A research study about the role of
Architecture in enabling accessible urban
environments for
People with Disabilities (PWD) at the
College of Architecture
Bachelor of Science in Architecture owing to physical hurdles, discriminatory land-use
Abstract— The research study about the role of
Architecture in enabling accessible urban
environments for people with Disabilities (PWD) at
the National University - Manila aims to assess the
needs of PWD people on the campus, especially for
the blind in terms of accessibility. The researchers
did not include other disabilities but focused on
blindness as the PWD. The researchers employed a
semistructured interview method with open-ended
questionnaires to gather information from the
respondents. The researchers interviewed three
licensed architects from the National University of
Manila. Several themes arose from the responses of
the respondents. The study concluded that the
university's facilities, accessibility, and inclusivity
are inadequate since there are features exclusive for
blinds, such as tactile path, ramp, and braille
signage, that are not present in the institution that
could meet their demands for greater access in the
school environment.
Keywords— Accessibility, inclusivity, PWD, blind,
architecture, NU - Manila
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Background of the Study
Many people with impairments, particularly those who
are physically impaired, live in this world. Cities, on
the other hand, were designed for individuals with a
robust body. Nonetheless, all urban dwellers, including
people with disabilities (PWD), have the right to enjoy
living and working possibilities in cities. The relevance
of equality of citizenship is that people with disabilities
have access to the same amenities as everyone else in
society in urban public areas. People with physical
impairments frequently cannot travel about cities
rules, subpar construction, and insufficient accessible
public spaces. In the Philippines, there are numerous
and wide-ranging estimates of the prevalence of
disability between 1.6, as per the 2010 Census of
Population and Housing, and 28.2%, as per the World
Report on
Disability. The distinctions in disability measurement
techniques are primarily the cause for these estimation
variations.
The concept of ‘accessibility' can be intricate in the
context of the built environment, and it can be defined in
various ways. It has been described as the relative
proximity of a place or person to all other places and
individuals (Batty, 2009) or as the closeness to
activities, as measured by travel time (Proffitt et al.,
2017). Furthermore, it is often associated with
transportation and the ease of reaching different modes
of transport. However, for this paper, accessibility is
defined as creating products, devices, services, or
surroundings that accommodate individuals with
disabilities (Accessibility Services Canada, 2022). The
diverse interpretations of accessibility highlight a minor
aspect of a larger problem — namely, that urban
planners generally have limited knowledge regarding
how to enhance the accessibility of the built
environment for people with disabilities (PWD). The
insufficient engagement between urban planning experts
and individuals with disabilities (PWD) has resulted in
creating environments that effectively exclude PWD.
This exclusionary aspect becomes apparent through
various manifestations, such as perplexing and
overwhelming building layouts, separate entrances
designated for PWD, and outdoor spaces with
inadequate walkability. These examples represent only a
fraction of a larger, pervasive issue of built
environments that are unwelcoming to PWD. While
urban planners recognize the significance of
accessibility, there is a notable deficiency in the
practical understanding of accessibility within the
planning field. The limited knowledge and awareness
among professionals regarding disability issues
represent a substantial obstacle to the creation of
designs that effectively cater to the requirements of
individuals with disabilities (Terashima & Clark, 2021;
Imrie & Hall, 2001). Additionally, accessibility has not
received adequate attention from planners for an
extended period; for instance, major planning journals
have, on average, published only 1.7 papers focusing on
people with disabilities per decade (Terashima & Clark,
2021).
B. Objectives
The study aims to accomplish the
following objectives:
1. Evaluate the current facilities available to
people with disabilities (PWD) at NU-Manila
to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas
for improvement.
2. Collaborate with PWD and Architect to
develop comprehensive strategies to improve
the urban environment of NU-Manila to
achieve accessibility for PWD.
3. Analyze the international and national
accessibility standards, policies, and practices
to formulate solutions for a PWD-friendly
environment within the campus.
4. Establish a framework for acquiring and
maintaining assistive technologies, mobility
aids, and other supportive resources that align
with the diverse needs of PWD.
C. Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on the role of architecture and how it
will help make the National University - Manila more
accessible for PWD in terms of providing architectural
solutions by examining the entire campus, specifically
the entryways, public spaces, classrooms, elevators,
ramps, and tactile path for the architect to assess
possible improvements and solutions to achieve
accessibility for the PWD. The data collection will be
gathered through interviews with architects at the
National University of Manila who will volunteer to be
a part of the research study that will provide
architectural solutions for accessibility that cater to the
PWD's needs.
The study will solely focus on the crucial role of
architecture in achieving accessibility for the PWD.
This study will not cover other types of disability as the
researchers will only concentrate on blindness as PWD.
This study will only focus on the physical accessibility
needed for blind people and will not include other types
of accessibility. The researchers will only include
selected areas or buildings in the university as part of
the study. The architects' respondents will be given a set
of questionnaires for the interview. The results of this
study will apply only to the institution, the National
University - Manila. They will not be used as a measure
for the solution towards accessibility to other
institutions that do not belong to the target population of
this study. The primary data source will be the
questionnaires, which the researchers will prepare.
II. FRAMEWORK
A. Theoretical Framework of the Study
The Ecological Systems Theory of Urie
Bronfenbrenner emphasizes that an individual's
development is influenced not just by isolated factors
but by a complex interplay of various systems within
their environment. The interactions and relationships
between these systems are crucial in understanding
how an individual's behavior, development, and
experiences are shaped throughout life. The Concentric
circle diagram of Ecological Systems demonstrates the
relationship of all variables with the individual as the
central idea.
CHRONOSYSTEM
Temporal Change
MACROSYSTEM
Cultural and legislative content
EXOSYSTEM
Policies and societal infl uences
MESOSYSTEM
Interaction between systems
MICROSYSTEM
NU – Manila campus environment
INDIVIDUAL
Figure 1. Concentric circle diagram of ecological
systems
The microsystem corresponds to the immediate
surroundings, such as the NU-Manila campus, with
which people with disabilities interact directly. It refers
to the architectural layout, classrooms, paths, restrooms,
and facilities at the university.
The mesosystem then shows the interactions and
relationships that exist between the microsystems. This
includes how the architectural design (microsystem)
interacts with policies and educational programs
(exosystem) at NU-Manila to ensure an inclusive and
accessible educational experience for PWDs.
Exosystem represents external factors indirectly
influencing the microsystem. In this case, it
encompasses policies related to accessibility and
inclusivity at both the university and governmental
levels, as well as societal attitudes towards PWDs.
These factors significantly impact the design and
implementation of accessible architecture at NU-
Manila.
Macrosystem encompasses the broader cultural,
societal, and legal contexts. It includes cultural attitudes
towards disability, accessibility laws, international
conventions like the UNCRPD, and educational policies
that shape the approach to accessibility in architectural
design at NU-Manila.
Chronosystem accounts for changes and transitions over
time. This involves the evolution of architectural
standards, advancements in assistive technologies,
changes in legislation, and societal shifts towards
greater inclusivity, all of which influence the ongoing
improvements and adaptations in architectural design
for accessibility within the campus.
B. Conceptual Framework of the Study
The primary concept of this study focuses on identifying
how the role of architecture can help in enabling an
accessible urban environment for people with
Disabilities (PWD), specifically the blind people at the
National University- Manila. Figure 2 shows the
relationship of the independent and the dependent
variable, which contains the role of architecture and the
urban environment at the National University - Manila.
The mediator variable, which includes the design
considerations, shows the relationship between the
dependent and independent variables. The moderator
variable, which is the PWD, will influence the outcome
of the dependentindependent variable relationship.
Mediator variable
Independent Variable Dependent variable
Moderator Variable
Figure 2. Moderated-Mediation Model
III. METHODOLOGY
A. Research Design
The purpose of this study is to introduce the research
methodology for this qualitative study regarding what
are the roles of architecture in providing accessible
urban environments for PWDs in the NU-Manila
campus. A study where organizing and carrying out a
framework is referred to as the research design.
Important factors in research design include the plan,
choosing who and what to study, and the methods to be
applied for data collection and analysis. A qualitative
study is useful when the objective is to explain a
phenomenon by drawing on an individual's experiences
in particular circumstances.
The researchers used descriptive design to determine
the perceptions of the participant on what are the roles
of architecture that can contribute to enabling
accessible environments for PWDs, perhaps in
answering the “what question”. It does not respond to
questions about how/when/why the qualities came to
exist. Descriptive design allows us to describe current
facilities available to people with disabilities (PWD) at
NU-Manila to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas
for improvement. Researchers chose this design to
provide students with more convenient access to
accurate and definite answers.
In this study where the researchers used qualitative
research methods, the method was based on
phenomenological methodology. The researchers
wished to describe the role of architecture wherein it
enables the PWDs in the NU-Manila campus for a
more accessible urban environment. Also considering
what ways architecture will improve the urban
environment by gathering experiences from the
specified participants of the study.
B. Population and Sample
Population refers to an individual the researchers want
to focus on in the study. The researchers included
professor architects teaching at NU-Manila and the
blind individuals who will assess the accessibility,
inclusivity, and facilities at NU-Manila. The researchers
chose a sample of three (3) NU-Manila professors with
a bachelor’s degree in architecture.
The sample of this study implies a non-probability/non-
random sampling method where the samples are chosen
based on convenience. According to Etikan et al.
(2016), convenience sampling, which is also known as
availability sampling, is a nonprobability/non-random
where the target population meets specific criteria such
as availability, reachable, and willingness to be part of
or to be interviewed are included for the study. The
researchers used this sampling method to gather data
easily as this mainly focuses on the volunteers and
willing individuals who would like to be part of the
study.
C. Research Instrument
The questionnaire is a widely recognized and
commonly employed research tool for efficiently
gathering and assessing data. Additionally, it is
employed in the study to gather essential data in an
open-ended manner, promoting quick completion by
respondents. This is crucial for the swift and effective
collection, analysis and interpretation of data. A
researcher-designed questionnaire was employed to
collect the required information about respondent
profiles. Prior to distributing the questions, appropriate
authorization and consent will be obtained. This
instrument is vital for overcoming the study's
challenges by providing necessary data and
information.
Face-to-face interviews will be conducted to gauge
architects' opinions. This method will help the
researcher pinpoint critical areas for further
investigation and areas where more certainty is needed.
These steps ensure the collection of valuable and
secure data. The researchers utilized a semi-structured
interview format, combining both organized and
unstructured sections within the same questionnaire.
D. Data Collection
Data collection is the process by which researchers
gather and collect information; the information gathered
will be utilized to address the problem statement and
investigate the research project further. (Responsible
Data Management, 2023) The researchers used primary
data for data collection, with questionnaires initially
created by the researchers following the problem
statement to gather and propose solutions for the
research study. The interviews were conducted face-to-
face to collect data, and the researchers asked
permission and informed the respondents that the
interview would be video recorded for transcription and
documentation. Table 1 shows all the institutions that
were conducted for the study.
Table 1
List of Respondents and Organizations
Institution/Organization Respondents
Ar. Gabrielle Loreno
National University - Manila Ar. Anthony Sarmiento Ar.
Aldren Rocha
Semi-structured interviews were conducted. The
researchers collected additional data using semi-
structured interviews and seven open-ended
questionnaires in which respondents were permitted to
completely express their insights and opinions on the
questions presented by the researchers. The three
respondents supplied different answers to the identical
questionnaires, allowing the researchers to exploit these
insights for further study. Table 2 shows the following
sample questions were included in the researcher-
designed questionnaire.
Table 2
List of Questionnaires
Question 1: Based on your observations on the main
campus of NU-Manila in terms of its
surroundings, what are the possible
architectural strategies for creating an
accessible urban environment for blind
individuals on campus?
Question 2: What are the roles/responsibilities of an
architect in urban design planning that assures
"Inclusivity" and "Accessible Facilities" on the
NU-Manila main campus?
Question 3: How do you think architectural design played
its role in shaping the accessibility for People
with Disabilities (PWD) in NU - Manila
Campus?
Question 4: In your opinion, how can architectural design
promote social inclusivity within NU- Manila
for PWD?
Question 5: In your opinion, how can NU-Manila campus
provide enough accessible facilities for PWDs,
especially for the blinds?
Question 6 In other buildings on the main campus, such as
the JMB, there are only two ways to go to the
students' respective classrooms or other
facilities, such as elevator and stairs. Do you
think these two are enough, considering the
blind people? Or do you have another option in
mind? If so, what would it be?
Question 7: From your perspective as an architect, why is it
important to consider and prioritize the PWD,
especially blind in making design
considerations in NU-Manila?
IV. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS OF THE STUDY
4.1 Introduction
The researchers will simply discuss and analyze the data
gathered from the interviewed respondents. The
objective is merely describing and defining the data
without giving relevance, value, or meaning. This
demonstrates that the researcher comprehends what has
been gathered and remains objective and unbiased when
confronted with data phenomena. Following data
analysis, the primary themes that arose in the
perceptions of selected architects in NU-Manila in
giving solutions and proposals in making NUManila an
accessible environment for blind people were ramp,
tactile strips, braille signage, Batas Pambansa 344,
inclusivity, and accessibility. All themes are
interconnected; data analysis revealed that architecture
is important in creating an accessible urban
environment within NU-Manila, particularly for blind
people.
4.2 Ramp
According to the respondents, a ramp is a useful,
accessible place for physically challenged people,
particularly blind people who cannot use stairs owing to
their condition. The ramps can also give all the tactile
services the PWD requires. A ramp creates a walking
place for blind people because it is easier for them to
use and navigate.
4.3 Tactile strips
According to the suggestions of the architects
interviewed, tactile strips are useful as a warning
indication, especially for blind individuals who rely
solely on their sense of touch and their cane to navigate
and identify their environment. Its distinct textures
allow PWD, particularly blind persons, to get a cue
regarding the hazard and direction in the location,
particularly within the campus. As a result, respondents
proposed replacing the standard floor tile with tactile
strips to make it easier for the PWD to use and access
the surroundings.
4.4 Braille signage
Respondents stated that having another wayfinding
option for individuals with disabilities, particularly
blind people, such as braille signage, a tactile writing
system placed on a wall with dots, and a specific texture
that blind people can comprehend by touching, is
essential. It would give them access to information in
their surroundings, assist them in navigating unfamiliar
locations on campus, and keep them secure in the
school's environment.
4.5 Batas Pambansa 344
According to the respondents’ answers during the
interview, it is important to prioritize the PWD in the
institution, such as in the campus, as it was according to
the law, the Batas Pambansa 344 which was a law
designated for the PWD to have an accessible
environment in the university. The PWD has to be
considered in designing the building, and the
environment has to be PWDfriendly, as the law states.
The BP 344 allows the PWD to have accessible space
within the campus and for consideration in terms of
PWD design, accessibility design, and universal design
that fosters a PWD-friendly environment with the NU-
Manila campus.
4.6 Inclusivity
Respondents indicated that when establishing an
inclusive environment at NU-Manila, inclusivity should
always come to mind for everyone, regardless of who
they are. It is necessary to maintain an inclusive
environment since it is required by law, as stated in
Batas Pambansa 344. Inclusivity should be accessible to
everyone without prejudice or hindrance, especially to
blind people. Pwd needs equal access and resources on
campus because they are human beings with the same
entitlement to equitable treatment as everyone else,
regardless of their situation. Blind persons should not
feel excluded from their surroundings or be left behind.
4.7 Accessibility
According to the responses, accessibility has played a
crucial role in providing an accessible environment on
campus since it ensures that the community, particularly
blind persons, may use the university's services.
However, the university's facilities are insufficient,
which means that not all are easily accessible for the
PWD; as a result, respondents suggested that improving
the facilities is a must to ensure that PWD, particularly
blind people, will not have difficulty accessing the
environment when it comes to facilities, as well as the
pathway. Accessibility should also be a major
consideration in designing as, according to the
architects interviewed, accessibility can make life easier
for the blind people within the campus since it also
promotes a fulfilling and easier environment for the
blind people. According to the architects interviewed,
accessibility can make life easier for the blind persons
on campus since it fosters a fulfilling and easier
environment for the blind people.
V. CONCLUSIONS
The aim of this study was to identify the role of
architecture in enabling accessible urban environment
for People with Disabilities (PWD) at the National
University Manila. A qualitative approach was adopted
using a range of complimentary methods. The study
provided insights of architects in NU-Manila about
their role for urban planning including PWDs.
Questionnaires were provided for researchers to
analyze and study the data. Overall, the ramp, tactile
strips, braille signage, Batas Pambansa 344, inclusivity
and accessibility were connected as the themes to
recognize and conclude this study.
People with disabilities can find a ramp to be a helpful
and accessible site, especially those who are blind and
unable to utilize stairs due to their condition.
Particularly for blind people who rely only on their
sense of touch and a cane to navigate and recognize
their surroundings, tactile strips can serve as a helpful
warning indicator. It's crucial to have braille signage, a
tactile writing system on a wall with dots, and a
particular texture that blind people can feel and
understand. The Batas Pambansa 344 law, which
mandated that PWDs have an accessible environment
in universities, stated as much.
Therefore, enabling accessible urban environments for
PWD in NUManila is present yet lacking for some
specific themes like tactile strips and braille signage.
Though, architecture also played a big role for
providing inclusivity and accessibility for all users not
just PWDs but also prioritizing the norms for
comfortability. It is hoped that in the future, architects
and Planners in universities especially in NU-Manila
will provide more inclusivity and accessibility for it to
became a more PWD-friendly environment for all
users.
V. RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are based on the
researchers' completed work throughout this study. For
future researchers who want to expound further and
study this research, the researchers recommend the
implementation of ramps on campus for safe
accessibility of people with disabilities, particularly
those with limited mobility, such as those who use a
cane or walker. More observations are needed for future
researchers to determine whether parts of campus this
implementation could be viable to increase accessibility
and a pwd-friendly environment community. Installing
tactile strips around campus is advantageous for those
relying solely on their senses of touch and hearing to
navigate and obtain important information about their
surroundings due to eyesight loss. Tactile strips should
be used instead of the campus's standard tiles and
flooring to allow blind persons better access to their
surroundings and navigation.
E. Data Analysis
The respondents emphasized enhancing the experience
of blind persons with disabilities (PWDs) at NU Manila
by implementing braille signage, tactile strips, and
connecting buildings to improve accessibility. These
changes aim to provide navigation support and promote
a more inclusive environment for visually impaired
individuals. Retrofitting existing structures and staff
training were also strongly recommended to further
prioritize accessibility. Overall, integrating these
strategies underscores the commitment to inclusivity
and equality, propelling NU Manila towards a more
supportive and accessible campus for all, especially
PWDs.
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