Balay Ancora: A Proposed Orphanage Institute- Retreat House and Wellness Center

Chapter 5

Summary of Findings, Conclusion and Recommendations

This chapter includes the summary of the research study from the Researcher’s collected data that

aims to create an excellent Healing environment and architectural design solutions for “Balay Ancora; A

Proposed Orphanage Institution-Retreat and Wellness Center”.

The summary of findings is organized based on the objectives of the study, treatment of the data

gathered, the findings of the study, conclusions drawn from the study and the recommendations based on

the findings.

5.1. Survey Questionnaire

The following data are the researcher’s findings summarized from the survey questionnaire. These

were extracted from the 100 respondents from the conducted survey by using Convenience Sampling

method.

5.1.1. Profiling of Respondents

5.1.1.1. Summary of Findings

The results gather from the survey profiling by age group tells us that there was an almost equal

numbers of respondents ages from 20-below which covers 43% and 21-29 years old which was 42% of the

total sample population and the rest 15% which was 30 and above.

The gender profiling results was a cut of 59% males and 41% females, 50% of the respondents are

students, 20% unemployed, 15% private employee, 11% are self-employed and lastly 4% are government

employees. The highest result of profiling by age-group, gender and occupancy will be the major

representatives of the outcome of this survey.

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5.1.1.2. Conclusion

Majority of the respondents are composed of students with the age group of 20 and below and also 20-

29. It means that the results of this survey is influenced by the perspective of the students of these age

group. It also shows that indeed they have more opportunities in involving in an orphanage and retreat

institution because it was provided by the programs of the school. At the same time, it is alarming that

students and young adults knew someone or has experienced depression and anxiety which is an indicator

and also a confirmation to other studies that depression, anxiety and suicide is an urgent social issue that is

unknowingly increasing. And this research will help in giving solution to this important matter.

5.1.1.3. Recommendation

Since the respondents are relevant to the project due and other related social issues, Balay Ancora will

provide necessary amenities, facilities and space that will provide excellent holistic and spiritual healing to

the orphans and Retreat participant that is experiencing psychological and emotional difficulties.

5.1.2. Questions for Validation of Orphanages

5.1.2.4. Summary of Findings

The survey results as shown in table 6, implies that majority of the respondents agrees that there is a

need to improve that local and present Institutions. Table 7 and table 8 shows that a total of 91% of the

respondents have visited the orphanages while majority of them with 71% to be exact, have also visited the

orphanage once. Table 9 tells us that the usual problems they experienced in an orphanage is poor and

lacking facilities needed. Table 10 indicates that most of the respondents who visited an orphanage used or

was provided a private vehicle. Table 11 implies that the respondent’s give more importance to the

childhood and health of the child and which is to let them enjoy physical activities like playing, sports and

other recreational activities. Table 12 represents that the respondent also gives more weight on the housing

or the quarters of the orphans follow by the workshops and classrooms.

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5.1.2.5. Conclusion

The survey results manifest that the respondents who only went to an orphanage once, was because

the activity was mostly initiated by the school given that majority of the respondents are students, or have

been a student. Private car was used as mode of transportation because the orphanage that the most visited

is unable to access by public transportation or the vehicle that they used was rented or owned by the school

or other entity spear head the program. It also implies that most of the local orphanage lacks architectural

guidance. The respondents are also aware that children must not be deprived of their childhood give they

experienced negative circumstance and also, they are concern with the child’s future that why they give

importance classrooms and workshops.

5.1.2.6. Recommendation

Based on the summary of findings, Balay Ancora will improve and take the game in designing an

orphanage further than the typical-traditional institution. This can increase or encourage more visitors and

experienced the orphanage can offer, this can lessen or diminish one-time visitors. The orphans must have

classrooms with excellent learning environment and more place to play and explore.

5.1.3. Questions for Validation of Retreat house

5.1.3.1. Summary of the Findings

The data gather on the validation of retreat house on table 13 that 94% of the respondents are for

the new and better retreat house in kabankalan. It also tells us that 69% of the survey population gives more

importance on lectures, seminars and talks in every retreat program that’s why it is also supported on table

15 that the most necessary retreat facility is the pavilion, followed by 52% on Physical activities and team

buildings, also stated on table 14 that 75% of the sample population wants a campsite on the retreat house.

79% of the respondent on table 14 wants the retreat house to be more accessible to them but provided that

the center can give the feeling of being one with nature, with oneself and one with God.

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5.1.3.2. Conclusion

The tables and figures implies that most of the respondents have experienced Retreat houses. That is

because like what the profile of the respondents told us earlier that they are mostly students, and students

have mandatory program to have a retreat or recollection through out of their entire school life. This makes

more reliability of the respondent’s results. 79% of the respondents choose to have a new and better Retreat

house. That is why they also give more importance to talks, seminar sessions and also team building. And

also, table 16 shows that most of the respondents experienced or knew someone who have mental challenges

like depression and anxieties or knew children who were abused or maltreated. Since the majority of the

respondents are below 20s and 21-29 years old. This also supports other studies that teens and young adults

are the ones who are likely to experience depression and anxieties.

5.1.3.3. Recommendation

The results of the survey of validation to retreat houses signifies that most of the users of the retreat

will be students, especially the schools who are affiliated under the Diocese of Kabankalan. The pavilion

must be architecturally excellent that will be one of the attractions of the institution, which also will be used

as rented events place for intimate events like wedding. To make the retreat more spiritual, pilgrimage walk

with the station of the cross is a great faith development and a communal walk between you and God.

5.2. Observation

Site exposure was a very fruitful research instrument for it presents the actual situation of the

problem research, by this it gives more passion in looking for the best architectural solutions to the identify

actual tangible or intangible site complication. Like the strength, weakness, opportunities and threats.

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The researcher also came upon different institution that compliments the program of the desired

orphanage design and management. The data gather was used in discovering proper design solutions in

different architectural problems of an orphanage.

Balay Ancora; A Proposed Orphanage Institution-Retreat and Wellness Center will be built on a

strategical and convenient location Also, it will be on a 9.1444-hectare lot with a good existing physical

nature environment and vistas. The selected site is suitable according to the land use and zoning of

Kabankalan City given by the City Planning and Development Office.

5.2.1. As to Site Analysis

5.2.1.1. Summary of Findings

The Site is feasible for the orphanage institution and also for the retreat house. It is located at Brgy

Binicuil, on the 91,444 square meter lot of the Diocese of Kabanklan, Littleway Seminary. The selected

site is perceived to be suitable and feasible by these factors.

5.2.1.2. Conclusion

The project lot itself is near to the necessary commodities in the city proper the site is also very

accessible for it is more or less 100m away from the main road, present road is still a dirt road, but the

government has plans to develop it in the future. There are no existing endangered fauna or flora in the site,

Binicuil river is present at the vicinity adds natural aesthetic factor.

5.2.1.3. Recommendation

The site is feasible and suitable. It caters the needs of the users especially the orphans as it is stated

on DSWD guidelines on Residential Service that site location must be near to accessibility of the basic

needs of the children. The location can be reached by public transportation Tricycle which is the top means

of transportation in kabankalan. To eliminate the hazard on bodies of water. Binicuil river will be reinforced

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with sheer walls or Riprap. Lastly, it is stated at my assumptions that the illegal settlers will have a relocation

site provide by the diocese.

5.2.2. As to Site Development

5.2.2.1. Summary of findings

The lot is composed of an 400m stretch elongated from the last building of Little Way Seminary.

With a 3-hectar irregular shape lot. The site is a present GR-Z lot and project is classified as Institutional

D-3 with existing natural vegetations, Trees, vistas and body of water.

5.2.2.2. Conclusion

The site must be carefully planned to achieve the proper organization in attainting the objectives of the

institution. We should consider on how to utilized the existing environment of the given site. Especially in

providing healing-stimulating environment with the consideration of the flow, hierarchy, orientation,

privacy, accessibility and user’s culture.

5.2.2.3. Recommendation

Linear type of planning orientation will be used for the institution. The researcher can assess that

linear planning will be a strategical and efficient because of the elongated characteristic of the lot. Put the

most complimented facilities and spaces in between the Orphanage and retreat house. That can be either

the admin building, infirmary or the chapel. It will have a smooth flow of traffic, good sense of security

and promotes comfortability.

5.2.3. As to Building Aesthetics

5.2.3.1. Summary of Findings

Physical environment and characteristic of a building has an intangible impact on the users

psychological ang emotional being. In this case, orphans must have conducive architectural forms that can

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give positive distraction as they face the challenges of being an orphan and to the retreat participants. Like

every shape, color, orientation and size has a psychological impact on children as well as adults. Exposing

to nature can also give holistic natural healing benefit that can help us unconsciously recover from our

wellbeing problems.

5.2.3.2. Conclusion

Since we already know that the nature has a lot of good benefits on our well-being. The institution

must adapt the Biophilic design concept for it promotes the harmony between the nature and user. It is a

good concept in attaining healing thru nature with less environmental impacted. Also, since one of the

objectives of the institution is to include the essence of spirituality as a factor of healing. Zen Design

principle is suited with the project objectives. For Zen promotes spiritual serenity with nature and to God.

5.2.3.3. Recommendation

Bonsai Architecture will give a great opportunity to experience green-spiritual-healing that Biophilic

design concept and Zen design principle. with the touch of therapeutic architecture is focused more on how

to integrate healing in nature through architecture towards the orphans and retreat participants. The

innovative green design to building development, function and aesthetic is suitable.

In order to achieve Biophilic design with holistic environmental healing thru catholic approach, Zen

design principle of will be applied for it promotes harmony between the user, nature and spiritual aspect.

Like Tadao Ando brutalist style of Japanese and light architecture with zen healing gardens. The researcher

will utilize Zen Design principle with modern contemporary-vernacular architecture as they are all derived

from Biophilic design.

5.2.4. As to Building Function

5.2.4.1. Summary of Findings

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The function balance of an effective orphanage must dwell on the 3 components. That is Communal,

Residential and Educational. By this you can have a good space relation with every facility needed.

5.2.4.2. Conclusion

The architectural planning and design of the proposed orphanage institution must base and follow on

the guidelines and laws set by the P.D. 1096 - National Building Code of the Philippines and its

Implementing Rules and Regulations. P.D. 1185 – Fire Code of the Philippines and its Implementing Rules

and Regulations. B.P. 344 – Accessibility Law and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, R.A. – 1378

– National Plumbing Code of the Philippines and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, DSWD

Standards, Ao No. 15, S. 2012 Standards and Indicators For Residential Care Services, Comprehensive

Land Use of Kabankalan City Volume 2, 2018-2027 , International Foster Care Organization- Child in

Foster Care- Rights Of The Child and Time-Saver Standards for Building Types 2nd Edition will also be

considered in designing Institution.

5.2.4.3. Recommendation

The it is advice that as an architect, that we should know the hierarchy of planning of the spaces

and other facilities to it’s proper work flow with help the institution organized. This may defeat traffic on

and off the institution. All of the facilities must follow and comply design standards and to eliminate poor

and lacking facilities.

Also recommend to provide sensory gardens, healing gardens, large windows for viewing nature,

playgrounds, and visiting spaces for friends and family. Inspirational building form, intelligibility spaces

layout using large windows for daylight and viewing nature, healing gardens, playgrounds, and workshops

for artworks. Colorful design uses warm colors, avoids large scales unless intended for artistic purposes,

like interior fountains and planting, vivid sensory experience within interior spaces birds, vegetation,

doormat. (see Appendix D)

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5.2.5. As to Building Strength and Durability,

5.2.5.1. Summary of findings

Most of the institutions I have visit are using the traditional reinforce concrete with timber, steel and

glass. many of the facilities of the orphanage still uses some poor building material like ordinary plywood

for walls and ceilings.

5.2.5.2. Conclusions

The structure must be durable that can stand thru various calamities but still in line with the design

concept, character, philosophy and function. Using traditional Reinforce concrete is still applicable for the

stability of the institution. Yet, we must also use some vernacular or sustainable materials to live out the

biophilic green architecture design.

5.2.5.3. Recommendation

Reinforce concrete, steel, aluminum, gravel and also to inline with the design concept. Bamboo is a

perfect material for a biophilic-sustainable and vernacular design given if treated right, it will last for a long

time. Reinforcement treated bamboo or bamboo with a pedestal, footing, wood panels. is a modern

innovation that gives more strength and durability. Also, RHA or Rice Husk Ash blocks or bricks will be

used for the walls. Husk Insulating technology will be applied for with helps in having passive cooling.

Building Engineering and Utility System

5.2.5.4. Summary of Findings

Water Supply

The site is located beside the national highway in Brgy. Biniquil and has an existing water line from

Kabankalan Water District which is 3 km away.

Power Supply
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There is an existing power supply within the site. The power supply is supplied by Negros

Occidental Electric Cooperative. Inc. (NOCECO) which is 2 kms away from the sub office. However, in

case of power failure, the institution will provide a generator to supply the needs of the facilities.

Sewage System

There are existing and on-going construction improvements of the drainage systems within the site.

This will help in controling the flow of water during rainy seasons. And the contour of the lot also helps in

the drainage flow of rain water to the river.

Communication Systems

The site location has urban signal coverage from all networks. Good reception of globe and smart

networks.

Safety, Peace and Order Situation

In terms of safety and peace and order, the site is very prominent. There are no hazards and no

distraction around the site because there are very few vehicles and people that passes by the road at night

or even in the daylight. And the

5.2.5.5. Conclusions

Architecture and engineering works hand in hand in achieving a green building with a touch of

green technologies. This modern movement against climate change is very applicable in our project.

5.2.5.6. Recommendation

Since it has good utilities, it is truly feasible that the site can sustain the project. Also, Green

technologies like solar powered lights and panels can help more on saving energy. Rain water harvester for

toilet and other utility water use is also a great form of green approach in conserving water and energy.

Reed-Bed waste water management and French drain will be beneficial to the project. Grey water will be

treated and recycled.

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