Bicol University

INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTURE
Legazpi City
Telefax: (52) 820-3696

THESIS PROPOSAL CONCEPT NOTE

(SY 2016-2017)

Proposed Title:
A Proposed Ligao City Wastewater Treatment Facility and Recreation Park

Research Discipline:
Architectural and Building Design

Scientific/ Theoretical Background of the Study:

Ligao City has no centralized sewerage system to treat wastewater coming from various sources.
Urban wastewater is drained in the combined drainage and sewer lines and without prior
treatment. Water, which comes with solid wastes and other contaminants, are discharged into the river
and eventually goes into the sea. Debris deposited at the river bed impedes the flow of water causing
deceleration as it rushes down. This deceleration causes a backwater effect which, in turn, causes flooding
in some areas of the city. This existing condition threatens not only the physical environment and the
ecosystem, but also the health and welfare of the local population.

Per the Republic Act 9275 or the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004, PD 198 or the Water District
Law, PD 856 or the Sanitation Code of the Philippines and RA 7160 or the Local Government Code of the
Philippines, all local government units are mandated to pursue a policy for the protection and
preservation of marine waters. In this matter, the local government identified the construction of a
Wastewater Treatment Facility in Ligao City as one of their priority investment projects which will convert
sewage waters into an effluent that can be discharged to bodies of water without danger to human health
or unacceptable damage to the natural environment.

Despite its usefulness and importance, the sight of a wastewater treatment facility is considered
as an ‘eyesore’ or aesthetically unpleasing to most people. Its presence causes people to avoid staying in
places near such facility, thus hindering development. It also causes land and property value to decrease
in its surrounding areas. These circumstances provided the researchers with the opportunity to come up
with a solution to address the current conditions.

Knowledge Gap to be filled

This study aims to come up with a design for a facility that not only treats wastewater effectively
but is also aesthetically pleasing. The researchers intend to move away from the conventional design of
wastewater treatment facilities and combine its functionality with leisure by means of incorporating a
recreational park with the facility to invite people instead of luring them away. Allowing the facility to be
accessible to the public gives chance for the people to be educated on the importance of such facility and
can raise awareness for the protection of the natural environment. Furthermore, having a place such as
this can encourage development in the surrounding areas which can have a positive impact in the growth
of Ligao City. This will help in the protection and preservation of the environment and, at the same time,
provide a place for relaxation and enjoyment.

Main Research Question

What are the design methods, considerations and strategies needed to come up with a design
solution for the Proposed Ligao City Wastewater Treatment Facility and Recreation Park?

Research Design, Methods and Materials

 SETTING OF ANALYSIS AND FORMULATION
PROBLEM IDENTIFYING DATA
GOALS AND INTERPRETATION OF THE DESIGN
DEFINITION RESOURCES GATHERING
OBJECTIVES OF DATA SOLUTION

Most Relevant References

 Principles of Design and Operations of Wastewater Treatment Pond Systems for Plant
Operators, Engineers, and Managers

by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

 Wastewater Treatment and Plant Design

by MWH Global: Water Resources Engineering

 Design Guidelines Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant

by Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District

 Time Saver Standards for Building Types

by Joseph de Chiara and John Challender

Name and Signature of Proponents:

Castillo, Mikel Owen D. Pancipane, Seth Alexis S.

BS Architecture 4A BS Architecture

Date Submitted & Received By:

Ar. Leo A. Del Rosario

Professor