Manila Hall of Justice, moving towards the future of justice:

Designing an exceptional modern facility that will

set the bar of the judicial system
of the country

A Thesis Presented to the

School of Architecture, Industrial Design & the Built Environment
Mapua Institute of Technology

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in Architectural Design 11/ AR200/ AR200S

for the Degree of BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ARCHITECTURE

Presented by

Vitales, Julian Patrick M.

2005150840

Architect Junar Pakingan Tablan, uap, MSAE

Adviser

DECEMBER 2014

CHAPTER 1.1
INTRODUCTION:
A Hall of Justice is an occasional term for a city's police headquarters, and exists in cities
across the United States. In some cases, the facility may also house courts as well as jails. In some
US cities, the Hall of Justice is called the Justice Center.
In the Philippines not all of the cities have their own Hall of Justice. Some only have small
courthouses located on different parts of the city. While others have their own Hall of Justice but
lacks supporting facilities and amenities that may even help the employees to improve their work
efficiency.
Here in Manila. According to the Supreme Court, they have no Hall of Justice instead they
have small courthouses scattered within Manila and most of them are only renting spaces. Now they
are requesting to have a centralized Hall of Justice in order to have easier access and become a more
distinct structure in Manila.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM:
Manila is the capital of the Philippines so it is only right for them to have their own Hall of
Justice that can become a landmark of the city. As of today Manila has only small courthouses located
on different parts of the city and most of them are only renting. In addition most of the courthouse is
either old or outdated and needs improvement. The purpose of this study is to design an exceptional
modern facility that will set the bar of the judicial system of the country and to be able to centralize
all the courts of Manila.
-

What architectural spaces will be provided in order for the employees to work more
effectively?

What factors must be considered in order to give the structure a healthy environment?

Where in Manila is the best place to house and centralize all the courthouses in order for it to
become a landmark that is easy to access for all walks of life.

PROJECT, GOALS, OBJECTIVES, STRATEGIES

The main objective of this study is to design and improve the facility by integrating additional
spaces that will further help the office in providing quality service. Another objective is to transform
the structure into a work of art that will be the benchmark of all government offices in the near
future. Lastly is to improve the surroundings to have a more welcoming feeling to area.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY:
This study will mainly benefit the government because they can use this as reference for
future designs of other government buildings. The study will also benefit the users for they are the
first had who will experience the changes once the proposal becomes a reality.
Lastly this study will benefit the students and researchers so they can use this for further
research and guide in designing government facilities.
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS:
This study will only cover the designing of a new Manila Hall of Justice and integration of
other spaces deemed necessary with respect to plans and design. This study does not cover detailed
structural design, building utility and other electrical works.
ASSUMPTIONS:
This study will help the government in setting a good example in designing sustainable and
quality structures. Constructing a new Hall of Justice for Manila will definitely have an impact
regarding the judicial state of the city. It will also make it a lot easy for people and employees
because it will only be located in one single area, unlike the current court houses of Manila today
where they are scattered around the city.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK:
These factors will help in modernizing the facility while being able to preserve the GSIS building :

Problem:
Proposed new
Manila Hall of Justice

Data gathering: site

visit, survey and
interview

Gathering related studies

about courthouses

Design through Sustainability

and innovation.

Site visit at existing

courthouses:
observation and
photo
documentation

Related study: Eco

Supreme Court in New
Zealand

Site planning and

evaluation

Space Factors and

considerations
Conducting surveys
and interview on
people with a
knowledge on
courthouse

Benefits of the
community

DEFINITION OF TERMS:
Courthouse - is a building that is home to a local court of law and often the regional county
government as well, although this is not the case in some larger cities. The term is common in North
America. In most other English speaking countries, buildings which house courts of law are simply
called "courts" or "court buildings". In most of Continental Europe and former non-English speaking
European colonies, the equivalent term is a palace of justice

CHAPTER 1.2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE:
People spend about 90 percent of their time indoors. That may be a bad thing: In some
buildings, the indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outside air. The good news is
that facility executives have the ability to control and even improve the indoor air quality (IAQ) of
buildings. (Taylor Gonsoulin and Tony Worthan - February 2009)
Poor IAQ has two primary adverse consequences: poor occupant health and financial loss.
Short-term health consequences include asthma and allergy attacks, headaches, flu-like symptoms,
and irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. Long-term health consequences are potentially more
serious. They may include respiratory and neurological diseases and even cancer. The monetary costs
of remediating IAQ problems can reach into the millions of dollars, depending on the size of the
building and the cause of the problem. (Taylor Gonsoulin and Tony Worthan - February 2009)
The most important and cost-effective element of an efficient heating, ventilating, and air
conditioning (HVAC) system is a well-insulated building. A more efficient building requires less heat
generating or dissipating power, but may require more ventilation capacity to expel polluted indoor
air.
This is almost the same in most of the courthouses wherein most of the facilities are old and
outdated and the spaces are becoming too small to cater the growing needs of the community. Aside
from proper ventilation being used in the court another thing that may be considered is how the
structure will become more energy sufficient to avoid using a lot of power and be able to conserve
energy. Energy efficiency over the entire life cycle of a building is the single most important goal of
sustainable architecture. Architects use many different techniques to reduce the energy needs of
buildings and increase their ability to capture or generate their own energy.
The idea is to design a zero-energy building also known as a zero net energy (ZNE)
building, net-zero energy building (NZEB), or net zero building, is a building with zero net energy
consumption, meaning the total amount of energy used by the building on an annual basis is roughly
equal to the amount of renewable energy created on the site. These buildings still produce
greenhouse gases because on cloudy (or non-windy) days, at night when the sun isn't shining, and
on short winter days, conventional grid power is still the main energy source. Because of this, most

zero net energy buildings still get half or more of their energy from the grid. Buildings that produce a
surplus of energy over the year may be called "energy-plus buildings" and buildings that consume
slightly more energy than they produce are called "near-zero energy buildings" or "ultra-low energy
houses". (Wikipedia.org)
Another approach that can be applied to the proposed study is solar harvesting and/or wind
harvesting. To be cost-effective, any source of power has to produce more energy than it consumes.
Oil companies would hardly turn a profit, for example, if extracting a barrel of oil required the energy
output of a second barrel of oil.
The same holds true of renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Though renewable projects
pay the lion's share of both their energetic and financial costs up front, they still have to recover
those costs over a lifetime of service and continue to produce value if they are to yield a net-energy
surplus.
Thanks to dramatic improvements in the manufacture of both wind and solar technologies,
that appears to be more than possible. A new study published in the journal Energy & Environmental

Science finds that wind and solar not only produce enough power to be energetically sustainable but
could support grid-scale energy storage as well.
"What we're saying is that theoretically, it is now theoretically possible to have this perfect world
that's just based on wind and solar," said Charles Barnhart, a postdoctoral scholar with the Global
Climate and Energy Project at Stanford University and a co-author of the study. Rather than using
existing "stock" fuels like fossil fuels, he said, renewables put out enough excess energy to fuel their
own expansion.
While the majority of deployed renewables yield surplus benefits, those benefits aren't
necessarily equal, said Sally Benson, a professor of energy resources engineering at Stanford
University and co-author of the study, in a release from the institution.
"Within a few months, a wind turbine generates enough electricity to pay back all of the energy it
took to build it," she said. "But some photovoltaics have an energy payback time of almost two
years." (Nathanael Massey and Nature Magazine, March 21, 2014)
Aside from this approaches another best way to achieve sustainability is by promoting natural
ventilation. Natural ventilation is a key component of the passive design systems embodied in the

work of Architectus as part of our commitment to provide thermal comfort and a healthy indoor
environment through the sustainable use of natural resources.
Along Australias seaboard and throughout most of New Zealand a temperate oceanic climate
prevails. Warm to hot summers and mild winters generally provide favourable conditions for natural
ventilation in buildings.
Natural ventilation relies on pressure differential to deliver fresh air into buildings. This
differential can be wind generated or a result of the stack effect (buoyancy effect) of warm air rising.
Wind creates positive pressure on the windward side of buildings and negative pressure on the
leeward side. Pressure equalisation between the two provides horizontal cross ventilation of floor
plates. Wind driven natural ventilation requires a relatively direct and unobstructed route between the
windward side and leeward side of a building. Extreme wind conditions need to be moderated.
The stack effect is achieved through vertical separation of supply and exhaust openings. As air warms
its buoyancy increases. By purging hot air at high level cooler fresh air is drawn into the building at
low level. Buoyancy induced natural ventilation can be achieved through high and low level openings
within individual spaces or by linking a series of spaces to a vertical air path such as stair shafts,
thermal chimneys or open atria, therefore allowing fresh air to be drawn deep into a building.
General guidelines recommend single sided natural ventilation for spaces of up to 6m depth or with a
ratio of no more than 2.5 times depth to height. Double sided natural ventilation is typically
recommended for spaces of up to 12m depth. (architectus, 2014)
Natural ventilation needs to consider the following:

Climate - external air temperature and humidity range

Prevailing wind direction

Surrounding form of landscape and built environment

Adverse impact of noise and other forms of pollution

Building use and occupancy

Thermal comfort temperature range

Sample of Natural Ventilation

REVIEW OF RELATED STUDIES:

New Zealand's Eco Supreme Court Building

The new Supreme Court of New Zealand is a stunning feat of architecture that embodies the
country's traditions and history while serving as a model of sustainability. Located in Wellington, the
civic building was inspired by native plants of New Zealand and makes use of local and sustainable
materials throughout its construction. New Zealand-based, Warren & Mahoney designed the building
along with the renovation of the adjacent High Court building, and they were recently awarded a Gold
Best Award for their work.

The new Supreme Court Building was completed in 2004 along with the renovation of the old
High Court building.

The recycled metal shade screen provides privacy, sun shading, glare control and protection
from the weather on the second story.

The paneled courtroom is made up of 2294 silver beech panels angled and shaped to
enhance acoustics.

A skylight from the roof brings natural daylight into the inner sanctum.

Surrounding the central courtroom are administrative offices, judges chambers, and a library.

Richard Rogers' New Antwerp Law Courts Feature Unique Rainwater-Recycling Rooftops

The New Law Courts are designed with sustainability in mind: the building makes great use of natural
light, has low-velocity ventilation and recycles rainwater collected from its distinct rooftop.
-

Its most striking feature, the spiky roof structure with soaring spires, rise above a series of
paraboloid roofs that cover the courtrooms and recycle rainwater.

Pointed with an east-west orientation, the spires were placed for catching as much sunshine
as possible.

All along the building external glazed louvres regulate and reduce solar gain.

The use of pre-cast concrete means a lower energy intake, as its thermal mass properties will
absorb the heat from the surface, store it and release it steadily to the interiors.

For cooling down large hearing rooms, the architects used low velocity ventilation that mixes
the air distribution in the room.

CHAPTER 1.3
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Design: Descriptive
The research design/s used by the proponent is descriptive research and survey research.
This is because it will help the proponent to describe a situation more accurately than any other
research methods. It will also help identify the area of interest a lot more accurate. On the survey
research part the proponent will conduct a survey to at least 50 people, who visits courthouses and
have an idea of the facilities inside. This will also help determine the different opinions, preference
and personal interests of each courthouse visitors.
Research Design: Case Study
The case study is a photo-documentation along with interviews regarding the current status
of the courthouses in Metro Manila, pictures taken will help identify the needs of the courthouse in
order to improve its facilities and services.
Makati Courthouse:

One of many courtrooms in Makati

Like any other courtrooms in the building they all have identical designs and layouts, the ceiling is not
too high but also not too low and the seat of the judge is elevated, unlike the courthouses on other
countries we have no space for juries. We only have are the witness stand, the defense and the
accused side.

The only thing I observed inside the courtroom was the small spacing of the room. It can
only accommodate a handful of guests and witnesses, unlike those in other foreign countries where
they have beautiful high ceiling courtrooms along with a spacious room. Here inside the hall of justice
is a bit more reserved and private.

The hallways inside the building are about 2.5 3 meters wide which provide adequate
movements and allow people to move freely and avoid traffic in the hallway.

The Makati City Hall of Justice inside the city hall is an example of a courtroom, complete
with the materials needed, the only problem is the spaces. The room is a bit small and there is only
enough space for the judge to enter his stand. The number of people that can house a single
courtroom inside the Makati hall of justice is only limited. Another problem that the users complain is
the distance between the structure and the parking lot. Most of them said that the parking lot is too
far from the structure and they should provide a lift for people especially those who are disabled,
senior citizen, pregnant and with illness like asthma.

Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats Analysis (S.W.O.T)

Strengths:
City hall and Hall of Justice rolled into one structure
-

The Makati Hall of Justice along with the Cityhall is combined into one structure allowing for a
more convenient approach for the people within the municipality. Unlike some city wherein
they have different structures for the hall of justice and city hall.

Accessible for both private and public users

-

Going in the Hall of Justice is easy for commuters because you just need to board an MRT
and ride a jeep if you live a bit far from the site or you can use the Pasig River Ferry. As for
private vehicle owners it is no hassle at all to go to the site for it is located along Dr. J. P.
Rizal Avenue.

Weakness
Parking has no exception for the elderly or disabled
-

The only problem with the Makati Hall of Justice I see is the parking which is located a bit too
far from the facility. I read a blog about a concerned citizen regarding the distance he had to
travel from the parking lot all the way to the courtroom. Suggesting that there should be at
least a service to fetch the senior and disabled people and a private elevator for the PWD
only.

Opportunities
The site has a big enough lot for future expansions
-

The Makati Hall of Justices lot area is quite big to allow further expansions especially for the
growing needs of the city.

Many small businesses can benefit around the Hall of Justice

-

Small businesses like carenderias and small kiosks can find opportunity setting their
business near the Hall of Justice especially that the structure houses a lot of employees who
doesnt always prefer to eat at a restaurant.

Threats
Noise/Air Pollution
-

As we all know Makati is a very busy city, and like any other cities they cannot control the
noises produced by the vehicles coming in and out of the structure and those who pass by
the site. Another threat is those smoke belching vehicles who can cause harm to employees
and visitors that goes to the structure.

Research Instrument: Observation

The nature of this research is to Design an exceptional modern facility that will set the bar of
the judicial system of the country. This is because as of today there is no centralized courthouse in
Manila most of them are scattered within the city. The proponent wants to know if using a different
approach such as integrating additional spaces like recreational facilities in order for the employees to
be more efficient in serving the people.
The proponent will also give questionnaires asking the visitors of the courthouse what their
different preferences is, what else do they want to add within the courthouse. It may be another
room or just a switching of spaces but at least this will help in improving the proposed Hall of Justice.
The proponent will also use the naturalistic approach in observing because using this method it will
help the proponent determine what else is needed aside from conducting interviews and providing
questionnaires.

POPULATION AND SAMPLING

The proponents population universe will focus on the people who visits courthouses for they
will be the one who will support the proponents findings in his research. Out of the many people that
visit the courthouse the sampling group that will be chosen will only be at least 50 people ranging
from the ages 18-60 years old.

Sampling procedure
The sampling procedure that will be used for this research will be stratified sampling to
identify the different level of opinions by means of age. For group A the age limit will be from 18-25
for group B the age limit will be from 26-40 and lastly for group C the age limit will be from 41-60.
Dividing them by these groups it will be easier for the proponent to identify the different preferences
of people base on their age and knowledge.

CHAPTER 1.4
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS
Presentation of data collected
Sample survey questions

MAPUA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

School of Architecture, Industrial Design
and the Built Environment

Good Day! Im Julian Patrick M. Vitales currently taking up the course of Architecture at Mapua
Institute of Technology. As of now Im doing a case study for my research entitled Manila Hall of
Justice, moving towards the future of justice: Designing an exceptional modern facility
that will set the bar of the judicial system of the country.
I would like to ask a little of your time to answer these few questions that would help and allow me
to continue my research about the facility and structure of the Supreme Court. Thank you very much
and God bless!

1. What is your age?

a. 18-25

b. 26-35

c. 36-40

d. 40 above

c. A little

d. Very Much

2. Do you know the place well?

a. Not at all

b. Undecided

3. Is the facility easy to access for public commuters?

a. Not at all

b. Undecided

c. A little

d. Very Much

4. Is the facility easy to access for private vehicles?

a. Not at all

b. Undecided

c. A little

5. Are you happy with the facilities of the Courthouse?

a. Yes

b. No

d. Very Much

6. Is there any problem regarding the flow of traffic inside the building? The spacing of rooms?
a. State the problem/s if yes_____________________________________________
b. No
7. Does the outside surroundings affect the people inside the structure? (ex. Smoke, noise
pollution)
a. Not at all

b. Undecided

c. A little

d. Very Much

8. Is there a place inside the structure where employees can take a moment to release stress or just
sit and be able to focus?
a. Yes

b. No

9. In your own opinion does the facilities of the courthouse handle the needs of employees and
visitors of this new generation?
a. Yes

b. No

Need Analysis
For many years the judges and court employees have been squeezing themselves within the
Manila City Hall. Manila has been always missing their very own Hall of Justice like other cities have.
Courtroom employees have been always struggling with the poor courthouse facilities inside the city
hall because the city hall was never designed to hold a courtroom inside. The courtrooms inside also
have no proper ventilation that leads to a window that provides a sunlight.
Finding a new home for the courtrooms is a must especially for the growing needs of the
employees and their users. Providing a new facility for the courthouses will help in increasing the
employees efficiency.

QUANTITATIVE:
n = 500/1+(972x(1 0.98sq))
500 = estimated number of people who uses the courthouses per day
n=24.46 =25 respondents
*The actual questionnaire presented on the respondents
The survey questions were posted online and asked persons who frequently go to courthouses. Some
of the survey questions were conducted near courthouses and asked people who goes to courthouses
and people who know the place because they are almost there every day.
Courthouses visited for survey:
Supreme Court
Manila City Hall

RESULTS:
1. What is your age?

The total number of percentage is 15% 20% 35% and 30% respectively, This shows that most
people going to the courthouses are ranging from the ages 36 above.

2. Do you know the place well?

The total number of percentage is 6% 25% 35% and 34% respectively. Most of the people the
researcher surveyed know the place quite well this maybe because they are almost every day at the
courthouse. There were a handful of people who was not familiar with the place because that was the
first time they visited the site.

3. Is the facility easy to access for public commuters?

The percentages are as follows, 5% 30% 40% 25% only a few people the researcher surveyed said
that it was hard getting to the courthouse from their home mainly because they live too far from the
courthouse. But aside from that reason most people said that the site were not that hard to access
especially for commuters.

4. Is the facility easy to access for private commuters?

The total numbers of percentages are 6% 20% 29% and 45% respectively. The researcher asked the
people (even if they have no private vehicle) if the sites were easy to access to private commuters,
and most of them said that it is quite easy when you have a vehicle of your own. The only problem
they said was the lack of parking. Because most of the parking spaces in the courthouses are used
mostly by employees of the structure.

5. Are you happy with the facilities of the courthouse?

87% of the people surveyed said that they were not happy with the current facility of the structure,
that it was too old and outdated to still be functioning. The remaining 13% said that they dont mind
the old facilities as long as the employees do their jobs fast and right.

6. Is there any problem regarding the flow of traffic inside the building? The spacing of rooms ?

The people who were asked if there was any problem with the traffic flow inside the facility most of
them said that inside the courtrooms, it was not spacious enough. And that the seats are too few and
they were telling what if the numbers of witnesses are many? Where will they sit? And they said that
they have no waiting areas near courtrooms for relatives.

7. Does the outside surroundings affect the people inside the structure? (ex. Smoke, noise
pollution)

The number of percentages are as follows, 35% 15% 20% and 30% respectively. According to the
people that were surveyed they were almost mixed with uncertainty because some of them said that
the noises outside can be heard from inside the courtrooms. Others said that they dont hear

anything. The remaining few really didnt care about the noises they heard outside as long as the
hearing is louder than the noise outside.
8. Is there a place inside the structure where employees can take a moment to release stress or just
sit and be able to focus?

The number of percentages are as follows YES = 68% this is because most of them think that the
hallways are a place to unwind, some of them tend to smoke on hallways near the windows in the
Manila City Hall not considering the other people passing by. The remaining 32% who said NO are
those who said that the structure needs a specific room or area near the courtrooms where
employees can relax and release stress, this is because most of them goes to the parking lots which
is far from the courtrooms.

9. In your own opinion does the facility of the courthouse handle the needs of employees and visitors
of this new generation?

Almost all of the people who conducted the survey (92%) agreed that that the facilities of todays
courthouses do not support the needs of the new generation. They said that they lack the technology
to give the needs of the people. Most of them do not have the right equipment. The remaining 8%
didnt care much about technology and said that the facility is still ok and functioning.

QUALITATIVE:
INTERVIEW APPROACH:
The method used in the interview was a combination of both informal and formal interviews.
Informal interview was a normal conversation where the researcher and the interviewee has
an open ended questions and do not follow a certain questionnaire.
The next was the formal interview where the interviewee was asked a few questions and
answered specifically regarding the questions.
INTERVIEW RESPONDENT:
There were a total of 2 interviewees 1 of them answered both formal and informal interviews
and the other answered only informal interview.

FORMAL INTERVIEW:
Interviewee: Arch. Erik Abordo
Works at: DPWH NCR
Position: Architect at DPWH NCR planning division
1. What is the role of DPWH regarding the project? (centralization of Manila courthouses)
- Consultant of building laws
2. Is the DPWH responsible for the designing of courthouses within Metro Manila?
- No, usually the Supreme Court holds a design competition in which the winner will turnover their
design to the Supreme Court and will become the basis of the design.
3. Is there any other proposed location aside from the GSIS building?
- It is very hard to find a location nowadays in Manila because almost all of them are occupied
already. But you can try the PRC building since they will be now transferring to Macapagal and
already has a budget.
4. Why do they need to transfer?
- First of all Manila has no Hall of Justice, instead they have these small courthouses located on
different parts of the city and some of them are renting. Another reason is that they want to
centralize their courthouses and turn it into a single structure.
5. What type of design do they prefer? Modern or Classical?
- Actually the government does not care whether the design is modern or classical as long as its
formal. Meaning the structure is symmetrical, that is the only requirement of the government.
6. Is there a standard in designing a courthouse here in the country where all designers
should follow?
- As far as I know we follow the international standard, Im not sure if the Supreme Court requires
designers to follow a certain rule or specific design.
INFORMAL INTERVIEW:
He told the researcher that the idea of having their own Manila Hall of Justice was pushed
last 2012, but then it never continued. He said that Manila should have their own Hall of Justice
especially because Manila is the capital of the Philippines. When asked what he thinks about the idea
of the Hall of Justice being moved to the GSIS building, he said that it should be demolished and

construct a new structure instead. But he told the researcher that I needs approval from the NCCA
because it is already a heritage building that is already 50+ years old. He said that it would be a
perfect location to place the new Hall of Justice because it is near the City Hall and is easy to access
for commuters because it is near the LRT and can be accessed by both bus and Jeeps.

INFORMAL INTERVIEW:
Interviewee: Atty. Cesar Vitales
Works at: EVELO in Shaw Blvd
He said that most courtrooms have only small rooms and cannot accommodate many
viewers. And when asked if there was any time during his hearing that there were too many viewers
that some of them had to stand up just to watch. He said yes, and it happens to different cases. He
suggests that if any future courthouse are to be erected it should have a spacious courtroom where it
can house at least 50 or more viewers, and have their own detention rooms per courtroom. He said
that detainees were staying at a different floor far away from the courtroom and it was a common
room meaning all detainees stayed at that specific area. A courtroom having their own detention
room can be helpful because they dont have to wait too long to call a detainee.
CONCLUSION:
The data gathered during the interviews was a big help to achieve the main goal of the
proposal which was to construct a new Justice Hall for Manila and to be able to set the bar of the
judicial system of the country.
The related studies and case studies were used as models in order for the researcher to
further understand how the courthouses work and to be able to study the planning and facilities
required and needed for this kind of project.
Through this research method that was used to gather necessary informations, and
the data collected, the researcher therefore conclude that problems stated in Chapter 1.1 actually
exist and needed actions.

Specifically:
-

The old and outdated facilities that needs improvement to support the growing needs of the
community

The small courtrooms that can only accommodate about 20-30 persons

Lacking a detention center in every courtrooms

The surrounding environment needs improvement

The addition for lounges specifically for the employees for them to relax and unwind and not
on any hallways.

Providing a spacious hallways much like in Makati Hall of Justice

Having adequate ventilation on every courtrooms

CHAPTER 5:
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This study is conducted for the people of Manila in order for them to have brief information
about the current status of the courthouses in the city. The problem was to find a new home for the
courthouses here in Manila and have their very own Hall of Justice.
CONCLUSION:
Manila being the countrys capital should represent as a role model for every other city in the
country. That being said, there are still problems that happens and one of those problems is that
Manilas courthouses are scattered within the city, some of which are just renting spaces just to
operate while others are located inside the Manila city hall but are poorly placed and without any
ventilation. Creating their very own Hall of Justice will help improve the state of the city and in
addition to that they will have another landmark that will help in making the city worthy to look up to.
RECOMMENDATION:
Creating their very own Hall of Justice that will house the courthouses of Manila will help
improve the tourism of the city, it will also help in improving the judicial system in the city. Providing
modern facilities inside the structure will help make the work of employees a lot easier and will be
able to serve the people better. Constructing additional facilities such as a small gym where
employees can release stress and stay fit. Another is a space where they can just sit, think, enjoy a
cup of coffee and chat with fellow employees and basically escape from the stress even for a
moment.

CHAPTER 2: RESEARCH FOCUS

2.1 RATIONALE
This study is intended to provide comprehensive and information pertaining to Zero Energy
Building and avoiding indoor polluted air. In doing this we can save a lot and avoid unnecessary
consumption of power. This building still produces greenhouse gases because on non-windy days and
especially at night conventional grid power is still the main source.
We can do this by providing natural ventilation/cross ventilation to reduce the use of airconditioning units (heat reduction). Another approach the researchers can use is daylighting, by
proving photovoltaic panels (PV) it can collect sunlight and can turn into electricity that can be used
during night time or sometimes if there is no winds present. Adding these innovations will help in
promoting the governments awareness in the environment. Another addition is the rainwater
collection system that can be implemented on the building, this is suitable because Manila is one of
the areas where floods mostly occurs. Doing this approach will at least help reduce the flooding
within the city. The Hall of Justice must also be PWD friendly, meaning that the facilities must always
consider the PWDs and in doing so the study will follow the guidelines provided by Reach Canada
Equality and Justice for people with disabilities. Specifically Components of Courthouse Guidelines
and Checklists for Promoting Disability Accommodations and Accessibility
2.2 PRINCIPLES AND RELEVANCE TO THE PROJECT
The study aims to provide a structure that will provide not only a fair and just trial but also
give the people a structure that can ensure their safety and security. The research study concludes
that most of the courthouses here in Metro Manila still need improvement and some of the cities have
no Hall of Justice just like Manila.
The study will focus on the innovations that can help the structure to become a better facility
for the people and to be able to help the environment at the same in order for them to set an
example to other government facilities.
Aside from the different innovations that will be provided for the design and aesthetics of the
building the researcher will consider the PWDs accessibility within the structure, thus following the
guidelines of Reach Canada which are as follows:

Barriers within the Physical or Built Environment

Courthouses that are heritage edifices or are simply old remain in use. They may lack
accommodations not required when they were built, such as entrance ramps, accessible corridors,
elevators, accessible washrooms and appropriate signage. Forms of accommodation such as electric
door opening devices may not have been available at the time of construction of the courthouse. All
older courthouses still in use be retrofitted and/or renovated to make them as accessible as possible
to persons with disabilities. All new courthouses should obviously be designed right, right from the
beginning.
The following features, among others, need to be addressed to attain full accessibility now or in a
timely manner:

Public entrances

Entrances for use by court personnel

Secure entrances for use by detainees and detention officers

Security barriers (or an adjacent accessible route if they incorporate devices such as metal
detectors that cannot be made accessible)

Corridors throughout public areas

Spectator and press seating areas

Jury boxes and witness stands (except where the necessary renovations cannot be made
without obstructing required exits)

Judges' benches

Location and design of stations or tables for clerks, bailiffs, court reporters, litigants and
counsel

Moreover, as ARCH points out, and as stipulated by the London and Wellington standards,
seating for spectators and the press must be considered. Examples are providing widely-spaced seats,
not benches, and sufficient aisle room to allow wheelchair and scooter access throughout the seating
area. The Ontario Human Rights Commission "Policy and Guidelines on Duty to Accommodate" (2000,
at page 15) observes that "accommodation requires up front barrier-free design and inclusion-bydesign" in order to integrate persons with disabilities more fully into all aspects of society. Nowadays
when old courthouses are renovated and new courthouses are built, "universal design" considerations

should also be in the forefront of planning considerations. Universal design is an approach intended
to ensure that products and buildings can be used by virtually everyone, regardless of their level of
ability or disability. Universal design is not a design style, but an orientation to design, based on the
following premises:

Disability is not a special condition of a few;

It is ordinary and effects most of us for some part of our lives;

If a design works well for people with disabilities, it works better for everyone;

Usability and aesthetics are mutually compatible.

Both the London and the Wellington Standards strive to incorporate the principles of universal
design and the respect for the dignity of persons with disabilities inherent in the Ontario Human
Rights Code in making the built environment accessible to persons with mobility, visual, hearing,
intellectual, stamina and dexterity impairments.
Many persons with hidden disabilities and low literacy skills avoid disclosing any limitations. Hence
their fair access to court procedures would be assisted most by application of "universal" and "barrierfree" design.
Communication Barriers
As a general principle, "Persons with disabilities, and particularly persons with intellectual
disabilities, should be presumed to be capable of participating fully in all aspects of the justice system
unless there is a compelling reason not to do so." Documents on paper are often a barrier to persons
with visual impairments or dyslexia. Non-exclusive options for related accommodation include the
following:

Providing documents in Braille

Making enlargement equipment available for reading small print in court documents and
legislation

Providing all correspondence and documents in electronic form, and made available both by
e-mail and on electronic media such as CDs.

Equipping courthouses with computers that can be moved to courtrooms, conference rooms,
judges' chambers and other venues as needed, and ensuring that the computers are loaded
with the following software and hardware:

1. Legible large-type fonts and Braille fonts

2. Printer that can handle large and enlarged fonts
3. Non-distorting monitor that can be set to a resolution which enlarges the information on the
screen to the desired size
4. Keyboard with tactile markings for home keys
5. Text to speech conversion software
6. Speakers
7. Sound output jacks
Other Sources of Precedent and Advice for Good Guidelines
A Courthouse Access Advisory Committee has been organized by the United States Access Board to
explore the accessibility of courtrooms and other courthouse spaces, including best practices, design
solutions, promotion of accessible features, and educational opportunities. The committee's members
include designers and architects, disability groups, judges, court administrators, representatives of
standard-setting entities and others with an interest in the issues to be explored.
The Committee's group on Courthouse Access is exploring the following matters, among others:

Courthouse entrances

Approach to entrance (including "plinths" as a symbol of the court's dignity)

Alternate accessible entrances

Accessibility

Communication (buzzers, intercom, etc)

Staff entrances

Security

Sallyports

Service counters

Kiosks

Exhibits

Cashier desks

Clerk's counters

Jury Assembly Rooms

Interior path of travel

"One route of travel for everyone"

Signage

Probation offices and areas

Path of travel from parking to entrance

Exterior travel between buildings

Parking

The group looking at Courtroom Access has identified the following areas as within their anticipated
scope of work

Courtrooms

Judge's Chamber Suite

Jury Deliberation areas

Holding Cells

Attorney/Client Interview rooms

Lawyer conference rooms

Circulation

Emergency Evacuation

Courtroom Types:

Jury

Non-jury

Hearing

Appellate/Panel

2.3 APPLICATIONS TO PROJECT

The application of minimizing the use of grid power through the use of sustainable approach
will be applied on the design of all the facilities of the structure that will be used by the employees as
well as the public. The poor facility doesnt necessarily mean the design but it also pertains about
materials used by the employees which are mostly outdated or old. This is why design techniques will
be used throughout the entire structure.

Different innovations will be used to help improve the facilities of the structure and increase
the efficiency of the employees.
1. Healthy Working Environment
Having a clean environment will greatly increase the productivity of the people within the
facility. Another is the maintenance of the facilities inside and the addition of new ways to improve
functionality of the building.
-

The application of cross-ventilation within the building to reduce the use of air conditioning
units.

Providing a natural lighting for each rooms to avoid unnecessary use of lights especially
during daytime.

Providing a rainwater collection system that they can use to water their surrounding garden,
this will also help reduce the flooding within the city especially during rainy season.

Installing Photovoltaic panels (PV) that can collect solar energy which can be transformed as
electricity and can be used during the night.

2. Aesthetics
Considering a healthy working environment is not enough to increase the productivity of the
employees. Another approach that needs to be considered is the aesthetics of the structure. Have a
good faade will bring attention to the structure especially that the study aims the structure to
become a landmark of the city.
-

Using recycled materials while considering the stability of the structure.

Providing wide hallways in order to avoid bottle necks especially during important trials.

Adding additional seats in every courtrooms to provide for the growing needs of the
courtrooms.

Providing state of the art facilities to help the employees do their job with ease resulting to a
great productivity increase.

Providing lounges for the judges and other employees of the courtrooms for them to have a
place to think, unwind and relax during a stressful trial.

Consideration of the colors that will be used inside and outside the facility as they set the
mood of the people within the structure.

The compatibility of the interior with respect to the exterior faade to maintain balance and
proximity with each other.

3. Safety and Security

With the first two considerations being said, one last consideration is needed to complete the
structure and that is the safety and security of the structure and the people using it.
-

Having a tight security within the compound inside and outside the structure

Providing a security office within the structure where people can be investigated or can ask
for help

Placing CCTVs within the facilities to increase safety of the structure.

Placing a detention room for every courtroom within the building so that inmates can wait
close to the courtroom.

Placing of fire exits within every courtroom of the facility.

CHAPTER 3: SITE IDENTIFICATION AND ANALYSIS

3.1 SITE SELECTION PROCESS
3.1.1 CRITERIAS FOR SITE SELECTION
1. Lot Size
2. Site Physical and Appearance
3. Zoning
4. Utilities
5. Surrounding Areas
LOT SIZE:
-

Is the site big enough to accommodate the new structure that will be constructed?

Will there be enough outdoor areas?

Is the site easy to access to both public and private commuters?

SITE PHYSICAL AND APPEARANCE

-

Is the terrain sloped? Or is it relatively flat?

Is the site located in a hazardous area? Ex: Fire prone area and earthquake prone area?

ZONING
-

Is the site permitted to construct a government facility?

Do they have any special law or ordinance regarding the site?

Is the site privately owned or is it owned by the government?

UTILITIES
-

Is the water and sewer available?

Is there sufficient electrical power to accommodate the new structure?

Is there any available telephone line ready to be used?

SURROUNDING AREAS
-

Is the site located near any other government facilities?

Any school/universities near the site?

Is it visible or easy to go to?

Is this a rural or urban setting?

3.1.2 SITE OPTION DESCRIPTION

These were 3 possible sites picked from different locations in Manila which will be the target region of
the proposal.
1. The first site selected is where the old Jai Alai building was constructed and was demolished last
2000.
2. The second site selected is the current PRC office in Morayta, it was learned that they will soon
transfer to a new office in Pasay so the structure in Morayta will be vacant and is owned by the
government.
3. The third and final site selected is the old GSIS building near SM Manila it has been long
abandoned and has become a cultural heritage in Manila.

Manila Jai Alai Bldg (Demolished 2000)

LOT SIZE:
-

The lot is big enough to accommodate any further plans to extend the site

It is located near Taft Avenue

SITE PHYSICAL AND APPEARANCE:

-

The site is located on a relatively flat terrain

The site is safe from fire hazards as most buildings have setbacks

The site is located on a flood prone area

ZONING:
-

Located near an Institution

Nearby Institutional Facilities:

Adamson University

Araullo Highschool

SURROUNDING AREAS:
-

The site is near Institutional facilities

It is also near the Rizal Park

It is visible mainly because it is located along Taft Avenue and is easy to access for both
public and private commuters

PRC office in Morayta (To transfer soon to a new site in Pasay)

LOT SIZE:
-

The lot site is only enough to accommodate the Hall of Justice but not enough for future
developments.

Located near Espana Boulevard and Morayta

SITE PHYSICAL AND APPEARANCE:

-

Located on a relatively flat terrain

Buildings on the side has only firewalls and no setbacks

Flood prone

ZONING:
-

Located near an institutional facility (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)

SURROUNDING AREAS:
-

The site is near an LRT station making it an easy access to LRT users

It is also accessible to both public and private commuters, especially those who travel by
Jeep.

The old GSIS building near SM Manila

LOT SIZE:
-

The lot is spacious enough to accommodate the Hall of Justice

The site is located along Natividad Lopez St. and Antonio Villegas St.

SITE PHYSICAL AND APPEARANCE:

-

Located in a relatively flat terrain

The site has setbacks making it safe from any fire hazards

ZONING:
-

Located near an institutional facility

Located near a government facility

SURROUNDING AREAS:

The site is located near LRT central station making it easy to go to for LRT users

It is also near SM Manila

The site is also near the Manila City Hall, so basically they dont have to go too far from the
city hall to the justice hall.

It is near Institutional facilities like University of Manila

3.1.3 SITE JUSTIFICATION AND SELECTION

The site selected was the old GSIS building near SM Manila mainly because of the advantages it
showed that the other two cannot provide specifically:
-

First is the accessibility of the site from commuters both public and private because it can be
accessed through the use of LRT. For bus users travelling from the south you can get off
from Manila City Hall and from there it is only a matter of a walking distance. Those travelling
from the north is the same also as you can get off from Manila City Hall and start walking
from there. Using a private vehicle is also no hassle in going to the site as you can travel
through Antonio Villegas St. or along Natividat Lopez St.

The terrain of the municipality is relatively flat making it a lot more easy to work with

Since the site is already a heritage because of its old age, the research can use the adaptivereuse approach so they can still maintain the external faade of structure while changing the
interior of it.

The site is safe from earthquake hazards and fire hazards because of the structure having
setbacks on the site.

The site is near a commercial building an institutional building and a government building,
also the lot is owned by the government so it is just right to construct another government
building facility on the site.

Preserving the heritage and improving its use can easily make the structure a landmark of the
city making it another tourist spot and improving the state of Manila making it worthy to
become Philippines capital.

3.2 SITE EVALUATION AND ANALYSIS

3.2.1 THE MACRO SETTING

METRO MANILA
Metropolitan Manila commonly known as Metro Manila, the National Capital Region (NCR) of
the Philippines, is the seat of government and the most populous region and metropolitan area of the
country

which

is

composed

of

the City

of

Manila and

the

cities

of Caloocan, Las

Pias, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina,Muntinlupa, Navotas, Paraaque, Pasay, Pasig, Quezo
n City, San Juan, Taguig, and Valenzuela, as well as the Municipality of Pateros.
The region is the center of culture, economy, education, and government of the Philippines. Its most
populous and largest city in terms of land area is Quezon City, with the center of business and
financial activities in Makati (with the Makati CBD and Makati Poblacion). Binondo, the oldest
Chinatown in the world located in the City of Manila is also a center of the thriving economic activities
in the region, along with Ermita and Malate. Other financial areas within the region include: Ortigas
Center, which is shared by the cities of Mandaluyong and Pasig, with parts of it belonging to Quezon
City; Bonifacio

Global

City in

the

border

ofTaguig and

Makati; Araneta

Center, Eastwood

City and Triangle Park in Quezon City; Bay City reclamation area, which is split between the cities
of Pasay and Paraaque; and Alabang in Muntinlupa.
Metro Manila is the most populous of the 12 defined metropolitan areas in the Philippines and
the 11th most populous in the world. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 11,855,975,
equivalent to 13% of the national population.[2] The sum of total population of provinces with a
density above 700 people per square kilometer (more than double the national average) in a
contiguous zone with Metro Manila is 25.5 million people as of the 2007 census. One way to refer to
the conurbation around Metro Manila is Greater Manila Area, Metro Manila itself is compact,
constituting 1/4 of Davao City's land area.

CITY OF MANILA
LOT SIZE
-

Manila is located on the eastern shores of Manila bay, which rests on the western shores
of Luzon. The city lies 800 miles (1,300 kilometers) from mainland Asia.[46] The Pasig
River bisects

the

city.

Almost

all

of

the

city

sits

on

top

of

centuries

of

prehistoric alluvial deposits built by the waters of the Pasig and on some land reclaimed
from Manila Bay.
-

Manila is divided into 897 barangays, the smallest unit of local government in the Philippines.
Each barangay has its own chairperson and councilors. For administrative convenience, all the

barangays in Manila are grouped into 100 zones. These zones have no form of local
government. Manila is composed of 16 former towns and municipalities which was absorbed
by the city in the 19th century. These settlements are now known as places within the city.
They are further grouped into the six legislative districts of Manila.

SITE PHYSICAL AND APPEARANCE

-

The city's land has been altered substantially by human intervention, with considerable land
reclamation along the waterfronts since the American colonial times. Some of the natural
variations in topography have been evened out due to the urbanization of the city. The city
occupies an area of 38.55 square kilometres (14.88 sq mi).

NEIGHBORHOOD
-

The city of Manila is also surrounded by developing cities Pasay is located on the south of
Manila as well as Makati. Mandaluyong and San Juan is located along the eastern side of
Manila and lastly Caloocan is located on the northern part of the city.

ZONING AND LAND USE

-

The city of Manila has been transforming from one image to another that is trying to
recapture its past glory as one of the most beautiful cities of the world.

Achieving design excellence encourages the use of general principles modified for local
conditions the development strategies for the city includes the following:
1. Uncover a unifying element
- Creation of open spaces, important avenues, strong patterned streets or a natural feature of
the city.
- Identifying important buildings or monuments to be focal points of the city.
2. Encouragement of Mixed use and Multi use
3. Clustering of related activities
4. Defining of outdoor spaces
- The improvement and creation of buildings, streets, walkways and landscape features to
achieve definition through site design.

5. Promotion of pedestrian activity

6. Great streets
7. Roof Gardens
- Enhances the city through the placement of rooftop greenery to compensate for the much
needed open space for the city.

3.2.2 THE MICRO SETTING

The old GSIS building near SM Manila

LOT SIZE:
-

The lot is spacious enough to accommodate the Hall of Justice

The site is located along Natividad Lopez St. and Antonio Villegas St.

SITE PHYSICAL AND APPEARANCE:

-

Located in a relatively flat terrain

The site has setbacks making it safe from any fire hazards

ZONING:
-

Located near an institutional facility

Located near a government facility

SURROUNDING AREAS:
-

The site is located near LRT central station making it easy to go to for LRT users

It is also near SM Manila

The site is also near the Manila City Hall, so basically they dont have to go too far from the
city hall to the justice hall.

It is near Institutional facilities like University of Manila

3.2.3 RELATED LAWS AND ORDINANCES

Since the chosen site is a cultural heritage the researcher will be following the International Charter
For The Conservation And Restoration Of Monuments And Sites (The Venice Charter) and the Burra
Charter as the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) also follows these rules when
preserving a natural heritage.
Definition
Article 1.
The concept of a historic monument embraces not only the single architectural work but also the
urban or rural setting in which is found the evidence of a particular civilization, a significant
development or a historic event. This applies not only to great works of art but also to more modest
works of the past which have acquired cultural significance with the passing of time.
The Burra Charter advocates a cautious approach to change; do as much as necessary to care for the
place and to make it useable, but otherwise change it as little as possible so that its cultural
significance is retained.

Adaption modifying a place to suit the existing use or a proposed use.

CONSERVATION PRINCIPLES
Article 3.
Cautious Approach
3.1

Conservation is based on a respect for the existing fabric, use, associations and meanings. It

requires a cautious approach of changing as much as necessary but as little as possible.

Article 15.
Change
15.1

Change may be necessary to retain cultural significance, but is undesirable where it reduces

cultural significance. The amount of change to a place should be guided by the cultural significance of
the place and its appropriate interpretation.
15.3

Demolition of significant fabric of a place is generally not acceptable. However in some cases

minor demolition may be appropriate as part of conservation. Removed significant fabric should be
reinstated when circumstances permit.

Article 21.
Adaptation
21.1

Adaptation is acceptable only where the adaption has minimal impact on the cultural

significance of the place.

21.2

Adaptation should involve minimal change to significant fabric, achieved only after

considering alternatives.
Article 22
New Work
22.1

New work such as additions to the place may be acceptable where it does not distort or

obscure the cultural significance of the place, or detract from its interpretation and appreciation.
22.2

New work should be readily identifiable as such.

3.3 SITE DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS

3.3.1 SITE ANALYSIS

NEARBY SITES/LANDMARKS

Manila City Hall

Universidad de Manila

SM Manila

SITE DIMENSIONS:

125.77M

81.94M

80.89M

122.57M

CIRCULATORY ANALYSIS:

A
N
T
O
N
I
O
V
I
L
L
E
G
A
S
NATIVIDAD LOPEZ ST.

SENSORY ANALYSIS:

This area produces fresh

air due to the tree buffers
near the site.

This part of the site

produces minimal noise
as it is close to an
institutional place.

The intersection produces the most

noise around the area for this is
where the vehicles intersect and
causes traffic.

MICRO CLIMATIC ANALYSIS

Northeastern Monsoon

Sun rise
Sun set

Southwestern Monsoon

SITE PROBLEMS AND POTENTIALS

PROBLEMS:
-

The proposed elevation of the structure is limited with respect to the height provided by the
old GSIS building

The frontage of the building may cause noise pollution due to the intersecting minor roads.

POTENTIALS:
-

The proposed site is located near an institutional place and a government place.

The lot is also owned by the government.

Can easily become a landmark of the city due to the heritage of the structure.

The site is very accessible to the public as you can travel to it by either public or private
vehicles.

The site is near to transportation hubs that makes it easy for commuters.

SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN:

Since the existing site has already a structure that is considered a heritage it cannot be demolished to
give way to a new structure. Instead the approach the researcher will use will be adaptive re-use
wherein they will change the interior of the building to comply to the needs of the Manila courthouses
and the exterior will remain the same in order to preserve its cultural heritage.

REFERENCES:
1. Causes of Poor Indoor Air Quality and what you can do about it. By: Cornell University (Feb 2002)
Retrieved from: http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/extension/files/download/Air_Quality.pdf
2. Zero energy building. Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zero-energy_building
3. Wind and solar harvest enough energy now to pay back manufacture plus add storage. By:
Nathanael

Massey

and

Nature

Magazine

(March

21,

2014)

Retrieved

from:

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/wind-and-solar-harvest-enough-energy-now-to-pay-backmanufacture-plus-add-storage/
4.

Natural

Ventilation

By:

architectus

(2014)

http://www.architectus.com.au/en/sustainability/articles/natural-ventilation

TAX DECLARATION OF THE GSIS BUILDING:

Retrieved

from:

LETTER FROM DPWH (Office of the Secretary)