Proposed Preschool to Secondary Special School:A Center for Learning and Care for the Deaf - mute Community

1IntroductionEvery child who is born in this world has the right to education, however, not everyone is born with the same capabilitiesThrough architecture, proper planning and design could be achieved to fit and provide the needs of each individualBackground of the StudyAs of 2010, 1,443,000 persons are with disability, and at least 120,000 of those are deafAccording to the data from the National Statistics Authority (2010), in Quezon City, there are 9,012 hearing impaired persons and only 1,678 and 1933 have finished grade school and high school respectivelyStatement of the ProblemMore specifically, it attempts to answer the following questions:What facilities and additional spaces in the present schools for the deaf and mute should be added to make learning more effective and efficient for these students?What kind of design or environment must be incorporated in the school to make the overall atmosphere suitable for learning and at the same time inspire and encourage the students to do well in school?

The primary purpose of this study is to plan and design a preschool to secondary school that would provide the maximum learning experience for the deaf and mute community

What factors should be considered in order to make the classrooms comfortable for learning?And lastly, what innovations could the researcher provide for the improvement of the learning environment as well as the learning process itself of these students?

Project Goals, Objectives and StrategiesThe goal of this study is to design a learning environment most perfectly fit for the needs of the deaf and mute community

It aims to provide additional spaces and facilities necessary for a more effective learning atmosphere for these studentsSignificance of the StudyAs we all know, here in the Philippines, not much attention had been given for the development of a school dedicated for the learning and growth of the deaf and mute community

There are some, however, most of them are too expensive or some facilities are still lacking

This study would be beneficial for the deaf and mute community, as this project would allow them to have a maximum learning experience in schoolAnd, by making these students more productive and efficient in school - therefore making better citizens for the future, this study would also then benefit the country as a whole.

Scope and LimitationLimited only to solving the architectural problems involved in the design of the said projectShall only focus on an innovative approach for the planning and designing of the projectAssumptionsThe researcher assumes that a well designed and well planned school for the deaf and mute would bring about benefits for the education/learning process of the special student as well as for his futureConceptual FrameworkProposed Preschool to Secondary Special School with Rehabilitation and Workshop Center for the Deaf and MuteResearch, Gather DataCome up with new ideas for the design and plans of the structure Analyze the Problems with the Present similar structuresMethodologiesCase StudyInterview and conduct SurveysAnalyze the gathered dataFormulate an architectural solution and apply it in the design of the proposed public school. Formulate conclusion.Research DesignFor the study, the research method utilized by the proponent was by conducting a case study by visiting and investigating existing schools for the deaf and mute

It involved interviewing some students and faculty membersCase StudyPhilippine Institute for the Deaf

Thematic Classroom Units

Grade school room

Playground areaGymBasketball CourtScience LabMandaue City Central Integrated SPED School

High School ClassroomComputer RoomHallway

QuadrangleResearch InstrumentsThe tools and instruments used in gathering data were through observations and InterviewsPart 2: Research Focus

To provide a design and an architectural innovation that would bring about the best possible solution to the architectural problems present in the available schools for the deaf and mute within the PhilippinesRationaleAside from the design guidelines and principles, the proponent would be using wood for the flooring of most of the classroomsstandard classrooms should have an adequate space wherein students could move freely with wooden floor for them to detect sound vibration

Green and sustainable design shall be applied to the project

Part 2: Research Focus

RationaleThe said location has been chosen according to the following factors: number of hearing impaired students within the region number of available schools and facilities already present for the said targetAnd other criteria; resistance to natural hazards, and links to transport networksSite SelectionCALABARZON, NCR, CENTRAL LUZON, had the highest number of hearing impaired populationSite SelectionSITE CRITERIAREGIONALREGION IV-A CALABARZONNATIONAL CAPITAL REGIONREGION III CENTRAL LUZONPOPULATION1098SCHOOLS AVAILABLE 989MACRO CLIMATE988RESISTANCE FROM TYPHOON & FLOODING988DISTANCE FROM VOLCANIC ACTIVITY7108DISTANCE FROM FAULT LINES767LINKS TO TRANSPORT NETWORKS7107TOTAL585955Among the three, the National Capital Region tallied the highest ratingit has links to several transport networks; the land use zoning is comprised majority of residential units and some small to big scale commercial structures

Site Selection

Site 1:Location: Barangay Fairview, Quezon City, Metro ManilaTotal Land Area: 9,800 sq. m.Lot Type: Corner Lot Site 2: Site 3: Location: Barangay Novaliches, Quezon City, Metro ManilaTotal Land Area: 34,942 sq. m.Lot Type: Corner Lot abutting 3 or more streets Location: Barangay Fairview, Quezon City, Metro ManilaTotal Land Area: 5,508 sq. m.Lot Type: Corner Lot SITE CRITERIAOPTION1OPTION2OPTION3TOPOGRAPHY987SITE AREA/ DIMENSION897ORIENTATION988ZONING978ACCESSIBILITY1098DISTANCE FROM THE RESIDENTIAL UNITS9109FREEDOM FROM POLLUTION878SITE VISIBILITY987TOTAL716662Site Selection

Site 1:Location: Barangay Fairview, Quezon City, Metro ManilaTotal Land Area: 9,800 sq. m.Lot Type: Corner Lot Cultural factors (Land use and zoning, accessibility, proximity to the users, freedom from air and noise pollution, proximity to other schools of the same type)The site is located nearby residential areas and small scale commercial unitsThe site can be easily accessed through the Regalado Avenue where Jeepneys and tricycles are availableThe location, however, will be accessed through the Lyric Street which is a less busy street

16Natural factors (Site topography, site area)The said site has an adequate land area of 9, 688 sq. m., having a total of maximum allowable construction area of 6,781.60 sq. m.It has a relatively flat terrain

Aesthetic factors (Site visibility)The site location can be easily seen because it is located along the Regalado AvenueHowever, the site shall be accessed through the Lyrric Street to avoid traffic congestion and provide more privacy and security to the area

17Site Potential and Computation

TOTAL LAND AREA (TLA)16414.94 SQ.M.ALLOWABLE MAXIMUM BUILDING FOOTPRINT (AMBF)8207.47 SQ.M.MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE IMPERVIOUS SURFACE AREA (ISA)3282.988 SQ.M.UNPAVED SURFACE AREA (USA)4924.482 SQ.M.TOTAL OPEN SPACE WITHIN LOT (TOSL)8207.47 SQ.M.MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE PERCENTAGE OF SITE OCCUPANCY (PSO)50%MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE CONSTRUCTION AREA (MACA)11490.458 SQ.M.PROBLEM DIAGNOSISIn the chosen site, Barangay Fairview Q.C., only 5 schools that offers education for the hearing impaired had been listed on the National Council on Disability AffairsAs of 2010, atleast 9012 people are with functional difficulty, only 1678 and 1933 have graduated from grade school and high school respectivelyAll over the Philippines, not much school had been fully developed to adhere the special learning needs of the deaf-mute students, depriving them of being productive citizens in the future

Chapter IV.1: Design ProgramOBJECTIVESThe main goal of this study is to properly design and plan a learning environment most perfectly fit for the maximum learning experience and needs of the deaf and mute community. Thereby, it aims to:Provide additional spaces and facilities necessary for an efficient learning atmosphereTo promote pleasant and functional educational spacesTo promote green and sustainable architecture for a well ventilated school (Passive lighting and cooling)Also, to promote health and safety through proper planning and lastly,To design such that there would be adequate space for each student

Design CriteriaPHILOSOPHYArchitecture that hears and communicatesSchools are said to be the second home of the students, therefore, it must have a feeling of being at homeArchitecture is at its best when it adheres not only to the needs of the users, but as well as of the environmentDesign CriteriaSPACE PROGRAMMING & SPACE ALLOCATIONDesign CriteriaSPACEQFUNCTIONALUTILITYFURNITURENO.AREA/ USERCIRC.AREATOTALTZONINGUSERSREQT.&OFSQ.M.-30%AREAYFIXTURESUSERSSQ. M.ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARYClassroom12Semi - PublicStudents, TeachersLighting, outletsArmchairs, Chalkboard, table & chair, bookshelf, shelves, electric fans, Teacher's cabinet, Divan, Trash can, Bulletin board, Utility box, first aid cabinet15 per room1.46.32127.3Science Lab2Semi - PublicStudents, TeachersLighting, outletsTables, chairs, Blackboard/ Whiteboard, electric fans152.19.4531.540.95School Shops Practical Arts/Technology/ Industrial Arts and Home Economics (EPP-TLE)1Semi - PublicStudents, TeachersLighting, outlets102.57.52532.5 Homemaking1Semi - PublicStudents, TeachersLighting, outletsDining table w/ 6 chairs, bed (single), teacher's desk w/ chair, sala set, chalkboard w/ ledge (portable stand), student chairs, work table with bench, 3-burner stove, kitchen sink, wash basin,kitchen utensils & utiliities102.57.52532.5 .';1Semi - PublicStudents, TeachersLighting, outlets102.57.52532.5 Electrical Trades1Semi - PublicStudents, TeachersLighting, outlets1047.54047.5 Culture1Semi - PublicStudents, TeachersLighting, outlets102.57.52532.5Computer Room/Lighting, OutletsComputer, tables & chairs, AC Units (window type)151.46.32127.3LaboratoryLibrary/ Learning Resource Center (LRC)1Semi - PublicStudents, Teachers, other students from other schoolsLighting, outlets, ACLibrary books, book shelves, tables & chairs, book cases, newspaper racks, magazine racks, librarian's table and chair, card catalog cabinets, large cabinets for charts, storage cabinets, computer1502.410.836.00(10% of the enrolment)46.8Library Hub1 (optional)Shelving, 2 computers(min), photocopier, multi-media equip, tables & chair400Faculty Department2PrivateTeachersLighting, outlets, AC80Gymnasium (Athletic Facilities)1Semi - PublicStudents, Teachers, others (during events)Lighting, outletsBaseball set, volleyball set, soccer baseball set, basketball set, fixed bleachers700Quadrangle1PublicStudents, teachers1000A.V.R.2Semi - PublicStudents, teachersLighting, outlets, ACOverhead projector w/ wall type screen, speaker system, microphones, projection screen, recorder, chairs & tables, speaker's table63Administrative Office Administrator's Office1PrivateAdministration StaffLighting, outlets, ACTables, chairs, cabinets, shelves151.556.5 Receiving area1Publictables4562026 Working area for the office staff1PrivateTables, chairs, cabinets, shelves105155065 Supply store room1PrivateShelves, cabinets2020 Conference room2PrivateTables, chairs, cabinets, shelves15522.57597.5 Teacher's room1Private`15522.57597.5 Production room1PrivateTables, chairs, cabinets, shelves53030 Toilet & Bath2PrivateLighting, outlets66Medical/ Dental Clinic1PrivateStudents, staffLighting, outletsBed/ cot (reclining type), weighing scale, apparatus for measuring height, thermometer, medical supplies, cabinet, eye-testing apparatus, mirror, sink or lavatory, first aid equipment and supplies, standard office equipment (table, chairs, trash can, etc.), nebulizer, sphygmomanometer/ stethoscope2828(gross)Guidance Room1Semi - PublicStudents, staffLighting, outletsInstruments and devices for testing, diagnosing, measuring aptitudes, intelligence, etc., various literature, reference materials, instructions, etc., about guidance & counselling, standard office equipment (tables, chairs, cabinets, etc.)2828(gross)Canteen2 Dining spaceSemi - PublicStudents, staffLighting, outletsDining tables and chairs1501.463210263 Service CounterSemi - PublicStudents, staffLighting, outletsCounter, glass plate KitchenPrivateStaffLighting, outletscounters, kitchen utilities18.96381.9Storage & Supply2Book cases, cupboards, cabinets, shelves, and divans20Sanitary Facilities Toilet facilitiesPublicAllLighting, outlets Hand washing facilitiesPublicAll Drinking facilitiesPublicAll Water systemPublicAllParking Administrative Visitors(1) car slot for every five (5) classrooms Buses (1) school bus slot for every one hundred (100) studentsCarport (pick up/ drop- off/ waiting areas)1PublicAllBench, lightingPRESCHOOLNURSERYClassroom1Semi - Public15 (max)Lighting, Outlets, Toilet & Washing facilitiesTables, chairs, cabinets, shelves, teacher's table and chairs6363 Activity Centers: Listening/ Speaking & Acting Area Reading Corner Housekeeping area Aesthetic area Health/ Cleanliness area PlaygroundKINDERGARTENClassroom1Tables, chairs, lockers, cabinets, beds/ mats1.56363 Activity Centers: Personal Care & GroomingMirror, comb, towel, toothbrush, soap, toiletries, etc. House and Garden CareGarden tools Communication Skills CornerBooks (2/child) Sensory Perceptual & Numeracy Skills CornerCounters, beads, number cards, nature tablets, etc.PlaygroundJungle gym, sandbox, slide, balance beams, simple obstacles tires & tunnels360360BEHAVIORAL ANALYSISDesign CriteriaKindergarten:Elementary (Grades 1 6)Junior High (Grades 7 10)Senior High (Grades 11 12):Faculty Members:Library Crew:Admin. Staff:Health/ Clinic Staff:Canteen Staff:Maintenance Staff:Security Staff:USER ANALYSISUSERDESCRIPTIONACTIVITIESPOSSIBLE SPACES NEEDEDStudentsDeaf & Mute enrolees(Preschool, grades 1 12)Attend lectures, physical education activities, other educational activities/ programsClassrooms, gymnasium, AVR, quadrangle, Multi- purpose roomsTeachers/ Faculty MembersInstructors, principal Those that guide and teach the studentsProvide lectures and examination/quizzes, check and grade the studentsOwn space in the faculty roomAdmin. StaffMain administrative body of the schoolReceive payments (tuition fee and miscellaneous), provide information for families/enrolees, store data of studentsAccounting office, information, records room/ storage, work areas, administrators office, conference room, waiting areas, supply storeroom, comfort roomsLibrarian/ Library StaffA teacher trained in modern school library methodsAssist students, co-faculty members, and other users in finding books and other research materials within the libraryReading area, librarians area, area for bagsGuidance CounsellorOne who conducts individual counselling, testing (measuring aptitudes, intelligence, etc.) to the studentsConducts individual counselling, testing (measuring aptitudes, intelligence, etc.) to the studentsGuidance RoomClinic StaffAny duly first aid teacher, school physician, school dentist, school nurseConduct annual health examination and treatment of the school children/ studentsTesting area, toilet, Bed/Cot area, dentists clinic, doctors clinic, storageCanteen StaffOne that provides/ prepares the food to be served in the school, NutritionistPrepares, plans the food to be served in the school canteenDining Space, service counter, kitchen, lounge, locker areasSecurity CrewSecurity guards those that ensure the safety and welfare of the users within the areaGuard the vicinityGuard posts, locker areas, comfort rooms, pantry, loungeMaintenance CrewThose that keep the campus clean, elderly, and suitable for learningClean/ fix areasStorage, locker areas, lounge, comfort room, pantryBOARD OF TRUSTEESAssistant School DirectorAdministrative CouncilAlumni Coordinating BodyParents Coordinating BodyEducational/ Legal ConsultantExternal AuditorCenter for Christian FormationAcademic/ Student ServicesAdministrative ServicesFinancePrincipalsReligious EducationCampus MinistryPastoral MinistryFaculty ClubStudent Coor. BodySchool PublicationScouting and CATClubs and OrganizationsTreasuryAccountingPurchasingProperties/ EquipmentFACULTYSTUDENTS/ PUPILSSchool RegistrarGuidance CenterLibraryMedical/ DentalLaboratoriesCanteenHuman ResourceResearch & DevelopmentInformation and Communications TechnologyGeneral ServicesPrefect of Pupils/ StudentsActivities and Programs CoordinatorAcademic CoordinatorGS/HS Subject Area/ECE/SpED CoordinatorSchool DirectorAcademic CommitteeORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURESEMI-PRIVATEFUNCTIONAL ZONINGMAINTENANCECLASSROOMSCANTEENCLINICLIBRARYSCIENCELABGUIDANCEOFFICEADMIN.OFFICESPLAYGROUNDCOMFORT ROOMSGYMNASIUMCARPORT/WAITING AREASFACULTYDEPT.AVRSTUDENTSFACULTYADMIN. STAFFSECURITYSECURITY STAFFMAINTENANCEPARENTS/ VISITORSCIRCULATORY DIAGRAM

CLASSROOMSCANTEENCLINICLIBRARYSCIENCELABGUIDANCEOFFICEADMIN.OFFICESPLAYGROUNDCOMFORT ROOMSGYMNASIUMCARPORT/WAITING AREASFACULTYDEPT.AVRDIRECTINDIRECTPROGRAMMING MATRIXINTER RELATIONSHIP DIAGRAMThe main concept for the project is kept as simple as possible - promotes many open areas, interaction between the users, and maximizes the use of the natural ventilation & lighting through building orientation and shape

Architectural Concept

THE CONCEPT USED IN PROJECT IS AN EYE- Since the users of the building are incapable of using their sense of hearing, they mostly rely on their sight

For the form of the building, the bahay - kubo is used as the main concept of the projectThis gives a sense of homeHighly makes use of natural ventilation and lightingThe design in terms of function and appearance is one with natureConcept DevelopmentVibrations play a major role in the structural concept of the project, as much as possible vibrations coming from vibrating machineries and external forces shall be minimizedFor the structural concept of building frame of the project, it shall utilize steel construction systems to lessen building vibrations caused by vibrating machinery and external forces (traffic/ wind buffeting) By adding additional stiffening to the steel frame, vibrations can also be minimizedStructural Concept

Long span applications, for which steel is the only option, have been found to offer excellent vibration dampingHowever, for the floors of the classrooms and workshop areas where dancing and other activities are performed, wood shall be utilizedVibrations are needed for such activities in order to let the students feel (hear) vibrationsLIGHTING & POWER CONCEPTNatural lighting main light sourceArtificial lighting used only during hours of darkness and should supplement natural lighting when it fadesLighting Controls & Zoning arrangement of luminaires should allow lights to be switched in rows parallel to windows so that lights close to windows can be switched off to take advantage of available daylightUtility Concept

Emergency LightingEmergency lighting must provide adequate illumination in the event of a failure in the normal electric lighting supplyACOUSTICS CONCEPTSince the hearing impaired students are often more sensitive to structure-borne vibrations, aside from the environmental noise concerns, mechanical system noise and vibrations must be controlled

Utility ConceptPLUMBING CONCEPTWater System and Wastewater Disposal System shall provide with reserve water in water tank reserved to used in case of fireIdeal Water Supply System

Utility ConceptMECHANICAL CONCEPTThermal ComfortInternal climate in the school shall be cool, pleasant, and satisfyingArtificial cooling system shall be used (electric fans, AC units)Fire Alarm SystemShall provide fire alarms and sprinkler systemsFIRE PROTECTION & RISK REDUCTION MEASURES CONCEPTFire exits shall provided and shall be highly visible to the usersFire alarms & sprinkler systems providedAs much as possible, there are many exits within each building (without compromising the safety of the students)WASTE MANAGEMENTWaste segregation policy shall be followedSeparate garbage cans for dry waste, wet waste, and hazardous, toxic wastes shall be providedRecycling of materials shall also be highly encouraged by providing separate garbage cans for these