1.

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1.1 Philippines’ Marine Treasure

The Philippine archipelago is located in the

Pacific Ocean. It is composed of more than 7,100

islands with a coastline stretching over 36,289 km.

Sea turtle and marine fishes; Tubbataha Reef

The country has one of the most populous and diverse aquatic ecosystems in the

world. The marine waters of the Philippines contain significant marine habitats – coral

reefs, seagrass beds, mangrove forests and the deep seas. These habitats are estimated to

host at least 2,000 species of fish, 5,000 species of clams and other mollusks and

crustaceans, 22 species of whales and dolphins, more than 900 species of seaweed, and

more than 400 species of corals. Because of this rich diversity in marine life, some experts

have acknowledged the Philippines as the global center of marine biodiversity.

More than 30 million Filipinos depend on these marine resources for survival but

the very seas that provide them livelihood and subsistence are under serious threat.

Important fragile marine ecosystems around the country are being destroyed at an

alarming rate. Toxic chemical pollution from industries, human sewage and plastic

garbage from cities suffocate what were once pristine waters.

This research proposes designing a

Marine Science Research Complex to be

able to come up with solutions for the

previously mentioned problems caused by

Coral Reef at Puerto Galera, Mindoro
both natural and man-made actions. The

project is a place to protect the marine life and coral reefs by providing spaces and

functions to serve the desired requirement. This project is a contribution to the society by

offering spaces, and providing the sufficient sources and educational environment that

any student, researcher, and a scientist aspire.

1.2.1 Philippines as the ‘Center for Marine Biodiversity of the World’

International marine scientists have regarded the Philippines as the "Center of

Marine Biodiversity" in the world, surpassing the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.

Scientists, however, warned the Philippine government that the rapid deterioration of

the country’s marine resources could destroy the nation’s natural heritage.

Marine biologist Dr. Kent Carpenter, coordinator of the Global Marine Species

Assessment of the World Conservation Union, said the government should implement

measures to protect and conserve the country’s vast species of marine and coastal

resources. According to him, the Sulu-Sulawesi corridor at the sea border between the

Philippines and Indonesia is the heart of the so-called "Coral Triangle," connecting the

Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea that boasts of a great variety of species

of marine resources.

The Coral Triangle has 600 species of corals, 1,200 species of finfishes, 700 species

of algae, 33 species of mangrove, five out of seven known species of sea turtles, and at

least 24 species of crustaceans. Results from the preliminary geographical information

system (GIS) analysis made by Carpenter and Springer, however, revealed that from the

2,983 combined ranges of generalized maps of marine species in the Coral Triangle, the

central Philippines came out as the area with the highest marine biodiversity.

The degradation of the marine habitat in the Philippines could lead to the

extinction of species, the study said. "Knowledge of the underlying processes that govern

uneven biodiversity distribution is crucial to understanding ecology for effective

conservation. Clearly, marine conservation efforts in the Philippines warrant special

attention," the study said.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Destructive fishing activities such as

dynamite and cyanide fishing, muro-ami,

bottom trawling and overfishing are depleting

our sea’s resources without giving it time to

recover. Marine life is also being threatened by

climate change which causes coral bleaching and

Fisherman practicing Dynamite Fishing
acidification.

The Philippines as a nation is reliant on the health of marine waters and oceans

surrounding the country for national development. The Philippine marine environment

is faced with a host of problems and increasing pressures such as pollution, destructive

fishing practices, habitat destruction and climate change. Only 5% of the country’s coral

reefs remain in good condition. Of the 450,000 hectares of mangroves recorded in 1914,

only around 100,000 hectares remain. According to the National Statistical Coordination

Board, the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) for fishing was already reached in back in

1986.

The threat to country’s marine resources had prompted the Conservation

International-Philippines (CI-Philippines), First Gen Corp., and First Philippines

Conservation Inc. (FPCI) to forge a partnership to confront the challenges facing the

country’s marine biodiversity.

The CI-Philippines is undertaking a three-

year marine conservation initiative, the Sulu-

Sulawesi Seascape Project, which will build a

strong foundation for a long-term conservation program to address threats to the

biological diversity of the Sulu and Sulawesi seas.

1.3 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT

It wasn’t until 2009 that the Philippines has been identified by scientists as the

“Center of the Center of Marine Shorefish Biodiversity” on the planet. The publication

became the driving force behind the Philippines’ claim to being the “center of the center

of marine biodiversity,” surpassing even Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

Obviously data on species is expensive and not easy to obtain. On land, people can

spend hours, days, weeks, or longer in the same location waiting for wildlife to appear.

Due to man’s limitations underwater, sometimes the window of opportunity to see

marine life is in seconds. Conservation International (CI) recent studies on fish egg and

larval distribution in Sulu Sea (2006 – 2008) show that the concentration of marine life

within the Philippines benefits from the inherent potential to entrain biological materials

or the babies of marine life coming from within and outside of the Philippines. CI

Philippines has therefore taken a huge progress in helping the Local Government Units

bordering this important piece of the Earth’s oceans to establish more than 16,000 hectares

of Marine Protected Areas — designated portions of the sea which are protected and

conserved for the well-being of current and future generations.

With that in consideration, this architectural thesis proposal aims to answer to the

problems of marine biodiversity conservation, and global warming adaptation in the

Philippines. The goal is to explore the possibilities of integrating architecture with naval

design and renewable energy to further producing a design capable of adapting and

coexisting with the environment particularly with the marine ecosystem.

1.4 PROJECT OVERVIEW

1.4.1 Project definition:

Marine Science Research Complex: Is a kind of project which is designed to provide

tourist destination for marine enthusiasts, education to knowledge seekers and

professionals for their research with the appropriate sources needed to develop their

skills, allowing them to professionally benefit their society.

The Maritime Complex, which includes the features detailed exhibitions

pertaining to marine science, technology, ecology, and culture.

TOURIST ZONE:

 Marine Museum with Glass Bottom Aqua Display

 Marine Gallery

 Reef Exploration

RESEARCH ZONE:

 Marine Research Facility and Laboratories

 Marine Observatory

 Scientist’s Residences

EDUCATION ZONE:

 Marine Library

 IMAX Theater

SEA-NEXUS is an educational, regionally-oriented marine complex. Its mission is

to collect, preserve, research, and interpret the cultural and natural history of Southeast

Asian marine resources. Visitors can explore how our prehistoric past, natural

environments, and maritime heritage come together to tell a unique story of the Southeast

Asian Region.
1.5 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

1.5.1 GOAL

The aim of the project was to create a mixed-use marine complex that acts as an

integral node of the multidisciplinary field of marine sciences in the Philippines for both

public use and research use.

Simultaneously this project will increase the country’s environmental awareness

and help in the conservation of the marine environment.

1.5.2 OBJECTIVES

The project targets advancement in education, marine science, environmental

preservation, and research in general. It has several categories of objectives that include:

1.5.2.1 Architectural

 To provide a prototype conceptual design exploring the possibilities of integrated

architectural and naval design, and further producing a disaster-ready seascraper.

 To explore different ways of adapting architecture to the ever-changing

environmental state caused by the catastrophic events of Global Warming. And

further create a conceptual design for the visualization of a sustainable maritime

complex which could further serve as a retreat/evacuation facility in case of a big

disaster.

1.5.2.3 Environmental

 To discover new solutions to preserve the natural marine life and vegetation and

protect some from distinction.

 To decrease the water pollution, and therefore provide a healthy environment.

1.5.2.2 Educational

 To provide a facility specially designed for researchers and Marine Life

enthusiasts. This is to serve both marine professionals and the public needs and

provide a marine observatory where even the public can experience the

underwater scenery.

 To provide space for various types of resources and references and make them

easily accessible to the public and space users.

 To enhance the quality of research by providing special spaces, laboratories,

libraries, and inspiring working environment.

1.5.2.4 Touristic

 To provide the country with an advanced aquatic facility that would boost the

tourism market and at the same time enrich people’s awareness regarding marine

conservation.

1.5.2.5 Recreational

 To provide the residents of scientists and researchers a full experience by creating

desired entertaining Maritime Museum, IMAX Theaters, Maritime Libraries, and

Marine Galleries

 To enhance the scientist society by creating spaces to interact, socialize, and enjoy

themselves.

 To raise awareness of environmental preservation through engaging both children

and adults with interesting marine-related activities.

 To emphasize learning through entertainment to the public.

1.6 SCOPE AND DELIMITATIONS

1.6.1 SCOPE

The research study aims to have comprehensive report about the development. It

comprises of data and information that the development needs to make it feasible.

1.6.1.1 METHODOLOGIES

The proponent discusses the research method he used in the study. This includes

the step by step processes of gathering data and what valuable data the proponent

acquired.

1.6.1.2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURES

The study includes literatures and feature clippings associated to the project. With

this, the proponent has a grasp of the overall depiction of the project. Also, the proponent

examined case studies both local and foreign related to Marine Complex.

1.6.1.3 SITE DATA AND ANALYSIS

In this section, the proponent thoroughly discusses the location where the

development will rise. This contains, the site selection which where development best

suits in the Philippines. In addition the proponent also discusses the macro site analysis

and micro site analysis of the nominated location in which the proponent discusses the

factors that affects the site.

1.6.1.4 SPATIAL PROGRAMMING

This part analyzes the spaces needed in the development. This section is important

as it projects all the possible spaces needed, its quantitative and qualitative aspects as

well as the projected users of the development.

1.6.1.5 BUILDING SYSTEMS

This portion briefly discusses the systems that will be utilized in the development

of the project. It states structural, electrical, mechanical, lighting, sanitary, environmental,

landscaping, etc. as well as discussed the building materials that will be used.
1.6.1.6 ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPTS

The proponent discusses his concepts in this segment. From his philosophy,

design strategies, design concepts, and architectural style and character that the project

is envisioned.

1.6.1.7 MATTER OF FINANCING

This part projects the overall building construction cost of the development. It also

discusses the prospect investors as well as the computation for the return of investment.

1.6.1.8 CONLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

As the last part of the study, this summarizes the overall analysis. The proponent

also cites recommendations for the improvement of the project development.

1.6.2 DELIMITATIONS

This dissertation delimits itself from the non-architectural measure that the

proponent may be unable to project and discuss.

1.6.2.1 STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

This study does not discuss the thorough analysis of the structural integrity of the

development. This includes the load capacities, maximum safe loading, shear and

bending stresses of structural members of the development

1.6.2.2 LIGHTING, MECHANICAL, AND PLUMBING

The proponent does not include the lighting, mechanical and plumbing layouts as

well as the wiring, circuitry, and all engineering aspects of lighting, mechanical, and

plumbing.

1.6.2.3 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

This paper does not calculate the analysis of environment impact of the

development. Namely: the global warming reduction influenced by the development, the

rate of growth of marine species affected by development.

1.7 PROJECT DESIGN OVERVIEW

MARINE COMPLEX
Spaces by activities

INTELLECTUAL EDUCATIONAL RECREATIONAL RESIDENTIAL

RESEARCH SCIENTIST’S
MARINE LIBRARY IMAX THEATERS
FACILITY RESIDENCE

MARINE EXHIBITION SMB

MARINE GALLERY
LABORATORIES CENTERS HEADQUARTERS

MARINE
MARINE MUSEUM CORAL SEEDING
OBSERVATORY

UNDERWATER
AQUA-DISPLAY
ACTIVITIES
Marine Complex:

1.7.1 Intellectual Facilities:

Intellectual Facilities will be composed of the main research section, which has marine

related departments. Functions distribution will follow:

Department I Department II Department III

Biological Oceanography Geological Marine Resource

Oceanography Assessment

Chemical Oceanography Physical Oceanography Marine Life Preservation

1.7.2 Educational Facilities:

Educational Facilities are facilities that aims to enhance the knowledge of a

researcher both beginners and professionals which can be accessed by both: private and

public users.

1.7.3 Recreational Activities:

Recreational Activities are eco-based activities which will not only help the

existing sanctuary cultivate and improve but also make the tourists a chance to connect

and be with the nature

1.7.4 Residential Buildings:

Main residence to provide accommodation for space users and scientists and also

acts as a general building for the governing and concerned organizations of marine

biodiversity.
1.8 JUSTIFICATION

Oceans are the lifeblood of planet Earth and humankind. They flow over nearly

three-quarters of our planet, and hold 97% of the planet's water. They produce more than

half of the oxygen in the atmosphere, and absorb the most carbon from it.

No matter how far from the shore that you live, oceans still affect your life and the

lives of your families and friends, classmates and colleagues.

The air that you breathe, the water you drink, the food you eat, the products that

keep you warm, safe, informed, and entertained — all can come from or be transported

by the ocean.

About half of the world’s population lives within the coastal zone, and ocean-

based businesses contribute more than $500 billion to the world’s economy. Historically,

we thought that we could never take too much out of, or put too much waste into, the

oceans.

The sheer number of people who use and depend on the ocean, and the sometimes

unwise practices we adopt, have created problems such as overharvest of resources,

reduction in biodiversity, and degradation of marine habitats and species, among others.

We risk the very ecosystems on which our survival depends.

We must become better stewards of our oceans. One meaningful way to do this is

by creating effective Marine Research and Touristic Facility to enhance the society’s

awareness on the Marine Wonder of the Philippines.

1.8.1 Establishment of National Integrated Protected Areas System

Republic Act 7586 otherwise known as the National Integrated Protected Areas

System (NIPAS) Act of 1992 provides the legal framework for the establishment and

management of protected areas in the Philippines. The Law defines protected areas as

the identified portions of land and/or water set aside by reason of their unique physical

and biological significance, managed to enhance biological diversity and protected

against destructive human exploration. The establishment and management of protected

areas are part of the international commitments signed by the Philippine Government

such Convention on Biological Diversity, Ramsar Convention, World Heritage

Convention, Convention on Migratory Species, and the ASEAN Agreement on the

Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

The implementation of the NIPAS Act is currently on its 19th year. It is

implemented originally through DENR Administrative Order No. 25, Series of 1992. The

said DENR Administrative Order was amended pursuant to DAO 2008-26 dated 24

December 2008. This Administrative Order sets the procedures for the establishment,

administration, management and development of the System.

The NIPAS Act identified 202 initial components comprising of proclaimed

national parks, game refuge and wildlife sanctuaries, nature reserves, wilderness areas,

mangrove reserves, watershed reservations, fish sanctuaries, protected landscapes and

seascapes, among others prior to the effectivity of the NIPAS Act.

With regard to the financing of the System, there are one hundred and forty-nine

(149) protected areas with established Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF), of

which 95 protected areas have active IPAF collections and utilization. As of June 2011, a

total income of Php 204,824,951.22 has been generated by the System. On the same

period, a total amount of Php 127,212,987.51 was utilized.

1.8.2 Formation of Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan (SEPP)

The formulation and implementation of plans, programs and projects affecting the

environment and natural resources of Palawan are guided by the provisions of Republic

Act No. 7611, otherwise known as the “Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) for Palawan

Act” (June 19, 1992).

This Act serves as a comprehensive framework for the sustainable development

of Palawan compatible with protecting and enhancing the natural resources and

endangered environment of the province [Sec. 4, R.A. 7611].

Included also are: 1) ecotourism development in the Philippines, 2) criteria for

declaring an area as ecotourism destination, 3) key ecotourism sites and, 4) the processes

involved in the development of ecotourism destinations.

A list of House bills filed during the Twelfth (12th) Congress proposing the

creation and establishment of protected areas and natural parks is incorporated showing

their authors and status. .

Pambato Reef Sign at Pandan Island Dalub-Karagatan, floating structure established at West
Pambato Reef
 1.8.3 DENR Picks Palawan’s Pambato Reef as Site for

Coastal and Marine Research Center

December 2, 2011, Department of Environment and Natural Resources

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. issued DENR

Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2011-12 establishing Pambato Reef as site of the D ENR

National Coastal and Marine Center for Research (NCMCR).

“The establishment of a research center is a step towards a more effective and

efficient conservation of our country’s vast biodiversity. We need to implement clear

interventions in protecting and rehabilitating our coastal and marine ecosystems as they

provide food and livelihood to millions of Filipinos,” Paje said. .

Paje also said the Pambato Reef makes for an ideal and strategic site for the

country’s coastal and marine research program because it represents the megadiversity

of the Philippines. “Being located in Palawan, which as we all know, is the country’s last

ecological frontier, Pambato Reef is definitely a good choice to put up our research

center,” Paje added. .

Under the DAO, the NCMCR in Pambato Reef would serve as a field station for

applied research for marine and coastal ecosystems, ecotourism and biodiversity. It

would also house a laboratory for researchers to study interventions for coral reefs,

seagrass and mangroves. .

Executive Director Jacob Meimban of the DENR’s Coastal and Marine

Management Office said his office would coordinate with other marine experts,

institutions and agencies such as the DENR’s Ecosystems Research and Development

Bureau, the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, the University of the

Philippines’ Marine Science Institute, and Silliman University in designing the NCMCR,

particularly its laboratory facilities. .

 1.8.4 Puerto Princesa City ordained Pambato Reef as a Marine

Sanctuary

An ordinance amending the city ordinance no. 390, otherwise known as “an

ordinance declaring the coastal marine areas at the Pambato Reef located at Honda Bay

Barangay Sta. Lourdes, Puerto Princesa City, as marine sanctuary” into “an ordinance

declaring the West Pambato Reef with 85,948 square meters and East Pambato Reef with

an area of 82,532 square meters as marine sanctuaries”

An ordinance declaring Pambato Reef West with an area of 85,948 square meters

and Pambato Reef East with an area of 82,532 square meters as marine sanctuaries.

The marine waters of the two (2) reefs: Pambato West and Pambato East shall be

declared as marine sanctuaries and shall be further designated into conservation, eco-

tourism and buffer zones in pursuit of sustainable management for conservation,

rehabilitation and restoration of marine and aquatic resources.

It is the policy of the city government of Puerto Princesa to protect and manage its

coastal marine resources, as well as, the communities’ dependent upon the said resources.

It also recognizes the role of the community and other stakeholders in the protection and

conservation of its marine and coastal areas. Thus, it recognizes that collaborative

management is a strategy in the management and conservation of these resources.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

TITLE CONSTRUCTION

SEA-NEXUS (SOUTH EAST ASIA – NEO EXPO FOR UNDERWATER SCIENCES):

MARINE COMPLEX

A Pan-Regional Ethnoecological Marine Complex Synthesizing Nature Adaptive and Interactive

 SEA - the expanse of salt water that covers most of the earth's surface and

surrounds its landmasses.

 NEXUS - a connection or series of connections linking two or more things.

 SOUTH EAST ASIA - A geographical subdivision of Asia that includes the

following nations: Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines,

Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

 NEO - a new or revived form of a thing.

 EXPO - a large exhibition.

 UNDERWATER SCIENCE – a branch of study focusing of element under the

wate (sea, ocean, river).

 PAN-REGION - is a geographic region or state's sphere of economic, political and

cultural influence extending beyond that states borders

 ETHNOECOLOGICAL - is the scientific study of how different groups of people

living in different locations understand the ecosystems around them, and their

relationships with surrounding environments.

 SYNTHESIS - combination or composition, in particular.

 NATURE ADAPTIVE – is an approach wherein one element harmoniously

blends in the environment

 INTERACTIVE - influencing or having an effect on each other.

CONTEXTUAL DEFINITION

 Curator - a keeper or custodian of a museum or other collection.

 Eco-Friendly - not harmful to the environment.

 Foundation - the lowest load-bearing part of a building, typically below ground

level

 Gallery - a room or building for the display or sale of works of art.

 IMAX - a technique of widescreen cinematography that produces an image

approximately ten times larger than that from standard 35 mm film.

 Landscaping - improve the aesthetic appearance of (a piece of land) by changing

its contours, adding ornamental features, or planting trees and shrubs

 Marine - of, found, or produces in the sea

 Marine Biodiversity - refers to the species richness and abundance in the world's

oceans and seas

 Museum - a building in which objects of historical, scientific, artistic, or cultural

interest are stored and exhibited.

 Organic - denoting a relation between elements of something such that they fit

together harmoniously as necessary parts of a whole

 Philosophy - he study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and

existence, especially when considered as an academic discipline

 Photovoltaic - relating to the production of electric current at the junction of two

substances exposed to light.

 Sanctuary - a place of refuge or safety.

 Skylight - a window installed in a roof or ceiling

 System - a set of principles or procedures according to which something is done;

an organized scheme or method.

ACRONYMS

DENR – Department of Environment and Natural Resources

DOT – Department of Tourism

HOBBAI – Honda Bay Boat-owners Association Inc.

GEF – Global Environment Facility

UNDP – United Nations Development Program

SMB – Sanctuary Management Board

CI – Conservation International

WWF – World Wildlife Fund

MKBA – Marine Key Biodiversity Area

BFAR – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

NAMRIA – National Mapping and Resources Information Authority