APERAMUS: CREATING EMPATHIC ENVIRONMENT FOR A

RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF NATURAL SCIENCES AND

TECHNOLOGY IN BACOLOD CITY

NIKKI IVY P. BOMBIO

A Research Proposal Presented To

the Faculty of the School of Architecture
La Consolacion College Bacolod

In partial fulfillment of the requirements in the

Bachelor of Science in Architecture

November 2023
 Chapter 1

Introduction

Research plays a pivotal role in addressing specific challenges, thereby

contributing to the enhancement of a nation's economic prosperity. The efficacy of

problem-solving varies according to the domain of specialization, ultimately resulting in

improved functionality in various aspects of life. The amalgamation of Apis mellifera, a

Latin term signifying honey-bearing, with Ramus, denoting a branch, implies that the

term, aperamus, embodies the concept of fostering a collaborative environment aimed at

generating deliberate outputs. The adoption of empathic architecture proves advantageous

as it enables architects to innovatively modify spaces to cater sensory requirements of

individuals, empowering them to adapt the design that suits the specific circumstances

including the characteristics of the users which helps to enhance creativity and cognitive

skills.

The future of research and development programs can be improved through

service learning opportunities at research institutes with shared facilities for systematic

research (Khan, S. A., & VanWynsberghe, R., 2020; University Of Arkansas, 2016;

University Of Washington, 2023). It serves as a platform for scientific research,

educational initiatives, experiments, and inventions allows individuals to make

discoveries within a larger community (Jordan, S., 2021; Boyd, E. A., 2023).

A research institute depends on what it wants to focus on including the

widespread adoption of science study and technology (Ynalvez, M. A., & Shrum, W.,

2011; Harris, E. M., & Goosen, L., 2021). A global perspective on a natural science
CREATING EMPATHIC ENVIRONMENT FOR A NATURAL SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY IN
BACOLOD CITY

research institute aims to expand scientific areas, leveraging scientific progress to address

economic challenges and foster innovation in various nations (University of Seoul, 2021;

Humbatova, S. I., & Abidi, S. A., 2021). In 2018, the United States led 44 nations in

research and development, with more than six federal departments providing 90% of the

funding to sustain the growth of the American economy (Trapani, J., 2021; U.S.

Department of State, 2022). In the European Union, technological progress and research

have become drivers of economic growth, approaching their 3 percent target for gross

domestic R&D spending relative to the U.S. (Veugelers, R., & Baltensperger, M., 2019).

The economic advancement of Southeast Asian nations, including Singapore, Japan,

China, and South Korea, has contributed to the region's economic growth. Their unique

geographical environment, along with an approximate 42% investment in research and

development, positions ASEAN as among the world's most dynamic technological

leaders (Center for Research and Development Strategy, 2015; The World Bank, 2019;

UNESCO, 2021).

Most public research in the Philippines is conducted by public and private

research universities, along with research organizations under the Department of Science

and Technology, resulting in an increasing share of the government's total research

budget (De la Peña, F., 2020). As per DOST-FPRDI (2021), DOST comprises seven

Research and Development institutes, including ASTI (Advanced Science and

Technology Institute), FNRI (Food and Nutrition Research Institute), FPRDI (Forest

Products Research and Development Institute), ITDI (Industrial Technology

La Consolacion College Bacolod

CREATING EMPATHIC ENVIRONMENT FOR A NATURAL SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY IN
BACOLOD CITY

Development Institute), MIRDC (Metals Industry Research and Development Center),

PNRI (Philippine Nuclear Research Institute), and PTRI (Philippine Textile Research

Institute), engaged in diverse basic and applied research domains. Additionally, in the

Philippines, difficulties in creating a robust innovation system have emerged due to

unequal access to vital funding sources, resulting in the country's low R&D expenditure,

averaging around 0.12% of GDP from 2002 to 2011 (Li, K. T., 2021; De la Peña, F.,

2020).

Laboratory design has evolved to facilitate interaction within a technologically

sophisticated environment (Yu, R., Gu, N., Lee, G., & Khan, A., 2022). In architecture,

an empathic environment entails building design and conditions that prioritize the

emotional and psychological needs of its users Gandhi, M., 2023). It integrates

innovation in situations where a simplistic approach is insufficient (Mohammadi, M.,

2023). This concept seeks to create spaces that seamlessly balance user, architectural, and

technological needs, blending innovative architectural technology to foster harmony.

Bacolod City is recognized for its diverse support of the research industry,

catering to both professional and student researchers. Research training commences in

early education to cultivate motivation, explicitly focusing on the pivotal role of learning-

incorporated incubators in professional development (Sigue, J. B., 2021). The researcher

aims to identify the optimal architectural design for the Aperamus Research Institute,

focusing on facilitating community engagement with natural science through architecture.

La Consolacion College Bacolod

CREATING EMPATHIC ENVIRONMENT FOR A NATURAL SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY IN
BACOLOD CITY

This initiative supports economic growth and provides an observatory for fostering

innovation, enabling Filipinos to meet environmental needs in the ever-advancing world.

Objectives of the Study

The purpose of this research is to provide an architectural learning space in

adapting the concept of an empathic environment of Natural Sciences and Technology for

a Research Institute in Bacolod City. To address the feasibility and operational space for

increasing the capacities of individuals oriented toward science with the community to

exchange advantages of Research and Development in the City. Specifically, this study

seeks to answer the following questions:

1. To identify the empathic environment principles needed for the design of a

research institute.

2. To integrate the elements of Empathic Environment Principles in research

institute design application in terms of:

a.) Site Planning

b.) Building Function

c.) Building Aesthetics and Materials

d.) Building Technology and Utility Systems

3. To develop a design solution and architectural presentation suitable to the

proposed research institute for Bacolod City.

La Consolacion College Bacolod

CREATING EMPATHIC ENVIRONMENT FOR A NATURAL SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY IN
BACOLOD CITY

Figure 1

Principles of Empathic Environment

PRINCIPLES OF
EMPATHIC
ENVIRONMENT

BUILDING BUILDING
BUILDING
SITE PLANNING AESTHETICS AND TECHNOLOGY AND
FUNCTION
MATERIALS UTILITY SYSTEMS

Built Environment for Fosters Collaboration

Inspirational Design Adaptable Facilities to
Innovative Connection Emphasizing
Stimulating Creativity Changing Demands
with Nature Inclusivity

Incorporating Ethical Incorporating Ethical

Publicly Accessible Sensory Experience of
Surroundings with Surroundings with
Mobility Space
Smart Technology Smart Technology

Note. The facilities of the research institute are considering the seven (7) principles that

are to be used in this study, includes: Built Environment for Innovative Connection with

Nature, Publicly Accessible Mobility, Fosters Collaboration Emphasizing Inclusivity,

Sensory Experience of Space, Inspirational Design Stimulating Creativity, Incorporating

La Consolacion College Bacolod

CREATING EMPATHIC ENVIRONMENT FOR A NATURAL SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY IN
BACOLOD CITY

Ethical Surroundings with Smart Technology, and Adaptable Facilities to Changing

Demands.

La Consolacion College Bacolod