Design Project Proposal (Project and Site Justification)

It is a brief description of what, why and how the proponent has chosen the proposal/design project
with in-depth and logical study on the proposed site/location based on the principles and objectives
of highest and best use for the site. The highest and best use considers only the uses that are legally
permissible (meeting zoning, health, and public restrictions), physically possible (has adequate
size, soil conditions, and accessibility), and is economically feasible (income and/or socio-economic
benefits are anticipated). The application and/or employment of alternative and viable project
development strategies/initiatives are highly encouraged.

Proposal Content
Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1. The Project

Comprehensive discussion to explain to the reader what the study is all about, by funneling
the topic from general to specific, highlighting the existing conditions in the area of study.

Overview of the Design Project Proposal

1. Explanation of the purpose and scope of the proposal/design project.
2. Importance of conducting an in-depth and logical study for the proposed site/location.
3. Emphasis on adhering to the principles and objectives of highest and best use for the
site.

1.2. Problem Statement

Clear itemization of existing problems observed in the area that would justify the need for
the project being proposed.
1. Identification and enumeration of the sub-problems observed in the area. Sub-
problems are specific issues identified within a problem area, substantiated with
supporting data, that highlight their significance and justify the proposed project.
2. Explanation of how these problems substantiate the need for the proposed project.
Supporting data such as Demand Analysis should be included in this chapter to justify
the need to solve the given problem.
3. Emphasis on the significance and implications of the identified problems.

1.3. Project Objectives

Must be 3-5 statements, in bullet form, of intended ideal conditions or outcomes that will be
achieved once the project has been completed. Objectives need to be SMART - Specific:
clearly stated with specific outcomes. Measurable: so the end of each objective can be
identified and measured against success criteria. Achievable: attainable given the available
resources, time, and technology in accordance with required quality. Realistic: sensible,
pragmatic, and prioritized activities for achieving set goals. Timely: planned and attained
tasks according to base line and prioritization of hierarchy of needs.

1.4. The Client

Brief discussion of the background/profile of the client – may it be individual, corporation,
institution or government. This section will also discuss the issues and/or aspirations of the
client as to why the project is needed.

Note: While not obligatory, having a Client Certificate can greatly enhance project feasibility.
By analyzing client and user profiles and aligning with project goals, a Client Certificate can
tailor the solution, boost security, and improve overall success.
 1.5. Project Scope and Limitations
Brief discussion on the exact coverage of the study, emphasizing what is included and not
included, to avoid any ambiguities. This may include, but is not limited to, the detailed project
classification (e.g. tertiary-level hospital, socialized housing, BPO building for
graphics/animation and CSR, TechVoc educational facilities for Industrial Arts, etc.); and
the target market classification (e.g. mobility-impaired users, informal settlers living along
the City’s waterways, public high school students, foreign/local tourists, etc.)

Chapter 2: Design Foundations

This chapter introduces the design process as a user-centered, creative, and collaborative
approach to problem-solving. It emphasizes systematic steps in creating solutions aligned with
objectives and user needs. The chapter also underscores the importance of literature reviews
and case studies in enhancing research quality and providing insights within real-life contexts.

2.1. Design Process

In this section, the researcher explains that it involves a series of steps or phases that lead
to the creation of the final design. Consider using diagrams or visual aids to illustrate these
steps, emphasizing the user-centered thinking, creativity, and collaboration involved
throughout the process. Emphasize that the design process aims to create solutions that
meet specific objectives and successfully address user needs.

2.1.1. Introduction to the Design Process

2.1.2. Definition and purpose of the design process.
2.1.3. Explanation of its role in project development and problem-solving

The design process can be defined as a systematic and iterative approach used to solve
problems and create solutions that meet specific objectives. It involves a series of steps,
from gathering requirements and generating ideas to prototyping, testing, and refining the
final design. This section typically emphasizes user-centered thinking, creativity, and
collaboration, aiming to develop innovative and functional designs that address user needs
and preferences. It often incorporates research, analysis, conceptualization, and evaluation
to guide the development of products, services, systems, or experiences.

Steps in the Design Process (Recommended Outline)

1. Problem Identification and Definition
a. Explanation of the process of identifying and defining the design problem.
b. Importance of clearly understanding the problem before proceeding with the design.
2. Research and Analysis
a. Discussion on the need for thorough research and analysis of relevant information.
b. Importance of gathering data and understanding the project context.
3. Concept Development
a. Explanation of the process of generating creative ideas and concepts.
b. Importance of considering multiple solutions and evaluating their feasibility.
4. Design Development
a. Discussion on the detailed development of the chosen design concept.
b. Consideration of various factors such as functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability.
5. Evaluation and Refinement
a. Importance of evaluating the design against project objectives and criteria.
b. Iterative process of refining and improving the design based on feedback.
6. Documentation and Communication
a. Explanation of the need for comprehensive documentation of the design.
b. Importance of effective communication of the design to stakeholders.
2.2. Review of Related Literature

2.2.1. Overview of the Literature Review

A literature review serves as a valuable tool in research, providing an understanding
of previous studies conducted on a specific topic. It enables researchers to explore
existing knowledge, identify areas that require further investigation, and build upon
established ideas.

2.2.2. Case Studies

Case studies are a research method that involves in-depth investigation and analysis
of a specific individual, group, organization, event, or phenomenon within its real-life
context. It is a qualitative research approach that aims to provide a comprehensive
understanding of the case by examining its complexities, dynamics, and unique
characteristics. Case studies often combine multiple sources of evidence, such as
interviews, observations, documents, and archival records, to gather rich and detailed
data. The analysis of the collected data involves identifying patterns, themes, and
relationships to generate insights and develop a holistic picture of the case.

Recommended Outline:

2.2.1. Overview of the Literature Review

Background and context
Provide a brief overview of the architectural structure you will be studying and
its relevance in the field of architecture. Describe any notable features or
characteristics.

Problem statement and significance

Clearly state the problem or gap in knowledge that your research aims to
address. Explain why studying this architectural structure is important and
how it contributes to the field.

Research objective
Present the central objective that guides your study. Clearly articulate what
you aim to investigate or achieve.

2.2.2. Literature Review

Organizing the literature review thematically and categorically helps
researchers analyze information effectively and identify common patterns and
trends. By conducting a literature review, researchers enhance the quality of
their own work and contribute to the broader understanding of the subject
matter.

Key architectural theories and concepts

Summarize fundamental architectural theories and concepts that are relevant
to understanding and analyzing the chosen architectural structure.

Previous relevant case studies

Review past case studies that are similar or relevant to your chosen
architectural structure. Highlight their contributions and identify any
gaps in the existing literature.

Identifying gaps in current literature

 Explain the areas where existing literature lacks insight or fails to
adequately address the impact or characteristics of the architectural
structure you are studying.

Methodology
Research approach and rationale
Justify the research approach you have chosen and explain why it is
appropriate for studying the architectural structure. Provide a
rationale for your chosen methods.

Case selection criteria

Specify the criteria you used to select the specific architectural
structure for your study. Explain why this structure is a suitable and
representative example.

Data collection methods

Describe the methods you will use to collect data about the
architectural structure, such as site visits, interviews, observations,
or archival research.

Ethical considerations
Address any ethical concerns related to your research, particularly
regarding site visits, data collection from stakeholders, or the use of
sensitive information. Explain how you will ensure ethical research
practices.
Contextual Analysis
Historical, cultural, and environmental context
Provide a detailed description of the historical, cultural, and
environmental context in which the architectural structure exists.
Discuss any significant events or influences that have shaped its
development.

Socio Economic and geographical factors

Explore the socioeconomic and geographical factors that have
influenced the design, construction, and placement of the
architectural structure. Discuss how these factors have impacted its
form or function.

Urban and architectural setting

Describe the urban and architectural context within which the
structure is situated. Explain
how it relates to its surroundings and interacts with the built
environment.

Design and Conceptualization

Architectural concept and philosophy
Explain the architectural concept and underlying philosophy that
guided the design of the structure. Discuss the intentions and goals
of the architects or designers.

Design evolution and influences

Trace the evolution of the design, highlighting any key changes or
influences that shaped its development. Discuss the iterative process
and how the design evolved over time.
 Integration of innovative elements
Identify and analyze the innovative elements incorporated into the
architectural structure. Explain how these elements contribute to its
functionality, aesthetics, or sustainability.

Functional Analysis
Evaluating design functionality and usability
Assess the functionality and usability of the architectural structure.
Analyze how well it serves its intended purposes and meets the
needs of its users or occupants.

User feedback and post-occupancy evaluations

Discuss any user feedback or post-occupancy evaluations that have
been conducted. Include insights into user experiences, satisfaction,
or suggestions for improvement.

Adaptability and flexibility

Explore the adaptability and flexibility of the architectural structure.
Assess its capacity to accommodate changes or future needs.

Identifying design flaws or improvements

Identify any design flaws or areas for improvement in the
architectural structure. Discuss potential modifications or
enhancements that could enhance its functionality or performance.

Aesthetic and Cultural Analysis

Aesthetic evaluation and visual impact
Analyze the aesthetic qualities of the architectural structure. Discuss
its visual impact, including its form, materials, colors and spatial
composition.

Cultural context and relevance

Examine the cultural context in which the architectural structure
exists. Discuss its relationship to local traditions, values, and identity.
Assess its relevance and contribution to the cultural landscape.
Environmental integration and sustainability
Evaluate the integration of the architectural structure with its natural
surroundings. Discuss its sustainability features and how it responds
to environmental considerations.

Impact and Contribution

Social, economic, and environmental impact
Assess the social, economic, and environmental impact of the
architectural structures. Discuss its influence on the local community,
economy, and ecology.

Contribution to architectural practice and theory

Examine the contribution of architectural structure to the field of
architecture. Discuss how it challenges or advances existing
architectural practices or theories.

Lessons learned and future implications

Summarize the lessons learned from studying architectural
structures. Discuss the implications for future architectural design,
construction, and research.
 Summary of findings
Summarize the key findings from your analysis of the architectural structure.

Reiterating research significance

Reinforce the significance of your research and its contribution to the
understanding of architectural structures.

Broader implications and applications

Discuss the broader implications of your findings beyond the specific
architectural structure you studied. Explore how they can be applied
to other architectural projects or inform future research.

Future research possibilities

Identify potential avenues for future research and areas that warrant
further investigation related to architectural structures similar to the
one studied.

Chapter 3: Site Selection and Justification

3.1. Site Selection Criteria

Listing the general and specific characteristics of a site needed by the proposed project,
with its corresponding weights. General characteristics are those that are common to all
architectural projects (e.g. presence of utilities, distance from natural hazards, accessibility,
etc.), while specific characteristics are those that are applicable only to the particular project
(e.g. proximity to tourism sites for hotels intended to accommodate tourists, compatibility of
soil type for agriculture-related projects, etc.). The rubrics shall indicate clearly when a
particular characteristic is met or not. Proposed measures to address the characteristics
that are not met shall be indicated and discussed.

3.2. Site Selection and Description

This refers to the process of identifying potential sites that meet the established criteria,
and then providing a detailed description of each site, including its location, size,
topography, and other relevant features. This information can be used to compare and
evaluate different sites, and to make an informed decision about which site to select.

3.3. Site Evaluation

This involves assessing the suitability of each potential site based on the established criteria
and the site description. This evaluation may include analyzing the site's physical
characteristics, reviewing relevant regulations and permits, and conducting market
research to assess demand for the proposed development.

Explain the process of assessing the suitability of each potential site based on the
established criteria and the site description. Describe the methods that will be used to
analyze the site's physical characteristics, review regulations and permits, and conduct
market research. Discuss the importance of evaluating the demand for the proposed
development in the market research.

3.4. Site Justification

This is the final step in the site selection process, where the chosen site is justified based
on its ability to meet the established criteria, its potential for success, and its compatibility
 with the surrounding area. This justification may include a detailed analysis of the economic,
social, and environmental benefits and drawbacks of the chosen site.

Explain that this section is the final step in the site selection process, where the chosen site
is justified. Describe how the chosen site will be justified based on its ability to meet the
established criteria, its potential for success, and its compatibility with the surrounding area.
Specify that a detailed analysis of the economic, social, and environmental benefits and
drawbacks of the chosen site will be included.

3.5. Macro-Meso Site Analysis: Region / Province / City / Town

Discussion of the characteristics of the chosen location at the regional, provincial, city, and
town level. The discussion should be aimed towards (1) familiarizing the reader with the
location, and (2) justifying the score given based on the rubrics set in the previous section.
All discussions should be aligned with the proposed project and should be supported by
maps and photo-documentations.

Recommended Outline:
1. Regional characteristics
2. Provincial characteristics
3. City/Town characteristics
4. Community characteristics
5. Justification of the chosen location based on rubrics and proposed project.
6. Support with maps and photo-documentations

3.6. Micro Site Analysis: The Site and its Immediate Environs
Discussion of the characteristics of the actual lot in relation to its immediate environs. Same
with the previous section, discussion should be aimed towards (1) familiarizing the reader
with the actual lot, and (2) justifying the score given based on the rubrics set in the criteria.
All discussions should be aligned with the proposed project and should be supported by
maps and photo-documentations.

Recommended Outline:
1. Characteristics of the actual lot and its immediate environs
2. Justification of the score given based on rubrics and criteria
3. Alignment with proposed project
4. Support with maps and photo-documentations

Chapter 4: Design Inputs

4.1. Design Standards

Establishment of conformity of the proposed project to pertinent laws. Items to be studied
shall include, but is not limited to the provisions in the National Building Code of the
Philippines (PD1096) that was not covered in the Site Planning and Site Programming
section, Accessibility Law (BP344), Fire Code of the Philippines (RA9514), Plumbing Code
of the Philippines (RA1378), etc; as well as other laws, regulations, and/or codes specific
to the project (e.g. BP220 for Socialized and Economic Housing Projects, DOH Guidelines
for Hospital Design for Health-related projects, etc.).

4.2. Building Systems

Discussion on the integration of different building systems such as environmental systems,
structural systems, utility systems, materials, and other technical issues that will foster
 development in the design project. It should describe uses and spaces in your building that
may place important and even unique demands on structural, environmental control, and
life-safety systems designs for the project.

4.3. Environmental Systems

Identify areas of particular focus as they relate to the design project such as climatic issues
for the site, programmatic requirements for environmental systems, spatial requirements
for mechanical spaces and distribution systems.

4.4. Structural Systems

Identify areas of particular focus as they relate to the design project such as long-span
spaces, lateral force, bridge structures, etc. Provide diagrams, photographs, and other
preliminary material that will guide further investigation. Architectural drawings should
reflect preliminary understanding of structure, such as appropriate depth of floor systems
shown in section, preliminary structural grid reflected in plans, etc.

4.5. Utility Systems

Identify areas of particular focus as they relate to the design project such as plumbing and
sanitary systems, electrical and mechanical systems, acoustics and lighting systems.
Discussion should support the aspects of function, application, operation and maintenance
of each utility system.

4.6. Other Technical Issues

Describe other building systems that are particularly relevant to the design project. For
example, acoustics for a performance space, natural and artificial lighting for an art gallery,
specialized conveying systems or equipment for a manufacturing facility.

4.7. Specialized Allied Services

Specialized Architectural Services deals with specific expertise for further enhancement of
the architectural interior and exterior components of a project. (please refer to UAP-SPP
Doc.203).

Chapter 5: Architectural Design Development and Programming

5.1. Architectural Design Development

5.1.1. Site Planning and Site Programming

Establishment of site requirements and/or regulations in relation to the project being
proposed and location of the chosen site. Items to be studied shall include, but is not
limited to, the Open Space Ratio, Floor Area Ratio, Permeability Ratio, Parking Ratio,
Site Zoning, Density, and other provisions stipulated in the Rule 7 and 8 of the
National Building Code of the Philippines (PD1096).

5.1.2. Building Space Program

Establishment of building space requirements in relation to the computed user
demand; furniture, fixture, and equipment space requirements; and expected flow of
movement of various user types depending on the project type. Items to be studied
shall include, but is not limited to, the Organizational Chart, Space Analysis, User
Analysis, Space Adjacency Matrix, Bubble Diagrams / Block Plans, Gross and Net
Floor Area, Floor Efficiency Ratio, Space Program Matrix, Building Massing, etc.
 5.1.3. Design Constraints
Discussion on the different constraints that the project must deal with such as
economic, environmental, cultural, social, ethical, health and safety, viability and
sustainability.

5.2. Design Features

5.2.1. Architectural Character

The character of the building depends upon its capacity to express a particular
function and status. It can be expressed in a variety of styles. In an appropriate
setting, a building, through its character and style, should be capable of evoking
abstract values, uniqueness and aesthetics.

5.2.2. Innovations
Application of new technological advances, methods and/or design strategies that will
make the building design/features exceptional.

5.2.3. Highlights
Issues to address include: massing, roof form, materials, fenestration strategies, and
structural expression. It is typically more useful to explore a variety of approaches,
rather than completing a greater level of detail for one approach.

5.2.4. Material Concept

It is the brief description of the proposed building materials to be used. These should
be expressed at a conceptual level on elevations or models.

5.3. Initial Design Translation

Discussion of theories, concepts, philosophies, and considerations that shall be applied to
the proposed project. This shall include, but is not limited to the overall philosophy to be
applied to the design and the translation of this philosophy to specific design considerations
and techniques to achieve these considerations; the planning theory to be applied to
organize the site; the structural system best suited to the project; the form concept to be
applied to the structures themselves including its translation from the idea and/or original
form to the final form of the structure; and the finishes to be used to achieve the desired
design character.