Modular Architecture for a New Era of Gaming:

An ESports Facility that Adapts to the

Changing Landscape of Gaming

A Thesis Presented to the

School of Architecture, Industrial Design, and the Built Environment
Mapúa University

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in AR200-0: Architectural Design 9 for the

Degree of Bachelor of Science in Architecture

Submitted by:

Skyler H. Pamatmat
2019120716

Submitted to:

Ar. Arianne Joy Q. Dullas

Thesis Adviser

June 2023
 Chapter III. Criteria for Site Selection

Site Criteria

Parameters Justifications SITE SITE SITE

A B C

I. Natural, Environmental, and Physical Factors

A. Geology The soil must be stable and have sufficient

(Soil type) load-bearing capacity to sustain the sports
facilities, structures, and equipment (PSC,
2023). The soil must have excellent load-
bearing capacity and erosion resistance
(Torres & Adajar, 2021). Clayey soils are
notoriously stable and can be a firm
foundation for structures.

B. Topography The landscape must be relatively flat. (PSC,

(Slope) 2023). To ensure stability and prevent slope
failure, the slope angle should be
meticulously determined. (Shaw et al., 2018)
The angle should be within the safe range
based on soil properties and local conditions.
A slope must have adequate drainage to
prevent water accumulation and erosion. The
incorporation of proper slope design and
drainage systems should be considered (Jha
& Madhira, 2021).

II.Geohazards

A. Earthquake The site must be earthquake-resistant (PSC,

2023).

B. Flood Hazard No flooding is permitted (PSC, 2023).

C. Liquefaction The location must be remote from significant

bodies of water and have adequate drainage
(AEM, 2019).

III. Cultural Factors

A. Landuse & The site should be situated in other

Zoning recreational and/or commercial areas. The
site should also be situated in a prosperous
neighborhood (Salazar, 2023).
B. Lot Size The lot must be sufficiently wide to
accommodate the audience and conform to
standards (PSC, 2023).

C. Building Incorporating extant laws and ordinances

Regulations into the design of esports sports facilities
(PSC, 2023).

D. Utilities/ Sources of electricity and water must be

water & close to the site (PSC, 2023).
service

E. Demographic Facilities should be designed to

accommodate individuals of all ages,
genders, abilities, and cultures. This includes
players, officials, administrators, spectators,
and guests (Public Realm Urban Design
Guidelines, 2018).

F. Linkages The authorities must designate the site and

surrounding areas as communities of peace
and order (PSC, 2023).

G. Support The infrastructure should be supported by

the local government unit of the city or
place.

IV. Accessibility and Road Network

A. Highway The site must be accessible by road (PSC,

Access 2023).

B. Location Not less than 300 meters from schools,

places of worship, cockpits, horse racing
outlets, public markets, informal settlers, and
resettlement areas (PAGCOR, 2017).

C. Driveway The area must be accessible, whether or not

length it is concreted, so long as the route to the
site is accessible (PSC, 2023).

D. Emergency The location must be in close proximity to

Services emergency services (Harrison, 2019).

E. Walkability The site should be sufficiently navigable for

users (Harrison, 2019).

F. Transit The site must be sufficiently accessible by

 public and private vehicles (PSC, 2023).

G. Traffic The location must not be prone to traffic and

congestion (PSC, 2023).

V. Aesthetic Factors

A. Visual The site should be visible. Visually

Barrier connecting the sporting communities
encourages participation (McGee, 2018).

Weighting Factors MicroSetting Site Criteria

I. Natural, Environmental, and Physical Factors

A. Evaluation for Soil Type (Geology)

1 – Soil type is unstable and prone to erosion.

2 – Soil type is weak and not able to support heavy loads.

3 – Soil type is neither strong nor weak, but may require additional reinforcement.

4 – Soil type is strong and able to support heavy loads.

5 – Soil type is very strong and can support even the heaviest loads (loam soil type)

B. Evaluation for Topography (Slope)

1 – Significant topographic irregularities exist on the site, with a 30-50% precipitous slope.

2 – The site is characterized by uneven topography, rolling to moderately steep hills with an 18-30%

slope.

3 – The terrain features undulating to moderately high hills with a gradient between 18 and 30%.

4 – The terrain is undulating, with slopes spanning from 3 to 8 percent.

 5 – The site offers a relatively flat surface, facilitating ease of construction and flexible development

options.

II. Geohazards

A. Evaluation for Earthquake

1 – The site is situated in an extremely seismically active and earthquake-prone region.

2 – The site is located in an area with moderate seismic activity, indicating a degree of earthquake

hazard.

3 – Occasional moderate earthquakes occur at the site, which has a low frequency of seismic activity.

4 – The site is situated in an area with low seismic activity, resulting in a low earthquake

susceptibility.

5 – The location is earthquake-resistant and far from any seismic lines.

B. Evaluation for Flood Hazard

1 – This area has a history of frequent and severe inundation and is located in a high-risk flood zone.

2 – The site is located in an area with a moderate flood risk, indicating some susceptibility to

inundation.

3 – The frequency of flooding at this location is relatively low, with occasional minor flood episodes.

4 – The location of the site in an area with low flood risk results in a low susceptibility to inundation.

5 – The site is not susceptible to flooding, providing a high level of security.

C. Evaluation for Liquefaction

1 – Poor soil conditions and inadequate drainage make the area susceptible to liquefaction during

seismic events.
 2 – The site is located in a region with a moderate liquefaction potential, indicating a certain degree

of vulnerability.

3 – The site has a low incidence of liquefaction, with sporadic minor risks of liquefaction.

4 – The site is situated in an area with low liquefaction potential, culminating in low liquefaction

susceptibility.

5 – The site is properly drained and has improved soil stability during seismic events.

D. Evaluation for Landslide

1 – With unstable slopes and a history of frequent landslides, the site is located in a high-risk zone

for landslides.

2 – The site is located in an area with moderate landslide potential, indicating a degree of

vulnerability.

3 – The site has a low incidence of landslides, with sporadic minor risks of landslides.

4 – The site is situated in an area with low landslide potential, resulting in low landslide susceptibility.

5 – The area is not prone to landslides.

III. Cultural Factors

A. Landuse & Zoning

1 – The site is located in a residential zone and is therefore suitable for residential use, although

certain commercial and institutional activities may be restricted.

2 – The property is situated in a mixed-use zone, permitting residential, commercial, and institutional

activities.
 3 – The site is designated as an industrial zone and is primarily intended for industrial activities;

residential or commercial development may be restricted.

4 – The location is in an institutional zone.

5 – The site is located in a recreational or commercial zone.

B. Evaluation for Lot Size

1 - The dimension of the lot is insufficient to accommodate the necessary sports facilities and

amenities.

2 - The lot size is relatively small, which may necessitate space utilization or design and layout

compromises for sports facilities and amenities.

3 - The lot size is sufficient to accommodate a portion of the requisite sports facilities and amenities.

4 – The lot size accommodates the majority of required sports facilities and amenities.

5 – The site's scale accommodates the necessary sports facilities and amenities.

C. Evaluation for Building Regulations

1 – The site disregards existing laws and ordinances, which may result in noncompliance and legal

complications.

2 - The site partially considers extant laws and ordinances, but certain elements may not comply with

the regulations in their entirety.

3 – There are minor deviations from extant laws and ordinances on the site.

4 - The site complies with all applicable laws and regulations.

5 - The site carefully considers and complies with all applicable laws and regulations.

D. Evaluation for Utilities / Water & Service

1 - The location lacks dependable water and electricity sources.

2 - The site has limited access to electricity and water.

3 - The site has moderate access to sources of electricity and water.

4 - The site is in close proximity to power and water supplies.

5 - The site has readily accessible sources of electricity and water.

E. Evaluation for Demographic/ Population

1 – The site is sparsely populated and has little potential to attract a sizable customer or user base.

2 - The location is in an area with a moderate population.

3 – The site is located in a moderately populated area, within or close to an urban center with a

population of at least 100,000.

4 - The site is densely inhabited, situated within an urban core of over 300,000 inhabitants.

5 – The site is situated in a densely populated area, within the urban core of more than 500,000

inhabitants.

F. Evaluation for Linkages

1 - The site lacks significant connections and links to its surroundings.

2 - The site has few ties to adjacent communities or businesses.

3 – The site has moderate connections to neighboring communities or businesses.

4 - The site has strong links and affiliations to neighboring communities or businesses.

5 - The authorities have proclaimed the site to be a peaceful and orderly community with strong ties

to neighboring regions.
 G. Evaluation for Support (from LGU)

1 – The local government entity is not in favor of the project and may even be opposed to it.

2 – The local government unit is not especially supportive of the initiative, but it is also not opposed

to it.

3 – The local government unit is neither for nor against the proposal.

4 – The local government is willing to provide assistance in the form of zoning modifications, permits,

or other resources.

5 – The local government unit is extremely enthusiastic about the initiative and is willing to go above

and beyond to ensure its success.

IV. Accessability, Road Network

A. Evaluation for Highway Access

1 - The location is remote from the main road.

2 – The site is situated near a secondary road with restricted access to the primary road.

3 - The location is adjacent to a minor road and is walkable to the main road.

4 - The property fronts one main road

5 - The property fronts two main roads (corner lot).

B. Evaluation for Location

1 – Schools, places of worship, cockpits, horse racing outlets, public markets, informal settlers, and

resettlement areas are all less than 300 meters away.

2 – Within 300 to 500 meters of any of the aforementioned.

3 – Location is further than 500 meters from each of the aforementioned.

4 – Location is further than 1,000 meters from each of the aforementioned.

5 – Location is more than 2,000 meters from any of the above.

C. Evaluation for Driveway Length

1 – The site's driveway length is insufficient, potentially causing congestion and access issues to the

athletics complex.

2 - The length of the site's driveway is relatively brief.

3 - The length of the site's driveway is moderate, providing adequate vehicle access.

4 – The site's driveway is long enough to allow for smooth traffic flow and simple access to a sports

complex.

5 - The site's driveway is spacious, allowing ample room for vehicles to enter and depart the sports

complex.

D. Evaluation for Emergency Services

1 - The location is remote / there are no neighboring emergency services.

2 - The location is distant from emergency services.

3 - There is limited access to emergency services at this location.

4 - The location provides easy access to emergency services

5 – There are available neighboring emergency services

E. Evaluation for Walkability

 1 – The site is inaccessible by foot for residents, necessitating alternative modes of conveyance.

2 - Due to the limited walkability of the location, walking is not the most practical mode of

conveyance.

3 - The site's walkability is moderate

4 - The site is very walkable

5 - The site is highly walkable, readily accessible on foot, and pedestrian-friendly for the residents.

F. Evaluation for Transit

1 - The site is inaccessible by public transportation and necessitates multiple modes of transportation.

2 - The location necessitates multiple modes of transportation.

3 - The site is accessible by both public and private vehicles.

4 - The site is accessible by public and private transportation and is located near the terminal station.

5 - The location is accessible via all modes of conveyance.

G. Evaluation for Traffic

1 – There are frequent traffic delays and vehicular congestions at this location.

2 - The site's susceptibility to traffic congestion is moderate, with sporadic traffic issues.

3 – The site's traffic volume is moderate, with some congestion during peak hours.

4 - The site's traffic flow is efficient, with minimal congestion and unimpeded vehicle movement.

5 - The site is not prone to traffic congestion and is located in an area with few traffic issues.

V. Aesthetic Factors
A. Evaluation for Visual Barrier

1 - From the main road, the site is wholly obscured.

2 - Visibility from the primary road is restricted due to obstructions.

3 – The site's visibility from the major road is moderate, with partial obstructions that may barely

impede the view.

4 - The site is visible from the main road, with few obstructions and unobstructed sightlines.

5 – The site is highly visible from the main road and has no significant visual obstructions, allowing

for conspicuous exposure and visibility.

Site Justification

Chosen Site – Pasay

Location. Metro Manila, the Philippines' one of the most populous and economically significant

regions, contains Pasay City. This makes it an ideal location for an eSports venue, as many potential

participants and spectators will have easy access. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (2021),

the National Capital Region (NCR) had a population in the year 2020 having a total of 13.48 Million.

Accessibility:

 Accessibility by Public Transportation: The accessibility of public transportation in Pasay

City makes it simple for spectators and athletes to reach the venue. There are several

transit and train stations in the city, and It is served by the LRT Line 1, MRT Line 3, the

Pasig River Ferry System, and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the principal

international airport in the Philippines, making it easy for international visitors to attend

events.

 Accessibility by Car/Private Vehicle: Pasay City is readily accessible by car. Several

parking garages are located near the city's main transportation hubs. The city has a well-

developed road network.

Zoning. Pasay City is zoned for mixed-use commercial development. This allows the city to

construct commercial and residential structures, office buildings, hotels, and other mixed-use

developments. This zoning flexibility facilitates the construction of eSports venues and facilities in Pasay

City.

Amenities. Several amenities in Pasay City would benefit from an eSports venue or facility. The

city has numerous hotels, restaurants, and bars, which would provide supporters and players with food

and lodging. There are also several parks and other recreational facilities in the city, providing fans and

players with a place to decompress and unwind.

Support. The metropolis of Pasay is highly supportive of eSports. The city hosts several eSports

tournaments yearly and is home to several eSports teams and organizations. This municipal support

would be advantageous to an eSports venue or facility. The Manila Major, also known as the Spring
Major, was held in Pasay City, Philippines (Craft, 2016). From June 7 to June 12, 2016, the main event

was conducted at the Mall of Asia Arena (INQUIRER.net, 2016).

Infrastructure Services. Pasay City's infrastructure includes dependable electricity, water, and

internet access. This is essential for an eSports venue, as it must support fast gameplay and

broadcasting.

Flexibility. The city of Pasay offers a diverse set of zoning restrictions, which allows owners of

eSports venues to select the area that caters to their requirements the most effectively.

Variety. Pasay City is a destination that is more likely to pique the interest of participants and spectators

because it provides various amenities and attractions.

References:

Craft, S. (2016, April 27). "Dota 2" Manila major: First 12 teams announced; Regional Qualifiers Begin
Next week. iDigitalTimes.com.
https://web.archive.org/web/20160611033201/http://www.idigitaltimes.com/dota-2-manila-major-
first-12-teams-announced-regional-qualifiers-begin-next-week-529853

Harrison, D. (2019). Stadium Site Selection Process Needed. Retrieved from

https://www.davidharrison.ca/blog/stadium-site-selection-process-needed

INQUIRER.net. (2016, May 2). Esports by INQ will chronicle the Philippines' road to the Manila Major .
INQUIRER.net. https://esports.inquirer.net/15015/esports-by-inq-will-chronicle-the-philippines-
road-to-the-manila-major

McGee, R. (2018). Sport & Recreation Facility Development Guide. Retrieved from
https://sportnz.org.nz/media/2488/snz-com-facilities-guide-2017-2.pdf

PHILIPPINE AMUSEMENT AND GAMING CORPORATION. (2017). GAMING SITE REGULATORY MANUAL.
https://www.pagcor.ph/regulatory/pdf/GSRM/Regulatory%20Manuals/Gaming%20Site
%20Regulatory%20Manual%20for%20Electronic%20Games%20v3.0.pdf

Philippine Statistics Authority. (2021, July 13). Highlights of the Philippine Population 2020 Census of
Population and Housing (2020 CPH). Philippine Statistics Authority.
https://psa.gov.ph/content/highlights-philippine-population-2020-census-population-and-housing-
2020-cph

Public Realm Urban Design Guidelines. (2018). RECREATION & SPORTS FACILITY DESIGN GUIDE.
Retrieved from
https://www.orsr.sa.gov.au/places-and-spaces/documents/FACILITY_DESIGN_GUIDE.pdf

Salazar, I. (2020). PROJECT TYPE: SPORTS COMPLEX. Retrieved from

https://www.academia.edu/8401315/I_PROJECT_TYPE_SPORTS_COMPLEX

Torres, E., & Adajar, M. A. (2021). Geotechnical characterization of alluvial soil as an

alternative roadway construction material. International Journal of GEOMATE, 20(81).
https://doi.org/10.21660/2021.81.gx169

Kumar Jha, A., & Madhira, M. (2021). Geosynthetic reinforced embankment slopes. Slope
Engineering. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.95106

Shaw, B., Stappers, B. W., & Weltevrede, P. (2018). Resolving discrete pulsar spin-down states
with current and future instrumentation. Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical
Society, 475(4), 5443–5459. https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/sty160