ECO-VERNACULAR ECO-VERNACULAR THERAPEUTIC RESORT: RECONCILIATION BETWEEN HUMAN AND NATURE
A Thesis Presented to the School of Architecture, Industrial Design & the Built Environment Mapua Institute of Technology
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in Architectural Design 09/ AR200/ AR200S For the Degree of BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ARCHITECTURE
Presented by Canlas, Gilbert 2011180039
Architect Junar Pakingan Tablan, uap, MSAE Adviser
December 2014
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THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND Chapter I.1: General Overview
Introduction
The growth of the economy followed by the urbanization within Metro Manila is undeniable and cannot be stopped. The increase in tourism of the Philippines has become a great opportunity for the economy to prosper. With hotels being the first option for tourists to stay, these hotels also serve as their first impression in the Philippines in terms of hospitality in service and in entertainment. A hotel such as the one with a resort has turned out to be one of the most basic tourist attractions here in the Philippines due to the archipelagic setting of the country; it effectively highlights the beauty of the natural surroundings depending on its location. With the increase of resort and hotel establishments providing leisure, it has become underrated unde rrated for it to focus on the health and wellness of the users without sacrificing any of their demands. Accommodating such a feature, especially a therapeutic one, will be something fresh and will give a new variety in hotel selections for tourists. In this sense, therapeutic means to relax in a way most beneficial to your health and for that to happen, there should be an effective synergy between the hotel, the resort, the amenities and of course, the natural surroundings in order to create an environment conducive to not just relieving stress but also keeping your body in perfect rhythm. In order to create a distinct hotel and resort that will captivate capti vate the user‟s attention and cater to their health needs, vernacular architecture will be used to emphasize the eco-friendly aspect of the construction and also to inflict less damage to the environment by utilizing and recycling natural
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materials. That being said, this will create an approach that will give off the true Filipino vibe. The hotel and resort‟s site will be located outside of Metro Manila to reduce the congestion in the area and to establish a new place of attraction that will benefit the city it will be in. Pampanga will be a good choice since it has a well-developed international airport and is also rich in raw, natural and beautiful sights. Given the proximity of an airport, it will be a great added advantage to the hotel and resort as both these structures embody the function of taking care of the people wanting to visit and explore the place. Having a therapeutic resort in the province will increase the demand for tourism in that area and equipped with the unique feature and different approach to relaxation, the hotel and resort will be the best of its kind improving both the overall view of therapeutic accommodation and the philosophy of hospitality the Filipino culture offers. Background of the Study
Incorporating therapeutics to a resort gives it a whole new function and set of facilities that will offer a different kind of relaxation and physical wellness to the users. Spa treatments have a wide range of approaches ranging from physical massage therapy to water spa therapy. The connection of spa therapy and nature will be both enhanced through architectural application that will make the ambiance of the resort conducive to relaxation and peace. The resort will provide different facilities such as restaurants and convention halls to accommodate nature retreats of local visitors and international travelers reconciling them with the tranquility brought about by nature.
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Statement of the Problem
The primary purpose of this study is to determine and design a resort and hotel that feature therapeutics. 1. How will vernacular architecture stand-up in modern day era resort and hotel? 2. How to strategically plan a resort and hotel in order to be successful given that the site will be in a province? 3. How will it reinvent the current trend of resort and hotel, and will adding therapeutic facilities be effective? Project Goals, Objectives and Strategies
The goal for this study is to create a therapeutic specialized resort and hotel that will effectively reinvent the trend of resorts in the Ph ilippines. The objectives will be:
To create a distinct vernacular architecture that will be modern in approach
To provide enough space to prevent any congestion the resort and hotel could have in the future, as well as study the topography of the site in order to maximize user comfort.
To have a well-studied circulation and planning that will improve the functionality of the hotel, resort and its featured facilities.
To strategically incorporate natural sustainability, namely horticulture therapy, in order to minimize harm to the environment and to boost the eco-friendly aspect of the resort.
Given the site in a province, landscaping will be strategically planned to control the micro-climate of the resort and hotel to again, max imize comfort.
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Significance of the Study
The study shall be beneficial to the following areas / people through:
Benefitting tourism in the Philippines via construction of a specialized resort and hotel.
Attracting travelers looking for a peaceful, more relaxing environment by applying principles of therapeutics in the construction of the resort‟s resort‟s facilities.
Providing data and improved standards supplementing the capability of incorporating therapeutics in a resort through research.
Scope and Limitation
The study will cover the inclusion of therapeutics in a resort and hotel. The prime intention of this inclusion is to synergize both the hospitality innate to the Filipino culture and the wellness brought about by spa treatments. It shall reinvent the benefits of therapeutics and integrate it with today‟s perspective today‟s perspective of a resort and hotel that will lead to a new adaptation in designing a specialized resort such as this one. The design will also act as an epitome of what an oasis holds in the given site as it provides relaxation and harmony in both human and nature. To further elaborate its eco-friendly aspect, the resort and hotel shall utilize natural sustainability strategies in response to different architectural challenges, such as calamities, without inflicting harm to the environment it is in. The study will be limited within the ranges of hotel and restaurant management. The development of solutions will only be therefore regarded directly to the improvement of the said title. Other architectural approach such as design, planning, orientation and materials will only be prioritized for the betterment of the resort and hotel in order to have the maximum impact in the economy and the tourism of the site. 5
Assumptions
This study assumes that by blending the wellness of spa treatments, the hospitality of the Filipino culture and excellent accommodation of the resort, it will create a new breed of resort not meant for loud physical activities, but for the serenity and relaxation of the users it will serve. Conceptual Framework
THERAPEUTICS
VERNACULAR
Wellness via spa
ARCHITECTURE
therapy
Hotel
through
Resort
reconciliation reconciliation with
Amenities
Tranquility
nature
SCHEME
Modernize vernacular architecture to accommodate current tourism demands and to imbue the Filipino vibe
Reinvent the meaning of relaxation by veering off from leisure and focusing on health and wellness
Utilize the environment not just as a source of indigenous materials but also as the central focus of construction construction
IMPACT
Increase tourism on site
Address environmental concerns
Redefine relaxation provided by resorts and hotels
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Definitions of Terms
a) Hotel – Hotel – a a building, edifice or premise or a completely independent part thereof, which is used for the regular reception, accommodation or lodging of travelers and tourist and the provision of services incidental thereto for a fee. b) Resort – Resort – any any place or places with pleasant environment and atmosphere conducive to comfort, healthful relaxation and rest, offering food, sleeping accommodation and recreational facilities to the public for a fee or remuneration. c) Horticulture Therapy -
is
defined
by
the American Horticultural Therapy
Association (AHTA) as the engagement of a person in gardening gardening and plant-based activities, facilitated by a trained therapist, therapist, to achieve specific therapeutic treatment goals. d) Micro-climate - is a local atmospheric zone where the climate differs from the surrounding area. The term may refer to areas as small as a few square feet (for example a garden bed) or as large as many square miles.
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Chapter I.2: Review of Related Literature and Studies Related Literature
Promoting the Spa Tourism Industry: Focus on Coastal Resorts in Kenya
The connection of health and tourism began dating back in the 1800 in the spa towns people used to travel. An interest in “new age” remedies and traditional remedial therapies has become one of the rapidly growing interests of tourism industry. Tourists are attracted to health tourism as this gives beneficial treatments for health and rejuvenation. In Kenya, a relaxation resort is popular and is a good way to develop the tourism. It is proven to have a positive impact in the economy from domestic users to international travelers who visit Kenya and in particular Mombasa which is their tourist destination. “A resort/hotel spa offers a spa, fitness and wellness services, as well as spa cuisine menu choices and overnight accommodations within a resort or hotel.” Okech hotel.” Okech (2014) There are on-site Spa industry trends identified by Anderson (2011) these are: Anti-aging treatments and products, gift card sales, regional specialties, increased stress management, impulse appointments, shift in perspective, chan ges in demographic use profile, medical affiliations and green environments. That being said, establishing a therapeutic resort comes with very detailed considerations in terms of trends. Based on the resource, it is important to have the primary motive of the resort to be visited by the people looking for a place to „relax „relax and unwind from the pressure p ressure of work and day to day life‟ and also to be pampered. Next, pampered. Next, the amenities the resort will have such as fitness facilities, outdoor sports activities a ctivities which improve the user‟s health and physical wellwell being. In reality, tourists mostly request request these treatments.
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Massages remain the popular treatment
Non-traditional Non-traditional products such as „Eastern‟ treatments
Water therapy, mud baths, etc.
Use of natural and organic materials to keep the body and mind healthy
Services for couples – couples – dual dual massages- and beach massages are also becoming more popular
Health Tourism in Australia: Supply, Demand and Opportunities
The increase in interest in wellness opens up opportunities for a number of establishments in Australia to accommodate this interest. This also resulted to a broader offer in terms of services in Australia. Thus “wellness could be combined combined with complementary activities such as those associated associated with fitness, nutrition or relaxation.” The health tourism in Australia developed a lifestyle resort visitation which is typically “entails a comprehensive program which focuses on lifestyle transformations and includes activities and seminars concern concerning ing fitness… stress management techniques.” (Tremabath 2010) That being said, the effect of improving health tourism in Australia is doing a great job in terms of keeping its users more fit through relaxation treatments. In economy wise, the wellness tourism that Australia has developed is slowly becoming a norm in terms of how they create their resort. In fact, people from Europe are visiting them in long-term stays to simply be part of this trend. Statistics from North America also confirms a large number of beauty spa and lifestyle resort visitors. And according to the International Spa Association, one in four Americans had visited a spa. Going back to 9
Australia, they have developed many destinations / resorts which boost their domestic tourism market as well as their international tourism market giving wellness tourism a greater role in the economy. Key results become significant such as:
Spiritual retreats attracted the highest proportion of males and the highest proportion of residents aged 55 and over.
Visitors are more than likely to have travelled from other countries in order to experience the wellness tourism Australian resorts feature.
More than half of the visitors came with a friend, spouse or family member. Making it an effective venue for bonding and socializing.
Most people that will visit the resort were most likely have a good lifestyle
They also identified six benefit factors of wellness tourism Escape & relaxation, transcendence, physical health, indulgence, re-establish self-esteem and important others & novelty.
Relates Studies / Projects
Shangri- La’s Boracay Resort & Spa
Known as the „private paradise‟ this is located by the hillside and set in an ecoecoreserve environment. The resort‟s accommodations are design meant to blend in its tropical surrounding making it elegant at first glance. The resort also features „Sea „Sea view Suite‟ which they can execute using the advantage of having the resort located by the ocean. The resort also have convention halls, recreation parks, outdoor sports, and a restaurant that supplement 10
the resort‟s „high class‟ feel. The view is always present and the tranquility of the site is very well preserved and it perfectly demonstrates how to reconcile human with nature. The tropical vernacular architecture feel is perfectly designed to make it a paradise to remember. The landscaping make the resort look like it is naturally erected in the site. And by sunset, the fun does d oes not stop there, the resort feature outdoor cabanas b y the beach to enjoy the breeze coming from the sea. Spa facilities are also products of modern era making the stay in the resort worthwhile and satisfying both in relaxation and in recreation activity.
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Puning Hot Spring and Spa
Another example is the Puning Hot Spring and Spa, although lacks the hotel features to accommodate long staying users and is also far from the beach; it is unique and manages to deliver its purpose effectively. The site of the spa is located near the Mt. Pinatubo making it it possible to have hot spring. Puning hot spring‟s location is not easy to travel to, but that is what makes it even more unique un ique because they used that „issue‟ to incorporate off -road travel using small 4x4 trucks. Sights of valleys and mou ntains can be seen as a s the truck takes the customers to the main destination, the spa. The hot spring and spa feature landscaping that shades them from sunny weather, and thus creating a micro-climate which the researcher is planning to use in the therapeutic resort and hotel. hotel. Another feat is the use of „rice terraces‟ like setting to let the resort rest by a mountain that effectively shades most part of the resort.
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Chapter I.3: Research Design and Methodology I.
Research Methodology
The research methodology used in this research is an empirical case study using the five senses with methods on observing the current built environment of a Hotel Resort. With this Methodology, the proponent opts to propose and Eco-vernacular therapeutic hotel and resort in which it inhibits he bond between human and nature. The Empirical case study is in line with architectural problems specifying the need of spaces, adequacy of size and dimensioning proper, the sorts of planning, and the consequences of uplifting the current status of a Hotel and a Resort into a new and popular trend. Also, it will look deeper as to how effective will the addition ad dition of a new facility like a therapeutic spa would be effective or what is it that people wanted to see that might make it better and make it enticing for everyone to consider. II.
Research Instruments
The Case study wouldn‟t have been possible without its research instruments and that these instruments play a vital part into the formulation and acquisition of data. The instrument used in this study includes the variable for the survey, the survey questionnaire itself, the photo used in the case study and observation of the current existing structures, log books of the people who use the resort, satisfaction evaluation sheet forms and may more. Such Data that could be harnessed with the given research instruments would lead into the acquisition of how we could compare hotels and resorts from each other and that the variety of people who use it will give an idea of what is it that they like or what is it that they th ey don‟t like and needs improvement.
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III.
Research Locale
Although the survey was conducted in the context of whoever has been into any hotel and resort, the research locale wherein the case study was performed was in a resort in Porac, Pampanga exclusively named to as Poracay having a significant rhyme with Boracay to make it appealing and to have the notion that it has the same concept. The site is actually a secluded spot accessible by its access routes as shown in the map below. (Site map will be seen in the Chapter 4; Case Study Presentation). Just as, staying up late until night time could greatly persuade you in sleeping in the said resort. The resort‟s environment is a rehabilitation of a previously volcanic site that is buried in deep “Lahar” or volcanic volcanic ash and sand. It resembles a near dessert state and that the addition of an artificial lagoon and pool would make the resort as an oasis of some sort. The Map of its location and navigation is shown below.
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IV.
Population Universe
The population universe would be the users of the said facility which is a hotel and a resort. They are users of the facility within the year 2014 and that the memory of the resort and spa for them is but fresh and new. The variable was to be asked about their experience and about their up taking of the hotel and resort. Such that, their satisfaction rate would be weighed on a scale of strongly agree, agree, in doubt, disagree and strongly disagree. They are asked on the basis of architectural design perspective and that the knowledge of the said questionnaire has been simplified in order for them to answer briefly as they could. The variables were picked within national capital region and that the sampling procedure on how they were selected will be discussed on the next part of which is sampling procedure. V.
Sampling Procedure
The sampling procedure to be used is the non-random sampling procedure. It is selected for easy acquisition of data just as given the research instruments of information of all of those using the facility could already give a list of possible sampling group yet it is easier done. Every people in the metropolis have a 70% chance of being in a Hotel and Resort. For sampling, the proponent would assign numbers to each of the names in population universe through which all of those listed have been in a hotel and a resort in the previous 9-10monts just as, the assigned numbers would therefore be picked randomly until 100 variables are ready for survey questionnaire procedure and each of them would be given time to answer it within three days and that the data collected from it shall be presented in the qualitative and quantitative analysis in chapter 4.
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VI.
Research Design
The research design that will be used in this empirical case study would be descriptive and that if the data has already been acquired and that it has already been organized, it must be studied and must be interpreted through a certain phase. That phase is a descriptive phase for the proponent will only describe the acquired data and that it will be organized in order to move to a preceding phase. VII.
Statistical Treatment
The statistical would be descriptive in which after the data is acquired; it will be manually organized and would be statistically treated acquiring its mean, median and mode. The definite means are solid ways and that it is most of the time accurate and precise. Descriptive statistical treatment could be mean meaning getting the average majority amongst the sample group and interpreting it as a most effective data for it is the average. Median meaning something that is in the middle would mostly likely to be considered or must it be mode wherein the majority number against the minority would have to be the precise winning answer to formulate a conclusion.
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Chapter I.4: Summary of Findings and Analysis I.
Presentation of Case Study
Poracay is a more so Hidden Paradise set amidst the lahar-devastated town of Porac, Pampanga. It is a new resort yet becoming a fast popular destination during vacations. It entails family gatherings, outing amongst friends, team buildings and a lot more. Poracay Resort has developed various accommodation facilities to suit different needs, ranging from bungalow-type villas, 'sawali' cottages and nipa huts. They are specifically designed to have a feel of typical Filipino homes and at the same time to appreciate the simple joys of life.
The pools are located at the heart of this vacationer's haven. This area comprises of sections that spell outstanding resort design. A heavy sheet of water flows down from its waterfall going to an adult pool, while two (2) kiddie pools spill excess water into a manmade lake. This man-made lake features amenities similar to other developments in the US and Europe. It is connected to a boating and fishing sanctuary which appeals to nature and sports lovers alike.
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Prominently located beside the pools, the Clubhouse is a spacious function hall ideal for any type of occasion. Celebrate family gatherings such as reunions, weddings, baptisms birthdays and debuts as well as corporate functions like teambuilding, product launchings, trainings, seminars and company parties right here in Poracay Resort. Equipped with audio-visual facilities, it can be set-up in any way to meet the event's requirements.
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It features a 6-meter wide road, sidewalk, landscapes and a boulder centerpiece that welcomes guests into the resort. A ticket booth manned by warm and friendly staff is strategically situated here to give information regarding their stay and their designated accommodation facility. Guests need not step out of their vehicles when checking in and out. An administrative office and a huge parking space are planned additions in this facility for easy access and convenience of guests.
The board and lodging offer different types which include villas, cabins, sawalis, Nippa Huts and more. These various accommodation ac commodation facilities suit different needs, ranging from bungalow-type villas, 'sawali' cottages and nipa huts.
The upper Left Photo is the Nippa Hut, The upper right is the Villa, The lower left are the cabins and the lower right is the sawali House. All of which are in-house sleeping areas of board and lodging areas with the site of the Hotel and Resort itself. 19
II.
Need Analysis
The need analysis of this study is that it is performed within two methods which is case study method by going into the site and learning its built environment while the other is the Survey Method done by the use of Survey questionnaires for 100 persons. Survey method will be discussed on the Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis. a. Case Study Method
The case study method has learned about the different spaces and its implication having a built environment used specifically as a temporary housing for the people of the resort. Just as, in my opinion, the resort has been poorly planned being constructed just to play its present and current role with the emphasis of its manifestations in the future. The temporary housing facilities have not been manned with integrated design space consuming space and it is very tight more so the lack of personal spaces and proper space programming procedure. The Multifunctional room isn‟t huge enough and that it is not proportional to the way the resort accommodates people for recreation, swimming, and leisure. The impact of this is that it will soon have the tendency to be poorly maintained just as there is no water treatment facility and the pool and the lagoon served only for public having to proper or sustainable approach of maintaining it or overlooking its image in the future. Another, the Hotel and resort only focused on the fact of temporary housing, pools and lagoon with no intention of proposing a new trend for its utmost benefit. They could have included several new spaces like spa or even a therapeutically treatment wherein it is not only for the joy of usage but the pleasure of having to satisfy one‟s self in in an all in one package.
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III.
Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis
In this part of the results and discussion, Data is presented through graphical method like pie charts and the like. This has been regarded to the topic which is an ecovernacular therapeutic resort that reconciles the bond between human and nature. There are 100 survey participants and the data are as follows. i.
How will vernacular architecture stand-up in a modern day era integrated as a resort and a hotel and that will it be acceptable and satisfactory for the people? a. If in a Resort and Hotel, what kind of bedroom do you prefer or into which are you more comfortable with?
20%
Wooden Bedroom
7%
Stone Bedroom 68%
5%
Concrete Bedroom Steel and Glass Bedroom
The Pie Chart above states that people are more comfortable with a wooden bedroom with 68% from the total. Next to that, 20% states that steel and glass bedroom is also comfortable while a minimum of 7% and 5% states that it is comfortable with a concrete and stone bedroom respectively. Wood is vernacular in its nature which means to say that wood does have its essential use in a vernacular use just as it is comfortable in a hotel and a resort. b. Do you think that vernacular (Close to origin) materials are better to be used than imported materials? 3% 17% 20%
Strongly Agree 60%
Agree Maybe Disagree
The Pie Chart above states that Vernacular materials are better than imported materials. 60% strongly agreed to it, 20% agreed to it, 17% are in hesitation of it, 3% disagreed on it and none strongly disagreed on to it. 21
c. Would you prefer to sleep in a nippa hut with passive air cooling at a beach that of which is vernacular to the setting, rather than in an enclosed concrete room ventilated by airconditioning? Strongly Agree 24%
26%
18%
Agree Maybe
22%
Disagree Strongly Disagree
10%
The Pie Chart above states that Vernacular materials are better than imported materials. 60% strongly agreed to it, 20% agreed to it, 17% are in hesitation of it, 3% disagreed on it and none strongly disagreed on to it. ii.
What are the effective architectural planning strategies that could be executed to successfully provide the needs of the end users just as the hotel and result will be in a provincial setting? a.
If in a Hotel and Resort, what spaces do you use often? Multi-Functional Assembly Area
24%
5%
Spa 7%
7% Other 17% Sports & Recreational Facilities
20% 20%
Board and Lodging Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Area Outdoor Swimming Pool Area
The Pie Chart above states the commonly used spaces in a Hotel and Resort facility to which; Outdoor Swimming Pool Area has the most with 24%, followed with a tie between Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner area and Board and Lodging both having 20%, followed by Sports and recreation facilities with 17% and then another tied having 7% which is spa and others just as the minimum that got the need is the Multi-functional area having a 5% from the total.
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b. Are you comfortable using the said facilities that you are using in the previous question? 10% Strongly Agree
26%
18%
Agree Maybe
24%
22%
Disagree Strongly Disagree
The Pie Chart above states how comfortable the users are with using the said facilities they commonly use such that; 26% strongly disagrees that it is comfortable, 24% disagrees, 22% is in doubt, 18% agrees that it is comfortable while the lowest of 10% strongly agrees that it is co mfortable. c. Do you think that the spaces are adequate in terms of the area of space and its accommodation of the number of persons using it? 10% Strongly Agree
22%
Agree
24% 18%
Maybe 26%
Disagree Strongly Disagree
The Pie Chart above states if the spaces within the facility are adequate in terms of space and its accommodation to the number of persons using the said facilities such that; 22% Strongly Disagrees, 18% disagrees, 26% are in doubt, 24% agrees and a minimum of 10% strongly agrees.
d. Are the spaces you are using planned or situated in a way that spaces are close to each other like how a shower area is close to the swimming pool area or any other space related?
24%
Strongly Agree
22%
Agree 10% 26%
18%
Maybe Disagree Strongly Disagree 23
The Pie Chart above states if the Hotel or the resort has a good and proper planning schematics. Just as; 22% strongly agrees that it is planned, 10% agrees that it is planned, 18% are in doubt, 26% being the largest percentage disagrees that it is planned and then 24% strongly disagrees onto it.
e. Does the resorts and hotel you’ve been to promote a strong sense of privacy and security? 10% Strongly Agree
22% 18%
Agree 24% 26%
Maybe Disagree Strongly Disagree
The Pie Chart above states the level of security and privacy within the hotel and resort they have currently been a part of just as; 22% strongly agrees that it is secured and promotes privacy, 24% just agreed onto it, 26% are in doubt, 18% disagrees and 10% lowest amongst all strongly disagrees.
f. Does the resorts and hotel you’ve you’ve been to uses natural lighting and cooling or does it uses air-conditioning and more lighting? 8% Strongly Agree 16% 22%
28%
Agree Maybe
26%
Disagree Strongly Disagree
The Pie Chart above states if the hotel and resort they have been into uses airconditioning and artificial lighting rather than natural ways. Just as 28% being the majority of the group agreed that most of the hotel and resort uses airconditioning. 26% agreed following the strongly agreed. And the, 22% are in doubt, 16% disagreed and 16% minimum strongly believed that there is no airconditioning or usage of artificial cooling, ventilation and lighting.
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iii.
Is it possible to reinvent the current trend of Hotel and Resort and does adding a new facility make it better and effective?
a. Are you already satisfied with the current status of the hotels and resorts you’ve been to? 10% Strongly Agree
28%
17%
Agree Maybe
22%
23%
Disagree Strongly Disagree
The Pie Chart above states the satisfaction level of people with regards to the current hotels and spas they have been into. 10% Strongly Agrees that they are satisfied, 17% Agrees that they are satisfied, 22% are in doubt, 23% Disagreed that they are satisfied and a leading 28% says that they are strongly dissatisfied with it.
b. Do you think adding a new facility like a therapeutic spa or any other will make it better and satisfactory?
29%
24%
9%
Strongly Disagree 18%
20%
Disgree Maybe Agree Strongly Agree
The Pie Chart above states the if adding a new facility like a therapeutic facility or as spa could make their satisfactory level higher and could it add up a new trend making hotels and resorts be modified with newly enhanced facilities for the benefit of the people. peop le. 9% Strongly disagreed onto it, 18% 1 8% disagreed onto it, 20% are in doubt of it, 24% agreed to it and the a leading 29% says that they are strongly agreeing to the fact that the addition of such could make things a little bit more better.
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Chapter II Research Focus Rationale
The objective of this research focus is to create a resort that will be unique in function and to be a good example of therapeutic resort. The mixture of wellness and resort will not only just aim the ones that are in need of health care approach ap proach but also the ones who seek new adventure. The target of this said proposal is to be world-class in its specialty as well as be a prime example of how resort can be manipulated and turned into wellness centre without sacrificing functionality. The growth of tourism should be handled well and these tourists should be able to enjoy their stay and be memorable. By providing them a therapeutic resort that is located inside a province and not far or b y the beach, this will change how tourists look at the whole province since this resort is aiming to be well-known in its place, thus increasing increasing the tourism in that specific place. And in order to achieve these goals, innovations in design approach should be idealized and the aim should always be to improve the tourism in that particular area by introducing a distinct structure that will be both unique in design feature and amenities. Principles and Relevance to the Project
Therapeutic resort is the bridge that connects heal th and tourism. The modern concept of a resort is that planned as integrated development with consideration given to its compatibility with the natural environment and possible benefits to local c ommunities. The local communities that surround the resort including the residents should be part of the resort planning process. The people should have the benefit to receive direct employment, operation
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of commercial facilities, and improved community infrastructure and facilities. All this to improve and maximize the opportunities the resort will have and will give. There are basic principles that can be applied to resort especially to accommodate its uniqueness. Land use zoning is applicable ap plicable to resorts as a concept. Conservation is a basic principle where the given land will be treated with special care, this involves beaches, ponds, lakes, lagoons, historical sites, large trees and hill tops. Although, the given site will not be near a beach, this principle will not be overlooked in this project since to develop an ecofriendly structure, the design language of the resort should be sustainable and should maximize the use of land in relation to its functionality in order to avoid wasted squarefootage Tourism planning adopts ecosystem-based approaches in order to maintain the integrity and essential values and services of ecosystems. An eco system-based approach will greatly help identify the multi-source impacts of hotels and resorts. There is a good way for siting and design of hotels and resorts. These are a s follows: 1. Adopt an ecosystem-based approach in tourism development planning 2. Manage impacts on biodiversity from hotel dev elopment and attempt to achieve an overall positive contribution 3. Design with nature and adopt nature-based solutions 4. Respect, involve and support local communities 5. Build collaboration among stakeholders The principles have been developed based on the finding conducted by IUCN. There is also a difference between the management of hotels and resorts which are good guidelines to consider in order having a good idea on how to mix hotel and resort.
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1. Visitor Market - Hotels cater primarily to both business travellers and leisure travellers - Resorts cater primarily to the vacation and leisure travellers. 2. Facilities - Resort rooms are larger - More closet space is needed for resorts - Larger amount of land is required for resorts for recreational facilities 3. Location - Hotels are located in urban areas - Resorts are located in rural areas - remoteness of the resort has an appeal to the traveller who seeks an environment different from the urban environment 4. Recreation - Resorts invests more on land and equipment for recreation than hotels 5. Seasonality - Though hotels operate year-round, most resorts only operate based on season due to location 6. Personnel Attitude - While hotels are more business-like while resorts have to pamper their users.
Factors to Consider in Resort Development 1. Economic, this determines the profitability of the resort.
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o
Capacity - the more facilities & guests, the higher the profit, however capacity is limited by physical limitations and ecological limitations
o
Length of the Season - in special cases, season affects the flow of profit for a resort
o
Capital Investment - the cost of fixed assets for land, building and recreational facilities is heavy which results to long payback p eriod
2. Social, a resort should develop a good connection to its local community. o
They are the main source of labor
o
They are local customers
o
They provide community services
o
Resort development would have positive & negative social changes
3. Environmental, considerations. o
Pollution - from fertilizers, pesticides, exhaust fumes, solid wastes & sewage
o
Conservation - resort development may damage the flora & fauna
o
Aesthetics impact - resort development may alter the view & beau ty of the natural landscape
Resort Planning Principles -
Fundamental Concepts o
Resort Environment - this will give the resort a notable look to the people and also contrast to the tourist‟s home environment environment
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o
Environmental Orientation - tourist can appreciate nature at environmentally sustainable manner
o
Community Orientation - tourist can interact with the local residents that can encourage leaning of local culture
As for the spa feature of the resort, there is a summarized list of guidelines to be consider. These principles to be taken into account during Spa Design can be summarized as follows; these are according to Burcu Pehlivanoğlu‟s Design Principles of Spa Ar eas eas in Accommodation Facilities. • The place should have sufficient storage area (Areas where the laundry, professional products and cleaning supplies will be positioned should have sufficient space). • Cross-circulation Cross-circulation areas should not be created in the place; i.e. the area should be designed as dry – dry – semi semi wet – wet – wet. wet. There should not be direct pass from a wet area into a dry area, semi wet areas should be b e considered. • Capacity calculations of the places should no t be mistaken, for example the number of the cardio and stretching equipment in the fitness areas should be properly calculated. • Suitable flooring should be preferred for the wet feet walked areas. • Sales areas should be pre-designed pre-designed and stands should be positioned afterwards. • Privacy areas should areas should be designed so as to avoid eye contact. • Factors to cause noise pollution in the place should be eliminated. • Design and location of the relaxation areas should be convenient. • Details and finishes of the shower areas should be clean. 30
• Design of lighting should be proper, the heat amount should not be low or high, the color of the light should be properly adjusted. • Relaxing colors should be preferred in the place; however striking colors can be used in design within the framework of the main theme in relation to the concept. • Ventilation should not make noise especially in the areas such as massage rooms. • The place should be designed to be fit for the old and disabled. • Attention should be paid to the hygiene of the wet areas.
Application to the Project
Tropical design/ Vernacular Style Architects have been using vernacular style lately because of its distinct character that makes it more preferable to use in a resort design. This makes traditional design the model for resort hotels. “In tourism industry, a past culture has an overpowering effect on design as a symbol of the cultural heritage (Hassan, 2000), and traditional values in considering ecological architecture (Steel, 2005).” 2005).” The sole objective of using vernacular style to resort is to
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attract as many tourists as possible because this style is very memorable at first glance and is immediately looks relaxing from afar. Successful luxurious resorts in Malaysia adapted this style for their resorts which eventually led to better business and tourism in the country. Also the benefit of having the natural sustainability of vernacular style will be useful in terms of its energy consumption and such. With proper orientation, vernacular style will be even more effective since it will maximize the potential of vernacular style. In relation to tourism, tourists like to visit places that they know has the appearance that the Philippines resort will have especially for those tourists that came from a different country. Not only the resort is full of culture in terms of design but also has the potential to boost tourism. Control of Micro-weather In addition, the resort will feature a well shaded en vironment to reduce heat gain of the hotel building of the resort. This will be executed by using the landscaping lands caping strategically and place the vegetations in favour to the resort‟s comfort. In a setting in the middle of a province, controlling the weather will be towards a good direction in terms of user comfort as it will reflect to the resort‟s whole user experience. This will also make the spa pools to be properly shaded and to deliver a very ver y „tropical‟ feel inside the resort making the idea of having an oasis-like oasis-like resort in the middle of the resort‟s locality. l ocality. The use of such technique in controlling the weather through vegetation will give its own advantages such as:
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Cleanses the air with the help of the vegetation available
-
Reduces the heat gain of the buildings with the use of green walls
-
It improves energy efficiency by controlling the fluctuation of the wall‟s temperature
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Aesthetically pleasing to the eye that has the potential to attract visitors Chapter III Site Identification and Analysis
Site Selection Process Criteria for Site Selection
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The site must be near a major road for easy access
-
The given site should benefit to the project economically and in tourism
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The site should be close from being urbanized or near an urbanized city to attract mo users and possible visitors.
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Easy accessibility to airports or major expressways for ease of travel
-
The site should be near residential place for fo r easy promotion of the project 33
Description of Site Options
Angeles City, Pampanga Angeles is a first-class highly urbanized city located geographically within the province of Pampanga Pampanga in the Philippines. the Philippines. It It is bordered by Mabalacat by Mabalacat to the north; Mexico north; Mexico to the east; San east; San Fernando to the southeast; Bacolor southeast; Bacolor to the south; and Porac and Porac to the southwest and west. The city administers itself autonomously from Pampanga and, as of the 2010 census, it has a population of 326,336. Angeles is served by the Clark the Clark International Airport in the Clark the Clark Freeport Zone. As the former home of Clark Clark air force base (then the largest United States military facility outside of the continental United States), it was significantly affected by the pullout brought about by the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991. The economy of Angeles was heavily dependent on the American base at that time. Climate: Angeles City Under the Köppen the Köppen climate classification system, Angeles City features a tropical a tropical savanna climate that borders on a tropical a tropical monsoon climate. climate. Angeles City experiences two distinct seasons: a dry season from November through April, with a wet season from May through October. From 1953 to 1991, the mean daily low was 73.6 °F and the mean daily high was 88.1 °F, with June being warmest and January and February being the coolest.
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Mabalacat City, Pampanga Mabalacat, officially Mabalacat City, is a component city in the northern part of the province the province of Pampanga, Philippines. Pampanga, Philippines. The former municipality was officially o fficially converted into a city following a referendum on July 21, 2012, and became the third in Pampanga after Angeles after Angeles City and City of o f San Fernando. Fernando. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 215,610 people. The city's name is derived from the ancient "balacat " trees which were found abundantly in the area. Mabalacat has a land area of 83.18 square kilometres (32.12 sq mi). Roughly 60% of the Clark the Clark Freeport Zone is located in Mabalacat, the rest in nearby Angeles City, where the Clark main gate is located and which is served by the Clark the Clark International Airport with its numerous hotels, casinos, golf courses, and resorts. The largest barangay is Dau, which became a barrio in 1936 by virtue of Presidential Proclamation Number 1. It is now a business center whose commercial output runs parallel to that of downtown. A former terminus of the North the North Luzon Expressway, it Expressway, it is the most urban and most populous area in Mabalacat, home to roughly 23% of the city's population. San Francisco, the second largest baranga y, along with San Joaquin, Santa Ines, Poblacion, Calumpang and other barangays are categorized as urban in view of their proximity to the city proper. Sapang Balen, with a population of 166 persons, is the smallest barangay. The city is also a major transportation hub; a number of major road networks including the North Luzon Expressway, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, and MacArthur Highway cut across the region. At the southern part of the city is the Dau Bus Terminal,
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which caters to passengers bound for Metro Manila and provinces in Northern Luzon such as Tarlac, Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Nueva Ecija, La Union, Bataan, and Zambales. Porac, Pampanga Porac is a first class municipality class municipality in the province the province of Pampanga, Philippines, Pampanga, Philippines, 26 kilometres (16 mi) west from the provincial capital San capital San Fernando. Fernando. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 111,441 people. With an area of 31,400 hectares, Porac is the largest town in Pampanga. The Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) traverses this town, the exit of which is located in Barangay Manuali. Notable residents include former governor and Senator Lito Lapid, and Lapid, and former governor Mark Mark Lapid. Porac Lapid. Porac was among the largest municipalities in the archipelago before it was divided into separate municipalities. A portion of Mount Mount Pinatubo is in the municipality. Porac has a hilly to mountainous terrain in the majority of its plains. Most rivers, if not all, are heavily silted by mudflow due to the eruption of Mount Pinatubo and succeeding lahar flows. Tourist spots include Darabulbul Falls (nicknamed Dara Falls) in Jalung, Miyamit Falls in Sapang Uwak, and the hot springs of Sitio Puning, accessed through Sapang Bato in Angeles City. Babo Pangulo offers a view of Porac and Mount Negron. Porac also has some of the best resorts in Luzon such as Poracay Resort which was case studied above and also a sports activity place called Sandbox which offers wide variety of watersports related activities. Climate The town of Porac has two distinct climates, rainy and dry. The rainy or wet season normally begins in May and runs through October, while the rest of the year is the dry
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season. The warmest period of the year occurs between March and April, while the coolest period is from December through February.
Site Options
Total of 209,676 square meters Location
:
Angeles
City,
Pampanga
The site is behind the Angeles city, city hall and Marquee Mall. The site is also near the North Luzon Expressway‟s Angeles city exit. It is near a residential area which is good for a resort to be near with.
Total of 38,754 square meters Location:
Mabalacat
City,
consists of 4 titles Pampanga The site is right beside the SCTEx and a major road MacArthur highway. Located
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near residential areas and also the site is near the Clark International Airport
Total of 45,728 square meters Location: Porac, Pampanga The site is near SCTEx as well. Also it is nearby Sandbox which is also an activity establishment specialized in watersports. Porac is a good place to create resorts because of its open areas that makes the place less congested.
Site Selection and Justification
Sites were properly picked to have each of their own strengths to compete for the „ideal‟ site for a resort. The reason of picking the sites all in Pampanga is to increase the tourism in the area. Pampanga is developing fast and the prosperity it‟s getting is the perfect opportunity to amplify it through tourism. By selecting a site for a resort not by the beach, this will create a new landmark for the local community of the site that will get picked. These cities and municipality were selected strategically to function well with the available international airport in Clark Zone, Pampanga. Angeles City, Mabalacat City and
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Porac Municipality have things in common such as access to highways and expressways as well as economic background that will synchronize with the resort‟s business in the future. And in order to select the best suited site, the three sites will have to go through a tight ethical selection and evaluation. Criteria will be made to emphasize the effectiveness of the selected sites that will help determine which one suits to have the project be proposed to. The criteria will be: Accessibility (airport,expressway,roads) - 45% Economy (tourism, etc) - 25% Close to residential areas (population factor) - 15% Near other tourist attraction (malls, (malls, other resorts, etc) - 15%
Site Criteria
Angeles City
Mabalacat City
Porac
Accessibility
30%
40%
30%
Economy
20%
18%
20%
Close to residential
14%
14%
13%
12%
13%
15%
76%
85%
78%
areas Near
other
tourist
attraction Total (100%)
Mabalacat City got the highest rating which makes it the best choice from the 3 selected sites. Considering that the site picked in Mabalacat is just by SCTEx and having the 39
convenience of being near an international airport, in terms of accessibility, the site in Mabalacat is the best choice. The site is also near a residential area which makes it easier for the resort to establish a connection to its local co mmunity.
Site Evaluation and Analysis Macro Setting
Pampanga is a province of the Philippines the Philippines located in the Central the Central Luzon region. Luzon region. Its Its capital is
the City of
San
Fernando. Pampanga P ampanga is
bordered by b y the
provinces
of Bataan Bataan and Zambales and Zambales to the west, Tarlac west, Tarlac and Nueva and Nueva Ecijato Ecijato the north, and Bulacan and Bulacan to the southeast. Pampanga also lies on the northern shore of Manila Bay. Angeles Bay. Angeles City, although City, although geographically within Pampanga, is classified as a first-class, a first-class, highly urbanized city and has a government independent of the province. The province has a total land mass of 206,247 hectare. Its terrain is relatively flat with one distinct mountain, Mount Arayat and the notable Pampanga notable Pampanga River. The province of Pampanga has two distinct climates, rainy and dry. The rainy or wet season normally begins in May and runs through October, while the rest of the year is the dry season. The warmest period of the year occurs between March and April, while the coolest period is from December through February. Farming and fishing are the two main industries of the province. Major products include rice, corn, sugar cane, and tilapia. In addition to farming and fishing, the province also supports thriving cottage industries that specialize in wood carving, furniture-making, guitars, and handicrafts. Every year during the Christmas season, the province of Pampanga becomes the center of a thriving industry centered on handcrafted lighted lanterns called " parols parols"" that display a kaleidoscope
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of light and color. Other industries include its casket industry and the manufacturing of all purpose vehicles present in the Municipality of Sto. Tomas. Tourism is a growing industry in the province of Pampanga. Clark Freeport is home to Clark International Airport, designated as the Philippines' future premier gateway. Other developing industries include semiconductor manufacturing for electronics and computers mostly located within the freeport. Pampanga is also a place of good resort; one is Poracay Resort in Porac, Pampanga. Taking advantage of the big land of Porac, the resort management was able to build multiple pools. Another good example is the Sandbox in Porac as well, although it is not a resort, it is still unique in its own way as its activities are ranging from bungee chords jumps, wakeskate and more. Map of Pampanga province
Mabalacat, Pampanga is the third most populated municipality in Pampanga, this is where the 60% of Clark Freeport Zone is located. Which means the Clark International Airport very near Mabalacat Angeles City is known for being a highly urbanized city of
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Pampanga which means it administer itself despite being within Pampan ga. Porac features some of the best resorts in Pampanga and with its massive land, it is very ideal to place a new resort in Porac P orac to further improve the tourism in Pampanga.
Site Evaluation
Mabalacat is politically subdivided into 27 barangays. The largest barangay is Dau and is now a business center c enter whose commercial output runs parallel to that o f downtown. A former terminus of the North Luzon Expressway, it is the most urban and most populous area in Mabalacat, home of roughly 23% of the city‟s population. San population. San Francisco, the second largest barangay, along with San Joaquin, Santa Ines, Poblacion, Calumpang and other barangays are categorized as urban in view of their proximity to the city proper. Economy Newly proclaimed city of the Province of Pampanga, Mabalacat‟s Mabalacat‟s annual income of P504,149,053.16 as of 2011 were mostly generated from their municipal license fees, land tax, Internal Revenue allotment, roads and bridges fund. Mabalacat City in 1997 have 2,447 registered business establishments, these establishments‟ establishments‟ ranges from iron works to bakery and a lot of trading companies. Dau has eleven banks that serve the financial needs of the city. Utilities The city also has public utilities including the Mabalacat Water System, Pampanga Electric Corporation II. Mabalacat also have three telephone companies, Datelcom Corporation, Smart Communications and Digital Telecommunications Philippines, Incorporated and a cable television which runs in Mabalacat solely the PRO-SAT.
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Accessibility The city has one of the major transportation hubs which connect the roads of North Luzon Expressway, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, and MacArthur Highway that cut across the region. Dau has one of the biggest bus terminals that are bound for Metro Manila and other provinces such as Dagupan, Tuguegarao and other north provinces. Micro Setting The Site
site
The site is located at barangay Mabiga, Mabalacat City Pampanga. SCTEx is right beside the site as well as right beside a major road that crosses in Pampanga, the MacArthur Highway. The site is also near Clark International Airport as shown in the map. MacArthur Highway is one of the most accessible roads in Pampanga that anyone that has access to it can go conveniently to the site without any problem.
The site is conveniently located near residential areas
A creek in the north part of site makes it easy to establish a property border
The site is relatively flat in surface and is near major highways and expressways 43
Mabalacat recently became a city, cit y, more opportunity an establishments will arrive in the near future possibly benefiting the said project
The convenience of having havi ng the site near an international airport for tourists and for them to easily book a room roo m in the resort‟s hotel accommodation, making the process easy and the travel time distance minimized
Mabalacat is near Angeles and Clark Zone which can give the tourists more flexibility in terms of going to other places from the resort
The fact that it is near SCTEx makes it even more easily for tourist to travel from or to the resort, may it be to south or to north
RESIDENTIAL AREA
OTHER NON-THERAPEUTIC RESORTS CREEK
SITE
The site has a total of 38,754 38,7 54 square meters, almost 4 hectares. The site is near MacArthur Highway and SCTEx making it easy to access from major roads. The site i s relatively flat 44
and is ready for construction as the zoning zo ning of the city allows resorts to be constructed in the site. Given the site in Mabalacat, the site is 20-30 minutes away from the bus terminal in Dau which makes it even more accessible for commute rs coming from Manila, Bulacan or north provinces like Tarlac, etc. The site is also near to two other resorts which do not have hotel accommodations and are non-therapeutic resorts. The addition of a therapeutic resort will give more variety to the place making it an easy e asy „spot‟ for tourist to travel. This can possibly increase the visitors in that particular area as visitors will see a common area where non-therapeutic resort and a therapeutic resort coexist, thus expanding their choices.
Site Development Options Wind Path and Sun Path Analysis
SITE
Major winds and sun path 45
Sensory Analysis
SITE
The main source of noise is coming from the roads near the site. In the north part of the site, the creek separates the site from other resort.
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Proposed Site Development Plan First scheme
Spa pools
Convention hall
Main hotel
Second scheme
Convention hall
Spa pools
Main hotel
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Related Appendices
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49
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ALEST (International Association of Scientific Experts in Tourism) (1990). From Traditional Spa
Tourism to Modern Forms of Health Tourism, Travel Research, 28(3): 38 -39.
Cooper, Gillian, and Yves Renard. "Siting and Design of Hotels and Resorts." Convention on
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Okech, Roselyne. "Promoting the Spa Tourism Industry." Athens Industry." Athens Journal of Tourism. Tourism. N.p., Mar.
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Pehlivanoglu, Burcu. "Design Principles of Spa Areas in Accommodation Facilities." International Facilities." International
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