Quezon City Sci-Tech Musem

A Symbol for Economic Advancement

A Thesis Proposal Submitted to

the College of Architecture
University of Santo Tomas

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements
for the Degree of
Bachelor of Science in Architecture

JOBRIEL JUNIFEN G. GAUUAN

5AR – 3

MARCH 2013

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25 February 2013

Archt. John Joseph T. Fernandez

Dean
College of Architecture
University of Santo Tomas
España, Manila

Dear Archt. Fernandez,

I have the honor to submit my thesis proposal entitled, „National Museum of
Science: Green Museum‟ as a partial requirement for the degree of Bachelor of
Science in Architecture. The project intends to provide a wide-ranging facility and
center for interactive learning of the different fields of sciences.
a. To raise the Scientific literacy of awareness and perception in an expressive and
fun way by creating and relating interactive related educational and recreational
exhibits and facilities.
b. To help improve society of the nation by delving them into a world of knowledge
and wisdom.
c. To encourage the competitiveness of the Philippines with other countries involving
new ideas & innovations in the field of physics, chemistry, biology, ecology,
mathematics, agriculture, architecture & engineering &sustainability.
Upon the approval of this proposal, it is understood that I shall proceed with
the research work and submit it on designated date. Justification and other
requirements for the proposal are included herewith

Respectfully,

Jobriel Junifen G. Gauuan

5AR-6

Endorsed by:

Archt. Clarissa L. Avendaño

Thesis Adviser

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 Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Introduction

Science is the key to the advancement of any nation. This is clearly evident in

today‟s age. We are in the Space Age wherein the economy is mainly driven and heavily

influenced by scientific discoveries and innovations. By attaining this level of wisdom,

we now apply these discoveries to our most basic needs such as food, shelter,

transportation and social life. A good example of this would be the discovery of radio

waves. Since the discovery of the radio waves, there was an immediate frenzy of

curiosity and interest that sparked in the human world. Not long after, inspired scientists

realized the innovative potential and practical use of using radio waves for human

welfare. With its discovery, radio waves spawned a chain reaction wherein its scientific

nature was applied to human usage, i.e. the invention of radio-telecommunications, where

it solved the age old problem of wireless communication through vast distances, thus

paving the way for inventions like the Radio, RADAR, Remote control, Telephones,

Cellular phones, Cable Television Etc.

This grand phenomena is not entirely exclusive, it could also be applied to all

fields where there is discovery. One only needs a spark of curiosity and creativity to

achieve greatness. The point to make is that science is the system that elevates people to

overcome the most basic humanistic problems like diseases, poverty, overpopulation,

economic woes, and climate change, all of which contribute to the negation of human

worth. That being said, we now have the wisdom and capability of understanding the

problems in hand, and to come up with logical solutions to solve them.

The effect of this phenomenon was profoundly beneficial to the world and to

nations. With technological innovations based on human needs and scientific

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development, there was a boom in international and local Commerce. Countries were

able to interact and transact with other countries with relative ease. During the mid19th

century, Globalization and Industrialization became a great trend which greatly

developed the wealth, success, quality of life in many countries. Europe became a center

for progress, and innovations for it housed and nurtured the leading intellectual minds

that would make the world a better place. Such minds were the likes of Albert Einstein &

Nikola Tesla.

In today‟s age, the Industry and Economy are the foundations of all nations and

communities. It is one of the most important components of a nation. A vastly wealthy

and developed economy is synonymous to a 1st class country. But the problem is that

there are still many underdeveloped countries that are impoverished, particularly the

Philippines. Clearly what the nation ought to do is develop its economy in the same way

that sparked Globalization and Industrialization in Europe & North America. The nation

needs to emphasize in scientific education and nurturing to create globally competent

professionals that will pave the way for development. The nation needs dreamers who

dream big and think of new ideas that would greatly contribute to agriculture,

engineering, architecture, medicine, space exploration Etc. Curiosity, Reason, and

Intellect must be cultivated in every citizen, especially the youth, for these are the

fundamental qualities that will ultimately shape the nation.

1.2 Background

The growth of a nation is determined by its economy, society and the amount of

resources. The Philippines is classified as a developing country and is ranked as 40 th

largest economy in the world by the IMF (International Monetary Fund).Goldman

Sachs estimates that by the year 2050, the Philippines will become the 14th largest

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economy in the world. It is very rich in natural resources. But it is not devoid of

problems. Currently the Philippines is plagued by basic 3rd world issues such as, poverty,

high unemployment rate, slow creation of job opportunities, relatively high scientific

illiteracy rate, uneven distribution of wealth, and a declining habitat. The quality of life

index in the country is undesirable. It is ranked 44th out of 111 nations in terms health,

family life, community life, material well being, safety, security, political freedom and

gender equality.

All of these issues are all bounded together by the economy, for its dull and

stagnant state. What the country needs is a boost in competitive spirit when it comes to

capital goods and services. This can be attained by guiding the people in to the right

direction. Museums and learning centers are highly social and economic symbols, it

sparks a great deal of interest from the public given that it is established in a highly

urbanized area where trade and commerce is at its zenith. These types of infrastructures,

give a sense relief to people who have problems or find it difficult to appreciate learning

new ideas and concepts. Museums offer a recreational and fun experience to the people,

unlike in schools where a student is at a constant strain to cram in and learn new things.

This is somewhat a subtle learning versus forced learning situation. By offering a totally

new museum experience, it will spawn a new paradigm in the way, social people find

recreation. Society will no longer delve into unproductive activities that doesn't offer new

learning experiences. With this notion, it will form the epitome of the human culture - a

smart, knowledgeable, creative and logical thinker who is ready to face the world and

compete with other great minds. And with this advancement, all the pieces of the puzzles

on how to progress the nation, through the economy, will be in place.

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1.3 Statement of the problem

In the Philippines there is a clear sign of deficiency in scientific literacy. This is

evident by observing the current state of our economy, society and life quality index.

Science & Technology education is not well taught and emphasized to the Learning

Youth, and in turn become creatively stagnant and dependent. The economy relies mainly

on investing in foreign entities to provide them the needs of the country i.e. car industries,

train industries, information and technology industries, medical and pharmaceutical

industries Etc. This problem directly correlates to the science literacy level of the

Philippines, for science and technological innovations is what drives the economy i.e. the

invention of smart, efficient, flexible, beautiful, and top of the line products. Therefore

low technical and technological capacity means low possibilities of industrial

innovations, meaning less money to help the nation, particularly the impoverished.

Ultimately, the goal of the project create a national symbol that will develop

industrially adept and smart citizens which would lead to strong companies and local

government units, which can advance new ideas and innovations in the business

industries, create new export markets, enlarge our economic foundations and make our

economy more globally competent. Also, the goal is to cultivate the suppressed and

untapped capabilities of the Filipino culture and ingenuity.

Corporations, Firms, Government Units, and Institutions alike must develop and

learn new, significant technical capabilities and attain management wisdom, for these are

the traits required for global expansion and competition. All of these entities should

emphasize the Innovation Economy ideology wherein knowledge, technology,

entrepreneurship and innovation are the core principles to develop and follow.

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 Basically the industry of the Philippines is fundamentally stagnant. The country

has no marketability with Capital Goods. And this is to the local and international scale.

Industries in the country are very dependent upon the discoveries and innovations of

other nations. This problem also inflicts the government units. Instead of investing more

on local and national product developments, the country rather invests its resources in

exports from foreign industries. This in no way helps the development of the country‟s

economy, for it promotes colonial mentality and negates the optimum GDP & GNP

advancement.

Foreign industries and companies, eliminate the room for local business

competition, thus eliminating the interests of the country‟s inventive and innovative

force. For all we need to do is buy foreign products to meet our needs instead of

developing our own to save money and help ourselves. Therefore all the great Filipino

minds of our country are suppressed and are forced to give away their ideas to the big

industries that are controlling the economy. Our job as a nation requires the economy to

fight back and reach the level of its competitors.

The project calls for the establishment of a world class Science & technology

Museum that will be one of the most socially symbolic, technologically advanced,

recreational and learning center in the Philippines. It will be one of the most globally

competent and iconic landmarks in the world and will pave the way for future

developments regarding architecture, business, and foreign and local tourism.

1.4 Project Objectives

1. To provide a Science & Technology Museum that will house innovative, smart,

unique, interactive science and technology exhibits, forums and activities that will

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promote Museum Learning Centers as the best alternative for gaining inspiration,

recreation, learning and the advancing Scientific Literacy.

2. To provide a Science & Technology Museum that will stimulate Economic

Growth through its promotion of science and technology learning to ignite a creative and

innovative spark among the future generations because in the world industry today,

innovation, particularly technological innovation in Engineering, Architecture,

Information Technology, Agriculture Etc. heavily influences the state and development

of a nation‟s economy.

3. To provide a Science & Technology Museum that will serve as an iconic

Architectural example that will mark the advancement of the technological capabilities,

engineering capabilities, economic capabilities and social development capabilities of the

country, especially in metro manila.

4. To provide a Science & Technology Museum that will promote Foreign &

Local tourism to expand economic and social growth in the country. The project will

promote the Philippines to the world as an internationally competent tourist site that will

create more job opportunities for the local people.

1.5 Significance of the Study

Designing a center for science and technology has many benefits. Firstly it creates

a stepping stone for excellence in the learning field of mathematics, science and art.

These tools and traits are exceptional and essential to the development of a nation. It

creates a spark for innovation in inventions. The project will have a great impact in the

Philippines regarding its socio economic status, population literacy status, and

environmental status.

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 In a social aspect, the project could very well enhance the lifestyle of all Filipino

citizens and improve the Quality of Life Index of the nation. The project aims to

prioritize the endorsement of learning science and how important it is and how it affects

everything in our lives. In turn, the project will enhance the lives of every person in the

country via synergy through the sharing of ideas and innovations.

One of the main goals of the Science & Technology Museum will be the

stimulation of the creativeness and inventive spirit of each individual, especially the

coming generations. The imbedding of a grand system of ideology in their lives that will

help them shape and configure of a perfect future economy. This is what is truly

important out of all the aforementioned objectives. Training people, rehabilitating people

and inspiring people into becoming 1st class human thinkers is all that is truly important.

The significance of the study accentuates on the social and humanistic aspect of

the nation. The nature of the museum works in synergy with the environmental and urban

development of city and the nation. It will aid in increasing the legacy of the city and

nation as an intellectual and commercial center with the likes of a Bilbao Effect.

Wherein, one success leads to another i.e. grand-symbolic structure leads to notoriety,

notoriety leads to tourism, tourism leads to increased job opportunities, and increased job

opportunities leads to economic development.

1.6 Scope & Delimitation

The study amasses with extensive information gathered, particularly starting with

the different types of museums, science centers and exhibition centers both on the local

and international prospect. Through the case studies of these various examples of

structures the researcher will be able to establish its parameters on the design and

functions of the proposed project.

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 All the necessary facilities and spaces which support the functionality of the

Science Museum such as, Museum exhibits, Offices, Digital auditoriums and commercial

areas are also being studied by the researcher. Further analysis of the site such as

microanalysis of the city, weather patterns, efficient road pathways and the immediate

environment are also taken into considerable studies.

Architectural & Technological innovations that will optimize the design of the

project will also be extensively studied, such as Green Technologies and top of the line

Informative Gadgetry, because it will pave the way for the latest trend in Modern Design,

and because in today‟s economy, technological innovations are what drive the economy

and society of a nation to higher echelons. Also we should consider that Sustainable

Architectural Design is the only pathway towards the salvation of the environment and

our species.

1.7 Definition of Terms

Bilbao Effect - The exponential creation, appreciation, growth and development of

different kinds of economies in particular place, brought about by the establishment of an

iconic architectural structure.

Exhibits - Objects or collection of objects and specimens exhibited to the public

Humanistic - Of or pertaining to a philosophy asserting human dignity and man's

capacity for fulfillment through reason and scientific method

Industrialization - The organized action of making of goods and services for sale

Innovation - The act of innovating; introduction of new things or methods.

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Globalization - The process enabling financial and investment markets to operate

internationally, largely as a result of deregulation and improved communications

Green Architecture - is an approach to building that minimizes harmful effects on

human health and the environment. The "green" architect or designer attempts to

safeguard air, water, and earth by choosing eco-friendly building materials and

construction practices.

Paradigm - A set of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices that constitutes a way

of viewing reality for the community that shares them, especially in an intellectual

discipline.

Quality of Life Index - is a international rating systems of countries based on results

of subjective life-satisfaction surveys to the objective determinants of quality of life

across countries.

Reason - is the capacity for consciously making sense of things, for establishing and

verifying facts, and changing or justifying practices, institutions, and beliefs based on

new or existing information.

Science - is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of

testable explanations and predictions about the universe.

Scientific Literacy - encompasses written, numerical, and digital literacy as they pertain

to understanding science, its methodology, observations, and theories.

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 Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature

2.1 Chapter Overview

This chapter focuses on all the important topics that will be taken into

consideration. This will deliver discernment on all issues that need to be solved and all

the numerous factors that are directly related to the project.

2.2 How Science Influences humanity

The progress of the human race throughout the millennia, owes a great deal of

debt to Science. The majority of people may not know it but science greatly influences

virtually all of our day to day activities. Back in the dark ages when people had no

electricity and no knowledge of the natural world, civilizations invented deities and

entities to fill in their gap of knowledge about natural phenomena. Surely it consoled

their intellectual need but all of that was entirely illusory. Eventually the civilizations

found out that explaining the unknown by means of positing a deities and demons did not

help them through crises, especially when there were outbreak of diseases. Those people

eventually stopped acting superstitious and formulated a system that used observation

and empirical evidence to solve problems and mysteries that haunted them, thus the birth

of Science.

In the modern age, Science practically controls every aspect of our lives, mainly

by its applications in the field of Architecture, Engineering, Medicine Etc. From the

clothes we wear, to the food we eat, to the decisions we make, everything has science

stamped on it. Technologies are what keeps humans sane for it gives purpose to their

lives, which is reflected upon their dreams and aspirations. It has now become the core of

the world economy, wherein the progress of nations heavily rely on discoveries and

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technological innovations. Science & Technology elevate humanity in countless ways, it

has the power of solving all known problems and issues the world could possibly create,

and it will continue to influence human activities up until it reaches the zenith of

development.

2.3 Impacts of Science & Technology Centers/ Museums

Studies have demonstrated that the construction of Science & Technology centers

have a wide effect on the society, economy and the human psyche. This is especially

evident when these learning centers are built up to be symbolic works of art &

engineering in widely recognized, urban areas. Such areas where Science & Technology

centers have great effect are as follows:

1. Science centers and their influence on careers

There are very few studies of the effect that science centers have on students‟

career choice. Woolnough (1994) showed that extracurricular science activities

encouraged students to study science at school and to pursue science careers.

Coventry (1997) surveyed university students. She found that 80% of students

studying for science-based careers had visited the science center in Perth, Australia at

least once whereas 64% of students who were not studying for science-based careers

had visited Scitech. Similar findings were made by Salmi (2000) in Finland. There is

evidence that youth programs in science centers have encouraged participants to

pursue careers in science teaching (Siegel 1998).

2.The societal impact of science centers

Witschey (2001) writes of the Science Center of Virginia as „the power house

of the community‟ and describes a rich array of partnerships and programs that the

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Museum undertakes with its community. This is undoubtedly the case in many

communities that are served by science centers.

The St. Louis Science Center runs a Youth Exploring Science (YES!) program

in which the-Science Center works with Job Training groups to provide a year round

work-based training program. Science centers increase tourism to their local area.

They run youth employment and volunteer schemes. They support local clubs and

societies. They develop special programs for the elderly and for people with

disabilities. They are involved with environmental rehabilitation and they affect the

roads, parking and transport systems in their area.

Lipardi (1997) describes how the Città della Scienza works with local

councils, firms and research centres in order to enhance the development potential of

a geographical area, with particular emphasis on the development of local industry.

However, although science centers have put many programs in place that

benefit society, on the whole, they have not developed the methodology to measure

the impact that they have at a societal level. Sheppard (2000) makes a strong plea that

they should do so: „As museums engage more substantially in building social capital

and partnering in their communities, they need strong, effective evaluation

methodology to measure their work. Anecdotal information suggests that community

outreach may be transforming both museums and the communities they serve. To

support further investment in community partnership, however, museums and their

publics need to test such assumptions through consistent and methodical research.

Museums have many stakeholders to convince, from their own board and governance

to public and private funders and ultimately the public that chooses to engage in the

rich programs they offer‟.

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3. The political impact of science centers

Science centers have, understandably, not published reports about the ways

they have/ have not been able to influence government. They do not necessarily want

to publicize the means they use to gain government support. However we can

question whether it would be useful for science centers to share case studies and

stories of success and failure in this area. Perhaps there are some strategies being used

by some science centers that could usefully be implemented or adapted by others.

4. The economic impact of science centers

During the past few years, a few science centers have calculated their impact

on the local community in terms of the extra money brought into the community by

visitors to the science center and extra jobs created by the science center.

For example Greene writes, „For every pound sterling spent by visitors at the

museum (The Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester), twelve pounds is

spent elsewhere in the local economy. With 300,000 visitors spending £1.5 million in

2000, the contribution to the prosperity of the region was £18 million. To this can be

added the goods and services purchased by the Museum from local business, the

employment of 120 people, and the investment in new exhibitions and building work.‟

(Greene 2001)

2.4 Importance Scientific Literacy

Scientific Literacy has become an internationally well-recognized enlightening

catchphrase, and present-day enlightening objective. Scientific literacy “stands for what

the general public ought to know about science” (Durant, 1993), and “commonly implies

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an appreciation of the nature, aims, and general limitations of science, coupled with some

understanding of the more important scientific ideas” (Jenkins, 1994).

The term is usually regarded as being tantamount with “public understanding of

science,” and while “scientific literacy” is used in the United States. It is, however,

generally accepted that the deceptively simple conceptualization of scientific literacy just

described masks different meanings and interpretations associated with the concept of

scientific literacy because of, for example, different views of what the public ought to

know about science and who “the public” is.

But regardless of the arbitrary definitions of the term, caused by educational gaps

between contrasting societies, there still remains the one truthful and important meaning

of Scientific Literacy it is the currency of the present and the coming generations of men

(Angier, 2007). It is the grower of human cognitive development. It is the thing that

makes people smarter, more aware of their environment, more in tune with the universe.

In a philosophical stand point. But in realistic application, Scientific Literacy is the

interlinking factor of all humans on earth. It binds nations together through scientific

discoveries empowered by international bodies, for the betterment of mankind. It is the

one aspect of mankind that is not subject to bias and prejudice for Scientific Literacy is

founded upon the principles of a systematic method of experiments and knowledge. It is

important for it is the culture of humanity as a whole.

2.5 Sustainable/ Green Design

Sustainable/ Green design is a key aspect of intelligent planning and it wishes to

utilize and maximize the quality of the built environment while completely negating and

eliminating the negative influences to the environment. It is an important philosophy that

not only promotes considerate usage and utilization of resources, but also develops the

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current state of the resource or environment (Mclennan, 2007). Sustainable design offers

high levels of resource efficiency, including transportation and energy use in building

materials.

The fundamental elements that can be derived from sustainable design are

renewable energy use, water conservation and gray-water reuse, habitat preservation and

restoration and healthy and productive indoor environments for people, to name a few.

Sustainable design ultimately covers and considers the big picture in planning. One of the

most rewarding things about sustainable design is its flawless and unnoticeable

integration with the space. It is like no person could ever tell that a structure or a house

implores sustainable design if it is applied to perfection. Sustainable design succeeds in

bringing symmetry and balance to application of technology with the resources.

2.6 Biophilic Landscaping

Landscape design is one of the areas where Biophilic design can make a wide

impact on a global scale. It excels in relation to the climatic changes. As people and

animals migrate from one region to another, it is wise to develop and nurture their

surrounding environment. Migration translates into huge ecological disruptions as

organism encounter places that are foreign to them. That is why it is important to make

the organism feel at home and be comfortable with his/her surroundings.

In relation to museum design, it is beneficial to the users to not only create a

landscape or environment that suits them physically, but rather, the environment should

suit them both physically and mentally. In a sense, there must be a balance and

compromise between setting the environment and the theme of the environment.

Landscape design also has the ability to blend in together some of the disembodied

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elements that has occurred due to urban sprawl. (Lefroy,1999). This in turn can help in

the site development and planning of the close vicinity of a proposed project site.

2.7 Effective Museum

A Museum‟s worth and success as a structure is not solely based on the extensive

arrangement of functional spaces, and the extravagant aesthetic character of its interior &

exterior, but rather, it is greatly based on the balance between the two. What a great

architectural characteristic of a museum has to offer is the preserving the fine line in

between Functional Based Architecture and Aesthetic Based Architecture (Visser, 2011).

As expounded by Visser, the aesthetic properties have to work in synchrony with

the function of the building. For example, in exhibits, not only must there be a logical

flow of movement and pattern in the spaces but it must be complemented with interactive

and surreal interior decorative environment. These two characters should work together

to relieve the viewer of the exhibit, of their monotonous and daily perception of life by

transporting them to a new world to liven up their imagination (Visser, 2011)

Also, a good Museum should be accessible and look accessible. With that notion,

a good museum must be interactive with the user and must emit a positive vibe. The user

should not be hassled with the interior design of the structure wherein he/she becomes

confused on whether some parts of the exhibits are accessible and walk-able. The

Museum‟s plan should be inviting and the flow should effortlessly guide and nurture the

viewers of the exhibit. In summary, the plans should be extremely sound and flawless.

With everything taken into consideration, the establishment of an Interactive

Science Museum would ultimately bridge the gap between the progression of the nation‟s

economy, society and industry, to its crowning level. Science, with all its majesty, helps

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the nation in achieving its ultimate goals. As emphasized by the famous scientific

journalist Natalie Angier in her book “The Canon”, Scientific Literacy is the Currency of

the present and of the coming age.

2.8 Case Studies

2.8.1 Thinktank, the Birmingham Museum of Science and Discovery, UK.

The Thinktank, the Birmingham Museum of Science and Discovery is a

science centre located in the United Kingdom, which promotes the public

understanding and appreciation of science, technology and history. The objectives of

the project was to employ the very best faculties and activities in museum

understanding that would easily relate to the modern day society. The reason for

developing the Birmingham Museum of Science and Discovery was to explore all the

relevant and profound features of the technology, industry and science, social history

and natural history collections, to provide sound environment for learning and

recreation. The existing collections at the „Museum of Science and Industry‟ in

Newhall Street, had a display area of about 6,000 square metres. It was replaced by

the Thinktank exhibition with an increased display area of 9,000square metres.

The main distinguishing character of the museum exhibits is that it is full of high

tech and fun equipment and they are interactive-based. Objects and interactive forms are

adopted to explore and interpret ideas concerning science and technology. The interactive

exhibits provide hands-on tools and facilities to give visitors more experience with the

exhibits. One example of the interactive elements of the museum is the „Future‟ and

„Showcase‟ exhibitions, wherein audio-visual media are used to reflect contemporary

science and its relevance to humanity. The interactive exhibits basically give an insight to

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the benefits and achievements of mankind with the help of science and technology.

Another example would be the „Water Lock‟, wherein it uses small scale objects (e.g.

fans, boats, pumps) to show how the wind is used to power boats

2.8.2 Taipei Astronomical Museum, Taipei, Taiwan.

The Taipei Astronomical Museum is situated in the north of Taipei City. The

goal and mission of the museum is to act as a bridge between astronomy and society,

allowing the public to learn more about astronomical science.

The museum‟s exhibition function is one which promotes an understanding of

the history, technology and theory of astronomy. The first phase of exhibition

planning and design was started in 1991. The museum exhibitions present the history

and theory of astronomical science, with models and explanations provided by

storyboards. The exhibition provides a learning environment and encourages

participation and involvement in the exhibits which meet the highest needs and

expectations of visitors.

The displays are generally not changed very often, but the special display

room and many small theatres regularly change their displays to show featured

constellations or stage special themes and displays. The exhibitions were designed on

an interactive basis. The interactive exhibits used computer displays, and film

projection which attempted to create a live-performance opportunity for the museum

visitors. The purpose of the 7 Taipei Astronomical Museum was its educational

function, which was more important than entertainment.

The objectives of the Taipei Astronomical Museum are listed below:

(1) To be educative: The purpose of the museum is to achieve an educative approach.

Many exhibitions are interactive in form to provide hands-on activities and enable the

visitor to learn.

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(2) To be attractive and fun: The museum attempts to show how astronomical science

is defined and used by scientist and astronomers. The exhibitions were also planned to

provide features which allow the visitor to explore many aspects of astronomical

history and theory through interesting content and forms. However, learning science

should also be fun and the visitors are made to feel a part of the exhibits. A major

exhibition objective, therefore, is to attract the intended audience.

(3) To encourage visitors to participate in the exhibitions: All the exhibitions in the

museum are designed to attract visitors to take part in the museum‟s activities. The

exhibitions use digital technology, graphics and 3-dimensional models to encourage

the visitor to participate in the exhibitions. Through using the exhibition programs,

mechanical objects, digital computer-controlled systems and other hands-on objects,

the visitors are encouraged to think about all sorts of scientific problems.

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 Chapter 3: Research Methodology

For the study, the project will require all the different research techniques and

methodologies to further polish and make the project sound and scientific. For the benefit

of the research, the researcher will use the more practical and logical approaches in data

gathering to better understand the project implications.

One method used in the study involves the historical method wherein extensive

studies and data gathering from of bodies or entities related to the project such as

National Museum of the Philippines, National Commission for Culture and the Arts,

Science Education Institute of the Philippines, Department of Education (DepEd),

National Statistics Office (NSO) and Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The made use of the descriptive method wherein ocular inspection, which

involves firsthand observations and photo documentation of current conditions present at

the site, and the researcher shall visit bodies or entities, such as the National Museum of

the Philippines, The Mind Museum and the Science Education Institute, that could

fundamentally help in the development of the study regarding the feasibility, survey

plans, operational systems, profiles, zoning ordinances, historical background are among

others.

Structured Interview Methods of selected urban populations shall also be

conducted to obtain ideas and specific data regarding the projects operation, mission &

vision, objectives, problems and many others.

Case studies will also be conducted to further learn about the basic systems of a

museum. Specifically local case studies of the Mind Museum in Taguig and the National

Museum of the Philippines can be beneficial.

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 Chapter 4: Project Site

4.1 Site and Current Condition

Choosing a site requires careful observation and evaluation. Museum sites are

generally placed at a well – populated region although there is an issue of availability

regarding the site. Taking all of these into consideration, the researcher established

that Quezon City would preferably be a good Urban City to build the project, for it is

the site could be in a generally populous region but it must balance out with the value

of the land. The existing site is located in Quezon City along commonwealth avenue

and is a corner portion of the UP campus along University Ave. As of today, there has

been little development made in the lot and is basically a wide grass filled lots with

minimal trees.

The lot is directly opposite the Ayala development UP Technohub, wherein

the site desirable for the project because it complements the other development group

buildings and it joins them into creating a center for commerce and development in

the center if Q.C.

4.1.1 Site Map

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4.1.2 Vicinity Map

4.1.3 Location Map

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4.1.4 Adjacent Structures & Institutions

Within a 5 km radius, the site is within proximity with several well- known

establishments and institutions such as the Quezon Memorial Circle, UP Diliman

Campus, Philippine Science High School, UP Technohub, Philippine Heart Center,

Lung Center of the Philippines, Quezon City Hall and the Bureau of Internal

Revenue.

4.1.5 Climate and Orientation

The climate in Quezon City is typical of Metro Manila„s, which has a distinct dry

season from December to April and wet season from May to November. The normal

annual rainfall total is 2,532.3 mm with the maximum mean monthly total rains being

experienced in August with 526.8 mm and the minimum in February with 8.9 mm. The

maximum number of 24-rainy days occurs in August while the minimum of two-rainy

days occurs in February. The annual total number of rainy days is 153 while the average

temperature is lowest at 20.4° C in January and highest at 34.9°C in April.

4.1.6 Transportation

It involves an accommodating feature for bicycles and pedestrians, with linking

access to major roads, that are will be used by service vehicles. Commuting is still a

viable way for transportation because sheer number of jeeps and buses that travel along

the main and secondary roads. The main roads that allow access to the site include the

Quezon City Circle, EDSA, Commonwealth Avenue, University Avenue. Minor access

roads include Katipunan avenue and.

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4.1.7 Environment

The environment of the site is very good, the whole district is kept clean and regularly

maintained. The inhabitants near the area site are mixed classes, and are primarily

composed of middle class people. Students are the most frequent users of the roads near

the site.

4.1.8 Topography

The site is a relatively, flat surfaced grassland. The surrounding areas are mostly

asphalt and concrete.

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