Republic of the Philippines

BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Pablo Borbon Main II
Batangas City

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURE & FINE ARTS

Architecture, Interior Design and Fine Arts

PROPOSED NEW BATANGAS CITY MUNICIPAL HALL

SUBMITTED BY:
ALIMAGNO, KC NICOLE R.
GONZALES, VALERIE ANN A.
REYES, MIKEE S.
TORAYNO, PATRICIA NICOLE G.
ARC-2201

SUBMITTED TO:
AR. ALDWIN D. CUETO

A Research
Submitted in Partial
Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Course
ARCH 518 Design 4-Space Planning 1

Batangas State University

APRIL 2022
 CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

INTRODUCTION

It is undeniable that the economy and industrialization of Batangas City has grown

fast. And because of that, the need of the people for the economy like planning and

monitoring, lawmaking and enforcement, advocacy, service, policy development, and

presentation has changed too. The established city hall in the 1960’s is inadequate to

keep up this kind of needs of the city.

Batangas City, being classified as a Regional Growth Center in the CALABARZON

region, and considered as a first-class component city and capital of the province,

should be seen in this kind state and should be able to keep up with the economy’s

growth. Due to fast industrialization in the city, the existing city hall became inadequate

to provide the needs of the city in this matter. The city halls serve a critical role in

hosting municipal offices and services. It is also considered or has a symbolic function

as seat of the government and seen as center of power. Aside from that, it leaves a

visual legacy for the city it represents.

With that, the proposed study aims to provide a design solution that will satisfy the

city’s need for a new city hall. The researchers will attempt to design a new city hall

for Batangas City that will be adequate for the city’s need in its growing economy, and

will leave a visual legacy. In line with this, the researchers will also study and analyze

the site selection for the proposed building.

Background of the Study

Batangas city is a first-class component city and capital of Batangas province,

Philippines. It is classified as one of the fastest urbanizing cities of the Philippines,

and is known as the "Industrial Port City of CALABARZON ". It is home to the

Batangas International Port, one of the busiest passenger and container terminals in

the Philippines and is also host to one of the largest oil refineries in the country, three

natural gas power plants, and several other major industries. In addition, the city also

serves as the educational, industrial and the transportation center of the province.

With the fast-growing economy and industrialization of the city, the municipal hall

which was established in the 1960’s was clearly inadequate to keep up with the needs

of the city. As researchers and architecture students, we aim to propose this study to

design the new Batangas City Municipal Hall and also evaluate potential sites suitable

for such developments.

Conceptual Framework

SITE
PROGRAM

SOLUTION

EXTERIOR FORM &

INTERIOR SPACE

LEGEND:

SITE INCLUDES:

SITE

• SHAPE

• TOPOGRAPHY

• ROADS

• VIEW
CLIMATE

• TEMPERATURE

• SUN

• WIND

• HUMIDITY

BUILDINGS

• HEIGHT

• FORMS

• COLOR

PROGRAM INCLUDES:

FUNCTIONS

• SPACES

• AREAS

• RELATIONS

USERS

• GENDER

• SOCIAL

• CULTURE

CLIENTS
 • VISION

• BUDGET

• SCHEDULE

CONCEPT

• IDEA

• ANALOGY

• METAPHOR

EXTERIOR FORM & INTERIOR SPACE INCLUDES:

ELEMENTS

• TEXTURE

• COLOR

• SCALE

• SIZES

• VOLUMES

• SHAPES

PRINCIPLES

• RHYTHYM

• UNITY

• PROPORTION

• ASSYMETRY
 • PROPORTION

• SYMMETRY

• BALANCE

• VARIETY

SOLUTION INCLUDES:

• DRAWINGS

• SKETCHES

• DETAILS

Statement of the Problem

The purpose of this study is to propose a design for the new Batangas City Municipal

Hall and evaluate potential sites suitable for such developments. The design solutions

will be based on the researches and analysis that will come up to a design of a city

hall that will be adequate to the city’s needs that the existing city hall wasn’t able to

fulfill. The analysis will be divided three parts: analysis for site, program, and its

interior space and exterior form which served as the conceptual framework of the

study. Results of the analysis will be visualized through the sketches, drawings and

details which will be the content the solution.

Significance of the Study

The findings in this study will redound to the benefit of the society and their economy

especially in Batangas City. This will help to gain knowledge, or verify previous

knowledge of the readers and the researchers. Performing this study will provide
information about the design solutions that the researchers will provide about the

proposed municipal hall of Batangas City.

Objectives of the Study

• Project Objectives

1. To propose a project that will be beneficial to the people and economy of

Batangas City.

2. To give importance and value to civic buildings.

• Design Objectives

1. To design a municipal hall adequate to the needs of Batangas City’s growing

economy.

2. To design a municipal hall that will leave a visual legacy to the city.

3. To design a municipal hall that uses sustainable architecture.

4. To design a municipal hall that will connect users to the nature.

5. To design a municipal hall that will help and favor local businesses in the

city.
 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter presents a review of related literature to make the present study

more comprehensible. The researcher gathered the materials from researches, and

internet sources, which have been already conducted in relation to the subject under

study.

FOREIGN RELATED LITERATURE

A municipal hall which is classified as institutional; a government structure that

plays same role to the higher government buildings which prime purpose is to serve

and influence the people, aims for the betterment, progression and development of

their range. A government complex compromises municipal hall and sports center

shall be planned and design for its relocation to meet functional programs, to elaborate

the needs and the capability to influence indoor and outdoor activities. (Angie P.)

According to Design Media Publishing Limited (2014) In addition to providing

the space needed for governors or leaders to conduct the community’s affairs and

transact business, municipal buildings serve multiple purposes. They are necessarily

the centers of the community’s political lives and the symbols of the whole community.

Along with the social improvement, the relationship between government and the

public, the role and functions of government in political activities also have got more

or less development. Hence, this type of buildings’ layout, environmental quality and
characteristic of showing the administrative services has put forth their new

requirements. (Design Media Publishing Limited, 2014)

According to the Northern Architecture (2018), In estimating future

needs not only must traditional services such as police and building inspection be

considered but also what future services the city may be required to provide for

structural expansion. However, provision for such expansion must be in reason, and

should be based on projections of future needs. Knowledge of the community and list

of people is essential to space planning. City officials should know the population

projections for the next 20 or 25 years, the economic level of the community, and

present and probable social and economic characteristics.

LOCAL RELATED LITERATURE

City halls are a curious case as the seat of local government, they are

supposed to embody the goals, aspirations, and spirit of a city. For many, city halls

are a center of activity and of daily life. But they also host a wide variety of activity,

from typical city matters to not exactly above-board business dealings. City halls

usually come to reflect the personality and character of a city. (Luz, S.)

According to Torres, city halls represent the city and its ideals, an abstract aim

that must nonetheless take form. To a certain extent they need to be carefully

designed, dignified if not stately, and well-constructed, so as to last for more than a

generation and beyond the terms of office. But it must also be a highly functional

building as they hold a whole host of activities, including those that happen under the

radar. As Torres explained, city halls don’t need to adhere to any specific template,
although a tradition of government and civic building means that they usually follow

two typical styles: modernist or neoclassical, or a combination of both. (Luz, S.)

According also to Torres, a case can also be made for introducing

contemporary elements to a neoclassical design. You cannot get away from the fact

that demands on buildings have changed since the neoclassical style was introduced

in the country. New spaces and functions, utilities like air-conditioning, mechanicals,

computers, security systems and all the modern technology requirements that a city

government houses means that there is also a need for buildings that respond to

contemporary needs. (Luz, S.)

SYNTHESIS

The first related literature focuses on the definition of municipal hall and its

purpose to serve the people.

A municipal hall which is classified as institutional; a government structure that

plays same role to the higher government buildings which prime purpose is to serve

and influence the people, aims for the betterment, progression and development of

their range. (Angie P.)

The second related literature focuses on the multiple purposes of the municipal

buildings.

According to Design Media Publishing Limited (2014) In addition to providing

the space needed for governors or leaders to conduct the community’s affairs and

transact business, municipal buildings serve multiple purposes.

 The third related literature focuses on considering what future services the city

may be required.

According to the Northern Architecture (2018), In estimating future needs not

only must traditional services such as police and building inspection be considered

but also what future services the city may be required to provide for structural

expansion.

The last three related literature focuses on what the city hall represents and

why it should be carefully designed and well-constructed.

City halls are a curious case as the seat of local government, they are supposed

to embody the goals, aspirations, and spirit of a city. For many, city halls are a center

of activity and of daily life. (Luz, S.)

According to Torres, city halls represent the city and its ideals, an abstract aim

that must nonetheless take form. To a certain extent they need to be carefully

designed, dignified if not stately, and well-constructed, so as to last for more than a

generation and beyond the terms of office. (Luz, S.)

According also to Torres, a case can also be made for introducing

contemporary elements to a neoclassical design. You cannot get away from the fact

that demands on buildings have changed since the neoclassical style was introduced

in the country. (Luz, S.)

 CHAPTER III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter deals with the methods and procedure that the researchers

employ in conducting the study. These include the site selection, site data and site

analysis.

SITE SELECTION (CRITERIA AND ANALYSIS)

In selecting the location for a city hall, the first consideration in deciding where

to build it, is whether it should stand alone or be combined with a group of related

buildings in a civic center.

The factors for locating a city hall must be considered when selecting a location

for a civic center. Several other points are also important. The location of a civic center

must allow for flexibility in building layout. Because more land is required, street

patterns may need to be changed, and additional land will be required for parking.

Once the site has been chosen, methods must be devised to preserve it for the steady

development of all parts. Furthermore, the site must be located in such a way that it

does not interfere with the normal development of business municipality.

The location of a city hall will be influenced by a variety of factors. Some of

these conditions, such as land availability, are naturally limiting. However, there are

some guidelines to keep in mind.

• A city hall should determine which groups visit city hall the most frequently and

locate the facility as close to those groups as possible. The city hall should be
 located near the center of business activity because this is where the primary

users of the facility ERO meet frequently. For example, attorneys frequently

need to access records housed in city hall.

• City hall must serve and be accessible to the people. The primary function of

administrative governance in conflict-affected societies is to provide essential

services. These societies urgently require security, rule of law, economic

governance, and basic human needs services. The efficiency of service is

related to how convenient governmental facilities are for the majority of citizens

who are using them.

• In most cases, the city hall should be near public transportation, if possible,

and, at the very least, major arterial streets. People will be able to enter and

exit the city center via major arterial roads. Since public services must serve

every citizen as well as be as convenient as possible, those activities must be

located near the center of transportation and business activity.

• In order to serve the public efficiently and effectively, government offices must

be integrated with, rather than isolated from, other offices. The proximity of the

city hall to the center of business activity helps to facilitate the work of the

organizations residing there.

• Since, Batangas city is a first-class component city and capital of Batangas

province, classified as one of the fastest urbanizing cities of the Philippines,

known as the Industrial Port City of CALABARZON and home to the Batangas

International Port which is one of the busiest passenger and container terminals

in the Philippines, it can possibly maximum the use of public transportation that
 will result in the least amount of public parking and the least amount of traffic

jams on some of the city streets. Most of the people will travel by walking,

driving, taking taxis, or taking public transportation. When possible, we can

locate the city hall near public transportation to provide not only easy access to

the facility for all community members, but also to help the environment by

reducing automobile emissions.

• Proposed sites must be able to link into public infrastructure, such as

transportation, power and water, health, educational and recreational facilities,

and as much as possible be near or accessible to major employment

opportunities. Sites shall be located outside potential hazard prone and

protection areas.

• The selected sites have a major impact on the people who will use it with regard

to access, convenience and the quality of the work environment. It also

influences the initial costs of the project and on the community’s economy. In

addition, it also has an effect on the functionality, organization, sustainability,

economic efficiency, and security.

• In selecting a site for a city hall, it must also include other considerations such

as parking, personal and property security, neighborhood conditions, traffic

flow, local area activities, visitors and employee amenities.

CHOSEN SITE LOCATION IN BATANGAS CITY FOR THE CITY HALL

SITE SUITABILITY

Rating

0 Not acceptable

1 Needs more attention

2 Capable

3 Considerable

4 Adequate

5 Valid/ Excellent

SITE #1

Site Location:
 Batangas Port Access Road, Brgy.Santa Clara, Batangas City

13.757574, 121.046390

Lot Measurement

Perimeter: 924.1 m

Area: 53,255.32 m2

Ratings:

Lot Size -5

Soil Type -5

Security -4

Zoning Visibility -5

Pedestrian Accessibility - 4

Vehicular Accessibility -4

Obstacles to Proceed -5

Government Property/Not - N/A

Site #1 Nearby Infrastructures/Facilities

Bureau of Quarantine - Mandated to ensure security against the introduction and

spread of infectious diseases and public health emergencies of international concern

Philippine Ports Authority - It is responsible for financing, management and

operations for public ports

Batangas City Pier Port - A seaport in Brgy. Santa Clara, Batangas City primarily

serving the CALABARZON region of the Philippines

Avion Power Plant - Has the capability to run on either natural gas or diesel, and its

turbines have the flexibility to ramp up quickly and to do unlimited daily starts and

stops

National Telecommunications Commission - It is responsible for the supervision,

adjudication and control over all telecommunications services and television and radio

Office of The City Veterinary and Agricultural Services - Responsible for ensuring

the maximum assistance and access to resources in the production, processing and

marketing of agricultural and aqua-cultural products

SITE #2
Site Location:

Rizal Avenue Extension, Brgy. Santa Clara, Batangas City

13.755987, 121.050671

Lot Measurement

Perimeter: 511.07 m

Area: 16,525.3 m2

Ratings:

Lot Size -5

Soil Type -5

Security -3

Zoning Visibility -5

Pedestrian Accessibility - 5

Vehicular Accessibility -5

Obstacles to Proceed -4

Government Property/Not - N/A

Site #2 Nearby Infrastractures/Facilities

Batangas State University (Pablo Borbon Main 1) - A level IV state university in the

province of Batangas. It is located at the second largest economic region in the

country, which puts it at a prime position not only as a premier provider of higher and

advanced learning, but also as a viable economic development zone.

Batangas City Sports Center - a place wherein people can play a variety of

sports, surrounded by sport facilities like track and field stadiums, swimming pools,

indoor arena, and the like.

Citimart - an establishment that operates as a simple venue to cater the needs and

demands of the people, a supermarket.

Colegio ng Lungsod ng Batangas - a local college in the province of batangas

International Christian Ministry Inc. - a church for the organization of a religion

Believers’ Fellowship Evangelical Church - a church for the organization of a

religion

SITE #3

Site Location:

M.Pastor Avenue, Brgy. Pallocan West, Batangas City

 13.752170, 121.068031

Lot Measurement

Perimeter: 604.97 m

Area: 21,820.57 m2

Ratings:

Lot Size -4

Soil Type -5

Security -3

Zoning Visibility -4

Pedestrian Accessibility - 5

Vehicular Accessibility -5

Obstacles to Proceed -5

Government Property/Not - N/A

Site #3 Nearby Infrastructures/Facilities

PhilHealth - The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation located in Batangas City is

a government corporation attached to the Department of Health which administers the

National Health Insurance Program.

Hall of Justice- A justice department in Batangas City that serves as the government

prosecution arm and administers the government’s criminal justice system.

BPI Batangas Pallocan West Branch - Offers financial services to clients based on

their needs and how those needs evolve over time. It includes consumer banking and
lending, asset management, payments, insurance, securities brokerage and

distribution.

M Lhuillier - Largest and most reputable non-bank financial institution that provides

immediate monetary needs.

Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshop-Pallocan-West - A non-banking financial institution

offering services such as pawn-broking, money remittance, insurance, bills payment,

remit-to-account, corporate payout, collections, and e-loading.

Coop Mart-Pallocan - An independent and owned by the community members who

shop within the community.

Mercury Drug Batangas West - Country's trusted and caring health and wellness

partner, providing the widest range of branded and generic medicines, as well as a

complete line of healthcare and personal care products, including medical devices,

and basic everyday needs.

Meralco Batangas Business Center - Largest private sector electric distribution

utility company in the Philippines.

 CHAPTER IV

ARCHITECTURAL PROGRAMMING

This chapter deals with the architectural programming and it includes the

standard space requirements and identification.

SPACE REQUIREMENTS/IDENTIFICATIONS

REQUIREMENTS

States the total space requirement for each Department studied and for each of the

general, or common-use, functions. The Total Departmental Space as stated in this

section for each Department includes, in many cases, space such as that occupied by

inactive file material which is not necessarily to be located in a Department's principal

working area. Thus, the stated requirements reflect the Departments' total needs

regardless of relative location in the building.

DEPARTMENT

Is used broadly to include any department, agency or other autonomous group within

the scope of the study.

DEPARTMENTAL SPACE

Includes all space used exclusively by each Department. Departmental Space is

composed of Office Space, Auxiliary Space, and Circulation Space.

OFFICE SPACE

Includes private and semi-private offices, and general office areas. It is determined by

applying space occupancy standards to personnel totals.

AUXILIARY SPACE

Includes reception areas, libraries, mail areas, conference rooms to be used solely by

the Department concerned, and other special areas to which space occupancy

standards are not applicable. It is determined by separate study of each function.

CIRCULATION SPACE

Is a statistical percentage (20%) added to the total Office Space and Auxiliary Space

required by each Department? Circulation represents the space required for access

to private and semi-private offices, for cross aisles in general office areas, and for

access to General Spaces such as shared conference rooms.

REFERENCES
Angie P. MUNICIPAL HALL Feasibility Study Book
https://www.scribd.com/document/382618777/MUNICIPAL-HALL-Feasibility-Study-
Book
Design Media Publishing Limited (2014) Municipal Architecture
https://civilenglineering.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/municipal_2.pdf
Northern Architecture (2018) Space Requirements
https://www.northernarchitecture.us/space-requirements/determining-need.html
Luz, S. City Hall
https://www.academia.edu/16438619/City_Hall