IMAHINASYON; A Proposed E-Sports Arena and Institute for Animation and Gaming

Development with Recreational Area

CHAPTER I: THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

CHAPTER I

The Problem and Its Background

1.1 Introduction

One can dream about earning tons of money just by playing video games

and representing their country in international competitions. Can this be just a dream for

some people? E-Sports, or competitive video games, is one of the new crops of

sports in this decade. In other countries this is already a reality, but here in the

Philippines, it is still just emerging and our local government has been issuing professional

licenses for our players, and the country also included it as a medal sport in the 30th SEA

Games that we are hosting.

Since the year 2000, competitive video gaming, now known as E-Sports

(Electronic Sports), has become one of the most rapid growing industries in the world.

This influx of global popularity has sparked an interest in spectator viewing either live or

via live broadcasting. While some companies such as Twitchtv, Youtube and nowadays

Facebook Gaming benefit from the internet traffic and monetary earnings from

subscriptions and micro-transactions, companies that work for free with optional pay

options, such as Riot Games (Developer of League of Legends) and Steam (Dota 2) do

not have spectator venues designated for live action viewing.

Electronic sports or E-SPORTS is a competitive video gaming at a professional

level and every year its audience is growing by the tens of millions. Four Hundred Fifty-

four million people is expected to watch E-Sports Events last 2019 and is expected to

grow for another two hundred million in just two years. With the total E-Sports revenue is

expected to hit 1.1 billion dollar in just a year it’s no surprise that there are new multi-

million dollar E-Sports Arena are popping out around the globe. And about fifty-seven

percent of E-Sports biggest enthusiasts are located right here at the Asia Pacific region.

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CHAPTER I: THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

In 2014, 205 million people watched or played eSports. However, eSports did not

always have the popularity it receives nowadays. As Internet-based gaming improved, so

did the popularity of video games and the desire to spectate gaming online and in person.

For example, the 2016 League of Legends (LoL) World Championship, the most popular

eSports tournament, attracted 21,000 live spectators, was broadcasted by over 23 entities

in 18 languages, and garnered 47.7 million unique viewers with a peak concurrent

viewership of 14.7 million people. Moreover, eSports attracts over $500 million in

sponsorships annually, including heavyweights Coca-Cola, Red Bull, Intel, and Nissan.

Furthermore, beyond collegiate club sports, 42 U.S. colleges and universities are

members of the National Association of Collegiate eSports which recognize “varsity”

eSports teams, many of whom are supported by the athletic department and other

scholarships for these “student-athletes.”

The sophisticated talent and creative instinct of Filipino animators make the

Philippines the preferred outsourcing partner of big international production outfits

worldwide. Aside from lower costs of services, big companies rely on us due to our English

proficiency, consistent quality and speed in delivering output, and ability to comprehend

concepts and story lines better than our Asian counterparts. The Philippines has been

providing animation services to the world for over 30 years now.

Santa Rosa, officially the City of Santa Rosa or simply known as Santa Rosa City,

is a 1st class city in the province of Laguna, Philippines. It is the second largest local

government unit in Laguna after Calamba. Santa Rosa was initially known for the Coca-

Cola and Toyota manufacturing plants in its industrial estates. Recently, it has also

become popular for being the site of Enchanted Kingdom, a local theme park; as well as

several housing developments. This city contains the 3rd largest complex in Laguna,

Paseo de Santa Rosa. Santa Rosa became a city by virtue of Republic Act No. 9264,

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Development with Recreational Area
CHAPTER I: THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

which was ratified by its residents on July 10, 2004. Sta. Rosa City, Laguna is one of the

ten cities named as the next hubs for the Information Technology and Business Process

Management (IT-BPM) sector.

Due to lack of facility that would house products in terms of animation, competitive

gaming tournaments and merchandise similar to other BPO’s around the country which

deal with the production, preproduction and the postproduction, the research study

focuses on understanding the growing culture of electronic gaming and animation, develop

an innovative building that will promote the spread of electronic Sports and animation

industry in the Philippines. It will also start a trend of smaller, recognized gaming arenas

for the future growth and evolution of gaming as a spectator sport and in order to solve

the problem for Filipino Animators and Game Developers. The proponent's proposed

study can provide aid to the Philippines in developing its economic status particularly in

Animation, Gaming, Entertainment and Tourism.

1.2 Background of the Study

The IMAHINASYON ARENA is a multifunctional competitive gaming complex that

aims to provide an innovative approach to the increasingly growing culture of competitive

gaming as a live spectator sport, while still addressing the abilities to have live feed

broadcasting and online viewing. The venue will utilize cutting edge 3D projection

technology, with the assistance of a kinetic floor to superimpose a virtual realm that is

created by game designers into physical arena. In doing so, the next evolution of gaming

will be realized by giving the viewers the ability to become part of the virtual worlds they

know and love via game consoles, computers or mobile technologies.

While the video game industry is becoming one of the fastest growing industry in

the world, there is only two spectator venue in the Philippines that have all the components

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CHAPTER I: THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

required to produce a live spectator event, the Mall of Asia Arena and Philippine Arena.

The IMAHINASYON arena will be the first eSports Arena in the Philippines. The advanced

nature of the building, however, makes it capable of producing much more than an E-

Sports event, but a completely interchangeable and adaptable presentation space for

three dimensional viewing and display. The Arena can be utilized as a spectator venue of

any kind, ranging from educational and entertainment to performing arts, etc.

Nowadays, gaming tournaments are being held internationally and Filipino

professional gamers are being invited to compete with other teams or individual for millions

of dollars. In fact, this end of social gathering also took place in the country last June 13,

2016 called the “Manila Major” were 16 teams compete in Dota 2 game for a prize pool of

$3,000,000.

With the growth in demand globally for outsourced animation services, the

opportunity for Philippine animation providers remains high. The country is being given a

lot of positive names lately; the “New Asian Tiger” is one of them. Some of the factors that

led to this is that the Philippines, which accounts for a decent number of percent of the

global animation, competitive video games, and game development market helps in

boosting the increasing number of Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO) in the country.

However, if the Philippine animation industry remains static in the short term, its

share in the global animation market will be easily captured by regional competitors who

are accelerating development at a pace faster than the Philippines. Most notable

competitors are quickly addressing infrastructure, evolving client requirements and

preferences and aligning industry capacity to meet current market demands.

At present, there are several small and medium studios in the country providing

jobs to thousands of animation/gaming professionals directly and indirectly involved in the

field, but this is not enough for the industry to see an increase and a more developed and

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CHAPTER I: THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

higher income-generating revenue for the economy. The business process outsourcing

industry in the Philippines has grown 46% annually since 2006. This boom is led by

demand for lower labor costs, a highly skilled and educated work force, and high

proficiency in speaking English. This triggers that the country needs a facility to the

growing need for IT-BPO buildings.

According to the CLUP of Sta. Rosa City, the future of the City’s land area will

practically become one that is wholly occupied by urban uses, namely, residential,

commercial, institutional, industrial, tourism and infrastructural uses. This means that

agricultural and idle lands shall have been converted to the more profitable urban land

uses on account of the city’s rapid urbanization and its role as a “new town” close to Metro

Manila. Although the city is considered the fast-urbanizing settlement close to Metro

Manila, the city is prone to natural calamities like flood to be more specific.

1.3 Significance of the Study

Through this study, the proposed Arena and Institute will boost and improve the

industry of the city of Sta. Rosa and will serve as a gateway in order for Filipinos to

advance. It will also benefit the following:

To aspiring Filipino Game Animators, the country will be able to offer them the right

knowledge and guidance to maximize their potentials as animators.

To the Filipino Gamer Professionals, the proposal will provide facilities that will

help to further develop their skills and talents.

To the community members of Sta. Rosa, the proposed project will provide more

job opportunities, to people who want a job related to their hobbies to be more specific.

Improving their way of life and prospering their economic growth will be endowed to the

locality. The study will deliberately use principles and approaches that will also improve

the environment and prevent natural phenomena. .

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CHAPTER I: THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

To the future users of the proposed stadium and institute, the study will provide a

fully facilitated stadium and institution.

To the future researchers may use the data and information for their related

studies. This study will contribute to share important details pertaining to mixed-use

developments and application to the design proper. This study can be a tool for

researchers to improve the city of Sta. Rosa.

1.4 Objectives of the Study

The objectives of the study are sectioned into two parts such as the project

objectives and the design objectives. This matter is presented for readers to perceive why

the study is conducted.

1.4.1 Project Objectives

The aim of the work construed in this paper is to establish a fully facilitated stadium

and institution that will support Filipino Animators and Professional Gamers. The study

objectives include:

1.4.1.1 To promote the Philippines’ eSports and animation industry enticing

foreign and local business investors.

1.4.1.2 To accommodate international and local events pertaining to gaming.

1.4.1.3 To cope up with the country’s market share in the gaming industry

1.4.1.4 To constitute job opportunities for the people of Sta. Rosa City,

Laguna.

1.4.1.5 To cope up with the continuous popping up of eSports-specific venues

around the world and to promote our local talents when it comes to

competitive gaming and animation industry.

1.4.1.6 To Increase production of talents that will boost the nation’s field of

entertainment.

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1.4.2 Design Objectives

The study is intended to provide an advanced approach in implementing design

applications that will result to an efficient stadium and institute. The following objectives

include provident considerations and goals to be accomplished:

1.4.2.1 To preserve the natural landscape of the site.

1.4.2.2 To incorporate the local climate and indigenous materials that can be

found in the site.

1.4.2.3 To promote rich culture of the city of Sta. Rosa and create a distinct

character in architecture.

1.4.2.4 To provide efficient spaces for the future occupants of the stadium and

institute.

1.4.2.5 To develop and utilize a design where new technologies can be

adopted such as cutting edge 3D projection technology.

1.4.2.6 To set specialized standards for stadium and institute that will help

promote the city of Sta. Rosa.

1.5 Statement of the Problem

The proponent came up with the idea of having ESports Arena and Studio for

Animation and Game development to provide the proper facility that gaming professionals

and Animators are lacking in order to improve and to accommodate local and international

events.

1.5.1 Major Problems

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CHAPTER I: THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

1.5.1.1 What is the best and suitable design concepts for the proposed

arena and studio that attends the needs of Filipino Professional

Gamers and Animators?

1.5.1.2 What architectural approach would be the best fit in the proposed

stadium and institute?

1.5.1.3 What will be the effect of this proposal in the country’s industry

more specifically in Sta. Rosa City?

1.5.1.4 What would be the effects of this development in the current city

planning of Sta. Rosa City?

1.5.1.5 How will the society specifically the old generation accept the

proposed stadium and institute?

1.5.2 Minor Problems

1.5.2.1 Aside from competitive tournaments, what are the other use that

the stadium/facility can offer?

1.5.2.2 What are the effects of the structure design and plans to its

environment and to people near the vicinity?

1.5.2.3 How long will it take to have return of investment in the project?

1.6 Theoretical Framework

“Recognizing the need is the primary condition for design.

– Charles Eames

“As an architect you design for the present, with an awareness of the past, for a

future which is essentially unknown.”

– Norman Foster

Architecture is a design process generating solutions to existing and future

problems with consideration of the history of the area. One should design creating a

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distinct recognition of the area and the current time. The design should be timeless.

People should describe the place through their experience on the building/structure itself.

This is the most genuine and sincere description building could receive.

1.7 Conceptual Framework

Problems Encountered Principles of Green Buildings

Major Problems: 1. Site and its surroundings

1. Design Approach 2. Energy Efficiency
2. Factors that Affects 3. Water Efficiency
the Proposed Project 4. Material Efficiency
3. Related Industries 5. Indoor Air Quality
4. Planning Strategies 6. Waste Reduction
5. Effects of the 7. Low maintenance costs
Proposed Project

Minor Problems:
1. Ways of Re-
Design Concept: Proposed ESports Arena
establishing the city
\

2. Competitive Similar with Studio for Animation

Modern Filipino and Gaming development
Attractions
3. Amenities Needed Architecture, Modern in Sta, Rosa City, Laguna
Industrial
Architecture

Input Process Output

Figure 1.0 Conceptual Paradigm

The Gaming Industry is without no doubt one of the top rising industry worlwide.

The multifunctional competitive gaming complex will help the country to make bold move

to increase the industries popularity within it. Establishing Mixed-Use development in Sta.

Rosa, the designer will cater an ESports Stadium that will improve the given potential of

the city in attracting local and foreign investors.

1.8 Scope and Limitation

The study focuses on the proposed commercial hub which includes physical,

environmental, social and economic aspect of the project.

This study comprises the following:

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Development with Recreational Area
CHAPTER I: THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

1. Architectural Planning and Design

2. Site Planning

3. Economic Feasibility Study of Development

4. Project Cost and Return of Investment

The scopes of the development of the project are the following:

1. ESports Arena

2. Gamer Gallery

3. Training Facility

4. Animation and Gaming development Studio

5. Administration Building

Delimitations

The proponent focused her study on the architectural aspects, but utilized vital

facts so that it supported the concept or as required. This study was limited on details

regarding engineering works such as detailed mechanical, electrical, structural, seismic

analysis on the reaction of the structure to earthquake, plumbing, sanitary designs, and

specifications writing of materials used unless supporting details were provided to support

the design concept.

1.9 Definition of Terms

The findings of this study were applied in a practical manner as a guide for

designing the proposed commercial hub. Prior to a review of the literature relevant to the

research and design project, definitions are provided for several key terms that are used

throughout this thesis.

The following terms are conceptually or operationally defined to enhance the

understanding of the readers of this study.

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Amenity. According to Webster, it is the pleasant or normally satisfactory aspects of a

location which contribute to its overall character and enjoyment of residents or

visitors.

Block Plans. It is a plan showing position of any existing and/or proposed buildings within

a site as a whole. Site levels may also be shown on this plan.

Business District. A central business district (CBD) is the commercial and business

centre of a city. In larger cities, it is often synonymous with the city's "financial

district".

Business Process Outsourcing. It is the delegation of one or more IT-intensive business

processes to an external provider that, in turn, owns, administrates and manages

the selected processes based on defined and measurable performance metrics.

Cost-Efficient. It refers to a measure of how effectively parallel computing can be used

to solve a particular problem as defined by Webster.

Departure. It is a proposed development which in not in accordance with the local plan.

Development. It is the carrying out of building, engineering, mining or other operations in,

on, over or under land, or the making of any material change of use of any buildings

or land.

Development Plan. The Development Plan sets out our policies for the development and

use of land within the City. This includes the Structure Plan and the Local Plan,

both of which are important when determining planning applications.

ESports. A form of competition sports using video games. Esports often takes the form of

organized, multiplayer video game competitions, particularly between professional

players, individually or as teams

Energy-Efficient. It is the goal to reduce the amount of energy required to provide

products and services.

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Green Building. It refers to a structure and using process that is environmentally

responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle.

Hierarchy of Development. It is a planning application submitted to the authority will fall

into one of three tiers of decision making. Applications will either be classed as

local, major or national developments. The level chosen is related to the scale and

significance of the development.

Hub. It is the central and most active part or place.

Interactive Architecture. It can be defined as the total integration of the disciplines of

interaction design and architecture

Infrastructure. They are permanent resources serving society's needs, including roads,

sewers, schools, hospitals, railways etc.

Land Use. It is the human use of land. Land use involves the management and

modification of natural environment or wilderness into built environment such as

settlements and semi-natural habitats such as arable fields, pastures, and

managed woods.

Local Development. These are applications classed as 'local' will normally be determined

under delegated powers given to case officers.

Mixed-use Development. It is any urban, suburban or village development, or even a

single building, that blends a combination of residential, commercial, cultural,

institutional, or industrial uses, where those functions are physically and

functionally integrated, and that provides pedestrian connections.

New Urbanism. It promotes the creation and restoration of diverse, walkable, compact,

vibrant, mixed-use communities composed of the same components as

conventional development, but assembled in a more integrated fashion, in the form

of complete communities.

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Townscape. This is the appearance and character of buildings and all other features of

an urban area taken together as a whole.

Urban Regeneration. It is the reuse or redevelopment of decaying or rundown parts of

older urban areas to bring them new life and economic vitality.

Zoning. It relates to the division of an area into zones, as to restrict the number and types

of buildings and their uses.

1.10 Acronyms

BPO – Business Processing Unit

CBD – Central Business District

CLUDP – Comprehensive Land Use and Development Plan

DENR – Department of Environment and Natural Resources

DILG – Department Interior and Local Government

DOTC – Department of Transportation and Communication

DTI – Department of Trade and Industry

FAR – Floor Area Ratio

IT – Information Technology

LIIP – Laguna International Industrial Park

MPDC – Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator

MPDO – Municipal Planning Development Office

NEDA – National Economic Development Authority

PEZA – Philippine Economic Zone Authority

ESPORTS – Electronic Sports

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