De GUZMAN, JNB (Part 1 2 3 & Related Appendices)

Proposed Approach on Adaptive Reuse of the
Metropolitan Theater for the National Commission

For Culture and the Arts Cultural Complex Building
A Thesis Presented to the

School of Architecture, Industrial Design & the Built Environment
Mapua Institute of Technology
In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements in Architectural Design 9/ AR200/ AR200Sfor the

Degree of Bachelor of Science in Architecture
by
Jonah Neill Bryan D. De Guzman
BS. Architecture
2010122707, 4th Year
Architect Junar Pakingan Tablan, uap, MSAE

Adviser
December 2014
Proposed Approach on Adaptive Reuse of the Metropolitan Theater

for the National Commission for Culture and the Arts Cultural Complex Building
De Guzman, Jonah Neill Bryan D.
Table of Contents
Part I. The Problem and Its Background
Chapter I.1
General Overview_
Introduction
Background of the Study
Statement of the Problem
Project Goals, Objectives and Strategies
Significance of the Study
Scope and Limitation
Assumptions
10
Conceptual Framework
10
Definition of Terms
12
Acronyms
12
Chapter I.2
Review of Related Literature and Studies
13
Related Literature
13
Related Studies/ Projects
18
Chapter I.3
Research Methodology
22
Research Design
24
Population and Sampling
37
Research Instruments
38
Chapter I.4
Summary of Findings and Analysis
Presentation of Collected Data
39
39
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Need Analysis
Chapter I.5
Conclusions and Recommendations
Part II. Research Focus
44
46
48
Chapter II.1
Rationale
49
Chapter II.2
Principles and Relevance to the Project
51
Chapter II.3
Application to the Project
51
Part III. Site Identification and Analysis

Chapter III.1 Site Selection Process
56
56
Criteria for Site Selection
57
Site Option Description
60
Site Selection and Justification
60
Chapter III.2 Site Evaluation and Analysis
64
The Macro Setting
64
The Micro Setting
67
Related Laws and Ordinances
71
Chapter III.3 Site Development Options
73
Site Analysis
73
Proposed Site Development Plan
74
Related Appendices
80
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PART 1. THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Chapter I.1
GENERAL OVERVIEW
I.
Introduction
A government agency is usually an appointed commission that is an organization in
the government system that is responsible for monitoring and administrating of a specific
purpose. The role of an agency are executive in character since different types of
organizations and committees are constituted in a recommended role. It is created to develop
the use of agencies to improve efficiency in public service in terms of giving a protection to
the rights of the people.
A government agency may be established by a national legislation or executive power
like the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. They are the Philippines arts and
cultural public-benefit regulatory commission arts council agency that is a responsible for the
needs, administration, regulation and protection for the rights of Filipino artists, heritage, and
our culture.
The proposed study intends to provide well planned and strategic government agency
for culture and the arts office building that caters the needs of such agency particularly the
National Commission for Culture and the Arts. The target users of the facility will be the
tourists, artists, museum visitors, and mostly the public as it provides exhibits and workshops
for the awareness of our culture. The end market will be the staff, employees of each
department and committees and other related maintenances. The proponent is to cultivate and
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improve a functional National Commission for Culture and the Arts office complex which
can provide the facilities they need to deliver as it implies to their purpose.
II.
Background of the Study

The National Commission for Culture and Arts, located in Intramuros, Manila,
Philippines, was known before as the Presidential Commission on Culture when, in 1987,
then-president Corazon Aquino signed the Executive Order number 118. At the year of 1992,
the National Commission for Culture and the Arts or the NCCA was created when this
presidential directive was legislated into a law, Republic Act 7356 or the NCCA Act.
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), is generally the policy
making body, organizing, directing, managing, and grant giving agency for the protection,
conservation and security development and promotion of Philippine arts, culture and
heritage. It is an executing agency for the policies it formulates for safeguarding all aspects
of arts and culture in the Philippines. They are also in charge to controlling and managing
the National Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts (NEFCA), a fund exclusively for the
implementation of culture and arts programs and projects.
The official website of National Commission for Culture and the Arts stated that the
governments support for cultural development is particularly highlighted by the passage of
R.A. 7356 that created the NCCA. The coordination among the cultural agencies was
strengthened by the virtue of Executive Order No. 80, which placed the Cultural Center of
the Philippines, the National Historical Institute (now, the National Historical Commission of
the Philippines), the National Museum, The National Library (now, The National Library of
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the Philippines), and the Records, Management, and Archives Office (now, the National
Archives of the Philippines) under the NCCA umbrella. Further, through Republic Act No.
9155, administratively attached the earlier aforementioned five cultural agencies to the
NCCA, including now the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino / Commission on the Filipino
Language. Thus, the NCCA is responsible for culture and the arts in the Philippines --- and,
if not in the name, the de facto Ministry of Culture. The Commission together with the six
cultural agencies works with the principle of partnership, collaboration and shared
responsibility in achieving effectively and efficiently the implementation of cultural
programs as well as maximizing of resources.
The NCCA was created to serve as the presidential inter-agency commission to
coordinate cultural policies and programs that promotes our culture and arts and preserves
historic heritage sites.
III.
Statement of the Problem

Government Agencies are mostly made by a collection of different offices that acts
together to function as to what kind of agency they are. As to what is the National
Commission for Culture and the Arts, they are not just an office but a place for artistic values
such as performing arts and visual arts. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts
main objective and goals is to encourage the development of culture by the people
themselves, to conserve, promote and protect the nations historical and cultural heritage, to
ensure dissemination of artistic and cultural products, standards of excellence in programs
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and activities to promote Philippine Culture. Their office requires theaters, workshop rooms,
and exhibit areas to function truly as a commission for the arts.
It is a fact that the National Commission for Culture and the Arts needs more
improved facility not just to cater their office needs but also the artistic requirements for their
offices goals and objective for the Filipino culture preservation and protection and
promotion.
IV.
Project Goals, Objectives and Strategies

The primary goal of the study is to provide and adapt to a facility that an arts
commission can cater and function properly as it will give the National Commission for
Culture and Arts the proper spaces needed and dedicated for such agency. It seeks to provide
improved facilities and introduce innovations mainly to enhance the experience of the people
using the structure, to be an effective office that can promote their agencys mission and
goals properly and to influence and enlighten tourists of what culture and traditions and
artistic values our country has.
To suitably provide solutions, a set of objectives are listed to guide and deliver the
views on track:
To increase the functionality of the National Commission for Culture and
Arts
To study the spaces and facilities of the existing structure to understand the
needs of the building and incorporate new and improved spaces.
To upgrade the office to a more effective arts commission
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To strengthen the agencys government body in the aspect of accessibility

To deliver built agency complex that is innovative and functional
The strategies to be done are the following:

Research background about the agency
Study existing structure and find problematic issues architecturally
Learn the needed spaces by their own office preferences
Study the required spaces
Conduct case studies in the current office
Conduct surveys and interviews regarding their agency
V.
Significance of the Study

The proposed National Commission for Culture and the Arts Complex Office should
be an environment which encourages and promotes the development of the said agency and
also the publics strengths for their involvement of the culture within the context of their
own.
The study helps readers; architects, students, professionals, designers, and artists to
cater a design for a specialized arts agency office for the public integrating the needs of a
particular office. Through the gathered data and information, solutions that can answer the
said problems can also be improved and studied further by them. This basically aims to
expand the knowledge in terms of the architecture and design of any facility that is allotted; it
may be an agency, and workshop facility specialized in arts. To contribute to the
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understanding of the spatiality of organizations and the organizational implications of space,

this paper suggests investigating the multiple networks in which people engage, the
employees, staff and public eyes.
VI.
Scope and Limitation

The scope of this study covers the new design of a government commission on arts
agency, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. The proposal also incorporates
the organization of spaces and facilities that shall be needed in a specialized facility. It will
only focus on the problems related to designing an office with exhibit areas and workshop
rooms with regards to its safety, facilities and services issues.
On the purpose of determining the spaces, a careful evaluation of the observed
existing office, whether technologically advanced or traditional in nature, is necessary in
order to understand proper space organization and innovation with the center and the office.
Respondents, including staff and visitors, are needed in conducting the survey to
evaluate their ideas and thoughts about their present physical environment as well as
identifying their developmental needs regarding the facility to incorporate advancement that
will help the agency to excel and properly execute their goals. Once the information is
gathered, it can help analyse proper space planning and be able to conceptualize and design a
new technology-based office environment.
The data collected in the survey will help acquire knowledge and contribute to answer
the following: spaces, circulation and accessibility, considerations, importance of advanced
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technology in design, aesthetic and security considerations, knowledge for the improvement of
the environment, safety and proper allocation of spaces that will provide good quality of service.
VII.
Assumptions
The research assumes that the results of the study will confirm the need to develop
such proposal and thus will give higher quality of service and verify that the structure will
not only benefit the agency but also the Filipinos, keeping them aware of the Philippine
culture and arts. The result will also contribute in knowing the design solutions for the
existing architectural problems of the existing site. Also, the proponent statuses that the
National Commission for Culture and the Arts will undergo relocation and precede complex
type of office. Research gathering may imply the benefit of the agencys effectivity and
publics rights to culture.
VIII. Conceptual Framework

The research framework focuses on gathering information on strategies that can be
applied to make possibilities of whether there is a need of a new office for the National
Commission for Culture and the Arts. There will be a Questionnaire Survey that will lead to
a descriptive study from the data. The survey will answer the questions and issues regarding
the placement of such facility. Also, with the results achieved, the design recommendations
would be taken like providing the needs of the users, improvement of arts commission
agency and exhibit areas or workshops in terms of effective learning environment, health
conscious atmosphere, positive working surroundings, aesthetic and safety, give proper
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placement of the public flow and suggestions from the answered survey. The next parts
would be definition of the solutions according to extensive research followed by the
conclusion. There is also an interview to be made for more concrete details coming from the
head of departments to surely provide information that will be needed in the study.
Flowchart
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IX.
Definition of Terms
Commission for the Arts - A type of government agency that operates under the
authority of a board of commissioners, though the term may also be applied to nongovernmental groups in the aspect of arts
Committee a type of small deliberative assembly that is usually intended to remain
subordinate to another. They are a group of people who are chosen to do a particular job or to
make decisions about something
Culture - a way of life of a group of people--the behaviors, beliefs, values, and
symbols that they accept, generally without thinking about them, and that are passed along
by communication and imitation from one generation to the next.
Executive - has sole authority and responsibility for the daily administration of the
state. They are administrative or managerial authority in an organization.
Performing Arts - art forms in which artists use their body, voice, or objects to
convey artistic expression
Visual Arts - art forms such as ceramics, drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking,
design, crafts, photography, video, filmmaking and architecture.
X.
Acronym
NCCA National Commission for Culture and Arts
NEFCA National Endowment Fund for Culture and Arts
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Chapter I.2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
I.
Related Literature
Government Office Agency:
According to Diane Hoskins (2012), today, knowledge workers are faced with an
ever-changing business climate in which they must balance a wider variety of

communication and a faster pace of change, often while being asked to do more with less.
The workplace must follow suit, providing settings and supports for the broadening diversity
of activities that are increasingly couched within the workday. To understand how a
workplace best aligns with drivers of business success and employee engagement, we mined
our survey data for workers at the top of their game. Turns out, 24% of our sample was
thrivingout-performing and out-innovating their peers. We took a closer look to
understand how.
In a 2011 survey by Management Today magazine, virtually all (97 per cent) of those
responding said that they regarded their place of work as a symbol of whether or not they
were valued by their employer. Yet only 37 per cent thought that their offices had been
designed with people in mind, and no less a third said that they were too ashamed of their
offices to bring back colleagues or clients. This is the kind of gap which should worry
management and which, were it to occur in any other discipline in business, would almost
certainly get urgent attention in the boardroom, Paul Morrell believes.
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Francis Duffy (2012) said that no single perspective can provide a complete set of
answers to such a wide range of inherently interdisciplinary questions. An integrated
research approach is essential because research in this complex and changing field cannot be
conventionally academic. The experience and judgement of all of the key constituencies
involved are vitally important to the success of any research programme. As one illustration
of this, the economic dimension of the results of design initiatives is obviously critical.
According to Thomas Davenport (2013), logic, or common sense, there are a few
things we know about the relationship between physical work environments and knowledge
worker performance. They include: Knowledge workers prefer closed offices, but seem to
communicate better in open ones. Knowledge workers congregate in particular geographical
areas. Knowledge workers move around in the course of their work. Knowledge workers
collaborate, concentrate and communicate. Mobility within the workspace and outside of it is
a frequently cited objective. This obviously makes sense in industries such as professional
services, where workers must travel to clients frequently. Yet we don't know what price
organizations pay in social capital when employees are highly mobile and can't be easily
located for a face-to-face conversation.
Oblinger (2006) noted that space can have an impact on learning. Positive spaces
bring people together as they encourage exploration, collaboration, and discussion; negative
spaces can carry an unspoken message of silence and disconnectedness, sometimes stronger
than verbalization. Academic advisors have important conversations with students regarding
their current and future experiences in college; our offices should reflect this by providing a
relaxed and collaborative environment needed for these conversations to occur. Brown and
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Long (2006) agree with this belief noting that learning occurs everywhere, whether we
arrange spaces or not, but deeper and richer learning occurs when the design encourages
interactively. Chism (2006b), stated that new learning environments demonstrate that not all
learning takes place in classrooms, and that the establishment of places for collaboration,
project work, or socialization can directly influence student success and persistence. Vaughn
(1991), affirmed this saying, "Good rooms enable good teaching"
Simon Allford, a director of architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM), said
that when he started his career, design centred around getting from the lift to the desk as
quickly as possible. This has changed in the last decade.
"The journey is actually seen as beneficial because as people are working in different
ways, you are not expecting them to be only working in one place, therefore work is a kind
of continuous activity and you are always thinking," he said.
Adaptive Reuse:
Adaptive re-use gives new life to a site, rather than seeking to freeze it at a particular
moment in time, it explores the options that lie between the extremes of demolition or
turning a site into a museum. Adding a new layer without erasing earlier layers, an adaptive
reuse project becomes part of the long history of the site. It is another stage not a final
outcome. (Justine Clarke, Adaptive Re-use of Industrial Heritage, Heritage Council Victoria,
2013)
Conceiving, designing and delivering a sustainable built environment represents a
significant responsibility for all of us. Our decisions today will define the heritage of the
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future. (Professor Laura Lee, former Adelaide Thinker in Residence) Thus showing that we
should be responsible for the decision we make.
There are two options in developing old structures, one is the clean-out which is
completely destructing and demolishing the current structure and then put up a new
development, the other one which is cheaper and economically advisable is adaptation
wherein the adaptation process is much quicker than doing another development from
footings to roofing, in which existing structure already provided some of the workloads (i.e.
foundations, columns, and superstructure) (Douglas, 2006). Economically speaking, cost of
demolition range is high, and in other terms, wasteful, disruptive and environmentally
unhelpful.
Adaptive reuse is cost efficient. Knowing how efficient a new development to be built
on an existing structure runs down to thoroughly study its original construction cost and
value, location, relevant reuse of the existing structure, adaptive condition and existing
environment the new development will take place. Feasibility studies are often procedure for
much thorough analysis of the facts and figures. Knowing its value depending its current
situation of the standing structure from structural parts up to littlest part that can be either
scrapped up or reused to the new development scheme dictates how cost efficient a project is.
Cost efficiency can be solely derived from different approach of the developer or of the
owner on how they can strategically redevelop the existing site.
Reusing revises the former purpose of a building while maintaining the architectural
space, for a structure to house other use, it should still functional as well as a good value.
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Buildings that offer an open arrangement of spaces and flexible structural framework have
the best potential for reuse (Wilson, 2010)
A buildings physical conditions such as size, construction material, structural
integrity, and space layout are elements that form a solid foundation for a projects design
(Heath, 2001; Shipley et al., 2006) The owner, along with a professional team of engineers
and architects, will look at these existing features to calculate the structures backbone for an
alternate se while still remaining profitable given the given existing condition, the physical
environmental elements conditions, space layout, site work, and contamination (Wilson,
2010)
The environment of the existing industrial facility tells a lot what the structure can
offer, in terms of economic and social aspects. Its physical condition would define if its
adequate for another type of use which should be habitable and meet the standards
accordingly of the local codes. It is very important to be keen and concentrate on different
intangible conditions of the structure such as the materials used in the construction might
have contamination which can be the major cost of the project.
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II.
Related Studies
a.) Foreign Project
Virginia Commission for The Arts

Virginia Commission for the Arts celebrates and champions artistic excellence and
encourages growth in artistic creativity, quality and innovation. VCA invests in the arts in the
Commonwealth by supporting and encouraging full participation in a creative culture that
will benefit all Virginians. http://www.arts.virginia.gov/about_guiding-principles.html
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Carriageworks Arts Centre, Sydney

It was undertaken by a team lead by Architect Greer. The project converted a large
former train carriage workshop into a contemporary performing arts center. The project
delivered a complex set of new users, centered on acoustically separated performance halls.
Structural elements removed in the area were redeployed in the scheme such as the as the
trusses now forming the entrance canopy.
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The St Peters Precinct

The St Peters Precinct is made up of a cluster of buildings facing onto Payneham
Road, including the State Heritage listed Town Hall and the Local Heritage listed former
Post Office and Telegram buildings. Working in association with Flightpath Architects, the
heritage buildings are to be restored and refurbished, with new entrace structures either side
of the former Town Hall tying the precinct together. The former Town Hall will house the
Heritage Centre and the Library, which will include a new mezzanine floor. New toilet
facilities and services are being introduced across the entire precinct.
b.) Local Project

The Commission on the Filipino Language ( KWF ) was created by Republic
Act. 7104 (August 14 , 1991) as required by the Constitution of the Philippines , to conduct,
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coordinate and promote research for the development, dissemination, and preservation
Filipino and other native languages of the Philippines.
Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino Building

The mission's mandate arms formulate, coordinate with, and implement programs and
research projects to further accelerate growth and pagbulas the Filipino language as a
medium of communication and general purposes as well as intellectual.
Purpose is to develop the Filipino language as a modern effective tool available
across national development. But, according to the evaluation of others, it seems useless
because it does not already commission his duties due to lack of funds and the resounding
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alleged corruption. The result of this is the Filipino as a language Tagalog still considered
weak in vocabulary and technical and scientific.
Chapter I.3
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
I.
Research Method
The studys research method used is a descriptive method since it describes
systematically the situation and area of interest concretely and accurately of the population
universe which are the employees, staff, tourists and public visitors from the area of the case
study: National Commission for Culture and the Arts. It describes the qualities and
characteristics of the perception of the immediate users and the experiences they encounter in the
field of office environment and offerings of wild variety of learning through their hosted
workshops and exhibits within the office and performing arts regarding the study of government
agency with spaces and environment specialized for the commission for culture and the arts with
a learning facility. And this research follows explanatory study, and its approach is thru
conducting a survey investigation and site visit to fully understand the scope of the proposal.
II.
Research Instrument
Since the research is concerning the employees, committees and students perception,
the study will conduct an investigation thru interviews and observations with pictures provided.
It will present information that comes from the users itself. Reliable data collection is expected
since the information that will be gathered was investigated from the people concerning the
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issue. Using the observations of the researcher and the interviews he conducted, it would give a
valid material because it will be a fact and reasonable information which came from the future
users own perception and experience. Gathered data will be presented through statistical
analysis and graphical diagrams to easily see the collected information data on which answer
from the interview ranks the highest.
III.
Research Locale
The study shall be conducted in the office of National Commission for Culture and the
Arts. The office is known to be the main cultural agency in the Philippines. It administers the
rights of artists, policy making for culture and heritage and is being funded by the National
Endowment Fund for the Cultural Arts (NEFCA). It is located in Intramuros, Manila. The
location of the research is selected because of the big influence they give with the field of arts in
the country. It would be a credible source since they provide and enforce policies and conduct
and provide workshops studying in all kind of arts, may it be a flaw or an asset, can give ample
amount of information in planning for a future government agency. With the situations stated,
the vicinity or location of the study has problems that this research is trying to give solutions and
solve and insights of a future commission for the arts, a government agency.
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Vicinity Map of the Intramuros Manila
IV.
Research Design
CASE STUDY: National Commission for Culture and the Arts Office Building
Location And Setting
The national commission for culture and the arts or the NCCA is located in the oldest
district and historic core of the city of Manila, Philippines, the walled city of Intramuros. It is
exactly situated at General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila. The area is the only district of
Manila where old architectural influences are still plentiful. There are also a lot of educational
institutions around the vicinity; Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng
Maynila, the Mapua Institute of Technology and others. Also, churches are also abundant in the
area of their existing structure.
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National Commission for Culture and the Arts Main Entrance
Office Profile
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Philippines is the overall
policy making body, coordinating, and grants giving agency for the preservation, development
and promotion of Philippine arts and culture; an executing agency for the policies it formulates;
and task to administering the National Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts (NEFCA) -fund exclusively for the implementation of culture and arts programs and projects.
The NCCA was created to serve as the presidential inter-agency commission to coordinate
cultural policies and programs.
In simple terms, the NCCA is a government agency responsible for the policy making of
culture and the arts. They are the administering office of all cultural agencies. They are the
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policy makers and protectors of the rights of Filipino artists and their crafts. They have
committees from all over the Philippines, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, and quarterly visits the
office for meetings and updates. They represent the Filipino artists and supervise their rights.
Also, aside from that they are the policy makers for artists rights, they also formulate policies
for development of culture and the arts and implement these policies in coordination with
affiliated cultural agencies. Thus, they coordinate implementation of programs by giving
workshops, recitals, exhibit to local artist administering the National Endowment Fund for
Culture and the Arts (NEFCA) to encourage artistic creation within a climate of artistic freedom
and to develop and promote the Filipino national culture and arts while preserving Filipino
cultural heritage.
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They ensure that standards of excellence are pursued in programs and activities
implementing policies, it shall encourage and support continuing discussion and debate through
symposia, workshops, publications, etc., on the highest norms available in the matrix of
Philippine culture.
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Architectural Profile
The national commission for culture and the arts building is built with Spanish era
architecture as it conforms with the existing law regarding the structure designs inside
Intramuros. It is of cement building material and finished with plastered composition. They
building is a 6-storey high structure with a very historic design faade.
Typical Floor Plan of the NCCA Building
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Faade of the NCCA Building
The architectural plan of the NCCA building is a typical plan from 1st floor to 6th floor
of the structure. The parking area of the building is located at the block behind the building
which is being rented by the NCCA. The parking is very limited and enough just for the directors
of the agency.
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Left Side Exhibit Area at the Ground Floor
At the ground floor, situated is the reception and exhibit area of the National Commission
for the Culture and the Arts. Maintenance and the security office of the building is also located at
the 1st floor of the structure. Administration offices are found on the second floor together with
the audio visual room. At the third floor of the building is the General Service offices and at the
4th floor is the accounting and finance offices. Fifth floor is where most public visitors go
because it is where the counsellors or the public offices are located which the visitors tend to talk
to regarding issues of culture and the arts. The highest floor is considered to be the most private
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floor because the board rooms, directors offices, committees offices and monitoring offices are
situated there which needs to be treated with silence to not disturb the on-going meetings.
Right Side Exhibit Area of the Ground Floor
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts funds and hosts exhibits of artists that
needs help and support. They supply and provide the artists adequate needs to pursue the
necessary activity of their work as long as it complies with the NCCA requirements and
promotes Filipino Cultural arts and heritage.
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Items lay at the hallway due to lack of storage facility
For the ventilation use

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Board rooms too crowded and the projector is too near the committees
Piled up documents
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An example of an employees desk
Offices does not have pantry for each department making them improvise
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National Commission for Culture and the Arts Office Information:
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V.
Population Universe And Subjects Of The Study

The study will solely serve the employees, students and visitors or tourists of the National
Commission for Culture and the Arts. Since the area is the one going to be affected by the study
solution, the people using it will be the population universe of this research. The population
universe of the study will be the people affiliated with the National Commission for Culture and
the Arts. The population of the research are large number of people and enough to achieve the
goals of the study. It collects an amount of information to help for possible solutions of the
research.
The population will be credible since they are the ones experiencing on hand the
environment of a government agency for culture and arts. Having this information, the sampling
group that will be used will not be hard to contact since they can be easily found in within the
building. Mostly students, tourists and employees will be the subject of interviews and
observation.
VI.
Sampling Procedure
The sampling procedure that will be used in this research is area sampling since the study
is specifically located in a particular place which is the National Commission for Culture and the
Arts office building. Apparently the people affiliated with it are the ones going to be affected and
concerned regarding the issue. And while its consuming a large amount of population, samples
will be chosen thru random sampling. People of different category will be able to have equal and
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fair chances of having interviewed and observed. In this case, it will lessen bias and give
opportunities to different kinds of people that are associated with the dental school to be studied.
The procedure would be by computing for the sample size that the study will use. Determining
sample size is a very important issue because samples that are too large may waste time,
resources and money, while samples that are too small may lead to inaccurate results. For an
easier process, the researcher will use a Sample Size Calculator presented as a public service of
Creative Research Systems Survey Software, an award winning survey system selected as the
best survey software of 2013 with highest marks for survey creation and analysis, thru its
website: http://www.surveysystem.com/sscalc.htm
VII.
Research Instruments
Questionnaire. In the collection of data, the researchers used a self- constructed

questionnaire in gathering information needed in the study wherein it was dispersed through
Google docs in the internet. In constructing the questionnaire, the researcher thinks of possible
questions that can be asked to the respondents. And provided questions are opinionated to
receive information that comes from the user himself, the thing they want to achieve or have.
Observation. In this method, it is used when the data is not adequate through the use of
interview and other method. Observation can identify the current situation of the office building,
lacking facilities, movement of people, spaces and problematic issues in such structure. Site visit
is conducted in order to pursue this method. Problematic issues stated were identified and proven
to exist.
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Chapter I.4
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS
I.
Presentation of Collected Data
In this section the result of the gathered information are analysed, summarised and
discussed in an accurate and organized manner. The created data are collected during the
research methodology in which the proponent used most of the techniques to gratify and to
improve the study with straight and credible information of the National Commission for Culture
and the Arts Office Building. This part will show the data and information gathered from the
case study presented in order to further understand the situation of an existing government
agency office.
In this research the collected data will be shown in graphical method and figures to
understand the complexity of the problem, the proponent can easily visualize and analyse the
problematic issues on it.
Results from the Survey:

With the survey given to the employees, the researcher found out the more than 52% of
the surveyed employees were working at the National Commission for Culture and the Arts
greater than 5 years. Many of them are satisfied with the office although the facilities that help
accommodate their services are not satisfied. The building space in the office is adequate yet it
lacks storage areas for the documents coming in of the office.
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The traffic going to the office may be heavy but at the vicinity of the site is not. Their
problem the outside environment that affects them is the noise. They have informal settlers in
front of their office and they can not do anything about it.
Although many of them said that they are comfortable with the office, they would still
want to have their office redevelop and changed due to the lacking facilities and storages.
Interview 1:
Mr. Edison Molanida is the National Commission for Culture and the Arts World
Heritage Sites Manager. He has been working in the agency for about 6 years already. Mr.
Molanida was the one who answers the researchers email and was able to ask permission to
interview him. He introduced the National Commission for Culture and the Arts as the sole
policy makers of artists, protectors of cultural arts and preservers of the Philippine heritage in the
whole country. The researcher made clear about his intentions to propose a NCCA Complex
Building for the agency to accommodate the lacking facilities present to their office. Mr.
Molanida agreed that there are certain facilities lacking due to the inadequate office space given
to them. They conduct workshops, exhibits, performances and meetings from artists, and
committees from all over the Philippines, inviting them over to have a talk.
The major lacking facilities are the auditoriums in which they execute the talent shows
and symposiums hosted by the NCCA, workshop rooms in which they host learning experience
for the people interested. Also, Mr. Molanida said that they need more storage facility as their
office looks already like a storage room because of the piled documents and things around the
office
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When asked if they have future plans for the office, Mr. Molanida excitedly said yes and
gave us the architectural plans of The Metropolitan Theater. He then explained that their idea for
the future plan is to be relocated at the Metropolitan Theater and apply adaptive reuse to the
historic building as to preserve its heritage values. All they have yet is the idea but without
formal actions.
According to Mr. Molanida, they are wating for the go signal from the GSIS to start
planning the relocation to the Metropolitan Theater. They believe they have the funds needed
and they are willing to do all necessary actions to pursue the relocation of their office.
The existing National Commission for Culture and the Arts Office building is to be
swapped to another government agency when they start to relocate.
Interview 2:
After the interview with Mr. Edision Molinada, he referred the researcher to Ms. Caroline
Mizal, the head of the Project Development Office Planning and Policy of the National
Commission for Culture and the Arts. She then explained the use of their agency, the
departments and population of each.
She gave us a tour to every part of the office starting from the receptionist up to the
directors office. At the ground floor is where the exhibits are held. They help provide local
artists with no funds to showcase their art as long as they comply with the requirements of the
National Commission for Culture and the Arts. She showed us how insufficient it is due to the
many requests and they only approve on what can only fit to their exhibit area. Beside the exhibit
area is the only thing that keeps everything in control, the reception area. People go through them
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first before entering the office proper. Sometimes their problem is when there are too many
public visitors, they sometimes slip through them.
When also asked about the future plans of the office, she then said what Mr. Molanida
also said; to the Metropolitan Theater. She said that the Metropolitan might be too big to become
just their office. They are planning on making the other parts for rent and she even suggested to
have a lodging area to accommodate the commissioners and guests from other parts of the
country. This idea came to them when the office conducted a feasibility study when committees
from Visayas and Mindanao area had a hard time looking for a hotel and they thought that
providing such facility can provide the commissioners less expenses.
She is so excited to be relocated to a new office for them to provide their services at the
highest quality and adequate needs that the office can offer. She has been telling us how hard it is
to have an insufficient facility because they are having a problem with providing the people the
things that they should be able to provide yet they look for other offices that can.
Having such improvement would make themselves more reliable and more trusted in the
field of Arts on policy making and such due to the best services they can deliver to people, an
image that artists can look up to.
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II.
Analysis of the existing National Commission for Culture

and the Arts Office Building
Strengths
The symmetrical plan provides efficient access to all spaces.
The center provides interaction to the surrounding buildings and commercial spaces.
It has central access.
Planning is typical; public users will not get lost.
Theres a lot of mode of transportation around the vicinity.
Privacy of employees and directors properly separated.
Attrium at the center of the building gives proper air ventilation for the office.
Weaknesses
The staffs will be deprived of having a personal space because some spaces are messy in
terms of lacking storage areas
Not enough walkway for pedestrians from the outside. Vehicles carriageway is also the
path walk.
Not enough daylight and ventilation
Lacks waiting area for the public and doesnt have a lobby in the office
The offices does not have pantry.
Noise traffic is very susceptible.
Lounge is insufficient.
Working areas is also lacking in terms of space. The staffs things are all over the place.
Opportunities
Due to the increasing number of enrolees for dental medicine, the school would benefit
from enhancing the development of higher education in the Philippines.
Its vicinity is suitable for developing functional spaces that would cater students needs
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Threats
Scarcity of workshop rooms is a problem from time to time.
Lacking of theaters
Lacking of exhibit areas
Storage facility is in need
There are blind spots and wasted spaces.
The front of the building is informal settlers place
Safeties of the users from the alleys they walk through were not paved and they walk
with vehicles.
III.
Need Analysis
In this section of the study, diverse analysis on collected data and figures are shown and
discussed. Thus, this will allow viewing the issues in different perspectives of all types of users.
Having the results is needed in the study to be able to satisfy the needed information.
The following are the needs of the facility:

Passive ventilation and daylight to lessen energy use
Plantings as buffer zones for the unpleasant view and would also help absorb
noise and heat
Providing landscaping and trees as a shading device and lessens the carbon
emissions of the office
Proper space planning to avoid wasted spaces and blind spots
Considering number of public visitors in providing waiting and exhibit areas to
prevent scarcity of learning spaces of the office.
Provide storage facilities
Provide special facilities required for a cultural arts complex and an office
building for the agency to be fully effective.
Staff lounge is not provided
Offices doesnt have their own pantry.
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Organizational separation of offices is to be followed to provide privacy to the

staff and visitors.
Zoning classification are to be considered to allow easy access and security of
the facility since there are many users of the facility.
Remarkable design of the structure to live up to its name
Provision of waiting areas for the patients
Use green technology to apply with the trending facility needs as the offices
vision for the state of the art facilities and competence to professionalism
According to the research study made on the specified users of National Commission for
Culture and the Arts, elaborated and discussed the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats
and the needs of the facility, although may not be accurately specified due to the large number of
respondents and issues, the stated information and interpretation the researcher discovered what
is needed in such facility; its problematic issues for development that causes downgrade and
advantages, the progress of it to be able to adapt the present situation and future difficulties and
demands of the field of Cultural Arts Government Agency.
It also found out that the future plans of the National Commission for Culture and the
Arts for their office is to be relocated, using adaptive reuse, at the Metropolitan Theater in
Lawton, Manila. It was an idea of the agency since the structure is a heritage site and why not
use it as the agency of Cultural Arts of the Philippines. Their existing office is owned by another
government office which will be swapped to another agency when the relocation pushes through.
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Chapter I.5
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts existing office building is working
properly as a government agency. It has a facility intended for business environment. But the
NCCA is not just a government agency but a Cultural Arts Government Agency. They cater
all forms of arts protection, preservation and awareness to the public. They provide
workshops, performances, and exhibits and symposiums for the public and affiliated artists in
order to promote cultural heritage significance. The existing building is intended for office
environment but not for such activities. They do not have facilities that can cater the stated
activities. Instead, they rent and conduct these acts on other places.
As a result, the researcher would strongly suggest a proposal of a new National

Commission for Culture and the Arts Complex Building. Through this proposed solution, the
public, visitors or tourists, students, employees, staff and other future government agency
planners would be able to provide services at the finest quality possible and the expectation it
can provide of a cultural arts agency because of the environment future artists, tourists, and
employees has been experienced and undergone.
With the given relocation of the future complex office, the Metropolitan Theater, the
researcher would use this as the new site and be evaluated and analysed on the remaining
chapters of this study. The Metropolitan Theater is a heritage site and should be carefully
considered due to its fragile values as a protected structure. The researcher proposes adaptive
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reuse because re-using existing buildings for new functions has many sustainable, cultural,
and economic advantages
Thus, the researcher recommends to study the following for the Metropolitan Theater usage:
Contamination. To tell if that the structure would have a problem with occupancy
since it has an issue regarding its well-being of the next users, or getting rid of the destroyed
facilities.
Architectural and Structural. To dictate if the structural presence already has
architectural needs like openings, finishes, and design. And columns and beams for structural
durability.
Utility Systems. To address electric, plumbing and drainage system of the previous
structure that are can be reuse or will cost less for the new development
Site and Environment. To prove if the surrounding of the structure can give more
options for new development due to its abandoned state.
Laws. To help solidify the plans of the researcher if the structure can and when
developed have restrictions in building code, or if the structure when converted or
redeveloped complies with the new use.
Zoning. To tell if the zoning can be an advantage or will limit the choice of
development.
Site Analysis. To have a concrete basis on how these facilities are feasible in terms of
accessibility and how new development will likely to affect the surrounding community of
the unused structure.
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PART 2. RESEARCH FOCUS

INTRODUCTION
The researchers focus at first was to propose a new office building for the National
Commission for Culture and the Arts providing the specialized spaces, rooms with facilities
intended for the NCCA quality service and adequately deliver their offices goals to the
cultural arts which is to ensure that standards of excellence are pursued in programs and
activities implementing policies herein stated, it shall encourage and support continuing
discussion and debate through symposia, workshops, publications, etc., on the highest norms
available in the matrix of Philippine culture.
The proposal to relocate the office to a different site in which they can deliver their
job more effectively by providing necessary changes that can help them execute their
agencys objectives to the Philippine arts. And due to the results of the survey, the site has
been proven problematic and there are a lot of wasted spaces.
But many things have to be considered. And one of the primary considerations is the
results from the interview from the officials of the National Commission for Culture and the
Arts because the knowledge of the future idea for the office would be more reliable coming
from a high position and could possible share insights about the special needs of the building.
The result of the interview were highly reflected and the interviewees clarified that
their future office relocation would be at Metropolitan Theater, an abandoned art deco
building heritage structure located on Padre Burgos Avenue near the Manila Post office. The
plan is to reuse the structure as the National Commission for Culture and the Arts new office.
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The agency wants it to become fully functional again, not to be a theatre but an office where
people can go and also visit.
Chapter II.1
RATIONALE
And now, the study is not just to the concern of the National Commission for Culture
and the Arts new complex building proposal but also for the adaptive reuse of the historical
Metropolitan Theater. Studies of coherent information and basis will be presented by the
researcher. The proponent aims to effectively use the Metropolitan Theater as the new office
for the National Commission for Culture and the Arts that caters the special facility needs of
a Cultural arts agency This study targets to adapt sustainable design and construction
practices that will not only offer a green, conducive environment but also improve the work
ethics of the employees, awareness of the tourists or visitors, and experience of the Filipino
artists. The research focus aims to develop the current situation of the office in considering
the special facilities needed and to become energy efficient and its ability to be a sustainable
structure in order to help not just the office but also the environment.
The Metropolitan Theatre

The Metropolitan Theatre was known to be a theatre building designed by Juan
Arellano in an Art Deco architectural design. It is located in Padre Burgos Avenue corner
Arroceros Street and was inaugurated in 1931. It is approximately 0.8 hectares and has 1,670
seating capacity.
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The Metropolitan Theater faade resembles a stage being framed by a prosceniumlike central window of stained glass which carries the name Metropolitan with flora and
fauna motif surrounding the label. This helps bring in light to the lobby. It was highlighted
on both ends by the curving walls with colorful decorated tiles in resemblance with
the batik patterns from Southeast Asia. There are also moldings of zigzag and wavy lines that
go with the sponged and painted multi-colored massive walls. The wall that framed the
stained glass is a segmented arch with rows of small finials on the upper edge of the
wall. Angkor Wat-inspired minarets crown the top of the concave roof which suggested its
status as a theater back in its prime days. Located in the entrance are elaborate wrought iron
gates which are patterned into leaf designs and various lines. Accenting the ground level
are Capiz lamps and banana-leaf formed pillars which go alternately with the theaters
entrances.
Currently, the Manila Metropolitan Theater continues to physically deteriorate
because of the lack of historical consciousness and aesthetic sense of some according to the
accounts of Montinola. Government Service Insurance System, and the National
Commission for Culture and the Arts had an agreement in reviving the historical theatre
Chapter II.2
PRINCIPLES AND RELEVANCE TO THE PROJECT
Re-using existing buildings for new functions has many sustainable, cultural,
economic and place making advantages. The concept of adaptive re-use is simple to re-use
a building or structure for the purpose of giving it new life through a new function. The
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advantages of adaptive re-use can be linked to a memory and cultural value rather than built
heritage. These buildings have typically helped to form the identity of a place often acting
as a landmark or a way to describe, or to know that place.
The use of the Metropolitan Theater is one of an example in which has many
relevance to reusing it to a Government Cultural Arts agency because of cultural significance
and similarities as well as concrete community value to it.
Having a cultural arts government agency with complete facilities is important
because it would provide our country an identity. It is important for a number of
reasons because it influences an individual's life in a variety of ways, including values,
views, desires, fears, views and worries. In addition, belonging to a culture provides people
with a sense of identity, purpose and belonging. Thus they help us protect and secure the
rights of our heritage, art, culture, and most importantly, the artists.
Chapter II.3
APPLICATION TO THE PROJECT
The ODASA Design Review Journal has been into adaptive reuse converting old
structures into offices. They have a lot of experiences and knowledge regarding the proposal
and insights on what should happen in a particular project. Thus, the researcher was able to
gather information regarding the application to the project:
In forming an adaptive re-use project, there are several key ways to help ensure a
successful project that meets and exceeds the expectations of client, owner, users and the
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wider public. A well-loved heritage buildings tend to create strong views from the
communities that surrounds them. The community, including those who were involved in the
buildings former life and those who live and work around it, will bring a greater sense of
involvement and ownership in the project.
A project design team needs to be put together at the earliest stage in the life of a
project, and not after key decisions have been made, such as defining program, location,
economic strategies and spatial planning. These early stages need creative design thinking as
much as the design of eventual buildings and spaces. A design team should consist of not just
as architects and landscape architects, but should include other consultants such as Heritage
Consultants, building surveyors, structural engineers, builders, environmental scientists,
quantity surveyors, economists, planning consultants, cost consultants, artists, and others to
properly address issues of the problem.
Seeking creative solutions to constraints that form the boundaries of any project,
while budget is often a key constraint, the uses of the term constraint here apply more to the
regulatory requirements that all projects operate within. The strategy used should seek to
work creatively within these this can only come from a detailed understanding of
associated codes, standards, heritage listing and regulations.
Understanding and then harnessing the latent quality of an existing structure, space or
building is at the core of successful adaptive re-use projects. Successful adaptive re-use
projects have intelligently sought, often through very careful study of the existing fabric, an
approach that makes the most of the existing building. This approach can directly feed into a
design methodology but can also inform how spaces are used. The use of original drawings,
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and then those made for subsequent alterations and additions should be obtained in detail and
to the fullest extent possible (including primary sources). These documents are essential in
understanding the existing condition, and these along with multiple site visits and extensive
new photographic records will assist in forming a comprehensive three dimensional
understanding of what the current condition actually is. Buildings often reveal themselves
during modifications and new works, and limiting the amount of surprise in the latent
conditions will increase the design understanding of the project and reduce cost risk during
construction.
Quality is central to the process, in the design of the works and in the construction of
the built outcome. Consistency of endeavour is needed to ensure quality, and this can be
aided by maintaining key people on the project throughout its duration. Quality of process
comes through the design of the strategy used in the project, which for an adaptive re-use
project focuses around the qualities of the existing fabric and the potential of the site and the
regulatory constraints offer in terms of design.
Project Implementation:
Standards. The core economic advantage of re-use is not having to fund the
construction of a new building. There can however be considerable costs in upgrading an
existing building to meet current structural and other building codes. Compliance is a key
area and this has seen considerable growth in recent years in terms of awareness and
implementation. This covers everything from the height of balustrading to level access to all
areas, as is the case in all buildings now except inside private dwellings. The extent to which
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an existing building needs to be upgraded to meet requirements as new depends on the extent
of works being performed and uses involved. This is typically resolved as a percentage of the
modified or new area. Operating intelligently within these parameters, as well as others, can
control cost involved in upgrades while still providing excellent outcomes. Such examples
include the fire rating of the existing structure and the upgrading of an existing structure to
meet current earthquake codes.
Contamination and Demolition. Faced by all solutions to a site, either retention or
demolition, it is important when considering the full economic case that the cost of doing
nothing, or demolition is considered. There are different strategies for dealing with both inground and in-building contamination, with optimised treatment and enclosure being
potential available. These more efficient models of addressing hazardous material issues are
the result of strong engagement with specialist environmental engineers. Creative solutions
can be found through comprehensive study and testing of existing locations to determine the
extent of the affected area . New technologies in scanning, mapping and surveying assist this
process but quality and comprehensive advice needs to drive this. In doing so, potentially
prohibitive costs can be extensively reduced to increase viability.
Procurement Method. Procurement methods for adaptive re-use projects face the
same challenges as other types of projects. The process of procurement of a well-designed
building starts with the appointment of a quality design team. From there, procurement refers
to the management of the construction of a building to its completion. It involves not just the
contractual method used, but also the execution of a built project from idea to delivery and
on to operation. The method by which a building project is Procured has a significant impact
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on the quality of the final building. While good design can be achieved with all procurement
methods, some make it challenging if the potential threats to design quality are not
understood or well managed.
Watch Points. Blending of skills should be an advantage. Use of crossgenerational teams can encourage a strong combination of experience and innovation, both
of which can assist project success. The extent of adaptation should be settled. One particular
approach to the use of existing buildings can be noted for its inherent problems the method
of retention of facades only. Building Services particularly the heating and cooling, need to
be carefully considered when undertaking an adaptive re-use project. The implications
around re-servicing the building should be carefully considered and questioned. If handled
poorly, considerable cost implications and poor design outcomes may occur thus
consideration around comfort.
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PART 3. SITE IDENTIFICATION AND ANALYSIS

Chapter III.1
SITE SELECTION PROCESS
The site dictates almost everything that follows, from transportation access and
environmental impact; to the national governments involvement with local initiatives and
economies; to the placement, form, and cost of the building. The selected site has a major
impact on the customer agency in terms of convenience, access, and the quality of the work
environment. It also has an impact on the projects initial and life cycle costs and on the
communitys economy, sense of place, and social fabric.
The selection of suitable site is a crucial step in the design of a building. Hazards
should always be the first thing to consider when choosing a site together with the influence
of the ground conditions.
No site can be expected to be ideal in all aspects, yet the choice of site will involve
judgement about the criteria made and considered which will be appropriate for the new site.
I.
Criteria for Site Selection

There are many kinds of criteria for selection depending on the proposed project but
for the National Commission for Culture and Arts office, these are the basic needs that must
be present and considered:
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Site contours
First to be taken into consideration is the contour of the site to be
relocated as it would affect the possibility of hazardous accidents like landslides. It
should tell if its buildable or not.
The connectivity to the main road and other sub roads
The distances from the major landmarks such as:
Shopping centres
Railway Station
Airport
Bus stand
Schools
Church
Geological and hydrological structure of the site
Accessibility to the site

The main entrances and the main road abutting the site also has to be
noted. Easy accessibility to the site is very important for any kind of project.
But of course, the significance varies if we are to compare an industrial project
with residential project.
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Major Landmarks
After spotting the major landmarks, analyze the integrity of their
existence in close proximity to the site. It is essential to know as to what kind
of impact these structures would have on our site.
Orientation of the site
Mark the orientation of site. Orientation of site will help you in
orienting the structure correctly in the process of designing.
Economic feasibility
The site location and detailed site analysis will give you an idea of the
economic feasibility of the project. It means that the type of building or
construction you are looking forward to proposing on that site would be a
successful venture or not depending on the conditions of the site.
Sustainability Factors
Apart from environmental Sustainability, we are also looking at
Sustainability in terms of construction.
Energy Efficiency
Water Efficiency
Material Efficiency
Site Services
Study of services on site is also very important. The major site services
include:
1.
Water Supply
2.
Electricity Lines
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3.
Drainage Lines
After the absolute study of the site, one can conclude on the kind of
project to be executed, its feasibility and also its sensitivity to be shown
towards designing the structure and the site as well.
Historic Properties
For the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, this criterion is
to be their most desired as it would reflect the means of their office and
believing that they can promote preservation of heritage sites. Projects that use
historic sites and buildings can serve as examples for successful reclamation
and reuse of cultural/historic resources and signal the governments
commitment to historic preservation, sustainability, and local communities.
These kinds of projects set forth the federal governments commitment to
provide leadership in the preservation of historic resources and to foster
conditions where modern development can coexist with historic properties.
The architectural and cultural attributes of historic buildings and sites must be
considered to ensure that projects are carried out with a minimum adverse
effect on qualities that contribute to their significance.
II.
Site Options
During the interview made with Mr. Edison Molinada and Ms. Caroline Mizal, they
made clear that the site relocation of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts
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would be on the Metropolitan Theater in Manila. Providing other selection for the site is
disregarded since the office has already suggested a site of relocating their office at the
historical site, Metropolitan Theater. For now, it is an idea that will soon happen. The NCCA
is just waiting for the approval of the GSIS to pursue the relocation.
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts gave the researcher a copy of the
architectural plans and details of the existing Metropolitan Theater and necessary documents
that would be able to help pursue the project relocation and using the old theatre to become
the new home of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
III.
Site Justification
Even with the given site, the Metropolitan Theater, it still meets the criteria of the site
selection process. The contour of the site is buildable, main road connectivity which is the
Padre Burgos Street, is adjacent to the site, distance to landmarks like Manila Post office, SM
Manila, LRT Central Station, and Park n Ride Bus Terminal are near. Thus, the geological
characteristic of the site is still habitable. Also, the historic value of this site suits well for the
new office of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts since one of their advocacy
is to preserve heritage site and protect them from decay. Using it again to serve another
purpose is better than leaving it abandoned.
Significant advantages exist for adaptive re-use projects in terms of the planning
environment. Any retained urban material can assist in dealing with change and impacts in
both existing and the new usage proposal of the structure with most planning controls
looking for changes in a manner consistent with existing character. Adaptive re-use projects,
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even those where buildings is considerably altered, offers an anchor in planning process that
deals with change, while still allow for modification, extension and change of use.
Memory and Place. The years of use of the Metropolitan Theater has had represents a
set of cultural and personal memories of its life and that, which happen in and around it.
Although cultural heritage is different from architectural heritage, both are very important.
An older building can be an unremarkable building for its time, but the cultural value can sit
in its original use, its history and changes of use. By retaining, rethinking and reworking the
Metropolitan Theater, the history can still continue in physical form, and be added to the
value of memory that serves to create a sense of place. The character of a place is hard to
create, and so to draw from the past, even the relatively recent past, can help form identity
and belonging for a community.
Vicinity. Conclusion where both the new and old structure is changed tends to be
considered favourably by the different assessment arms of planning built form, urban
design and heritage. Changing something that was there for a long period of time would
make the community confused as to it might alter the use and environment of a particular
place. Issues around change of use, at the heart of adaptive re-use, are also controlled by
planning schemes and the zoning typically controls the use. In the case of the National
Commission for Culture and the Arts, it is evidently to be used as an office yet specialized as
a cultural complex which the area fits perfectly.
Environmental Sustainability. In terms of environmental sustainability, the simple act
of reusing the Metropolitan Theater significantly reduces the energy that may be consumed
during construction compared with demolition and then the creation of a new building. The
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used energy in the existing building is not lost while most adaptive re-use projects involve
some new building work, the amount of energy consumed and building material used is
significantly less than that of constructing a new building.
Social Sustainability. Maintaining heritage and familiar environment helps to
maintain evident links to the past. The broad aims of social sustainability can be enhanced
through adaptive re-use projects. By not breaking evident links to the past, the former lives
of buildings and places, unified social bridges can be maintained and enhanced. Entirely new
built environments can appear uncomfortable to those who have been involved in some way
with the former life of a place. Maintaining the links while encouraging diversity is achieved
through adaptive re-use projects that layer new and old meanings onto each other. The past
should be embraced while addressing current and future needs through design and integration
of contemporary social standards, particularly those around equity. Core social values such
as pride, memory and participation can all be enhanced by careful consideration of adaptive
re-use strategies.
Efficiency and Authenticity. A major strength of an adaptive re-use approach is the
benefit brought by the idea and consideration of authenticity. Many entirely new
environments, where exterior spaces, streets and buildings are made new lack a narrative
and identity. Providing a not-so different purpose for the Metropolitan theatre would be
beneficial to the environment. Re-purposed and re-occupied older buildings typically offer a
greater sense of authenticity than new ones. The sense of a place having a history and
memory gives it a head start in cultural and economic value.
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The many heritage places will continue to contribute to the character and vitality of
our cities and towns by being well used, well maintained, conserved or adaptively reused,
and complemented by contemporary architecture that will form the heritage of tomorrow.
Thus, making the Metropolitan Theater become fully functional, alive, and working not just
an old abandoned structure but an office that aims preservation and protection for heritage
sites.
There are many features met by applying adaptive reuse to a historical site more over
using it as an office of cultural agency where preservation of heritage is one of their main
goals. Such structure would be in good hands if it will house an agency that tends to protect
is cultural value.
Chapter III.2
SITE EVALUATION AND ANALYSIS
Site Analysis is very important before we initiate our construction. Detailed study of
site and its surroundings will help justify our design proposal. Detailed study of the site and
surrounding areas of the site helps in designing the project efficiently.
I.
The Macro Setting

The Metropolitan Theater is located in the City of Manila. is the capital and second
largest city of the Philippines. The city of Manila is located on the eastern shore of Manila
Bay and is bordered by the cities of Navotas and Caloocan to the north; Quezon City and San
Juan to the northeast; Mandaluyong to the east; Makati to the southeast, and Pasay the south.
It has a total population of 1,652,171 according to the 2010 census. Manila (and more
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broadly, Metro Manila) is the economic and political capital of the Philippines, home to
extensive commerce and some of the most historically and culturally significant landmarks in
the country, as well as the seat of the executive and judicial branches of the government.
Modern American scholars have listed Manila as a Beta+ global city but historically, Manila
is among the world's original Global Cities alongside Madrid and Mexico.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Park n Ride Bus Terminal

Light Rail Transit Central Station
University of Manila
Manila Plaza (KKK)
Manila City Hall
SM Manila
Mapua Institute of Technology
Lyceum Manila
Manila Post Office
To Binondo
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
To Santa Cruz
To Quiapo
To Taft Avenue
Philippine Red Cross
Manila Cathedral
Page | 64

The Metropolitan Theaters exact location is Padre Burgos Avenue corner Arroceros
Street. It is an old abandoned building but it gained a heritage value because of the historical
background and age of the structure. The Macro Setting of the theater is very diverse. It
consists of major roads, railways, and public transportation terminals. Besides road access, it
has particular landmarks of Manila which are the Manila Post Office, Manila City Hall, SM
Manila and Lawton. These landmarks are very accessible areas and easy for the pedestrians
to reach. There are different kinds of establishments found within the vicinity of the site.
Also, it is in the middle of a main road where most public vehicles cross; from Quezon City
going to Buendia, the site is in the middle making it a busy area especially on rush hours
because most vehicles pass through the area. The site has many advantages in terms of
access. It is near a mall, terminals, and schools. Also, the Metropolitan Theater is a landmark
itself and a vista for the commuters who pass by.
Page | 65

II.
The Micro Setting
The Metropolitan Theater is an old abandoned building but it gained a heritage value
because of the historical background and age of the structure. At the closer look with the
Metropolitan Theater, we can see the access points to the inside of the structure. There are
five access points to the theatre and the main entrance can be found in the middle of the
faade. Entry points are labelled as the yellow arrows. These points are from the front and
the rear of structure.
The traffic of vehicles is labelled as the colored blocks. The Red block is the Main
road coming from Quiapo going to Manila City Hall. It has intense traffic since it is the
major passage of the city. The purple block on the other hand is lesser traffic because a few
Page | 66

vehicles pass through it. It is parallel to the road going to Manila City Hall but a few pass
through it due to the narrow carriage way and many pedestrian walk there because of the of
the LRT Central Station. The orange block represents the pedestrian traffic. The Park n Ride
Terminal is situated at that area and most commuters wait for the public vehicles at that
location. There are many users at the particular place especially during rush hours.
Below are pictures of the existing condition of the Metropolitan Theater taken at the
year of 2013
The backstage of the main theatre
Page | 67

Looking through the stage from the audience
Looking through the audience, main floor and mezzanine, from the stage
Page | 68

The main entrance to the theatre
Hallway to going to the Ballroom Hall
Page | 69

Ballroom Hall
III.
Related Laws and Ordinances

Using the Metropolitan Theater for an adaptive reuse construction of proposal, there
are many laws to be considered since it has cultural heritage value. Getting our heritage to
survive the ages keeps alive the collection of cultural markers that set Filipinos apart as a
unique people. They show our future generations what our shared Filipino identity is,
establishing a sense of national pride so necessary to keep us centered during the current
globalization process. Therefore, it is essential to keep the total heritage picture alive, an
entire range of cultural markers produced by Filipino culture over the ages
Although the awareness for heritage preservation has been increasing in the past
decade, cultural heritage is still mostly unappreciated by a nation whose narrow view focuses
on the present. Little realization exists that looking to the past to understand, to remember,
and to preserve heritage is the groundwork for planning for the future of the country. The
Page | 70

paradigm exists that a country still in the development struggle has no place or budget to
preserve the old, the traditional, and the historic.
With the particular issue, there are certain laws that must be taken into account and
considered. One is the UNESCOs Philippine Cultural Heritage Law 1994 which aims to
provide for the protection and preservation of the Philippine Cultural Heritage.
In the last few years there has been a growing realization and emphasis on the
importance of our built heritage. The role it plays in linking us with our past and being a
tangible reminder of our history. There is also the recognition as to the economic potential
for such structures and places (even the run down ones) that still has a number of historical
and heritage structures in existence. Group tours have been popular for a number of years
now to see these forgotten gems. There is also a law that was passed which is Republic Act
No. 10066 also known as the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 that will further help
in safeguarding our heritage.
Heritage awareness and appreciation has come a long way thanks to the efforts of
various individuals who have greatly helped in their own way and through the efforts of the
Heritage Conservation Society (HCS) whom the researcher believe future generations of
Filipinos will owe a debt of gratitude for the efforts exerted and done in helping conserve
what is part of our collective tangible memory and patrimony.
There are other laws to be discovered and identified through the making of this study
and it will be further discussed.
Page | 71

Chapter III.3
SITE DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS
I.
Site Analysis
Site Analysis is very important before we initiate our construction. Detailed study of
site and its surroundings will help justify our design proposal. Detailed study of the site and
surrounding areas of the site helps in designing the project efficiently.
Page | 72

Existing Metropolitan Theater Floor Plan
II.
Proposed Site Development Plan

The following diagrams that will be shown are the Site Development Plan Schemes
for the interior spaces of the new complex office building of the National Commission for
Culture and the Arts. Adaptive reuse will be applied in this project to preserve the
Metropolitan Theaters identity. Spaces are color coded and positioned accordingly fitting on
to the existing Metropolitan Theater.
Page | 73

OFFICE
MUSEUM
WORKSHOP ROOM
THEATER
PUBLIC HALLWAY
1st Scheme
The first scheme made by the researcher considered the existing entrances to the
building. The office was positioned at the front to show that they are in authority of the
structure. Museum was placed at the side to control the pedestrian traffic and the main
theatre is to be maintained because of its cultural value and would serve also as a living
museum thus can also be used for theatrical and auditorium purposes.
Page | 74

OFFICE
MUSEUM
WORKSHOP ROOM
THEATER
RENTABLE OFFICE SPACE
BALLROOM/ BACKSTAGE
2nd Scheme
The second scheme for the National Commission for Culture and the Arts complex
office would be fronting the museum to attract tourists and visitors. At the side would be the
offices, NCCA and the rentable space. The theatre would still be maintained and at its back is
the ballroom or can be the backstage of the theatre.
Page | 75

OFFICE
MUSEUM
WORKSHOP ROOM
THEATER
BALLROOM/ BACKSTAGE
CAFETERIA
3rd Scheme
The made third scheme follows almost the same layout of the second scheme, only
adding the cafeteria at the rear side of the structure. Locating the commercial space at the
rear side is beneficial due to the adjacent establishment at the back is a public transportation
terminal and there are many commuters passing by the area. Also, the spaces that was not
shown in the diagram depicts that it will be located on the higher floors to apply the zoning
privacy and divisions of the spaces.
Page | 76

OFFICE
MUSEUM
WORKSHOP ROOM
THEATER
BALLROOM/ BACKSTAGE
CAFETERIA
PARKING
4th Scheme
The fourth scheme is the compilation of ideas from scheme 1 to scheme 3. The main
entrance, two arrows in the middle, fetches the main lobby of the structure. There would be a
receptionist and security to properly assist the tourist and visitors. From the lobby, separates
the functions of the building. To its left, the museum, to its right, the workshop area or
rooms, and going forward is the theatre where performers can showcase their talents in the
historical Metropolitan Theater. The backstage would still be there and near the service
Page | 77

facilities thus, parking areas. The offices would be located at the side of the building to give
privacy to the work environment and lessen pedestrian traffic at these areas. The
Metropolitan Theater is too big to cater one facility and the reason of incorporating such
specialized facilities to the structure would enlighten and inspire people to visit and still
relive the Metropolitan Theater, not an abandoned structure, but a place where cultural arts is
given an importance.
-End of Design 9Page | 78

APPENDICES
Every researcher plans strategies and provides tools to its people so that together
they can excel in gathering data and knowledge regarding the proposal. The
researcher created appropriate reporting system to monitor their study. Here are a
few legal formats that will be sufficient to answer queries regarding the study.
These are list of questions, information, documents and official acknowledgement

for the proponent, researcher and visitors of the proposed topic.
Page | 79

MAPUA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, INDUSTRIAL DESIGN AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT
National Commission for Culture and the Arts Proposed New Complex Building
INTERVIEW
Name:
Age:
Location:
Gender:
Affiliation:
1. How long have you been working in the National Commission for Culture and the
Arts?
2. Are there any plans for the office?
3. What services does the office offer? Should offer?
4. Are the offices adequate for the population of the agency?
5. Do public people have business with the office?
6. Do you have any problem with the location of the office?
7. Is there any plan on relocation or redevelopment of the office in the future?
8. Are there any lacking facilities that the office should have?
9. Are there any architectural problems you experience?
10. Privacy Issues?
11. What do you think about the sustainable application for your office?
12. Are there any ideas on what you want to happen with the office?
13. Will they be able to fund themselves?
14. Are there any existing floor plans?
15. Historical Background of the site?
16. What special facilities do they require?
17. Advice.
Page | 80


SURVEY FOR VISITORS

Name:
Age:
Location:
Gender:
Affiliation:
1. How long have you been visiting in the National Commission for Culture and the
Arts?
Just now/ Rarely
Sometimes
Monthly
Yearly
2. How happy are you with the office?
Very Satisfied
Satisfied Not Satisfied
Disappointed
3. How are the facilities accommodating the services they offer?
Very Satisfied
Disappointed
4. How heavy is the traffic in the vicinity?
Very Satisfied
Disappointed
5. Does the environment (noise, vista, etc) from the outside affect the inside
environment?
No
A little
Yes
Disturbing
6. How comfortable are you with the office?
Very Satisfied
Disappointed
7. Do you wish for a redevelopment?
Yes
Maybe
No
8. Advice or comments:
Page | 81


SURVEY
Name:
Age:
Location:
1.
Gender:
Affiliation:
How long have you been working in the National Commission for Culture and the
Arts?
6 months or less 6 mo. to a year

2.
How happy are you with the office?
Very Satisfied
3.

A little
Disturbing
Disappointed
Do you wish for a redevelopment?
Yes
9.
Yes
How comfortable are you with the office?
Very Satisfied
8.
Disappointed
Does the environment (noise, vista, etc) from the outside affect the office
environment?
No
7.
Disappointed
How heavy is the traffic in the vicinity?
Very Satisfied
6.
Disappointed
How adequate is the building space in your office?
Very Satisfied
5.
Disappointed
How are the facilities accommodating the services you offer?
Very Satisfied
4.
1 to 5 years greater than 5 years
Maybe
No
Advice or comments:
Page | 82

TAX DECLARATION OF THE METROPOLITAN THEATER:

(taken from the Manila City Hall)
Page | 83

THE NCCA ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO THE PROPOSAL:
Page | 84

SCREEN CAPTURED E-MAIL FROM THE NCCA:
The researcher was asking for insights and help regarding his proposal and fortunately,
the National Commission for Culture and the Arts is very responsive and willing to extend all
help possible.
Page | 85

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Proposed Approach on Adaptive Reuse of the

Metropolitan Theater for the National Commission

A Thesis Presented to the

In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements in Architectural Design 9/ AR200/ AR200Sfor the

Architect Junar Pakingan Tablan, uap, MSAE

Proposed Approach on Adaptive Reuse of the Metropolitan Theater

Background of the Study

Statement of the Problem

Project Goals, Objectives and Strategies

Significance of the Study

Scope and Limitation

Review of Related Literature and Studies

Related Studies/ Projects

Population and Sampling

Summary of Findings and Analysis

Presentation of Collected Data

Proposed Approach on Adaptive Reuse of the Metropolitan Theater

Conclusions and Recommendations

Part II. Research Focus

Principles and Relevance to the Project

Application to the Project

Part III. Site Identification and Analysis

Criteria for Site Selection

Site Option Description

Site Selection and Justification

Chapter III.2 Site Evaluation and Analysis

The Macro Setting

The Micro Setting

Related Laws and Ordinances

Chapter III.3 Site Development Options

Proposed Site Development Plan

Proposed Approach on Adaptive Reuse of the Metropolitan Theater

PART 1. THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Proposed Approach on Adaptive Reuse of the Metropolitan Theater

Background of the Study

Proposed Approach on Adaptive Reuse of the Metropolitan Theater

Statement of the Problem

Proposed Approach on Adaptive Reuse of the Metropolitan Theater

Project Goals, Objectives and Strategies

Proposed Approach on Adaptive Reuse of the Metropolitan Theater

To strengthen the agencys government body in the aspect of accessibility

The strategies to be done are the following:

Significance of the Study

Proposed Approach on Adaptive Reuse of the Metropolitan Theater

understanding of the spatiality of organizations and the organizational implications of space,

Scope and Limitation

Proposed Approach on Adaptive Reuse of the Metropolitan Theater

VIII. Conceptual Framework

Proposed Approach on Adaptive Reuse of the Metropolitan Theater

Proposed Approach on Adaptive Reuse of the Metropolitan Theater

design, crafts, photography, video, filmmaking and architecture.

Proposed Approach on Adaptive Reuse of the Metropolitan Theater

ever-changing business climate in which they must balance a wider variety of

Proposed Approach on Adaptive Reuse of the Metropolitan Theater

Proposed Approach on Adaptive Reuse of the Metropolitan Theater

Proposed Approach on Adaptive Reuse of the Metropolitan Theater

Proposed Approach on Adaptive Reuse of the Metropolitan Theater

Proposed Approach on Adaptive Reuse of the Metropolitan Theater

Virginia Commission for The Arts

Proposed Approach on Adaptive Reuse of the Metropolitan Theater

Carriageworks Arts Centre, Sydney

Proposed Approach on Adaptive Reuse of the Metropolitan Theater

The St Peters Precinct

b.) Local Project

De GUZMAN, JNB (Part 1 2 3 & Related Appendices)

De GUZMAN, JNB (Part 1 2 3 & Related Appendices)