Thesis Title: Proposed Calabarzon Region Specialized Resource and Livelihood Training Complex for Persons with Disability in Lipa City, Batangas
• Thesis Proponent: Diane Frogosa & Paulo Balantad
• Design Adviser: Ar. Mercedita L. Balbero, UAP
• School: Technological University of the Philippines - Manila
• Year of Defense: 2024, BEST THESIS (Ranked First)
Project idea
Despite legislative and physical accessibility initiatives in the Philippines, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) still face significant challenges, including limited employment opportunities, infrastructure accessibility issues, and insufficient resources to bridge opportunities-in which these barriers hinder their economic stability, independence, health, and access to basic necessities, potentially leading to heightened levels of poverty.
This study highlights the need to address these challenges, focusing on barriers to employment and public spaces, and the potential for better workforce utilization. It emphasizes the importance of a regional-based benchmark action, particularly in the CALABARZON region, which hosts a significant PWD population in the Philippines.
The proposed center aims to provide comprehensive training and development for PWDs, addressing program deficiencies and promoting collaboration with local and international organizations. It will offer diverse programs, including adaptive and modern technologies, vocational training, and entrepreneurial skills, within an inclusive and dynamic environment. This initiative seeks to uplift PWDs and serve as a model - and advocates for PWD employment and aims to implement initiatives adhering to the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 Goal, national and international policy and priorities to improve the quality of life for the disabled population. Through these initiatives, the study strive to contribute to the long-term and sustainable development community, fostering inclusivity and empowerment for all.
Goals and objectives
• To assess and address the existing deficiencies in programs and vocational opportunity considering diverse aspects of PWDs community welfare and development.
• To create an avenue for local and international organizations who offer different vocational training programs and services that cater the personal and communal development of the PWD community.
• To develop a comprehensive program framework that outlines the range of services, and opportunities of the Resource Center, tailored to the preferences of individuals with disabilities within the target community.
• To gain knowledge and skills necessary in establishing a dedicated central facility where people who are physically-challenged would be able to receive training for skills that are best suited for them and get ready for equal employment prospects.
• To identify the needs, barriers and inequalities faced by persons with different level of disability; and
• To advocate on the promotion of PWD employment
• To provide the information necessary for the development of future policy priorities to improve the lives of the population with disability.
Project description
Project Akay is a Regional Specialized Resource and Livelihood Training Complex located at Lipa City, Batangas Philippines that integrates architecture that is dedicated to creating a space that genuinely addresses the needs of individuals with disabilities, considering their unique requirements and challenges. The project's principles are intertwined with the local context, taking into account the cultural, social, and environmental aspects specific to the community in which it is situated- incorporating “Island in an island” architectural concept as inspired by the Taal Volcano. It aims to create self-contained and inclusive spaces within the site, blending with the natural surroundings and features central courtyards in all structures - which promotes and signify resilience, strength and transformations - as this offer tailored resources and support services for PWDS development; together Incorporating with Universal Design the project aims strongly advocates accessibility, community integration and economic empowerment while also ensuring that the center is not only a functional space but also one that resonates with the identity and values of the people it serves.
Facility
The project comprises of five main facilities: Administration Building
Dormitory/Accommodation Facility, Workshop Training and Production Buildings, Multipurpose Facility, and Commercial Buildings - in which are all strategically located adhering efficient circulation advantages of private and public zone flow. Moreover, The whole premises is walkable and navigable through ramps, bridges, pedestrian access - walkways efficiently connecting the areas to avoid blind spots and traffic inconveniency especially for the physically challenged person.
Community Engagement
While, Social parks - Communal areas that blends with the natural environment and Sensory context are designed to fostering a sense of belonging for all users and to provide a serene and calming environment highlights to encourage social interaction and community building.
Accessibility
The complex integrates barrier-free designs, prioritizing the principle of "Navigating with more than one sense." Emphasizing accessibility, the project highlights the concept of Wayfinding and Navigation Strategy within the facility. This is further elaborated through Multi-Sensory Architecture, including strategies involving the utilization of sensory inputs to enhance spatial perception and orientation.
Design Philosophy
Project AKAY: Integrating Universal Design and Filipino Architecture
This study exemplifies a universal design approach that seamlessly blends with Contemporary Tapestry, Preservation and Innovation of Lipa’s Architecture as the main architectural character in designing the project. Together it introduces as well several innovations that distinguish it from existing training facilities in the Philippines, aiming to become a model hub for PWDs nationwide and surpassing the standards of BP 344, also known as the Accessibility Law.
• “Architecture must be true to itself, its land, and its people” - Francisco "Bobby" Mañosa
It reflects the idea that architectural design should be authentic, responsive to the local context - As authenticity in architecture means creating a space that genuinely caters to the needs of individuals with disabilities and reflective of the cultural identity of the people and the environment in which it exists.
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