Promoting Inclusivity through People-Centered Design
Published October 24, 2024
The Victoria Plaza Mall is the oldest shopping mall in Davao and the second oldest in Mindanao, making it one of the city’s iconic landmarks. Despite its stature, it remained inaccessible for the people–a problem Dhannica Jane Ochea wanted to solve through her revamped design.
Striking Balance Between Concepts
In the age of instagrammable spaces, Dhannica prioritized functionality over aesthetics, making the design more people-centered. “As architects, we want to create spaces that are beautiful, eye-catching and instagrammable, right? But not to the extent that we would forget specific groups of people in our community,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of designing for Persons With Disabilities (PWD).
Anchoring on Batas Pambansa blg. 344 of the National Council on Disability Affairs, Dhannica focused on revamping the mall’s interior, strategically placing the leasable spaces along the main hallway for foot traffic.They are also arranged along the main hallway, providing a clear path inside the mall.
Dhannica turned certain parking areas to parks and paid attention to spaces where people usually gather. She redesigned Cinemas 1-3 to create five smaller cinemas for more intimate viewing, while Cinemas 4-6 were restructured to bowling alleys and an arcade. Dhannica also designed an indoor amphitheater, encouraging shoppers to interact and participate with the mall’s cultural and commercial initiatives.
“I want to make it more for the people without compromising the aesthetics,” Dhannica shared. “One key aspect kasi is that I did not change the exterior, kasi it’s a landmark for the city. Kapag dadaan ka doon from the road, you would know na it’s the heart of the city.”
Honoring History, Serving the Community
Despite having her own design in mind, Dhannica encountered several roadblocks in her design process. Since her thesis is an existing building, she would have to contact its original architect, Ar. Sonny Labao.
“I was asking everyone, who knows this architect, is he not with us anymore, is he abroad, kasi kung ganyan, mahihirapan ako to ask permission kasi need ko yong data niya para structurally, okay pa rin yong design ko,” Dhannica explained. “Ethics din, I have to respect his design, hindi kasi ‘yong basta-basta na ire-redesign ko na lang siya.”
Fortunately, her thesis adviser, Ar. Jaime Gonzaga knew the architect, who then gave the green light for Dhannica’s ideas. Even though it’s a redesign, Dhannica wanted to harmonize the mall’s historic identity while modernizing its interiors.
“I respected what the locals wanted. It’s a commercial space, you are designing it not for one person, you are designing it for a community. Sila yong client ko actually–not myself, but the people who will be using it.”
Her people-centered design earned her the prestigious Best Thesis award in the University of Mindanao’s BS Architecture Class of 2024. “Finishing my degree with that award is more than what I think I deserve,” she said.
Dhannica continues to design inclusive spaces as an apprentice in a Davao-based firm. She plans to go abroad to widen her scope, then return to the Philippines to implement new and improved design practices.
UNIVERSITY OF MINDANAO
College of Architecture and Fine Arts Education
City of Davao, Davao Del Sur
UNIVERSITY OF MINDANAO
College of Architecture and Fine Arts Education
City of Davao, Davao Del Sur
OCHEA, DHANNICA JANE S.
BS Architecture
Dhannica was awarded the Top 1 Best Thesis in her batch. Throughout her academic journey, she consistently earned a place on the Dean’s List and graduated as a Summa Cum Laude.
During her undergraduate studies, Dhannica developed a strong interest in Accessibility and Universal Design, culminating in a well received thesis. She eagerly looks forward to furthering her education by pursuing a master’s degree with a specialty in this field.
AR. JAIME GONZAGA, UAP, MEP
Thesis Adviser
Ar. Jaime is an esteemed faculty member at the University of Mindanao, holding a master’s in Environmental Planning. He is highly regarded by both academic institutions and professional organizations for his knowledge and commitment to the industry.
Currently, he serves as the Vice President of the United Architects of the Philippines – Area D, where he plays a crucial role in advancing the profession and supporting the architectural community in the region.
PROJECT BRIEF DESCRIPTION
The concept of “barrier-free design” embodies the principle of providing equal opportunities, facilitating participation, and ensuring access to and within architectural spaces for individuals of all abilities.
In the proposed mall redesign, accessibility-limiting barriers are eradicated through the introduction of features that create a more welcoming and accommodating space where all shoppers can enjoy a seamless and barrier-free shopping experience. By eliminating physical obstacles and promoting inclusive design principles in the shopping mall, barrier-free design not only enhances accessibility but also promotes a more equitable and inclusive society.
