PANDULA: A School of Performing Arts Through Modern Vernacular Architecture
Thesis Proponent: Jerick Noche & Rhanny Garado
Thesis Adviser: Ar. Carlo J. Madrona, UAP, Rmp.
NATIONAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Thesis Defense Year: 2023
Introduction
Performing arts have long been an integral component of Filipino culture, serving as a medium for storytelling, cultural expression, and social reflection. From pre-colonial rituals and community performances to the more structured theatrical forms introduced during Spanish and American colonization, drama and performance have continuously evolved alongside Philippine society. Despite this rich cultural background, contemporary performing arts education in the Philippines remains fragmented and under-supported, particularly in terms of dedicated facilities and formalized learning environments.
At present, drama and performing arts are not recognized as independent core subjects in primary and secondary education. Instead, they are integrated into broader disciplines such as English, Filipino, History, Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health (MAPEH). This approach limits the depth of training and the development of specialized skills among aspiring performers. Furthermore, the lack of purpose-built facilities forces many performing arts activities to take place in inadequately designed spaces that fail to meet acoustic, spatial, and technical requirements.
In response to these challenges, this thesis proposes Pandula: A School of Performing Arts Through Modern Vernacular Architecture. The project envisions a comprehensive educational facility that supports Filipino performers and learners through thoughtfully designed spaces that are culturally responsive, environmentally sustainable, and architecturally rooted in Philippine vernacular traditions reinterpreted in a modern context.
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Background of the Study
Statistical data from the 2018 Census of Philippine Business and Industry reveal that the arts, entertainment, and recreation sector is steadily growing, with regions such as CALABARZON and the National Capital Region recording high concentrations of creative establishments. Despite this growth, access to formal arts education remains uneven, with regional disparities in facilities, specialist teachers, and learning environments. Studies on arts education further emphasize that schools with lower parental education levels show significantly reduced exposure to music, visual arts, and drama.
These findings highlight a critical gap between the country’s cultural potential and its institutional support for performing arts education. While the Philippines maintains a strong theatrical tradition within communities and informal spaces, there is a shortage of dedicated institutions that can nurture talent, professionalize training, and elevate the local theater and cinema industries to compete globally. Beyond serving as an academic institution, the facility is envisioned as a cultural landmark that promotes Filipino identity, supports local creative industries, and strengthens community engagement through performance.
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Statement of the Problem
The absence of well-designed performing arts schools in the Philippines presents multiple challenges. Existing facilities are often scattered, inadequately equipped, and not purpose-built to support the technical and spatial demands of theater, dance, and music education. This situation limits the growth of performers and learners who aspire to pursue careers in the performing arts.
Moreover, there is a lack of architectural facilities that integrate musical and theatrical principles—such as proportion, rhythm, articulation, and acoustics—into spatial design. Without these considerations, educational spaces fail to enhance learning outcomes and artistic expression.
This study therefore seeks to answer the following questions:
1. What social benefits can arise from establishing a dedicated performing arts facility?
2. How can a School of Performing Arts enhance the skills and talents of Filipino performers and learners?
3. What architectural and environmental factors should be considered in designing such a facility?
4. How can the facility contribute to environmental sustainability through architectural design?
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Objectives of the Study
The primary objective of the study is to propose a School of Performing Arts that provides a conducive, organized, and culturally responsive learning environment for Filipino performers and learners. Specifically, the study aims to:
• Design a theater capable of accommodating a large audience, serving as a center for performance, cultural exchange, and social awareness.
• Develop a complex of facilities equipped with appropriate acoustic strategies and architectural theories suited to various performing arts disciplines.
• Translate musical concepts such as proportion, rhythm, and articulation into architectural form and spatial organization.
• Integrate modern vernacular architectural strategies that promote the use of local materials and sustainable construction practices.
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Scope and Delimitations
The scope of the study focuses on the architectural design of a School of Performing Arts using modern vernacular principles. It includes initial research, data gathering, site selection and analysis, space programming, and design conceptualization. The project is limited to architectural aspects and does not extend to detailed structural, electrical, or mechanical engineering systems beyond conceptual considerations.
The final output includes architectural plans such as the Site Development Plan, floor plans, perspectives, and conceptual design strategies. The study is intended as an academic architectural proposal and does not cover actual construction implementation.
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Significance of the Study
The proposed School of Performing Arts holds significance for multiple stakeholders. For future performing arts students, it offers a specialized learning environment that nurtures talent and creativity. For the local community, it serves as a cultural center that promotes Filipino theater, cinema, and performance traditions. For future researchers and architecture students, the study provides a reference for integrating modern vernacular architecture into institutional design. Lastly, it contributes to architectural discourse by demonstrating how cultural identity and sustainability can be embedded in contemporary design.
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Review of Related Literature
The study draws heavily on the principles of vernacular architecture, which evolved over centuries as climate-responsive, resource-efficient, and culturally grounded building practices. Vernacular architecture reflects local environmental conditions, available materials, and social customs, making it inherently sustainable and human-centered.
In the Philippine context, the bahay kubo and bahay na bato are widely recognized as representative vernacular models. These traditional dwellings demonstrate effective passive cooling strategies, lightweight construction, elevated floors, generous openings for ventilation, and steeply sloped roofs for rainwater management. Their design emphasizes adaptability, resilience to natural hazards, and harmony with the tropical climate.
Modern vernacular architecture seeks to reinterpret these traditional principles using contemporary construction methods and technologies. Rather than replicating traditional forms, it adapts their underlying logic—climate responsiveness, material efficiency, and cultural expression—to modern needs.
The study also examines material optimization in modern vernacular architecture, highlighting the environmental and socio-economic benefits of using local materials such as bamboo and hardwood. Hardwood construction similarly offers advantages in energy efficiency, carbon sequestration, and sustainability when sourced responsibly.
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Compliance, Accessibility, and Safety Considerations
In designing a School of Performing Arts, compliance with accessibility and safety standards is essential. The study incorporates provisions for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), including accessible escape routes, ramps, evacuation lifts, PWD holding points, and visual alarm systems for the hearing impaired. These measures ensure inclusivity and safety during emergencies.
The design also considers flexible space usage through features such as accordion partitions, which allow large performance spaces to be subdivided into smaller functional areas. This flexibility supports diverse educational activities and maximizes space efficiency.
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Research Methodology
The research employs a combination of descriptive, observational, and historical methods. The descriptive method involves reviewing related literature, case studies, and conducting interviews to understand current conditions and best practices. The observational method includes site visits and environmental assessments to analyze contextual factors affecting design. The historical method examines the evolution of vernacular architecture and performing arts education to inform contemporary design strategies.
Data gathering involved reviewing published and unpublished materials, utilizing online resources, and consulting with government agencies such as the Quezon City Planning and Development Department. Interviews and consultations with architects, conservation experts, and thesis advisers provided professional insights that strengthened the design proposal.
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Design Process and Conceptualization
The design process began with problem identification and data analysis, followed by site selection and evaluation. Collected data served as the basis for architectural programming and conceptual development. Preliminary design schemes were produced and evaluated to address spatial, functional, and environmental considerations.
Through design synthesis, the final proposal integrates cultural expression, functional efficiency, and sustainability. Modern vernacular principles guide the overall architectural language, ensuring that the facility responds to climate, promotes local materials, and reflects Filipino identity.
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Conclusion
Pandula: A School of Performing Arts Through Modern Vernacular Architecture proposes a holistic approach to performing arts education in the Philippines. By addressing the lack of dedicated facilities, the project seeks to empower Filipino performers and learners through architecture that is culturally grounded, environmentally responsible, and functionally responsive.
The study demonstrates that architecture can play a vital role in nurturing creativity, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting sustainable development. Through the integration of modern vernacular principles, Pandula aspires to become not only an educational institution but also a cultural landmark that strengthens the Philippine performing arts industry and inspires future generations.
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