Crafting Innovative Design Solutions against Natural Calamities
Published October 31, 2024
The Philippines has long been plagued by calamities, resulting in the loss of countless lives and billions in damaged infrastructure. In response to this nationwide problem, a group of Bulacan State University architecture students designed a disaster preparedness facility, going beyond short-term solutions.
The group, composed of Mary Dianne De Guzman, Nhemalyn Domingo and Cyriel Aubrey Sison wanted long-term and sustainable solutions when it comes to disaster management. “Usually, ang ginagawa lang na solution is yong mga relief goods lang, nawawala yong pagpe-prepare ng mga tao,” Cyriel explained.
Beyond Band-aid Solutions
The group wanted to create a facility that conducts disaster simulations anchored on experiential design. This pursuit led them to interview several disaster preparedness agencies in the country, while researching similar case studies around the world. Thus, “kaALAMidad: A Paradigm for a Calamity Simulation Facility through Experiential Design towards Risk Reduction, Preparedness, and Response” was born.
For the project to become localized, they aimed to simulate commonly occurring natural disasters in the country: typhoons, floods, earthquakes, and fires. “We wanted users to truly immerse themselves in the Philippine experience, understanding the specific challenges they might face in a disaster. This will help develop their mental capacity to respond effectively to real-world situations,” Dianne elaborated.
Integrating Long-term Solutions
The design integrated Japan’s smart fire simulator, which has a smoke room, lighting and temperature effects to mimic fires. The flood simulator became possible through a high-current swimming pool with terrain. They imitated wind intensities in their typhoon simulator while also deploying considerable magnitudes in their earthquake simulator.
They crafted the facility to cater to students and authorities from different government agencies. “This unique educational experience will transform fear and anxiety into preparedness and resilience,” Dianne said.
The facility also served as a training ground for disaster agencies, with private areas and barracks for trainees. There’s also a commercial building for merchandise that would also generate steady revenue. They also incorporated a solar farm to generate sustainable energy for the simulation machines.
Rising From Difficulties and ChallengesRising From Difficulties and Challenges
Due to the complexity of their design concept, the group had some tough battles of their own. For instance, they had to limit the number of people per simulation in order to cater to the machines’ capacity. “In-depth yong simulations so masyado silang mahirap i-execute,” Dianne explained. The group also faced difficulties when defending their title, with their advisers initially failing to see their vision.
They all had to play to their own strengths to remain victorious. “Kailangan ‘yong ideas ng bawat isa, mapapakinggan. Kung ano yong pinaka-applicable na sa tingin namin tama at maganda, ‘yon po ang susundin namin,” Cyriel shared.
Despite the skepticism of their panelists at first, they eventually got their approval and even won the Best Thesis award in their batch. “‘Di rin talaga namin in-expect. Title pa lang, sobrang hirap na kaysa doon sa ibang groups na nakapasa kaagad sa title nila,” Cyriel recounted. “Parang na-reward lahat ng hirap namin at puyat.”
The three students are currently venturing towards different paths as architectural apprentices in different firms. In time, they want to take the Architectural Licensure Exam (ALE) and eventually create a greater impact in the world of architecture.
BULACAN STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Architecture and Fine Arts
Bulacan, Philippines
BULACAN STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Architecture and Fine Arts
Bulacan, Philippines
DE GUZMAN, MARY DIANNE F.
DOMINGO, NHEMALYN P.
SISON, CYRIEL AUBREY R.
BS Architecture
Mary Dianne F. De Guzman, Nhemalyn P. Domingo, and Cyriel Aubrey R. Sison are architecture students at Bulacan State University.
Dianne, a 23-year-old from Meycauayan City, Bulacan, Nhemalyn, a 23-year-old from Guiguinto, Bulacan, and Cyriel, a 23-year-old from Malolos, Bulacan, have all pursued excellence in both academic and art competitions since a young age. They are also Dean’s Listers in college.
The trio competed in the CAFA In-House Research Colloquium 2024 and emerged as Top 3 Finalists for Best Thesis. Deeply concerned about the Philippines’ status as a global hotspot for natural disasters and climate change, they sought to address the urgent need for innovative solutions. Inspired by countless Filipinos affected by calamities, they embarked on a journey to develop a paradigm shift in disaster management.
Their undergraduate thesis, “kaALAMidad: A Paradigm for a Calamity Simulation Facility through Experiential Design towards Risk Reduction, Preparedness, and Response,” is a testament to their commitment to building a more resilient nation.
Through their work, they hope to inspire others to join the fight against disaster, whether through volunteering, community engagement, or academic pursuits. Driven by compassion and a sense of duty, the authors aim to create a safer Philippines. Their thesis explores innovative approaches to disaster management.
DR. DENNIS L. ESTACIO, UAP, LPT
Thesis Adviser
Dennis is a licensed Architect and Licensed Professional Teacher. He finished his Doctor of Philosophy in Education major in Educational Leadership and Management at La Consolacion University Philippines. He is a certified Heritage Building Conservation Specialist. He is a graduate of Master of Science in Architecture major in Urban Design at University of Santo Tomas and Master in Business Administration at La Consolacion University Philippines, and an Honorary Degree in Doctor of Philosophy in Cultural Studies.
He is currently the Dean of the College of Architecture & Fine Arts of Bulacan State University with a rank of Associate Professor V. He is serving as Editorial and Reviewer Board of International Journal of Multidisciplinary: Applied Business and Education Research. He has 25 published researches and presented research in different international research conferences. He participated in the prestigious 9th QS APPLE (Ninth QS Asia Pacific Professional Leaders in Education Conference and Exhibition) on Oct. 30-Nov.1, 2013 in Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea.
He worked as Building Administrator of La Consolacion University Philippines for 13 years. He is the design Architect of La Consolation University Philippines General Hospital in Plaridel, Bulacan and the College of Medicine Building in La Consolacion University in Malolos, Bulacan. He served as College Research Unit Head in CAFA and as Head of Heritage and Indigenous Culture Regional Development Center in Bulacan State University. Adviser of UAPGA Bulacan Chapter 2020-2021, Adviser of UAPSA S.Y. 2021-present and Director & Deputy Director Committee on Education UAP Barasoain Chapter F.Y. 2020-present.
Was a member of the National Committee on Heritage, PIA and currently Board Member of PIA Bulacan Section. He is an Accreditor of AACCUP (Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines).
PROJECT BRIEF DESCRIPTION
The Philippines, a nation frequently grappling with the devastating impacts of natural disasters, necessitates innovative approaches to bolster public preparedness. This project aims to develop and implement a calamity simulation facility that effectively addresses this challenge. By leveraging experiential design principles, the facility will create immersive, interactive, and realistic environments that simulate various disaster scenarios.
Participants will be actively engaged in hands-on experiences, making critical decisions in real-time, and learning from the consequences of their actions. Through sensory immersion, storytelling, and progressive challenges, the facility will foster a deep understanding of disaster risks, enhance decision-making abilities, and cultivate a culture of resilience. By empowering individuals with practical knowledge and skills, the calamity simulation facility aims to significantly reduce vulnerability and build a more resilient Philippines.
