Design Brief

The Philippine Statistics Authority- National Statistical Coordination Board (PSA-NSCB) estimates that the population of the country is already at 102.9 million. Among those, PSA reports that the official poverty statistics (as per the latest 2014 1st semester report) is at 25.8% or 1.2% higher than in 2013 of the same period.

The numbers are indicative as many Filipinos, especially in depressed areas, don’t even have access to basic needs including hygiene and sanitation. Furthermore, since the country is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire and Typhoon Belt, during calamities such as typhoons, earthquakes or volcanic eruptions the poor sectors are the most hard-hit.

Whether in the province or in Metro Manila, it is evident that the country is not yet prepared. It’s high time that we give attention to this problem. An evacuation facility should be readily operational once natural disaster comes in. Furthermore, to maximize its full use, the facility should also be with a multi-purpose function able to contribute to the growth of the community.

Design Challenge

The design challenge is to create a sustainable multi-purpose facility that has an evacuation center capable of accommodating 50 families or 250 people. Whether in ordinary times or during calamities, the center must symbolize the strong bond of the community and the people even during crisis, thus it shall called:

Key Functions:

• Community Facility- What are the needs of the area that the community facility can address? It should be an area where good health and hygiene, livelihood and training are fostered. While functional, it should be self-sustaining. Be creative on how this area can be relevant to serve a bigger purpose.
• Evacuation Center- While sustainable, the facility should be disaster-resilient. On the onset of the crisis, the facility must be capable of providing their basic needs including sanitation.

Area Selection:

• Where in your community do you think it is feasible to build BIGKIS with its multi-purpose and evacuation functions?
• Can the area selected help in making the structure safe from flood, earthquake, etc?
• Is it accessible for everybody? So that when disasters arise, they can easily reach it
• Total Area Allotted: 500-700 square meters
• Maximum Building Storey: Two (2)

Requirements for BIGKIS:

• Must have an alternative and sustainable means for water acquisition especially for its toilet and shower needs
• With provisions for careful handling and disposal of solid waste and sewage management
• Can meet energy needs through passive design and renewable energy sources
• Minimal impact on surroundings from construction until operational
• Use of locally-sourced material
• The facility must be flexible/ expandable to accommodate more families
• The facility can be easily replicated
• Furthermore, the facility must be reasonably priced