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Executive Summary
The health sector in the
Philippines has witnessed a significant transformation in recent years, with
increasing public investment leading to the establishment of reliable public
and private healthcare facilities. However, the country's decentralized system
of government has resulted in a disproportionate distribution of health
infrastructure and personnel resources, with most facilities concentrated in
the Manila Capital Region and Luzon. This has left many regions in the country,
particularly those that are vulnerable to climate change events, with
inadequate health infrastructure and resources.
President Bongbong Marcos Jr. has announced plans to construct regional specialty hospitals in various regions, including the MIMAROPA region. This move is aimed at improving access to quality healthcare and reducing the gap in health services between different regions of the country. One of the proposed hospitals is the Regional Heart Center in Oriental Mindoro. The research addresses a critical need for specialty hospitals in the MIMAROPA region, specifically for heart ailments. Heart ailments have been the leading cause of death in the Philippines for years. In 2020, ischemic heart disease was the leading cause of death in the country, contributing to 18.3% of the total number of deaths. The lack of specialized hospitals in remote areas is a significant problem for Filipinos, especially the poor, who have difficulty receiving adequate heart treatment. To address this issue, Sen. Robinhood "Robin" C. Padilla introduced legislation to establish Regional Heart Centers (RHCs) around the country. The bill proposes to set up one RHC in each administrative area to ensure that a broader population of Filipinos has equal access and privilege to specialists and excellent cardiac treatment.
The researcher aims to design the Regional Heart Center using Neo-Vernacular Architecture, which incorporates local building techniques and materials while incorporating modern design elements. This approach not only creates a unique aesthetic but also addresses sick building syndrome by promoting healthy indoor air quality and reducing the use of synthetic materials. Furthermore, the design will incorporate climate-responsive features to promote climate resiliency, given that the Philippines is the third most prone to climate change globally. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and heavy precipitation have had a significant impact on the country.
By incorporating climate-responsive features into the design of the Regional Heart Center, the researcher hopes to address these concerns and ensure the facility is better prepared to withstand the effects of climate change. This includes features such as passive cooling systems, thermal comfort, natural lighting etc. The use of sustainable materials and renewable energy sources will also help reduce the hospital's carbon footprint and promote environmental sustainability.
Moreover, the research also
aims to utilize Neo-Vernacular Architecture to solve climate concerns and
promote better indoor design to have a positive impact on the users and workers
of the hospital. The use of Neo-Vernacular Architecture is critical because it
aims to achieve structural unity with its environment and create a comfortable,
soothing atmosphere for the building's occupants. The design merges the
interiors and exteriors to provide connectivity with the natural environment.
The neo-vernacular facades blend in with the surroundings and are an extension
of them. This approach ensures that the hospital is climate-responsive, meaning
it is designed to respond to the local climate conditions, ensuring a
sustainable and energy-efficient building design.
Sick building syndrome is a
growing occupational hazard that affects worker productivity due to poor
lighting, acoustics, and ergonomics. Building occupants who suffer from sick
building syndrome display a variety of generalized complaints that can increase
illness absenteeism and cause a decline in worker productivity. Poor and
incorrect lighting, an absence of natural light, poor acoustics, poor
ergonomics, and high humidity are among the factors that can contribute to sick
building syndrome. Therefore, the research proposes the use of Neo-Vernacular
Architecture to promote better indoor design that will have a positive impact
on the users and workers of the hospital, reducing the risk of sick building
syndrome and improving the overall health and well-being of the hospital's
occupants.
Overall, the design of the Regional Heart Center in Oriental Mindoro using Neo-Vernacular Architecture and climate-responsive features is a promising initiative that addresses multiple challenges facing the Philippine health sector. This approach not only provides a model for designing sustainable and climate-resilient healthcare facilities but also promotes local culture and traditions in the built environment.
Research Design Process
The research study will have
an in-depth review of related literature and case studies to determine the
requirements, technical standards, design considerations, and architectural
strategies to be applied to the proposed MIMAROPA Regional Heart Center.
Based on the information provided in the study, it can be concluded that the healthcare system in the Philippines, particularly in rural areas such as the MIMAROPA region, is facing several challenges related to infrastructure, accessibility, and climate change. The lack of specialty hospitals in remote areas and the inadequate healthcare facilities in public hospitals, particularly in terms of thermal comfort, ventilation, and lighting, are resulting in a high mortality rate, particularly related to heart diseases.
To address these challenges,
the proponent proposes the use of Neo-Vernacular Architecture in healthcare
facilities. This architectural style offers several benefits such as passive
cooling, good air quality, and improved thermal comfort. The use of vernacular
materials, natural lighting, indoor gardens, and ornamental plants can help
regulate the microclimate inside the building, reduce sick building syndrome,
and promote a healthy ambiance.
The study suggests that
implementing Neo-Vernacular Architecture in healthcare facilities in the
MIMAROPA region could be a solution to address the region's climate concerns
while also providing high-quality healthcare services. However, the success of
the proposed development study will depend on several factors such as the
availability of resources, community involvement, and the support of the
government and other stakeholders.
In conclusion, the study
highlights the need for sustainable and climate-responsive architecture in
healthcare facilities in the Philippines, particularly in rural areas. The use
of Neo-Vernacular Architecture can help address the challenges facing the healthcare
system, improve the quality of healthcare services, and promote a healthy and
sustainable environment for patients and healthcare workers.
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