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CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Within this conceptual framework, the core principle lies in acknowledging the intricate interplay and mutual reliance among human activities, natural ecosystems, and wildlife populations. Operating within the framework of a circular economy, human endeavors are directed toward minimizing waste generation, optimizing resource utilization, and fostering regenerative practices to bolster the vitality and adaptability of ecosystems.
At the heart of this framework is the recognition of wetlands as indispensable elements of the natural landscape, bestowing a myriad of ecosystem services essential for human welfare and providing habitats for diverse wildlife communities. Wetlands are instrumental in tasks such as flood control, water purification, carbon storage, and the preservation of biodiversity, thus accentuating their pivotal role in sustaining ecological equilibrium and fortifying resilience. Embedded within the circular economy ethos are principles of sustainability and stewardship that guide human conduct toward cultivating a harmonious coexistence with nature and wildlife. This encompasses embracing sustainable land management strategies, such as conscientious urban planning, habitat restoration initiatives, and measures for safeguarding biodiversity, all aimed at nurturing the enduring health and vigor of wetland ecosystems.
The conceptual framework emphasizes the interconnectedness and mutual dependence of humans, nature, and wildlife in the context of a circular economy. By embracing this symbiotic relationship and adopting holistic approaches to wetland conservation and promotion, architectural interventions can contribute to the preservation of biodiversity, the enhancement of ecosystem services, and the promotion of sustainable development in Macabebe, Pampanga, and beyond.
DESIGN PRECEDENTS
DESIGN PRECEDENTS
CASE STUDIES ON WETLAND CENTERS ON LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEVEL
Pangil, Laguna Eco-Park (Living Lakes, 2023)
Managed by the Local Government of Pangil, Laguna, the 14-hectare Pangil Eco-Park and Wetland shelters a diverse array of flora and fauna. The main body of water found in this reserve is the Pangil River, which connects to the Laguna de Bay. In 2009, the park was established through the joint partnership of the World Bank, the Municipal Development Funding Office, and the Laguna Lake Development Authority. The Living Lake Networks describe the complex as a unified ecosystem of rivers, waterfalls, and green forested areas where biodiversity exemplifies. The main function of the eco-park was to serve as a recreational area for tourists, as available amenities lean towards glamping, swimming, and trekking. Given such circumstances, the Society for Conservation of Philippine Wetlands created a constructed wetland in 2023 that aims to treat sanitary wastes, avoiding direct discharge to bodies of water by utilizing aquatic plants as green filters in cleaning the wastewater (Living Lakes, 2023). Estorba (2023) stated that these filters use a nature-based solution strategy to solve water pollution, resulting in ecosystem restoration, which is one of the major initiatives of the Living Lakes Biodiversity and Climate Project. Despite the ecological park being established for more than a decade, avenues for knowledge transmission seem to be absent at the site. When it comes to structures present within the park, most are built using bamboo poles, particularly on lodging cottages. By the river, cottages are also seen, but these are poorly made with low-grade materials—a thin layer of galvanized iron sheet for the roof and bamboo poles for the structural support and seating, which also serves as the enclosure. It was observed that there were neither structures nor enough amenities disseminating information regarding the present biodiversity in the area. These features are significant because they constantly remind people to preserve the environment while spreading awareness about using the area as a recreational space without destroying habitats. To sum up, the Pangil Eco-Park and Wetland serve as inspiration for applying innovations to enhance water quality for the betterment of the ecology. It also stands as an example of the importance of placing centers to extend knowledge and awareness to the public to properly conserve and preserve the environment.
Wetland in Suncheon Bay, South Korea (Lim, 2022)
The Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve is a Ramsar-protected area, located inside the Suncheon Bay Natural Eco-Park, which was established in 2004 (Ramsar, 2006). It spans an area of approximately 28 km2 in Suncheon City, Jeollanam-do. Declared an eco-tourism site in 2013, the wetland is home to a diverse set of wildlife—36 families, 92 genera, and 116 species (An & Park, 2020). It features five landscape patterns: tidal-flat, rice-paddy, field area, coniferous, and broadleaf natural forest, adjacent to various landforms including mountains, rivers, and fields (Kim et al., 2013). The whole reserve provides a sensory experience with the presence of amenities that touch the five senses. The sense of touch is cultivated through engaging in activities at the Craft Specialty Center and in the Hooded Crane Organic Farming Area. With the presence of various museums, observatories, fields, and mudflats, people can see the existing wildlife living in the wetlands. Visitors are also able to taste the local cuisine at the two cafeterias present in the complex. The establishment of the Natural Sounds Experience Center allows contact with the environment through hearing the chirp of birds, the swoosh of lush greeneries, and calm waves from the bay. There are abundant floral gardens present on the site that give off an olfactory sensation from the scents coming from various flowers and plants. Observing the site plan of the complex, the Suncheon International Wetland Center is placed away from the wetland itself, considering the potential heavy foot traffic it may cause that could disturb the wildlife habitat. Some gardens are also named after foreign countries and themes based on their renowned landscaping strategies, which do not have any relation to the identity of the wetland. Despite this circumstance, the presence of flowering plants from these gardens adds color to the existing reed field in the reserve. Structures were mainly built with reinforced concrete, as they were not reached by water. No major structures are found on the mudflats, except for viewing decks made of wood, abundantly scattered to accommodate more tourists without crowding the area. Overall, the Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve stands as a model for preserving its natural landscape while encouraging eco-tourism through a multi-sensory experience. It has considered the habitats of wildlife in planning the site by clustering heavy activities away from ecological habitats. As the first coastal wetland in South Korea, it exemplifies wildlife and human coexistence through balancing tourism and habitat preservation.
SWOT ANALYSIS
SWOT ANALYSIS
SWOT ANALYSIS IS CRUCIAL IN ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTS AS IT HELPS ARCHITECTS ASSESS INTERNAL STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES ALONGSIDE EXTERNAL OPPORTUNITIES AND THREATS. THIS HOLISTIC EVALUATION GUIDES DECISION-MAKING, ENHANCES DESIGN QUALITY, AND ENABLES ARCHITECTS TO PROACTIVELY ADDRESS CHALLENGES, ENSURING THE PROJECT'S SUCCESS AND ALIGNMENT WITH SCPW'S OBJECTIVES
Strengths
The frontage of the site is well parallel to the sole access road.
For the most part, the site is still untouched, and the damage present is still highly reversible.
The site is biologically diverse.
The site assists in fulfilling the fishing culture of the barangay.
Weaknesses
There is a drastic change in the site features depending on the tide level.
The site exhibits questionable-to-poor water quality.
There are limited biotic elements within the site.
The current identity of the site is common.
Opportunities
The immediate vicinity presents an unobstructed panoramic view of the Bataan Highlands.
The adjoining lots of the site are also dedicated to aquaculture development.
As the mangrove and bird populations increase, the site's ecology will flourish, supporting diverse marine life.
With the absence of a nearby wetland and aquaculture center, the site would be an iconic or representative place to showcase the culture and environment of Brgy. Consuelo and Macabebe as a whole.
Threats
Access to the site is difficult especially with heavy vehicles, due to the narrow width
Continuous reclamation on the northern adjoining part of the site may pose both natural and man-made disasters.
No laws exist for aquaculture and mangrove conservation implementation in CLUP.
Apart from the nearby military outposts, there are no social facilities that support the site.
ANALYSIS OF DESIGN PROBLEMS, OBJECTIVES, SWOT, AND CRITERIA
ANALYSIS OF DESIGN PROBLEMS, OBJECTIVES, SWOT, AND CRITERIA
THE PARTICIPANTS GENERATED AN ASSESSMENT OF HOW THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN DESIGN CHALLENGES AND DESIGN GOALS CAN GENERATE CRITERIA TAILORED TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT, SITE, AND COMMUNITY.
Design Main Problem
The lack of a dedicated center or institution for wetland preservation and conservation in Macabebe, Pampanga, poses a significant obstacle to fostering a symbiotic environment for people, wildlife, and nature.
Design Main Goal
To design the Mabebe Wetland Center with strong consideration to the socio-cultural and revitalization of deteriorated wetland regions of the municipality to facilitate a symbiotic environment for the livelihood of the people, diversity of the wildlife, and ecology of nature.
Design Sub-Problem
There is a weak sense of ecological responsibility in the municipality. A prevailing lack of awareness and commitment to environmental stewardship within the community leads to the degradation of wetland ecosystems, resulting in a lack of conservation and preservation efforts for these habitats.
The community experiences a lack of income-generating facilities. The absence of sustainable economic opportunities tied to wetland conservation leads to the possibility of resorting to activities that degrade the wetlands, such as overfishing or illegal logging, to meet their economic needs.
The declining identity of traditional livelihoods due to overseas migration has been prevalent in the area and must be put to a halt, or at least lessened, as there is a risk of losing the knowledge, skills, and identity associated with traditional marine-based activities, further disconnecting the community from its historical identity.
Design Objectives
1. Holistic Environmental Stewardship
To foster an unwavering discernment of environmental accountability through sustainable mangrove development in different approaches such as educational, holistic, business, health and wellness, research, and ecological conservation.
Sustainable development for wellness
The definition of local environmental stewardship is described as the actions taken by individuals, groups, or networks of actors to protect, care for, or responsibly use the environment in pursuit of environmental and/or social outcomes in diverse social-ecological contexts. (Bennett et al., 2018)
Near immediate entry
Accessibility for PWD
Sprawling design to accommodate more activities
Distanced from nearby mangrove vicinity
2. Create a Cost-effective and Environmentally Sustainable Building
To serve the development as an opportunity for the community through expanding possibilities in terms of environmental sustainability, increased affordability, and innovation adaptability by activating a competitive edge contributing to the overall prosperity of the general public.
Financially Viable
Orientation of the Site
Mitigation of Pollution
Symmetry in Space Planning (Mehaffy, 2020)
3. Strengthen the Collective Bond of the Community and History
To strengthen the identity by adhering to the community's history, customs, culture, and indigenous livelihoods to achieve and maintain resilience, social cohesion, and a sense of pride in correlating architectural components into societal dimensions. the overall prosperity of the general public.
Collective Bond
Utilize Views
Open Design (Tellioglu et al., 2017)
Promote physical activity (Forberger et al., 2019)
Architectural Goal Approach
Locating conducive geographical points for ensuring the stability of future built establishments (research centers, industrial hubs, etc.) that need a sufficient structural system in terms of soil components, seismic considerations, and wind resistance.
Engaging active and non-active spaces in all areas is important for aiming for biosecurity, operational efficacy, and the well-being of both the community and ecology.
Applying the 3F'S (Functionality, Flexibility, and Feasibility) of the spaces to be integrated into the facilities to enhance proximity as well as for both private and public accessibility by ensuring that species wouldn't be exasperated
Balancing the utilization of design methodologies or construction resources, especially for highly intensive materials such as: (glass, steel, and concrete) to lean on the criteria for Edge-IFC and LEED towards achieving Triple 3'S (Survivability, Self-sufficiency, and sustainability),
Imploring measures for enhancing the hydrological quality of water in the community as a strategic way of elevating cleanliness and reducing pollutants. (natural filtration systems, BMPs, sustainable vegetation)
Pointing out the potential industrial spots far from environmentally specific zones to mitigate possible negative impacts on ecosystems and public health. (Environmental)
Insinuating on both non-technological and technological innovations to address challenges in cultivating a diverse range of aquaculture practices (Technology, such as creating soft applications, websites, robotics, and sciences)
Consideration of the flexibility and functionality of the site by putting the areas for future growth and expansions of the infrastructure or facilities in service of various purposes. (Adaptability)
Inclining educational and therapeutic approaches incorporating history, folklore, and traditional norms by engaging the individuals through visual hierarchy, auditory design, as well as physical and psychological compositions.
Inclusive and Interactive design for the sense of ownership and pride of the community through visual hierarchy, auditory design, healing, and therapeutic compositions
Educational goals by incorporating art and artifacts through signage, educational workshops (lectures and workshops), public art installations, and exhibit spaces.
Implementing traditional building techniques in achieving Filipino legacy.
References
Bennett, N. J., Whitty, T. S., Finkbeiner, E., Pittman, J., Bassett, H., Gelcich, S., & Allison, E. H. (2018). Environmental Stewardship: A Conceptual Review and Analytical Framework. Environmental Management, 61(4), 597–614. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-017-0993-2
The key findings suggest that successful mangrove rehabilitation requires an integrated and ecosystem-based approach, involvement of local people in planning and monitoring, clear roles and responsibilities for all stakeholders, and species selection based on ecological and silvicultural knowledge. (Raj et al., 2020)
Raj, R., M, D., Bose, S., Ramalingam, S., & Cas, B. (2020). Improving women’s access to climate information services and enhancing their capability to manage climate risks. APN Science Bulletin, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.30852/sb.2020.946
Forberger, S., Reisch, L. A., Kampfmann, T., & Zeeb, H. (2019). Nudging to move: a scoping review of the use of choice architecture interventions to promote physical activity in the general population. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-019-0844-z
H. Tellioglu, Wagner, I., & Lainer, R. (2017). Open Design Methodologies. Exploring Architectural Practice for Systems Design. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Open-Design-Methodologies.-Exploring-Architectural-Tellioglu-Wagner/946665b24a091ab9cbd1efa2d24cb49dce9c0229
Mehaffy, M. W. (2020). The Impacts of Symmetry in Architecture and Urbanism: Toward a new research agenda. Buildings, 10(12), 249. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings10120249
Republic of the Philippines National Council on Disability Affairs Pambansang Sanggunian Ukol sa Ugnayang Pangmaykapansanan. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://ncda.gov.ph/disability-laws/implementing-rules-and-regulations-irr/irr-of-bp-344/
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