Thesis Title: PROPOSED GUMACA COMMUNITY WELLNESS HUB (A Vision for Holistic Health Through Wellness Architecture)
by: John Darell Alvarez, Angelica Llen Carreon, Jocelyn Jean Cordova & Ezekiel Isaias Orantes
Professor: Ar. Riza Rizalina A. Quincina
Thesis Adviser: Ar. Regie Mapanao
School: Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Lopez, Quezon
Year of Defense: 2023
ABSTRACT
This study promotes establishing a community wellness hub in Gumaca, Quezon, as a necessary response to the prevailing health challenges faced by the community itself and surrounding communities. By integrating wellness architecture principles and providing accessible and sustainable facilities and programs, the proposed hub aims to foster holistic health, elevate the quality of life, and cultivate a culture of well-being among community members.
Gumaca presently lacks the infrastructure that support and promote active lifestyles and community well-being, this results to physical inactivity and mental health concerns. The wellness hub serves as a strategic solution to bridge these gaps and create positive effects on the residents' long-term health and well-being.
The proposed wellness hub is designed to provide for the diverse needs and preferences of the community. It offers various wellness activities and services, encompassing fitness classes, yoga and meditation sessions, nutritional counseling, and stress management workshops. These initiatives empower individuals to proactively manage their well-being, prevent chronic diseases, and embrace healthier lifestyles. By integrating wellness architecture principles into the design, countless of potential outcomes and benefits can be anticipated for the community. These include improved physical health through access to fitness and wellness activities, enhanced mental well-being through calming spaces and stress management resources, increased social connection and community engagement, heightened health awareness and education, and the potential for economic growth and local development.
The proposed hub holds vital benefits. It would provide sustainable access to comprehensive health and wellness services, foster community engagement and social interaction, and manage gaps in the current healthcare system by offering inclusive therapy sessions and mental health support services. The hub would also stand out as a great piece of infrastructure in the community itself and its neighboring communities which attracts potential investors, businesses, and job opportunities across the country that could lift up the community’s economic situation.
INTRODUCTION
Wellness is the act of consistently practicing healthy habits for better physical, mental, and emotional health outcomes. The fundamental goal of wellness remains consistent despite the variations in its definition across different regions – to enhance overall health and well-being. Good health encompasses complete physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and social well-being. It is not about physical weakness or simply the lack of illness, as the World Health Organization (WHO) stated.
Various factors, such as diet, rest, physical activity, mindfulness, and social connections, influence overall wellness and can mitigate stress and enhance well-being. The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated health issues in the Philippines, leading to increased mental health problems, chronic diseases, and social isolation. Research highlights the negative impact of reduced physical activity, anxiety, and depression on health (Vindeggard & Benros, 2020). The World Health Organization reported that 93.4% of Filipinos were physically inactive in 2019, ranking the nation second in inactivity among adolescents globally. This trend leads to more non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and is attributed to poor urban planning, insufficient public spaces, and excessive technology use. Furthermore, a National Statistics Office assessment indicated that 16% of children in the Philippines have faced a mental disorder, marking mental illnesses as a significant concern in the population.
The town of Gumaca faces significant challenges regarding access to education and health-promoting facilities. The lack of infrastructure, such as exercise spaces and safe bike paths, has led to high inactivity rates and mental health issues, particularly among students and working adults. While the town has healthcare options, they focus more on disease treatment than holistic wellness, with few facilities offering therapy sessions necessary for mental health support. Proposed is a community wellness hub designed to promote physical and mental wellness, nutrition counseling, and community gatherings, making vital health services and programs accessible to all residents. By consolidating various facilities, the hub aims to improve health outcomes, promote equity, and enhance the overall quality of life, serving as a vital resource for the community and contributing to the local economy.
METHODOLOGY
The research used a descriptive method and quantitative approach, collecting data through survey, site observations, interviews, ocular inspection, case studies, photographic inventory and Philippine laws (e.g. PD1096, BP 344, RA 9514) guided the architectural programming. Key aspects focused on user centered design, space circulation and community participation.
DATA ANALYSIS
Demographic surveys showed that most of the respondents were female, aged 40- 59, single and employed. The findings revealed the respondents have a general strong agreement on the potential of community wellness hub. Most are generally interested, suggesting that gyms, fitness activities and meditation/mindfulness classes must be prioritized, highlighting the strong agreement on the importance of accessibility, variation of activities, cleanliness and affordability of facilities.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The results of the survey revealed that health or wellness facilities that is well-designed and planned are likely to attract more visitors and have a positive impact on the overall health and well-being of the community – spiritually, physically, mentally and socially.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the proposed community wellness hub in Gumaca holds vital benefits. It would provide sustainable access to comprehensive health and wellness services, foster community engagement and social interaction, and manage gaps in the current healthcare system by offering inclusive therapy sessions and mental health support services. The hub would also stand out as a great piece of infrastructure in the community itself and its neighboring communities which attracts potential investors, businesses, and job opportunities across the country that could lift up the community’s economic situation.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The research findings revealed key recommendations for establishing a wellness hub in Gumaca such as:
• conducting further research to understand specific health needs
• fostering collaboration with stakeholders like municipalities and health providers
• developing tailored wellness programs targeting various age groups and health statuses
• designing accessible facilities that promote physical activity and relaxation
• implementing continuous evaluation mechanisms to adapt to community feedback.
These components are essential for the hub’s successful implementation and sustainability in alignment with community preferences.
FINAL THOUGHT
The proposed wellness hub in Gumaca, Quezon addresses the lack of infrastructure for active lifestyles by integrating wellness architecture principles and offering diverse programs (fitness, nutrition, mental health support), fostering overall well-being. It serves as strategic infrastructure piece designed to boost social engagement, attracts economic growth, provide job opportunities and elevate the quality of life of its community. It is a proactive, preventative health measure, empowering residents to manage their well-being and prevent chronic diseases, ultimately promoting a more resilient and healthier population.
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