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3.1 RELATED LITERATURE
Under the National Building Code of the Philippines (2018 Edition), a dormitory
building is classified as Group B – Residential, Hotels, and Apartments. Group B
occupancies shall be multiple dwelling units including boarding or lodging houses, hotels,
apartment buildings, row houses, convents, monasteries, and other similar building of
each of which accommodates more than 10 persons.
As stated in the problem given, the site is bounded by a 15 meters wide service
road on front and residential lots on the 3 sides. This makes the site an Inside Lot, which
makes the allowable maximum total gross floor area (TGFA) based on the allowed
percentage of site occupancy (PSO) of 5 × 60% of the Total Lot Area.
It also states in the book that the following should be observed and to be taken
into consideration:
• A floor to lot area ratio (FLAR) of such buildings should be 1.30 to 1.50 at a
3-storey or 10.00 m Building Height Limit;
• A maximum allowable percentage of site occupancy of 55 without firewalls
and 60 with firewalls;
• A maximum allowable impervious surface area of 30% with or without
firewalls;
• A minimum unpaved surface areas of 15% without firewalls and 10% with
firewalls;
• And, a total open space within lot (TOSL) of 45% without firewalls and 40%
with firewalls.
In relation to fire escape stairs, the Republic Act 9514 or the fire code of the
Philippines, under Section 10.2.5.10;
• Fire escape stairs may be used in required means of egress only in existing
buildings,… Fire escape stairs shall not constitute more than fifty percent
(50%) of the required exit capacity in any case. Fire escape stairs shall not
be accepted as constituting any part of the required means of egress for
new buildings.
• Fire escape shall provide a continuous unobstructed safe path of travel to
the ground or other area of refuge to which they lead. All stairs landing to
an adjoining roof, which shall be clearly indicated with appropriate signage,
shall be provided with handrails. Where a single means of egress consists
of a combination of inside stairs and fire escape stairs, and the two shall be
arranged and connected as to provide a continuous safe path of travel.
Fire escape stairs shall be in accordance with the following table and subsequent
paragraphs.
Table 6. DIMENSIONAL CRITERIA FOR FIRE ESCAPE STAIRS
PARTICULARS DIMENSIONS
Minimum widths 600 mm clear between rails
Minimum horizontal dimension any
600 mm
landing of platform
Maximum rise 230 mm
Minimum thread, exclusive of
230 mm
nosing
Solid, 13.00 mm diameter perforation
Thread construction
permitted
Winders (spiral) None
Risers None
Maximum height between landings 3.66 m
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Headroom, minimum 2.00 m
Door or casement windows 610 mm by 1.98 m
Access to escape or double hung windows 762 mm by
924.40 mm clear
Level of access opening Not over 305 mm above floor; steps if higher
Discharge to ground Swinging stair section permitted
45 per unit access by door; 20 if access by
Capacity number of persons
climbing over window rail
• Fire escape stairs shall be so arranged that they will be exposed by the
smallest possible or window and door openings. There shall be no transom
over doors. Every opening, any portion of which is in the limits specified
below, shall be completely protected by approved fire doors or metal-
frame wired glass windows in the same manner as provided for outside
stairs and outside ramps.
• Where access is by way of double windows, such windows shall be so
counter balanced and maintained that they can be readily opened with a
minimum of physical effort. Insert screens, if any, on any type of opening
giving access to fire, an escape stair shall be of types that may be readily
opened or pushed out. No storm sash shall be used on any window
providing to fire escape stairs.
• Fire escape stairs shall extend to the roof in all cases where the roof is
subject to occupancy or is constructed and arranged to provide an area of
refuge from fire. In all cases where stairs do not extend to the roof, access
thereto shall be provided by a ladder in accordance with pertinent
provisions of Section 10.2.5.10 of this RIRR, however such ladders are not
required in the case of roofs with pitch or slope steeper than sixteen and
sixty-seven hundredths percent (16.67%).
• Balconies, to which access is secured through windows with sills above the
inside floor level, shall be not more than four hundred sixty millimeters
(460 mm) below the sill. In no case shall balcony level be above the sill.
• All fire escapes shall have walls or guards on both sides, in accordance with
para “H” of Section 10.2.5.4 of this RIRR, except for height, which shall be
one thousand seventy millimeters (1,070 mm) and nine hundred ten
millimeters (910 mm) for fire escape for every small building, the height
being measured vertically from a point on the stair tread twenty-five
millimeters (25 mm) back from the leading edge, or vertically above any
landings or balcony floor level.
• All fire escapes shall have handrails on both sides, not less than seven
hundred sixty millimeters (760 mm) but not more than one thousand
seventy millimeters (1,070 mm) high, measured vertically from a point on
the stair tread twenty-five millimeters (25 mm) back from the leading edge,
all in general conformity to the requirements for stair handrails, para “H”
of Section 10.2.5.4 of this RIRR.
• Handrails and guards shall be so constructed as to withstand a force of
ninety-one kilograms (91 kg) applied downward or horizontally at any
point.
With these requirements, standard measurements, and regulations that are
approved by the relevant authorities of the Philippines in relation to building houses and
structure given by these books, the researcher may be able to design a structurally sound
dormitory building that is approved by authorities under relevant laws.
In which case, this will help to ensure safety and security for occupants in this
proposed two-storey dormitory building for girls.
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3.2 RELATED STUDIES
The researcher have compiled various studies in regards to student dormitories in
the Philippines, as well as overseas, this is in order to understand the specific needs of
students when it comes to their dormitories. These studies might also give the researcher
valuable insights from architects and the factors that they have considered when
designing a dormitory.
In an article by the HMC Architects (2020), “Student housing design standards are
growing more complex and demanding every year. Installing bunk beds and ergonomic
desks in every room of a multistory residence hall isn’t enough anymore. Today’s students
want housing that’s not only comfortable to live in, but that also offers many more
amenities.”
They also stated that more often, colleges and universities are creating student
housing and residence halls that reflect the campus culture and act as social and learning
hubs for students. These spaces include all of the basics for living on campus, such as
bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and cozy furniture. But the best modern residence halls
also include:
• Fully-outfitted common rooms where students can eat, relax, and study;
• Outdoor seating areas;
• Recreation rooms and athletic centers;
• Community gardens;
• Project collaboration zones;
• Artistic design elements and mood lighting;
• Acoustic design;
• And more.
“However, these improvements to student housing design standards are only
effective if architects carefully incorporate them into the design. The space should feel as
cohesive as possible and mirror the community’s unique culture. To accomplish this,
architects follow a detailed set of student housing design standards.”
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“The most important student housing design standard is to create a space that
feels like home, even if the student is thousands of miles away from family. Architects
should remember that this is often the first time students are living on their own and that
this can be a stressful period of time for some of them. For this reason, student housing
should always be as comfortable and community-oriented as possible. Students need a
strong support group of peers helping them make the transition from the family home to
a space that’s entirely their own.”
“However, student housing shouldn’t look like a normal apartment complex in the
middle of a big city. While students do need private spaces where they can sleep, study,
and relax, many are also at a stage in life where they want to make new friends, form
study groups, and play a bigger role in the campus community.”
“Architects can better support students by creating communal spaces specifically
for hanging out with peers or studying as a group. In fact, research has shown that
students actually perform better academically when they have a place to study outside of
their bedrooms. According to the American College of Healthcare Sciences, working or
studying in the same place that students sleep limits their focus, decreases productivity,
and may even disrupt sleep schedules and circadian rhythms.”
“However, architects also have to balance these community spaces with private
spaces. Students have different methods of studying and interacting with their peers. To
ensure that every student feels included and comfortable, architects design different-sized
and outfitted spaces so that students can choose the area that feels right to them,” the
article continues.
According to the conclusion of the study of IOP Conference Series: Earth and
Environmental Science, titled “Designing a dormitory with emphasis on renewable
energy” by F. Daneshvar Tarigh, A. Daneshvar Tarigh, and F. Habib (2018), “this study
present a functional method to design a dormitory on the bases of renewable energy.
Building envelope including walls, windows, and shutters are chosen concerning the
energy saving aspect. We chose LECA Blocks to be used in walls to have considerable
insulation meeting the requirement for passive houses. Different parts of windows have
been studied. Frames are designed to use Multi–Chamber UPVC which contributes to
excellent thermal and sound insulation, Glass panes are thermo-chromic laminated smart
glazing which controls the sun light. We recommend using Automatic window rolling
shutters to prevent direct sun and overheating in summer. Roof overhangs used to shade
windows when solar heat gain is undesirable. LED lamps have been recommended to
decrease the amount of energy used. We applied Mono-crystalline solar cells to generate
energy. An energy efficient cooling, Heating and Ventilation has been considered.”
In a local study by J. Navarez titled “Student Residential Satisfaction in an On-
Campus Housing Facility” of De La Salle University (2017), the researcher have concluded
the factors that the students may feel dissatisfied of the living conditions within the
dormitory. “The absence of residential life program that focuses on and sports
development that contribute to the richness of student residence life is not yet evident.
Concerns related to privacy living is also unsatisfactory among the residents since rooms
are crowded and that space for movement is minimal with four (4) residents sharing in
one room. Students’ social activities are lacking and that residents are looking forward to
community building programs and activities. Residents expressed the need to develop life
skills such as personal planning (e.g. financial management) so that this will promote a
satisfying dorm life experience. The results also showed that residents’ appraisal of the
over-all conditions of their living environment both in the physical and
social/financial/management attributes do not meet their needs and expectations. The
residents have recommended additional facilities and services that are positive predictors
to the student residential satisfaction. The students identified some of their counseling
needs to assist them in the psychosocial adjustments they are experiencing as they live
away from home. Aside from counseling, creation of learning programs and offering of
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learning sessions that will enhance students’ cognitive, affective, and behavioral
competencies can also contribute to achieving a satisfying student residential
experience.”
In a similar study by M. Manson-Dioso and A. Iglesia, titled “From Home to Dorm:
Views on its Influence in the Academic Performance of Students” (2021), they have
concluded that living in a dormitory/boarding house does not adversely affect the
students’ academic performance. It brought about more of a positive impact on their
studies than the negative. According to the data presented, they performed better when
living independently rather than with the family. The respondents’ views on the influence
of living in a dormitory/boarding house to their academic performance concurred as
Agree.
The study continues that the respondents regardless of sex manifested similar
views on the influence of living in a dormitory/boarding house to their academic
performance. In terms of the Course A and Course B, the one with better views on the
influence of living in a dormitory to the academic performance was the Course A students.
While, in socioeconomic status, the students with high socioeconomic status have better
views compared to those with low and middle socioeconomic status.
With these studies and articles the researcher may be able to design a dormitory
where the opinions of students are taken into consideration.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
• Department of Public Works and Highways, The National Building Code of the
Philippines with it’s revised Implementing Rules and Regulations, 2018 edition
• Bureau of Fire Protection , R.A. 9514 : The Fire Code of the Philippines | Revised
Implementing Rules and Regulations, Revised 2019
REFERENCES
• HMC Architects, Design for Good, How Architects Are Improving Student Housing
Design Standards 2020 https://hmcarchitects.com/news/how-architects-are-
improving-student-housing-design-standards-2019-02-05/
• F. Daneshvar Tarigh, A. Daneshvar Tarigh, and F. Habib, Designing a dormitory
with emphasis on renewable energy, IOP Conference Series: Earth and
Environmental Science 2018 https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-
1315/154/1/012007
• J. Navarez, Student Residential Satisfaction in an On-Campus Housing Facility, De
La Salle University-Manila 2017 https://www.dlsu.edu.ph/wp-
content/uploads/pdf/conferences/research-congress-proceedings/2017/LLI/LLI-I-
006.pdf
• M. Manson-Dioso and A. Iglesia, From Home to Dorm: Views on its Influence in
the Academic Performance of Students, International Journal of Education,
Psychology and Counselling 2021 http://www.ijepc.com/PDF/IJEPC-2021-40-06-
08.pdf
