NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

Sampaloc, Manila

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

ALUMANA: Shaping the Culture of Filipino Family

“A PROPOSED RETIREMENT, RECREATIONAL FACILITY AND RESORT FOR

ELDERS”

By

Espiritu, Jerome

Jaictin, Maria Jasmin

Poñtanosa, Exequiel Jules

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The aging population, defined as a growth in the percentage of older persons in the

overall population, is one of the most significant phenomena of the 21st century, with major

significance for individuals, families, communities, and society at large (Knodel &

Chayovan, 2009). Senior adults have become one of the age groups within our society that is

growing most rapidly. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, there are currently 9.2

million senior citizens in the Philippines or 8.5 percent of the entire population. 90% of this

senior population does not receive adequate care. Thus, according to projections made by the

Commission on Population and Development (PopCom), there will be 11% more adults over

60 than children under the age of four by 2030.

Aging is a natural process. It is a universal truth. Like other social challenges, aging

has generated widespread concern. Notably, the senior population has grown quickly, which

has caused changes in many aspects of social relationships. As we grow older, our

physiological, psychological, and safety needs become more crucial concerns for seniors who

are slowly losing their sense of self-reliance (Caldeira, 2012). Food, water, and air are three

physiological necessities for human life. The absence of these physiological requirements,

along with security, safety, and access to basic healthcare, prevents the human body from

continuing to function at its peak (Omarjee, 2013).

There are two main categories of senior living communities. Assisted living is a type

of senior living community that accommodates elderly or disabled persons who need

assistance with some daily tasks and access to medical care when needed. Such individuals,

or their families, might consider assisted living facilities so that professional assistance is

provided. Residents of assisted living facilities might need continuing medical treatment and

primary healthcare services (Investopedia, 2022). Daily routines like dressing, grooming,
bathing, moving around, and monitoring medications, assisted living facilities provide

caregivers with support and assistance.

However, seniors who are still active and need little to no assistance with daily

activities should consider independent living. The activities include cooking, personal

hygiene, medication, and money management (Harper,2022). There are numerous factors to

consider when deciding whether to move into independent living. However, a strong sense of

community is one of the most significant factors that is commonly discussed (Skarp,2022). In

addition to providing the social advantages of community life, independent living also gives

those advantages to older persons who have spent years living alone in their homes. The

abundance of common facilities, which include gaming rooms, libraries, business centers,

and other spaces where residents can interact with one another is a crucial element of the

community even if residents have their units.

Perhaps it is challenging to offer excellent clinical care in an environment that

resembles home. One of the challenges is giving the elderly relatives of modern retirement

homes a sense of home. Along with the environment or architectural style of the place, social

and personal characteristics also have an impact on how we experience home.

Furthermore, Filipinos are known for being family-oriented people. There are

circumstances where the kids who are grown adults are the ones who are accountable for

taking care of their parents. While in some cases, it's their grandchildren who take care of

their grandparents, and vice versa, in which grandparents are often responsible for taking care

of their grandchildren. These sometimes result in conflict. However, no matter what happens,

the culture and traditions of Filipinos are noticeable since families always choose to stay

together. Through this proposed project, we are shaping the Filipino culture towards a new

perspective of retirement homes that would provide assistance and hope for elders. The
retirement facilities, recreation, and resort will offer programs and services that will focus on

maintaining their mental, emotional, and physical health. Additionally, it helps Filipino

families prepare for the idea that their bonds will deepen as they age. They are also being

prepared for their future reunion and comeback to their biological or foster families.

1.2. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

It is undeniable that society's organizational structure has been developing because of

industrialization and urbanization. These socioeconomic improvements also had an impact on

how individuals lived their lives. Age-related changes lead older persons to start exploring for

and sometimes prefer alternative housing. Elderly persons can be left homeless or abandoned,

in which they may not be able to take care of themselves or have access to necessities. The

government has created homes for the aged as an essential part of the community, offering

them social services, namely the supply of necessities, clinical services, and rehabilitation.

However, important architectural components like the established guidelines for designing

for the elderly are lacking in the majority of elder care facilities in the Philippines. This

research aims to examine the space needs in senior living communities, resorts, and

recreational areas, comprehend how such needs impact elders' quality of life and health, and

propose a design for an efficient, adaptable, and welcoming retirement community.

1.3. GOAL

To challenge the ingenuity of students to make a difference and to take part in shaping

the future and yet keeping the culture alive among us Filipinos. The project should create a

safe space and environment for our elderly that would be a retreat that is adaptive of the

limitations of the human body and yet encouraging that age is just a number.

PROJECT DESIGN OBJECTIVES

 OBJECTIVES

ELDERS/ ● To provide
SENIOR ● To develop patient- community spaces
CITIZEN centered and for a healthy and
environment flourishing urban
standards to ensure aging and fulfill the
safety and need of facilities for
accessibility of all senior care and
health facilities for living in Philippine
the senior citizens. cities.
● To provide a
maximum comfort
and a versatile space
through complying
the guidelines from
building codes.

ENVIRONMENT ● To transform the

● To give importance way Filipinos
to the environment perceive and
by approaching a experience aging,
sustainable design. retirement and
● To provide an eco- senior care and
friendly retirement living facilities
facility through the use of
architectural
language.

LOCAL ● To foster
COMMUNITY ● To have an opportunities using
accessible healthcare the principles of
facility for the future proofing for
elders. the retired elderly to
maintain contact
with different age
groups,
strengthening and
protecting their
place in modern
society.
1.6. DESIGN CONSIDERATION

MATERIALS- providing materials that are eco-friendly, carbon neutral, environmentally

sustainable and implementing some innovative sustainable technology.

HEALTH AND SAFETY- Prioritises the safety and well-being of elders, including visitors

and staff.

ACCESSIBILITY- Complying with all standards and minimum requirements of the national

building code with the disability act.

SUSTAINABILITY- Improve the efficiency of the building by adopting the guidelines from

the philippine green building code.

HAZARDS AND NATURAL CALAMITIES- natural phenomenon and hazards were taken

into consideration for safety.

FUTURE PROOF – providing the design with a sustainable, innovative material and can

withstand any calamity. It also complying the standards and minimum requirements of the

National Building codes of the Philippines

1.7. DESIGN CONCEPT

The word "Alumana" is derived from an epic poem by Ibong Adarna and means "to

take care and give attention." The main goal of the project's design is to provide care for the

elderly while attracting attention and reshaping Filipino culture. We approach the design with

conviviality, or by giving it a warm, welcoming environment, to positively affect the target

users' impressions of it. Versatility plays a significant role in this design, as we wanted the

project to be more adaptive and consider the different situations of the elders. It provides a

solution to the problems which are the behavioral aspects of one another. The design is not

just a facility that accommodates the elderly, It also allows new opportunities to the local

community.
2. REVIEW OR RELATED LITERATURE

The Philippines is known for its close-knit families, and even today, extended family

reunions are common. In this sense, the concept of placing the family's older relatives in

nursing homes and other institutional settings for long-term care comes across as a sensitive

subject and is perceived negatively. Filipinos have traditionally been raised to care for their

parents and other family members, especially the elderly. They believe that caring for a

family member, regardless of their age, is an inherent responsibility and should not be

transferred to other organizations.

Nevertheless, in the Philippines, alternative healthcare institutions are not very

common. No government programs mention assistance in offering intermediate care or

supporting care for seniors who have long-term illnesses or end-of-life concerns (Varona et

al., 2007; Agree et al., 2002). The assistance and care offered to older Filipinos by their

spouse and children are substantial. Financial support, additional financial and non-financial

transfers, and a significant amount of companionship and help are all examples of how

Filipino families support one another (Cruz, 2013). In addition, retirees continue to be active

into their 60s. They tend to deteriorate in their 70s, and they ultimately become more needy

in their 80s. In this regard, there are strongly existing marketing sectors for every age group.

The development of specialized aged products, their sales, the building of retirement and care

homes, tourism, and employment opportunities in senior housing and assisted living facilities

are just a few of the advantages that are available to various segments (Geogonline, 2013 as

cited in Marešová et al., 2015).

Many seniors choose to stay in their own homes as long as they can (Kwon, Ahn,

Lee, & Kim, 2015), but as they get older and develop health problems, others must transfer

into retirement communities. The most frequent basis for entering retirement facilities is
disability (Hansebo, 2000). Potential elders residents can benefit significantly from the

experiences of established retirement home residents as they decide if they want to leave their

private homes in favor of a retirement home (Pope & Kang, 2010). Furthermore, It is

essential to have a wide selection of home healthcare services for the overall well-being of

the elders. Studies have proven that living in long-term care facilities does not prevent elders

from engaging in stimulating activities, making new friends, having fun, and adopting

positive attitudes toward their lives and aging. It is claimed that some kind of intervention

must be prepared in order to foster group integration and improve the standard of living for

the elderly. Engaging in athletics, art, and leisure activities can raise elders' quality of life.

Therefore, a mixture of the aforementioned activities should be taken into consideration for

the advancement and enhancement of the quality of life among the aged.

A sense of home must also be considered in designing a retirement home. Some

studies revealed that elderly people are more likely to feel safe and secure when there is

security, along with friendly, trustworthy staff. This means to improve the quality of life of

the elders. There are homes for the aged and facilities in NCR and other regions.

Unfortunately, there are insufficient facilities nationwide to guarantee that senior citizens are

taken care of properly. To successfully address this issue, the built environment must go

beyond what it currently does to provide for and adapt to increase accessibility for the

growing population of elderly people (Bergstrom, 2010). In the Philippines, especially in the

modern world, the standard requirement of retirement homes and skilled nursing institutions

are inadequate. Elders will need care, so it's crucial to establish suitable physical and health-

related environments. Also, entering a retirement home can be an opportunity for many older

persons to change their perceptions toward long-term healthcare institutions.

3. SPACE REQUIREMENTS

1. The StreetScape

1.1. Cafe Bookstore

1.2. Pet grooming and supply store

1.3. Market area

1.4. Drop off and bus stop

1.5. ATM banks

1.6. Pharmacy

1.7. Hair salon and barber shop

2. The Clubhouse

2.1. Administrative office

2.2. Club rooms

2.3. Clubhouse spa

2.4. Clubhouse restaurant

2.5. Clubhouse pool

3. The Neighborhood

3.1. PRA mandated clinic

3.2. Movement studio and gym

 3.3. Laundry courtyard

4. The Residential Cluster

4.1. ALP Units

4.2. ALP Commons

4.3. ILP Units

4.4. ILP Common Courts

5. Support Spaces

5.1. Service dock and parking

5.2. Back of the house

6. Worship Areas

6.1. Sanctuary

6.2. Narthex

6.3. Sacristy

6.4. Baptistry

6.5. Blessed Sacrament and Reconciliation Room

6.6 Choir Room

4. MICRO-SITE ANALYSIS

4.1 SWOT ANALYSIS

Location: San Nicolas, New Clark City, Bamban, Tarlac

STRENGTH - The site is immediately adjacent to the two main roads.

- The site has mountain views that are good for sightseeing.
- The location is large enough to accommodate additional
structures and to create facilities for future projects.

WEAKNESS - The site is prone to landslides.

- The location is far from the home of the elder's family.
- The site falls into seismic zone 4.

OPPORTUNITIES - The presence of greenery can be utilized for landscaping.

- The location can provide working opportunities for elders
and locals.
- Encourage families to place their elderly loved ones in
retirement homes so they can receive the optimum
healthcare services.
THREATS - The site is elevated, thus a natural disaster might possibly
destroy other buildings nearby.
- Families are not used to sending their elderly members to
retirement homes that are far from their homes.

4.2 BUBBLE DIAGRAM

5. MACRO-SITE ANALYSIS
6. REFERENCES

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