the types of doors and window accessories, as well as the landscaping systems and wayfinding system.
The whole project was guided by the philosophy of Magda Mostafa which is “ Architecture should be responsible for creating environment that accommodate the needs of every users, special needs individuals should not be exempt.” From the philosophy develops the concept of Complex of Inclusion which would be achieved through the approach design sensibility. Aside from this was the consideration of dimension evolution from Vitruvian man to Le Modulor to the Enabler which guides the dimension of spaces for persons with disabilities.
The designer proposes a Disability Matrix which translates all the possible architectural solutions for each types of disabilities. The matrix could be used for designing whether for exterior or interior. It works with the same concept of architectural programming matrix. For example, the room will be designated to be use for therapy both for blind and for autism, the design considerations for blind and autism will intersect in the matrix, and the similar considerations for them will be used for designing a room or space for the blind and for people with austism. Same goes with other architectural considerations for other disabilities.
After all the gathered data, interview, analysis and observation, the researcher was recommended to be able to track down what the prospective users need, wants and how they behave in different environments and with different people. Through this, the user, the persons with disabilities, would be able to become independent in a designed facility not just allowing them to access it but also allows them to use it and become comfortable with it. It is important for designers who would design facilities for PWD and for all, to know what kind of people they are, what they need, how they moved and how they behave, and by that, architecture and users would be able to develop together.
A lot of possible improvements could be done for this study as time goes by, especially after the rise of medical resorts in the Philippines. Those buildings could further be study in terms of feasibility on users and financial factor. Regarding the design sensibility approach, related ideas or project proposals are open to debate and discuss this topic in order to develop a better approach which considers mainly the persons with disabilities.
SIGNIFICANCE IN ARCHITECTURE
The research is an innovative approach for medical and leisure facilities that will be designed by adapting the sensibilities of persons with disabilities both physical and intellectual. It is an architectural approach on how a built environment will respond to the needs of PWDs. The development will be first of its kind in our country. The study will also serve as a model for future development not just for leisure or medical resort facilities but also for other building typologies that adapts disabled sensibility to fully make a universal design. The project will also contribute to the significance of architecture in promoting health and wellness for PWDs.
SIGNIFICANCE TO THE PWDs
The significance of the study conducted is to address the effect of architectural initiatives to a medical resort facility to be proposed. The study will provide a new concept on planning and designing facilities that are centered for different types of persons with disabilities. This project is not just designed for leisure purposes but also as a therapeutic facility for them especially for the physically disabled and an alternative educational setting for the intellectually disabled. The envisioned outcome will be an architectural design solution for a true inclusive facility for them.
SIGNIFICANCE TO ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS
The research will discuss design sensibility concepts for different types of disabilities. It will also discuss strategies on how a built environment could be inclusive, fun, educational and therapeutic. This could be a reference guide for architecture students for future architectural studies related to the project, to the users and to the approach.
SIGNIFICANCE TO THE COMMUNITY
By first considering where the project is located, it will have a great significance for Quezon City because they are aiming to make their city a medical tourism destination. This could be one step start for their city goal. Aside from this, the proposed project will provide a new rehabilitation environment for people in the community especially for the people from the numerous hospitals in Quezon City.
MICAELA S. CRUZ
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
Where can I learn for more about this thesis ?
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