Thesis Title: NUTRIMOVE: A PROPOSED REGIONAL NUTRITION LEARNING AND RESILIENCE HUB FOR CALABARZON
Thesis proponent: Raphaelle Roei Pineda Legaspi
Thesis adviser: Ar. Jasmin Grace Lee-Sun, MSArch, UAP
School: Adamson University Year of defense: 2024
Abstract:
“The world is still far from a world without malnutrition,” according to the World Health Organization (2020), underscoring its continued global prevalence. The Philippines is among the countries in Asia with high malnutrition rates, with CALABARZON identified by the National Nutrition Council (2022) as one of the most affected regions.
In response, this study proposes a Nutrition Learning and Resilience Hub under Executive Order No. 356, integrated with healthcare, fitness, and lifestyle programs, and a food technology and research facility supported by DOST-FNRI. The project is to be located in Silang Junction West, Tagaytay City, and aims to improve nutrition outcomes among infants, children, lactating women, and other beneficiaries in Region IV-A, contributing to a healthier and more resilient community.
Background of the Study:
Furthermore, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) has developed action plans to address malnutrition nationwide, including in CALABARZON. One key initiative is the Learning Hub on Enhanced and Revitalized Nutrition (LHEARN) Program, which delivers nutrition education and support across barangay, city, regional, and national levels.
In line with this, Executive Order No. 356 (s. 2021) established the Nutrition Learning Hub (NLH) in Tagaytay City, aiming to strengthen Local Government Units (LGUs) in CALABARZON through improved nutrition programs and interventions. Tagaytay City was selected as the pilot location due to its exemplary performance in nutrition initiatives.
However, at present, NLH activities are conducted only within small health offices and temporary venues, highlighting the need for a dedicated and permanent facility.
Architectural Goal:
Malnutrition is seen as an inevitable crisis, which is why the researcher aims to conduct a study where government-empowered nutritional goals can be achieved through timeless architectural solutions for a center for nutrition learning and resilience hub, with design strategies that can be used for many years from now.
Significance of the Study (Summarized):
To the Beneficiaries and Filipino Communities.
To the Government agencies and Non-Government Units in the Nutrition Field.
To the Food and Nutrition Researchers.
To the Health and Fitness Enthusiasts.
To the Future Researchers.
Project Objectives:
To improve nutrition education by designing a center with educational and training facilities to satisfy and suffice the needs and encourage the pursuit of nutrition through interactive architecture.
To create a regional malnutrition health care facility where people can access nutrition programs through government and non-government programs and interventions.
To provide additional necessary spaces for nutrition resilience innovation that promotes nutrition and empowers users to pursue the highest standard of nutrition as a solution
To create a self-sustaining development incorporating design strategies that allow the facility to be operable and independent from the presence of income-generating facilities.
Design Objectives:
To design a facility for advanced nutrition education execution and an inclusive nutrition scholar training program, with rooms that cater to larger numbers of users.
To design a malnutrition health facility and provide an outpatient facility with an interactive interior design for the users that may help the users with their nutrition pursuits.
To design a facility for food and nutrition innovation technology that provides the necessary spaces for food technology, a private building, and a fitness hub, a building open to the public and visitors.
To design a timeless and sustainable nutrition center by incorporating design strategies such as Hybrid Solar Setup, Hybrid Cooling System, Rainwater harvesting, and Aquaponics for food resources.
Design Considerations:
Interactive Approach. Providing interactive rooms and spaces for nutrition education and providing training spaces for nutrition officers and scholars. These will be incorporated into public learning spaces.
Well-being pursuit. Incorporating clinics by department, clinical laboratories, and public care spaces for children, mothers, and senior citizens.
Embracing Innovation. Creating spaces such as biochemical laboratories and food technology laboratories, a food production facility, and a fitness hub with commercial spaces. These spaces are secondary buildings.
Environmental Inclusivity. Adding spaces for sustainability maintenance and provisions that allow the users to be involved in such activities. Also, consider knowing the materials that are needed, along with the installation and maintenance of the design.
The Project Site: Silang Junction West, Tagaytay City, Cavite
The selected 12-hectare site is located in Silang Junction West, Tagaytay City, identified by the National Nutrition Council under Executive Order No. 356 due to the city’s strong performance in nutrition programs. In the design process, 8 hectares were allocated for the project's use, and 4 hectares were reserved for the future expansion of the project.
Site analysis indicates a 5.8% slope (Type C: gently sloping), which informs planning and drainage strategies. Environmental considerations, including potential volcanic activity from Taal Volcano and high rainfall, were also taken into account to ensure design resilience.
The site was selected for its accessibility to major roads, proximity to the city center, availability of transportation, and favorable climate. According to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Tagaytay City, the site lies within the Primary Urban Core, allowing institutional developments such as government and medical facilities. Existing infrastructure and utilities further support the site’s suitability for the proposed project.
Summary of Findings:
Findings from interviews with professionals and wellness advocates indicate that nutrition must be pursued through structured and efficient approaches. Site visits and consultations with the National Nutrition Council, Gota de Leche, and DOST-FNRI identified the spatial and functional requirements necessary for nutrition programs and food technology laboratories. These findings, and the power of The Presidential Decree No. 491 or the Nutrition Act of the Philippines, underscore the need for integrated nutrition centers that incorporate innovation and research to effectively address malnutrition.
Supported by activity flow analysis and user studies, the proposed development consists of the following components: a Nutrition Learning Hub, a Malnutrition Care Facility, a Fitness and Lifestyle Hub, a Food Technology and Research Facility, and a Central Dining Hall.
The design concept, Sybaritic Synergy, draws from the idea of hedonistic sustainability advocated by Bjarke Ingels, emphasizing engaging and innovative architectural forms. The concept of synergy further highlights interactivity, aligning with the World Health Organization's (2023) perspective that active participation enhances nutrition awareness and practice.
Overall, the project integrates auxiliary structures and public spaces to support effective nutrition interventions. Through comprehensive design processes—including conceptual analysis, spatial planning, regulatory compliance, and building systems integration—the proposal culminates in a world-class regional nutrition center, Nutrimove, designed to deliver impactful and engaging health solutions.
Design Philosophy:
“Architecture is not a solution to a single problem; it is a solution to a world problem.”
- Legaspi, R.R.P., 2024
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