CHAPTER 1 – PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND 1

CHAPTER 1 – PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

INTRODUCTION

Stories are told to inform others, making it spread will keeps stories alive. Performing Arts are story tellers; they keep on showing and telling the audience to

preserve and prolong the existence Culture and Arts of the country for the future generation. At the same time, Theatre Museum represents as a medium in

spreading the stories to the public that keeps on maintaining the stories to be told. Theatres and Museums are important structures that create great impact in the

community and environment. Both have a similar function but in different approach, both are enable to preserve, promote and alleviate the Performing Arts in the

country.

In the Philippines, we have the prehistorical Performing Arts in the form of epic poems at communal gatherings in many mountain tribes. This is exemplified

by the “Hudhud” and the “Alim” epics of the Ifugaos in Central Luzon and the “Ibalon” of the” of the Bicolanos in western Luzon. In the 17 th century, a type of play

“the Moro-Moro” was created. It is staged as a folk play where hundreds of villagers and peasants participate. Moro-Moro dramatizes the victory of Christian

Filipinos over the Moors. Zarzuela, a dramatic, light opera form that has been performed commercially, came from Spain. Newer zarzuelas were written with
[3]
tropical themes and many of them were strongly anti-American or anti-colonial. Another popular music form to the Philippine island is “Kundiman”. It is music that

is a combination of both words and music.  Also popular with Filipinos is folk dancing.  These are Filipino traditions and culture that once become well loved and

appreciate but today seem to become ignored.

CAINDAY, DIZON, NARANJO | PROPOSED PERFORMANCE-BASED THEATRE-MUSEUM FOR PERFORMING

ARTS
 CHAPTER 1 – PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND 2

Theatres are known for live performances that creates a self-contained drama. Whereas, Museums exhibits and cares for important objects and makes

them available for public viewing. Both are meant for communication for public entertainment and appreciation in different approach. Contemporarily, Museums are

increasingly becoming like theatres, their once-staid display cases giving way to extended narratives and elaborate special effects while a theatre has become

more fully a museum. It is being incorporated into an expanding multi-building exhibition that will recount a tale as significant and dramatic as any ever staged.

Theatre and museum was and still an effective medium to promote social awareness, as a means of entertainment, learning and a liberal way to express one’s

opinion.

Buildings are said to be one of the environmental burden imposed in our planet today, since it is responsible for the large consumption of non-renewable resources used in

their construction and operations. One of the most significant contributions that can be made is to reduce the building energy consumption. Today buildings increasingly

sophisticated demands for comfort together with the development of complex building forms and contents, with the resulting growing of energy demand. In relation, the

demand of comfort gaining by the occupants is imbalance to the efficiency performed by the building.

The ecological goal in building design should be to strive for a reduction in the total primary energy needs to a minimum, and ideally down to zero, by using

only renewable resources to control a building’s comfort system, and with the minimal use of constant importing of energy to maintain comfort. By utilizing the

building envelope itself and technological features by controlling artificial cooling, lighting, and other energy importing systems can be minimized, or avoided

altogether. Ideally, a building is a power station in its own right.

This is where Intelligent buildings take place, Intelligent building often used to relate to buildings that may incorporate sophisticated cable management,

flexible and adaptable planning layouts, or complex computer control systems. Professor Walter Kroner of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute claims that many so-

CAINDAY, DIZON, NARANJO | PROPOSED PERFORMANCE-BASED THEATRE-MUSEUM FOR PERFORMING

ARTS
 CHAPTER 1 – PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND 3

[1]
called intelligent buildings are merely ‘electronically enhanced’ architectural forms. Intelligence can be used to improve the performance of the building fabric by

making it more capable, so as to reduce the need for imported energy for heating, cooling, lighting and ventilation. A combination of automatic control and pseudo-

instinctive responses to these varying conditions may serve to improve occupancy conditions and operational efficiency in energy terms, bringing the notion of the

zero energy building closer to reality. The idea of responding to contextual and global issues; in harmony with nature which includes the proper use of natural

resources through integrating intelligent technologies and with concepts such as “smart materials” with an intelligent built form that will respond to the need of the

occupancies.

IB is designed for long-term sustainability and minimal environmental impact through the selection of materials, construction, maintenance and operations

procedures. Using integration and automation this enables to implement solutions that both provide a superior environment and minimize energy. Through the

fulfillment of IB it also creates a productive building circulation through the interaction with its design.

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The word theatre means "place for seeing". The ancient Greeks began formalizing theatre as an art, developing strict definitions of tragedy and comedy as

well as other forms. They also developed the concepts of dramatic criticism, acting as a career, and theatre architecture. From 1300-1750, two major cultural

events took place, this was a period of intense theatrical activity where court theatre reach a high stage of development. The performances may be held in

spacious places before the royalties or in squares in front of ordinary villagers. From 1750 up to the present, theatres continue to develop. Most current day

popular theatre forms, which are performed commercially in public.

CAINDAY, DIZON, NARANJO | PROPOSED PERFORMANCE-BASED THEATRE-MUSEUM FOR PERFORMING

ARTS
 CHAPTER 1 – PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND 4

Museum is as define relationships between life, community, the nation, and the world through the interpretation of objects, experience, and the environment.

Before museums was serve as a private collections of wealthy individuals, families or institutions of art and rare objects and artifacts that are often displayed in

cabinets which are called as cabinets of curiosities or so-called as wild rooms. Before, Public Museums were simply accessible by the middle and upper classes

due to its expensive value of entrance. Over the centuries their functions and role have changed, although at their heart is the preservation and display of

collections. 

The Performing Arts are a means of communication which integrates singing, dancing and arts tradition. Likewise, it played an important role in spreading 20th century

political propaganda. Nationalism and anti-colonialist sentiments were common themes of theater performances in late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Performing Arts have been

historically proven as a very effective means of communication, strengthening of existing bonds between countries through cultural and performing arts exchange and international

festivals.

Moreover, the current situation, Performing Arts in Philippines is being ignored in the country; it is not too valuable with the Filipinos due to the influence of

modernization and globalization especially, the present generation of youth. According to National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) considering the

advances in information and communications technology, there are simply at one’s fingertips the quick transmission of ideas, and news of national and

international events, the socio-political, cultural, and economic conditions of the country and of the world. This situation can either initiate change or create

disillusions. This truly influences the way of thinking and living of every Filipino. Media and information technology therefore have become strong instruments in

beating values and attitudes.

CAINDAY, DIZON, NARANJO | PROPOSED PERFORMANCE-BASED THEATRE-MUSEUM FOR PERFORMING

ARTS
 CHAPTER 1 – PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND 5

According to the study in Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), besides Local Arts Council and the CCP, are basically (1) School-based arts/ Cultural

organizations (2) Socio- civic organizations or Rotary (3) Religious groups (4) Local government units/agencies and (5) Media. The studies shows that, people

inclined with culture and arts are the patron in visiting these structures, ordinary people wouldn’t effort go to places for just a simple reason. As time passes by,

Lack of interest in going to theatres and museums are also being affected by these issues. Moreover, the growth of theatre and museum goers is not consistent.

Based from the interviews conducted by the researchers, the issues and problems encountered by the country such as; economic problems and epidemic

problems, that also affect the concern of the people even local and foreign tourist in allotting a time going to these structures.

Based on the research conducted, it shows that Energy and Environmental performances of the building are certainly an important issue. Theatres and

Museums consume a large amount of energy due to the wide use of excessive lighting systems, sound systems, cooling systems and other technological features.

Today, TM demands for more high-technological features to add more entertainment experience and to feel a different ambiance that is suitable to the show and

the exhibits.

Architecture has a big contribution in influencing the people in their lifestyle and activities. Enables in strengthening the performing arts components at all

levels of the educational system, Designing instruments to measure cultural development. In relation, creating and designing a different structure that is not usual

to the other existing structures, will enable to make the people curious and get interested. Having them experience a sophisticated entertainment experience

through Architecture and with the integration of high-technology, this will surely make them back since they enjoyed at the same time they learned. Such

innovation is a necessary part of the life blood of any society and includes the manifestations of architectural optimism, for architecture is not just the passive

mirror of society but also the molder of culture.

CAINDAY, DIZON, NARANJO | PROPOSED PERFORMANCE-BASED THEATRE-MUSEUM FOR PERFORMING

ARTS
 CHAPTER 1 – PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND 6

The essence and primary function of Theatre and Museum will be incorporated in a single structure. The proposed project will be the first Theatre-Museum

in the Philippines. Instead of a usual watching the performers live, the panoramic theater will be introduced showing different performance just like a normal run of

show. This will add additional drama and will surely entertain and amaze the public since it is a not typically seen the country. Moreover, high-technology

visualization and exhibition of valuable objects and significant collections about Performing Arts of collected will also be the highlight of the proposed project.

Furthermore, integrating intelligence to the TM will enable to minimize its energy consumption through the proper selection of materials and equipments

incorporated to its design but not leaving the quality of entertainment and purpose offered by the building for the occupants.

In relation to the study, the proposed TM will gather together the traditional and current instruments, works and significant performances that will alleviate

the Performing Arts in the Philippines and preserves Filipino Performing Arts; provides deeper understanding and strengthens the people’s awareness of the

integral, artistic expression in performing arts and culture.

A Performance- based Theatre Museum will provide a highly efficient, comfortable and convenient environment by satisfying four fundamental demands:

structure, system, service and management, and optimizing their interrelationship. In view of the fact that Performance-based defines an IB as a building created

to give its users the most efficient environment; at the same time, the building utilizes and manages resources efficiently and minimizes the life costs of hardware

and facilities. Use of advance technologies are the main feature of IB, performance is definitely a key objective of IB.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

CAINDAY, DIZON, NARANJO | PROPOSED PERFORMANCE-BASED THEATRE-MUSEUM FOR PERFORMING
ARTS
 CHAPTER 1 – PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND 7

The main problem of this study is the lack of giving importance to Performing Arts in the country specifically, it attempts to meet the following requirements

and answer the observed problems:

1. The Lack of interest, knowledge and appreciation of the general population especially students towards Performing Arts.

2. The country has a magnificent quality of performing arts but requires more recognition.

3. Theatres and Museums are very conventional in the Philippines.

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

Main:

The primary objective of this study is to promote, preserve and to alleviate the quality of performing arts in the Philippines. Architecturally, it should provide

and design a premier place with the aim of giving the visitors a different entertainment experience integrated with high-technology Theatre Museum features at the

same time it should also be sustainable and energy efficient for its environment.

Specific:

1. To develop an intelligent built environment that will be provide comfort to the users and would not be another environmental burden.

2. To design a TM that could enhance quality of education about performing arts in the Philippines that is has high-technology features that will also

help to boost tourism local and international.

CAINDAY, DIZON, NARANJO | PROPOSED PERFORMANCE-BASED THEATRE-MUSEUM FOR PERFORMING

ARTS
 CHAPTER 1 – PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND 8

3. To create another place of interest that can be more accessible to everyone.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The significance of proposing a Performance-based Theatre Museum as an architectural study is certain. Purposely this study is of great significance to the

following:

1. Performers and Exhibitors. This study will provide them with a more convenient and more suitable ambiance for their exhibits and events.

2. Performing Arts enthusiast. This study will provide them with a different a more comfortable and more enjoyable environment to watch event and for meditating

the exhibits.

3. for the public. This study will provide them a different theater and museum experience that will be more enjoyable, interactive and entertaining.

4. for future researchers. This will serve as a basis for theater and museum planning and as a supplementary knowledge in for conceptualizing a different

approach in theater-museum.

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

CAINDAY, DIZON, NARANJO | PROPOSED PERFORMANCE-BASED THEATRE-MUSEUM FOR PERFORMING

ARTS
 CHAPTER 1 – PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND 9

This study focuses on site analysis and planning, space programming, design conceptualization, design development and architectural planning. The

proposed performance-based Theater-Museum will provide architectural structures, spaces and amenities that will benefit the industry and cater to the needs of

the workers and its public. The study will also provide conceptual ideas on how intelligence will be integrated to the design that would show on how it will make it

an energy efficient Theatre-Museum. The study is limited to Philippines’ culture and arts but focused on Performing Arts.

Since the intension also of the study is to show how intelligence will be integrated to TM. High-Technological features, mechanical, lighting and acoustic controls

which are intended to be visualized will be delimited however, it will be shown through conceptualizations. The study does exclude the basic information needed

for the overall cost and other structural system of this project due to inadequate time for a wide coverage of the project.

OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS

Intelligent building - buildings that may incorporate sophisticated cable management, flexible and adaptable planning layouts, or complex computer control

systems.

Intelligence – high-technology features or intellectual facilities

Performance-based – most efficient building environment

Energy efficient – minimum energy consumption

Sustainable –

CAINDAY, DIZON, NARANJO | PROPOSED PERFORMANCE-BASED THEATRE-MUSEUM FOR PERFORMING

ARTS
 CHAPTER 1 – PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND 10

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

TM – Theatre Museum

IB – Intelligent Building

BAS – Building Automation System

ROI – Return of Investments

NBC – National Building Code

NCR – National Capital Region

NCCA- National Commission for Culture and Arts

CALABARZON – Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon

CCP- Cultural Center of the Philippines

IPAG- Integrated Performing Arts Group

DPPAC- Dance Philippines Performing Arts Company, inc.

END NOTES

CAINDAY, DIZON, NARANJO | PROPOSED PERFORMANCE-BASED THEATRE-MUSEUM FOR PERFORMING

ARTS
 CHAPTER 1 – PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND 11

[1] Kroner, W.M., An intelligent and responsive architecture, Automation in Construction, 200, 1997.

[2] Shengwei, W., Intelligent Buildings and Building Automation, Taylor & Francis e-Library, 2009.

[3] Performing Arts – a means of communication & understanding, Alice Reyes

CAINDAY, DIZON, NARANJO | PROPOSED PERFORMANCE-BASED THEATRE-MUSEUM FOR PERFORMING

ARTS