Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Case Study (Seed Bank)
Case Study (Seed Bank)
Case Study (Seed Bank)
A. INTRODUCTION
Case studies provide a means for highlighting and extracting practical principles and
methods for shaping and accelerating progress in solving wicked real world problems. It
helps to inform the researchers of different theories associated with architecture where
researchers considered part of the project to be conceived, developed, and applied to the
project.
Case studies can help provide detailed information about particular subjects. Different
theories and concepts as well as the guidelines that were used and incorporated within each
case study. It will be identified so it can help provide additional basis and parameters in the
creation of the design for the proposed project.
D. CASE STUDIES
Case study 1: Millennium seed bank
Case study 2: Science and Conservation Australian Plant bank
Case study 3: Australian National Botanic Gardens(ANBG) seed bank
CASE STUDY 01
Introduction:
The millennium project is the best in terms of architectural, moral, intellectual, and its
naturality. The brief of the building was developed and the form of the building was inside
out. Scientists can be seen by the visitors while performing their laboratory experiments, to
inspire people about the importance of the collection. They also applied different green
building techniques like low thermal mass design, local construction labor to minimize
environmental impact. And management of water runoff to prevent disturbance on areas
natural hydrology.
The design was in form of barrel vaults and designed to harmonize with the
environment. It was also inspired by natural curves of local barns. They put the storage into
underground of sloped area so minimal treatments are required for temperature and
humidity control.
The spaces
Living library- Composed of more than million seed displays.
Laboratories- Laboratories where they perform their experiments regarding seeds
Visitor center- Not just a seed bank. It was also intended to attract tourist and promote
awareness regarding the importance of seeds to the future generation.
Educational science facilities- Spaces for science experiments and interaction were also
provided. It can help in educating the people regarding the importance of science and
technology.
Offices- Offices are provided for the resident scientists and researchers.
Plantation- It is where they plant the seeds to test the improvement or the success of each
experiment or modifications.
Seed bank- It is where they store the seeds to be preserve.
Aerial view
We can see in this picture the aerial view
of the site. Natural hydrology is preserved.
The structure is simple and does not
overwhelm the existing landscape, it
blends naturally in the landscape.
Entrance hall
The entrance of the building is
dominated by natural sunlight.
We can also observe the
openness of the area. It allows
natural ventilation and sunlight
to pass through and circulate
inside the building.
Visitors area
We can see in this picture the use of
skylight. It is also where displays are
located. Glass curtain walls are used, To
make an effect of harmonization with the
environment.
Plantation
Green houses where they
grow the seeds and test the
effectiveness of each
experiment.
Laboratories
Laboratories are intended to be
visible to the visitors. The activities
and experiments held inside can
be observed by the visitors. It will
help create interest for the visitors
in the complexity and be amazed
by the experiments.
Photo documentation
Laboratories Plantation
Zoning of spaces
- Public spaces
- Administrative spaces
Floor plan
2- Utility spaces
4- Office space
5- Seed bank
6- Laboratory
7- Laboratories
8- Laboratories
CASE STUDY 02
The Australian PlantBank is a science and research facility for the Royal Botanic Gardens
and Domain Trust located in south-west Sydney at the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount
Annan. It houses the Garden's seed bank and research laboratories, which specialize in the
conservation and horticultural research of NSW plant species. Since opening in October 2013,
PlantBank has received six prestigious architectural awards, and is now recognized not only
as a cutting-edge center for plant research and learning, but also as a leader in terms of
architectural design and sustainability.
The Australian PlantBank has been specially designed so visitors can experience the
journey of the seed and be inspired by the important conservation work of our scientists.
The best way to conserve plants is in their natural habitat. However, conserving plants away
from the wild can be useful for research, and sometimes necessary for their survival. Seed-
banking is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to conserve plants. Seed collections
are used for research, habitat restoration and, when necessary, to reintroduce threatened
species back to the wild. Seedbanks have always been important resources for investigations
and developments in agriculture, horticulture, medicine and other plant uses. Today, a
seedbanks most urgent purpose is saving plant species; helping to preserve the earths
biodiversity.
The Spaces
Seed bank- It is where they store their wide variety of seed, for the sake of preservation and
experimentation. The temperature is at low level, to decelerate the seed decay.
Research laboratories- It is composed of different type of laboratories. It houses all the
research and experiments of the scientists. From germination, all seed processes.
Offices- Offices for the resident scientists and researchers.
Herbarium-The Herbarium is one of Australias biggest reference collections of pressed plant
specimens and it is used to study the ecology, evolution and classification of plants, providing
an accurate record through time and space.
Over 10,000 type specimens the original specimens that are linked to names of
new plant species
25,000 Australian vascular plant species, including the 6,000 occurring in New South
Wales, as well as a good sample of species from other parts of the world.
Many specimens from Australias early explorers, including those collected by Joseph
Banks and Daniel Solander in 1770 on Cooks first voyage to the Pacific.
Internationally significant collections of plant specimens including algae, bryophytes,
cycads and the flowering plant families Asteraceae, Casuarinaceae, Cyperaceae,
Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Myrtaceae, Orchidaceae, Poaceae and Restionaceae.
This vast collection of specimens and data is a key resource on vascular plants, algae, bryophytes
(mosses, liverworts and hornworts) and lichens for local and international researchers. The
Herbariums specimens provide information for scientific research into plant relationships, and
are a record of past and present plant distribution. This information is essential in making
decisions about the conservation and management of our natural environment and form a
continuing and vital part of our scientific heritage.
Photo documentation
The Australian Plant Bank was designed
by BVN Donovan Hill for the Royal
Botanical Gardens at Mount
Annan. Behind its polished steel facade,
the complex offers storage rooms for
seed specimens and research labs
where scientists can examine
Australian plant life.
Photo documentation
Interior Herbarium
Floor plan
8
9
10 7 1
11 3
4
5
12
13
14
15
A cross-shaped plan divides the complex into two wings, framing a pair of triangular courtyards on
each side. A sunken passageway between the two wings leads into the facility.
Sections
Site section
Building section
Technologies applied
The building itself is an example of sustainable architecture. The orrientation are planned to
mximized the natural light entering the building. Cross ventilation is assured for considerable part of
the year. Less relliance on mechanical systems diminishing too much energy consumption.
A thermal labyrinth has been installed under the east wing which reduces the HVAC load and
extends natural ventilation, particularly during summer when fresh air pre-cooled overnight
circulates and forces out warm air. The system is designed to reduce the peaks and troughs of
extreme ambient weather by capturing either the heat of the day or the cool of the night retaining it
in the surrounding concrete, earth and rock beds of the constructed labyrinth. The prediction for the
assisted warming or cooling of the building is up to 7.5 degrees centigrade.
Passive shading is provided to all sun facing surfaces and the concrete floor of the public areas
ensures the effect of winter sun is harnessed. Materials of low combustibility have been used to
enable bushfire protection and locally sourced renewable resource timber has been used. Water
harvesting is employed throughout and gas boosted solar hot water is located on the roof.
Case Study 03
Introduction
The structure house a large variety collection of australian native seeds. The goal of the seed bank is
to increase the understanding of seed biology of local species which will help in preserving them.
Design Principles
The proposed concept design reflects the following design principles:
The building is standalone but collocated with the Nursery facilities
The building is single storey for ease of access between research and storage areas
and cost effective construction.
Drying Rooms
The design conditions of these rooms is 15C DB and 15% RH. This will be achieved by segregating
cooling and dehumidification cycles.
Freezer Room
The design conditions of these rooms is -21C DB and low humidity levels to inhibit ice buildup.
Cooling will be achieved by two air-cooled split systems, sized at 66% of the maximum room load.
The units will be controlled in a lead/lag configuration, where the second unit will operate when the
other unit fails or cannot maintain room conditions. The lead unit would be cycled every week to
ensure uniform wear.
Cool Room
The design conditions of these rooms is 4C DB and low humidity levels to inhibit ice buildup.
Cooling will be achieved by a single air-cooled split system.
Spaces
Photo Documentation
LABORATORIES AND
OFFICES
Technical Details
FUTURE EXPANSION
FLOOR PLAN
B. Building
The requirement of space for seed testing laboratories would mainly depend on it
capacity and type of tests required. Therefore, at the time of designing the building, apart
from considering the capacity and type of tests, other requirements should also be
considered maximize the use of all available space.
Basic considerations
-The layout should be such that movement of the samples from one section to another is
logical and rapid.
-The room of the officer-in-charge is located in such a way that supervision becomes easy
and effective
-Maximum use of sunlight for illumination
- The germination room and the air-conditioned storage rooms should not face direct
sunlight to reduce the cost of maintenance of the desired temperature.
-The design should permit extension in furniture, if required.
-Arrangement of water supply and drainage should require minimum plumbing work.
A complete separate building for seed testing laboratory is always an ideal choice.
The building should be divided into two main sections namely General affairs and
Laboratory section. The general affairs section includes the rooms of officer in charge, seed
analysts and records room. The laboratory section is divided in subsections namely samples
receipt and preparation room, physical purity room, seed moisture room, germination, seed
health, special tests and seed samples storage.
A suitable exhaust system should be provided in sample receipt and dividing room to
handle treated seeds without any health hazard. There should be proper drainage in each
room.
Germination Section
The germination section consists of two sub-sections namely; sample preparation and
putting and germination room/cabinet. The sample preparation and pulling room requires
working space for counting the seeds and placement. Therefore, the working table should
provide sufficient space to spread towel-papers etc. for putting the seeds.
Handling diagram
Sample Layouts
Introduction
The seed testing laboratory is the lab of seed quality control. Seed testing services are
required from time to time to gain value of seed lots. To carry out these responsibilities
effectively, it is necessary that seed testing laboratories are established, manned and
equipped in a manner such that whatever samples are received could be analyzed in the least
possible time, seed quality control work and the need of seed industry are effectively met.
Plans
General Principles
2. The kinds of tests to be carried out or likely to be carried out, for example, routine tests,
seed health test, varietal purity tests etc., must be ascertained in advance for making
provisions in the plan.
3. The selection and number of the equipment must meet requisite specifications.
4. The decent furnishing, light arrangement and other necessities should be provided so as
to reduce the strain of otherwise strenuous work.
proposal will require assessment of the best approach to rainwater collection whilst
avoiding buildup of leaf litter that could present a fire hazard.
The rainwater re-use system will be supplemented by mains water during prolonged times
of dry weather.
The rainwater tank will overflow to the nearby creek system in the event of heavy rain eve
Area requirements
We can observe in these plans that the offices for the scientists and researchers are not just
mere offices. They contain also some experimental apparatus for the studies that they
conduct.
Preparation and seed cleansing Seed bank freezer room and airlock
Drying room
Seed Storage
Types of seed storage
-Sealed containers
-Open Storage
-Conditioned Storage
Conditioned Storage
Humidity may be controlled below 50 RH or seeds stored in sealed containers
SEED STORAGE
Seed storage is the maintenance of high seed germination and vigor from harvest until
planting. Seed storage is important to get adequate plant stands in addition to healthy and
vigorous plants.
Principles of storage
a. Seed storage conditions should be dry and cool
b. Effective storage pest control
c. Proper sanitation in seed stores
d. Before placing seeds into storage they should be dried to safe moisture limits.
e. Storing of high quality seed only i.e., well cleaned treated as well as of high
germination and vigor.
Conserving Genetic Resources Seeds are held under conditioned storage and tested for
viability every 5 to 10 years. Most storage is at -18in foil bags, but some seeds are
cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen.
1. Moisture content
The amount of moisture in the seeds is the most important factor influencing seed viability
during storage. Generally, if the seed moisture content increases storage life decreases. If
seeds are kept at high moisture content the losses could be very rapid due to mold growth
very low moisture content below 4% may also damage seeds due to extreme desiccation or
cause hard seededness in some crops. Since the life of a seed largely revolves around its
moisture content it is necessary to dry seeds to safe moisture contents.
in faster deterioration of seed quality. Usually at lower humidity seeds can store for longer
period. Equilibrium moisture content for a particular kind of seed at a given Relative
Humidity tends to increase as temperature decreases.
3. Temperature
Temperature also plays an imporant role in life of seed. Insects and moulds increase as
temperature increases. The higher the moisture content of the seeds the more they are
adversely affected by temperature. Decreasing temperature and seed moisture is an
effective means of maintaining seed quality in storage.
Core design
1. Atrium
2. Lifts
3. Stairs
4. Escalator
5. Capsule lift
6. Ducts
7. Fire Escape
Central Core
Advantage:
1. It allows all window space to be utilized as rental of office spaces
2. Permit offices in varying depth to receive natural light.
3. It is suitable in terms of access and in some cases maybe
equidistant to all sides
4. Simplifies area division
Disadvantage
1. The central interior location limits the depth of the offices
2. It requires an access corridor around its perimeter.
Off core center
Advantage:
It permits all window and building perimeter to be used. It has
more flexibility, depth a
nd arrangement of spaces. Can be used when large offices are
required.
Disadvantage: Some problems of accessibility. Less suitable for
distant spaces.
Double core
Advantage:
The double cores are placed on the hot sides thus it provides buffer
zones and minimum air conditioning required. Has more flexibility
in floor area division.
Vertical Transportation
Staircases
Elevators
Escalators
Fire escapes
These kinds of deck structures are adopted often especially for high density mixed-use
projects to accommodate more ancillary space to the shortage of ground space. Providing
relaxing outdoor spaces with various landscapes by using deck structure obviously raises the
quality of living condition and adds value in crowded urban setting.
Sustainability on buildings
Factors impacting sustainability
Effective Use of soil & Landscapes Use of Renewable Energy
Efficient Use of Water Use of Recycled/Recyclable
Energy Efficient & Eco Friendly Materials
Equipment Improved indoor air quality for health
Effective Control & Building and comfort
Management Systems
Heat rejected to ground where the temp. is relatively constant round the year
Can be used with contrasting climatic conditions in various seasons of a year
Used to precool / preheat the air
Solar harvesting
Photovoltaic (PV) technology is the direct conversion of sunlight to electricity using
semiconductor devices called solar cells. Photovoltaics are almost maintenance-free and
seem to have a long-life span. The photoelectric conversion process produces no pollution
and can make use of free solar energy.
Condominium Design
CONDOMINIUM CONSIDERATIONS
Real estate in the Philippines has proven to be a solid investment in recent years. With the
steady growth of the real estate market since 2001 when commercial and residential
properties were in great demand because of the sudden growth of the BPO industrymore
and more people are now seeing great financial opportunities in condominium investment.
Location While it use to be the case that most condos were located in more urban areas,
you can now find them everywhere from a beach to a historic downtown area. If you want
to be in the center of the city, a condo can be a good choice for you.
Security While no building is totally secure, having controlled access with a card reader and
a 24-hour Concierge and security staff does make one feel better. Also, if you travel much,
the lock it and leave it convenience of a condo is awesome. No lawn to mow, paper to
have picked up or mail to be taken out of the box! A condo at the beach makes a great
second home for this very reason.
Minimal Maintenance Most the condominiums youll consider will offer low maintenance.
Theres no yard to mow, or snow to shovel (it can happen here!) Common areas (those
areas of the building you share with your fellow owners) and things like the roof are handled
by the property management. You mostly have to be concerned with items inside your
home such as your a/c, kitchen appliances and such.
Affordability This is a key factor in purchasing a condominium. While they come in all
shapes and sizes, so do the prices. However, a 1 or 2-bedroom condo could be less than the
cost of purchasing a single family home.
Amenities The chance you will buy (or be able to afford) a home
with a pool, club room and fitness center are probably slim. But a
condominium offers these types of amenities, and more. Some new
buildings now have Zen gardens and outdoor living rooms! Along
with these amenities come social events with your neighbors or, the
ability for you to reserve the club room for your own private event!
And if you are not inclined to use these amenities, you should take them into consideration
when purchasing your condo. You might not use them, but the next person might, and this
could affect your ability to sell your condo in the future! Be sure to see the different
amenities in any condo building you look at.
Community Living Of course you live in a community when you own a single-family home.
But, youve got some 10-20 feet between houses, maybe even more, depending on the
neighborhood. In a condo, you share walls and common areas (hallways, pool, club room,
and garage) with your neighbors. So, you are much more inclined to see them more often,
and also might hear them if they play a stereo to loud! You are also much more involved as
a group in making decisions for the entire building, than just your own home.
Fees Many condo buyers, especially if its your FIRST condo purchase, wrestle with condo
fees. But it takes some careful analysis to look at what is really covered in that monthly fee
which goes towards the maintenance and repair of the common areas and the building. In a
single-family home, you have insurance against your home, pest control, security (an
Basic Considerations
Unit size- The minimum single occupancy condo unit size is 18 square meters according to
building code of the Philippines. However, the housing and land use regulatory
board(HLURB) allows a net area of 12 square meters.
Parking Slots- The minimum size of a parking lot according to NB is 2.4 square meters. The
minimum ratio for the parking is 1 is to 4 condominium units for every living space of 100
square meters.
Open spaces and Amenities- Open spaces shall be provided within the project site pursuant
to the National Building Code of The Philippines and its implementing rules and regulations.
These shall include courts, yards, setbacks, light wells, uncovered driveways, access roads,
parking spaces, buffer strips, parks and playgrounds. The minimum area for park or
playground shall be 50 square meters.
Generator- Every condominium building should have a stand-by generator for emergencies
or power failure.
III. FINDINGS
I. Introduction
Farming as one of the source of income for Filipino Farmers, it is crucial for them to
have good quality crops for better yield. There are many factors that affects the quality of
crops such as natural disasters, pest infestation, plant diseases, abnormal plants, and many
other factors. But some factors that causes them are the quality of seeds. Seed is one of the
most important thing to consider. Because not all seeds contain the same biological identity.
Some seeds are of poor quality, their generic purity is low. Some seeds are more prone to
plants diseases. Some seeds are less than others.
The data presented will serve as foundation of the study. Data are divided into primary
and secondary data. Primary data will come from observations, interviews and surveys.
Secondary data are data that has been proven and reliable usually taken from periodicals,
book, and thesis works. This chapter also includes the research topics and case studies, a work
of research serves as a background data that data are already existed and proven. Data
presentation will serve as a basis for the problem-solving stage.
Crop Statistics
Coconut Corn
12% Banana 9%
12%
Palay Production
The countrys palay production increased from 15.77 million in 2010 mt to 18.97 million mt
in 2014. Production grew by an average annual rate of 4.7 percent over the last five (5)
years. Total harvest area expanded from 4.35 million hectares in 2010 to 4.74 million
hectares in 2014
Corn
Corn production during the las five
year increased fro 6.38 million mt
in 2010 to 7.77 million mt in 2014.
Average annual growth was 5.1
percent. In 2014, total corn
production reached 7.77 million
mt and was 5.3 percent higher
than the 2013 output level of 7.38
million mt. Harvest are increased
by 1.9 percent from 2.56 million
hectares in 2013 to 2.61 million
hectares in 2014.
Banana
Banana production in the country
declined from 9.10 million mt in 2010
to 8.88 million mt in 2014 at an
average annual rate of 0.5 percent.
In the same period, area planted
contracted from 449.44 thousand
hectares to 442.75 thousand
hectares or by 0.4 percent. In 2014,
however, banana production grew
by 2.8 percent from the 2013 level
of 8.65 million mt. The increment
was attributed to the increase in
number of bearing hills from 280.07
million in 2013 to 283.69 million in 2014, mostly in Mindanao provinces.
In Asia, rats cause an average of 510% loss in More than 100 species of insects are considered
rice yield every year. Rats breed at an alarming pests in rice production systems globally, but
rate when food is abundant. One female rat can only about 20 species cause significant
produce 35 rats in a season. Rat management is economic damage. The recommended control
critical before the breeding cycle, otherwise, the of insect pests is to develop and follow an
population can explode and yields will be greatly Integrated Pest Management plan.
reduced.
Disease damage to rice can greatly reduce yield. The golden apple snail was introduced into Asia
They are mainly caused by bacteria, viruses, or during the 1980s from South America as a
fungi. Planting a resistant variety is the simplest potential food for people. Unfortunately, the
and, often, the most cost effective management golden apple snail has become a major pest of
for diseases. rice having spread to the Philippines, Cambodia,
Thailand, and Vietnam.
Birds are considered to be a pest of rice but Nematodes such as the root-knot nematode
little is known about exactly how much damage infect plant roots, causing root knot galls that
is caused by birds. Only a few species of birds drains the plant's photosynthate and nutrients.
are grain eaters and others eat insects, worms, It can even cause complete yield loss.
or snails.
The interview will help the progress of the study. Through interviews we are able to
discover the existing problems. We will also know the peoples point of view in the topic
concerned. They are one of the direct beneficiaries of the study. The interview is conducted
in the City of Balagtas, Bulacan, in a rural area located on the inner part of the city. The
surveys and interviews will have the following concerns.
- Type of seed they are planting.
- Total number of yield per hectare.
- Price trends regarding crops.
- Seed sources.
- Seed funding.
- Risks in crop production.
- Counter measures During harsh weather conditions.
Interviews
Mr. Rodrigo Lopez, is a farmer from Balagtas, Bulacan. He is currently working on Mr.
Cardenas, he is the one taking all responsibilities and duties regarding the farm owned by
Mr. Cardenas.
Q1. What type of crop or seed do you use or -According to him they use artificial fertilizer
plant? over organic fertilizer. They said use of
artificial fertilizer increase the yield. But too
-Palay is the major crop that they are planting much use of fertilizer can cause land
which covers 26 out of 29 hectares owned by contamination.
Mr. Cardenas.
Q6. What is the total yield or number of
Q2. What is the total land area you are crops you are able to harvest?
cultivating?
-According to him they are able to harvest a
-According to him they are cultivating a total total of 100 sacks of rice per hectare. A sack
of 29 hectares land of rice weigh approximately 48-55 kilos.
Q3. What span of time it takes for your crops Q7. Is there any alternative source of income
reach its full maturity for your family?
-According to him a palay takes 60 days or -According to him there is no other source of
four months in order to take its full maturity. income for their family except farming, which
In cases for vegetables the time for maturity applies to most of the farmers in the
or harvest varies. Philippines.
Q4. Is your crop rain fed or irrigated? Q8. What is the average selling price of your
-According to him they are irrigating their land crop?
through water system provided by National -According to him the average selling price of
Irrigation Administration palay rangers from 16-24 pesos per kilo and
Q5. What type of fertilizer you often used? relies on the existing market value.
Q9. What are the main risk or threat to your Q11. What is your major source of seed?
crops?
-According to him they just buy seeds from
-According to him weather and pests are suppliers, because the seed coming from
affecting their crop production and overall harvested crops are not of same quality. He
yield. He said during storm when palay are said the quality of seed degrades when used
submerged in water for long time, they die in cycle.
and become a total lost in yield.
Q12. How long do you store your seeds?
Q10. How do you manage crops in times of
-According to him their seeds last for at least
unexpected weather disturbances?
4 months. When it exceeds four months it will
-According to him they cover their vegetable start to develop molds and fungi does making
crops during storms. seeds completely useless.