The Pontifical, Royal

UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS

The Catholic University of the Philippines
College of Architecture
A.Y. 2020-2021

Research Paper:
AMONG THE RUINS:
Redesigning the Church of Marawi City

Presented to the College of Architecture

University of Santo Tomas
Manila, Philippines

In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements

for the Subject of
Architectural Design 5

Submitted by:
Simangan, Terrence Joshua E.

Submitted to:
Ar. Sepideh Ahmadzadeh

September 2020
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

I. Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………...1

II. Statement of the Problem ………………………………………………….................3

III. Project Objectives ……………………………………………………………………...3

IV. General information regarding Catholic Architecture and Planning and Design

Standards…………………………………………………………………………………..…....4

V. Technical Research Data ………………………………...............................................18

VI. Case Studies ..………………………………………………………...………………29

A. Foreign Studies ……………………………………………………………….29

B. Local Studies …………………………………………………...……………..31

References…………………………………………………………………………………….34
I. Introduction

Marawi City, is the capital town located on the province of Lanao del Sur where it

is known to be the spiritual and cultural center of the Muslims in the Philippines. Among

the cities within the jurisdiction of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao Region,

Marawi City is the largest city with a population of more than 200,000 inhabitants. It has

been named as the only “Islamic City” of the Philippines for having many beautiful

mosque and madrasah or madaris in every district of the city. It has the biggest and

oldest madrasah in the Philippines, the Jamiatul Muslim Mindanao (JMM), that offers a

complete level of education, like the madrasah in the Middle East countries. There are

waqf properties dedicated for community services such as, health services for the sick

poor people, shelter for the needy, waiting shades, water system, and lodging houses

for visitors. However, most of these structures were totally destroyed and turned to

rubble by heavy airstrikes and ground assault during the duration of its five-month war

in Marawi City. (Tagoranao, 2017) In May 2017, terrorists affiliated under the terrorist

group of ISIS desecrated and burned St. Mary’s Cathedral with it are also mosques

including the Grand Mosque of the city were damaged during the conflict. The Philippine

government planned to demolish the cathedral to pave way in building a new Marawi,

yet Bishop Edwin dela Pena of the Prelature of Marawi has also said that the cathedral

will be rebuilt, but only after the Muslims have rebuilt their city and their Mosques.

Churches over the last two thousand years in Christianity has evolved either

through innovation and by immersing other architectural styles by responding to

changing beliefs, practices and local traditions as for the purpose to share the message

of Christ. As overtime, the spreading of the Church’s “good news” around the world are

1
done through many approaches and methods in a way of evangelism as a practice of

spreading the Christian belief in salvation. With architecture, evangelism can act as a

tool of expression from the details itself. As it is to remove the separation of a church

from its local culture and create places that help re-connect the community to the

message of Christ. (Cowan, 2010) To achieve the Church’s mission of spreading the

“good news” of Christ with architecture is through a built environment with good

understanding of the communication of the church’s values. As it concerns how all

aspects of architecture, from diagram to detail, can act as a tool of expression (Zephir,

2005).

Along with the mission of the Catholic Church as to spread their word is the

challenge of how their influence can comfortably settle on a community background

where the settlers are predominantly worshiping different beliefs and religions without

any discordance whatsoever. As mostly these conflicts often relate to the issues of the

different identities of both religions. As in some cases like in St. Mary’s Church in

Marawi is that certain adjustments like its overall low height and a lack of a cross in its

façade is with due respect of it having considered being in a city where the majority of

people are mostly Muslims. As it is a way for the Catholics of showing respect by having

an intention of simply providing a sacred place for its devoted parishioners.

Researchers who had analyzed religious architecture of non-Muslim in predominantly

Muslim-territories have observed that “non-Muslims’ religious buildings became less

visible in terms of height, location, and even ornamentation especially during the times

of heightened tensions” (Gharipour, 2015). Along that these kinds of religious structures

2
also adopt certain characteristics of design, materials, and symbolisms from other

beliefs of Muslim and other situated communities.

II. Statement of the Problem

The project specially aims to find answers to the following questions:

1. How will the structure coexist within a community predominantly composed of

Muslims?

2. What materials, ideas, and strategies are to be considered in the overall design in

terms of the structure being blast-resistant in case of bombings and attacks from

various radical troops while also exhibiting visual-cultural closeness between

Catholic and Islamic faith and respect of the Maranao culture?

3. What solutions of sustainability can be implemented to provide cost-efficient water

collection and building materials that are easy-to-maintain to ensure less operational

cost requirements and for the complex’s efficiency?

III. Project Objectives:

1. To redesign the New Catholic Church of Marawi that highlights a unique sense of

Catholic (Christian) Religion while preserving religious respect on a Muslim-centered

built environment.

2. To re-establish and revitalize the historical role and character of the former “St.

Mary’s Church” by proposing a design that showcases the spirit and solidarity

amongst the citizens of Marawi.

3. To promote a development that shows peaceful coexistence between the Muslim and

Catholic religious groups, thereby establishing a contiguity and visual-cultural

closeness between the two.

4. To design a structure that highly considers the “blast-resistant design principles” and

mitigate damages to both structure and its inhabitants during a terrorist assault.
3
5. To establish the New Marawi Cathedral as one of the critical landmarks in providing

citizens from the displaced communities a positive symbol for the future. A place of

faith, stability, tradition, and identity.

IV. General information regarding Catholic Architecture and Planning and Design

Standards

Catholic architecture exists across environmental, economic and cultural

boundaries. As landmarks within their contexts, places of worship are formed around

reflection, contemplation and gathering. Catholic architecture has evolved for over two

thousand years from the birth of Christianity to the present, the most significant symbols

of transformation for Catholic architecture and design were the known cathedrals of

Byzantium, the Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance basilica. These large,

ornamental and architecturally prestigious buildings were dominant features and centers

within their community in which they stood.

The general standard requirements of Catholic Architecture are dependent on its

purpose varying from its situations needed from its diocese, community, etc. in such

cases like the adaptation of the design of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Marawi City where a

Church’s usual external features and symbolisms are prominently concealed for the
public to see. The planning and design of the structure itself reflects on understanding

the liturgy of Christians themselves, the role and importance of church art and

architecture, and of the integral roles of the local parish and the diocese that enter into a

building. As all aspects of the church building should serve the people and deepen their

faith. A church building or worship space should be designed to enable the Christians

who gather there to clearly understand that they come as a community to unite and

worship their beliefs.

Design Considerations by “Built of Living Stones: Art, Architecture, and Worship

by USCCB Publishing”

1.) Plan of the Church

Figure 1. Plan of Winchester Cathedral. (Image Source: https://www.winchester-

cathedral.org.uk/our-heritage/our-history/building-the-cathedral/)
 The Catholics which are gathered for Mass is coherently and hierarchically ordered,

and this finds its expression in the variety of ministries and the variety of actions

according to the different parts of the celebration. Hence the general arrangement of the

sacred building must be such that in some way it conveys the image of the assembled
5
congregation and allows the appropriate ordering of all the participants, as well as

facilitating each in the proper carrying out of his function (GIRM 294).

The parish church is a structure that symbolizes and embodies the presence of God

in the local assembly. The community at worship (i.e., Eucharist and the Liturgy of the

Hours) is the Body of Christ giving praise and worship to God the Father, through Christ

the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. The parish church and the master plan should

reflect the local community’s image of the living God and its mission of proclaiming the

Good News.

2.) The Sanctuary

 Figure 2. Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church’s sanctuary. (Image Source:

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/30/)

The sanctuary is the space where the altar and the ambo stand, and “where the

priest, deacon, and other ministers exercise their offices.” The special character of the
6
sanctuary is emphasized and enhanced by the distinctiveness of its design and

furnishings, or by its elevation. The sanctuary must be spacious enough to

accommodate the full celebration of the various rituals of word and Eucharist with their

accompanying movement, as well as those of the other sacraments celebrated there.

The sanctuary must also be accessible for those with disabilities to enable them to carry

out

ministry roles.

The principal furnishings in the sanctuary:

- The Altar

- The Ambo which must be accessible for those with disabilities and made of solid

material (wood, stone) worthy of the proclamation of the Word of God

- The Presidential Chair

3.) Nave
 Figure 3. Plan of a large Latin cross church with nave highlighted. (Image Source:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nave)

7
The space within the center of the church building for the visitors, the priest

celebrant and the ministers is sometimes called the nave. This space is critical in the

overall plan because it accommodates a variety of ritual actions. The body of the church

is not simply a series of unrelated sections. Rather, each part contributes to the unity of

the space by proportion, size, and shape.

- The congregation’s area shall be designed to allow ample room for liturgical

processions and rites (Easter Vigil, immersion/submersion baptism, funerals,

etc.).

- The seating for the congregation may be either fixed or flexible.

- Seating arrangement shall provide for those who use wheelchairs or walkers

such

that they are accommodated within the seating area and not within aisles. Aisles

shall be designed to allow ample room for wheelchair maneuvering. Include

arrangements which are throughout the assembly area, not solely at the front or

rear of the Nave.

- Kneelers shall be provided for all seating, both fixed and flexible.
 - Antiphonal seating, while originally designed for monastic churches, may be used

where deemed appropriate by the parish and the diocese.

- Cry rooms may be provided contiguous to the congregation’s area, however,

every

effort shall be made within the parish to welcome and include faithful of all ages

and abilities within the congregation’s area. If included, cry rooms shall be

designed with materials, and finishes that are in keeping with the congregation’s

area.

- Public address systems should be accessible for the deaf or hard of hearing,

including use of FM, infrared or other systems which include personal

amplification for individuals.

8
- Lighting shall be provided that enhances the sacred environment and also

provide

maximum illumination for reading, movement and full participation in the liturgy.

4.) The Altar

 Figure 4. Main Altar of Our Lady of Atocha Church in Alicia, Isabela. (Image Source:

https://beautifulchurchesinthephilippines.wordpress.com/2014/05/21/alicia-isabela-our-

lady-of-atocha-church/)

The altar is the natural focal point of the sanctuary and is to be freestanding to allow

the priest to walk around it easily and for the Mass to be celebrated facing the people.

Usually it should be provided with a table made of natural materials like stone and/or

wood. The pedestal or support for the table may also be fashioned from any sort of

material, as long as it is becoming and solid.

- The altar can be fashioned from solid wood, marble, or granite.

- The use of other material requires the approval of the Bishop. It is encouraged that 9

the material be local if possible.

- The altar should normally be immovable.

- It must be the center of attention in the worship space.

- A cross with a corpus should be placed on the altar, next to the altar, above the

altar, or on the sanctuary wall.

5.) The Baptistry

Figure 5. Baptisery in Pisa. (Image Source: https://www.european-

traveler.com/italy/visit-the-baptistery-in-pisa-battistero-di-pisa/)

The rites of Baptism require a prominent place for celebration. The baptismal font

and its location reflect the Christian’s journey through the waters of baptism to the altar.

The font should be on axis with the altar, visible and easily accessible to all while

entering the church building so as to facilitate its use as the sole source of holy water in

the making of the sign of the cross. Because of this relationship to the celebration of the

Eucharist, the font is never to be located in the same area as the altar. The font is not

necessarily to be located within the sanctuary. Water is the key symbol of baptism and 10

the focal point of the font. In designing the font, the parish will want to carefully consider

the symbolism of what they design here. (Wester, 2014)

6.) The Tabernacle

 Figure 6. A tabernacle in St. Magdalen de Pazzi. (Image Source:

https://stmagdalen.org/blog.php?

month=201711&id=1646014951&cat=&pg=1&title=The+Tabernacle+with+Adoring+Ang

els)

The bishop is to determine where the tabernacle will be placed and to give further

direction. The bishop may decide that the tabernacle be placed in the sanctuary apart

from the altar of celebration or in a separate chapel suitable for adoration and for the

private prayer of the faithful. In making his determination, the bishop will consider the

importance of the assembly’s ability to focus on the Eucharistic action, the piety of the

people, and the custom of the area. The location also should allow for easy access by

people in wheelchairs and by those who have other disabilities. (Wester, 2014)

7.) The Narthex 11

 Figure 7. Diagram of a Narthex. (Image Source: https://www.decani.org/en/church-of-

the-ascension-of-christ/narthex)

The Narthex is the threshold space between the congregation’s space and the

outside environment. It serves as a gathering space and as the entrance and exit to the

Church. In the gathering space, people come together to move in procession and to

prepare for the celebration of the liturgy. It is in the gathering space that many

important liturgical moments occur: men and women participate in the Rite of Becoming

a Catechumen as they move towards later, full initiation into the Church; parents and

godparents, and infants are greeted for the celebration of baptism, and Christians are

greeted for the last time as their remains are received into the church building for the

celebration of the funeral rites. An adequately large gathering space shall be provided

to accommodate visiting of the faithful and aid in keeping the congregation’s area

reverent. Consideration should be given to removing obstacles, permanent or

12
temporary, which may impede the movement of people using wheelchairs or walkers,

and people with vision impairments. (Wester, 2014)

8.) Iconography, Statues, and Shrines

Figure 8. An iconostasis at St. Michael Church. (Image Source:

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:St._Michael_Church_-

_statues_of_a_iconostasis.jpg)

The implementation of ornaments should be fundamental to the building and

restoration of churches. Each church should at least include an image of the Blessed

Virgin Mary and the patron of that parish. Sacred images should add to the overall

cohesiveness of the architecture and not distract from the central experience of the

liturgy. The location of sacred imagery within a church should be the result of thoughtful

deliberation and part of the formation process. Lastly, duplication of images of saints

(e.g. Marian images) is strongly discouraged. (Wester, 2014)

13
9.) A place for the Choir or Music Ministry

Figure 9. A choir loft at St. Agustin Church in Intramuros. (Image Source:

https://primer.com.ph/blog/2017/06/29/newly-restored-san-agustin-choir-loft-

inaugurated/)

Music is an integral part of the liturgy. It sets the tone for each celebration, prepares

those gathered to worship, supports the song of the congregation and highlights

significant parts of the liturgical action. The space should be visible to the music

director, cantor and the assembly of worshipers. Ideally, they should be located to

enable their own full participation by seeing and hearing the Liturgy. A stand for the

cantor or song leader is to be distinct from the ambo, which is reserved for the

proclamation of the Word of God. Accommodations should be made for various

configurations of choir, instruments and sound reinforcing equipment so that these

elements do not cause distraction. If an organ is to be purchased, consideration should

14
be given to the quality, size and special requirements demanded of this instrument.

Consideration should be given to the acoustics of the congregation space to eliminate

or reduce the need for sound reinforcing systems as these systems can be expensive

and require specialized knowledge to operate correctly. Mixing boards and amplifiers

should be concealed yet be readily available for the Music Director to make adjustments

during services. Microphone cables should be considered in the planning/ design phase

and provisions made to conceal cables to prevent tripping hazards and to avoid clutter.

Musical instruments should be of high quality and selected for their sound quality,

construction and beauty. Consideration should be given to piano and organ size and

location to avoid direct sunlight. Suitable covers for these instruments should be

provided. (Wester, 2014)

10.) The Sacristy

Figure 10. An example of a sacristy in Misericordia, Santarem.

A sacristy is a room for keeping vestments and other church furnishings, sacred

vessels, and parish records. Provisions should be made for the reverent care,

purification and storage of sacred vessels, as well as vestments and other articles used

15
in liturgy. They should have ample amounts of closets, counter tops, drawers and

cabinets for its users. The main sacristy should provide a sacrarium for purification of

the communion vessels, and a sink for washing these vessels. The accesses to the

sacristy must be able to be locked for security considerations. Also, if it is not feasible

to install a safe, some cabinets are be able to be locked for storage of any precious

vessels. Some churches, because of their size, should have a working sacristy near the

sanctuary and a vesting sacristy near the gathering space. In addition, there should be

a space for music preparation and for liturgical environment enhancements. (Cistone,

2013)

11.) Stations of the Cross

Figure 11. Stations of the Cross by the Church of England (image source:

https://www.churchofengland.org/our-faith/what-we-believe/lent-holy-week-and-

easter/stations-cross)

The planning of the fourteen (or fifteen) stations may be arranged differently

depending on the cultural or local background of the community. Usually, churches

provide images as well as crosses that mark each stations. While the depictions of the

Passion are desirable, however, the crosses are needed. Traditionally, the stations
have been arranged around the nave of the church or even the exterior of the church,

marking the devotion as a true journey. The clustering of the stations in one place

excludes processional movement from one station to the next and therefore, should be

avoided. (Cistone, 2013)

12.) Accessibility

Adequate number of accessible parking spaces are given and should be near

entrances. Travel routes to the church building should be stair‐less whenever possible,

creating one common entrance for visitors, including those with impairments or health

conditions. All new construction and renovation work must fully integrate the demands

of the Liturgy with current laws, codes, and ordinances for persons with disabilities.

Additionally, parents with small children can offer practical suggestions which meet their

needs to participate in Liturgy. Including representation in the planning process will

ensure the environment is welcome and inclusive of all. Adaptations to existing

buildings can be expensive, but failure to make the communityʹs places of worship

accessible will exact a far more costly human and ecclesial toll.
V. Technical Research Data

Table 1. Comparative Analysis of Codes 17

Classification of use Division C-1, Commercial Zoning C-2

BUILDING CODE ACCESSIBILITY CODE FIRE CODE

AMBF

= TLA - setback

= 4906.35 sqm

BHL

· 10-15m above ground, 3-5

storeys high

Parking Parking

· One car slot and one · Min. width is 3.7m

jeepney/shuttle for every 50
sqm of congregation area · Walkway from accessible spaces of
1.2 clear width between front ends of
parked cars

FLAR

· 1.7-3 meters high

Setback Requirements

· RROW – 10m below

· 5m-2m-2m

Ceiling Height

· Habitable Rooms: W/o

natural ventilation - Min 2.4 m
floor to ceiling; w/natural
ventilation - Min 2.7m

· Buildings w/more than 1

storey: 1st floor = 2.7m; 2nd =
2.4m

· Succeeding floors -clear

headroom of 2.1m; Mezzanine
floors = 1.8m Above & below

Corridors Corridors Corridors

· Min. of 1.10 m in width
· Trim handrails and doors
shall not reduce the width by
200 mm.
· Corridors with dead ends
are permitted when the dead
end does not exceed 6.00 m in
length.
· Walls and ceilings of
corridors must not be less than
one-hour fire-resistive
construction.
· Shall have a minimum clear width
of 1.20 m.
· Turnabout spaces (provided at or
within 3.50m of every dead end) shall
have a minimum area of 1.50 m x 1.50
m. and shall be spaced at a maximum
of 12.00 m
· Exterior corridors:
provided as means of
exit, they shall open to
the outside air except for
railings or balustrades
with stairs or level exits
to grade not over
seventy-six and one
fourth meters (76.25 m)
apart,
· deadends not to
exceed six meters (6 m).
· Every interior
corridor:

· construction having
not less than a half-hour
(1/2-hr) fire resistance
rating

19
 · Room doors may be
forty-four millimeters (44
mm) solid bonded core
wood doors or the
equivalent.

· Corridors shall be
separated from use areas
by partitions having a fire
resistance rating of at
least one (1) hour.

Windows

· Eaves shall not be less than

750 mm from the side and rear
property lines.

· Rooms without artificial

20
ventilation must be provided
with windows with a total free
area of openings equal to at
least 10% of the FA of the room
that is directly open to the yard,
street, etc.

· Less than 2.40 m above the

GL shall not project beyond
property line when fully
opened.

Patterned glass, sheet, or

regular plate in jalousies and
louvered windows must not be
thinner than 5.60 mm and
longer than 1.20 m.

Ventilation Ventilation

· shall have a horizontal cross · The door assembly to

sectional area of not less than the stair shall have a 1½-
0.10 square meter for every hour fire resistance rating
meter of height of shaft but in and shall be self-closing
no case shall the area be less or shall be automatic-
than 1.00 square meter. No vent closing by actuation of a
shaft shall have its least smoke detector.
dimension less than 600
millimeters. · Every vestibule shall
have a net area of not less
than one and a half (1.5
m2) of opening in an
exterior wall facing an
exterior court, yard, or
public space not less than
six meters (6 m) in width.

· Every vestibule shall

have a minimum
dimension of not less
than the required width of
the corridor leading to it
and a dimension of not
less than one hundred
eighty three centimeters
(183 cm) in the direction
of travel.

Stairways Stairways Stairways

· Rise = max 200mm · 0.30 m long extension of the

handrail should be provided at the start
· Tread = min 250 mm and end.

· Width = occupant load · Tactile strip 0.30 m. wide shall be

installed before hazardous areas such as
50</= min. 1.1m
sudden changes in floor levels and at
50>/= 900 mm the top and bottom of stair.

· Landing = 1.2 m 22
· Headroom = min 2m
· Max 3.6 m vertical distance
between landings
· Handrails = 0.8 - 0.9 m
Signs
· Exits shall be illuminated at
any time the building is
occupied with light having an
intensity of not less than 10.7
lux at floor level.
· Sign structures shall be
designed and constructed to
resist all forces in accordance
with the National Structural
Code for Buildings.
· Signs erected within 1.50
meters of an exterior wall in
which there are openings within
the area of the sign shall be
constructed of incombustible
material or approved plastics
Signs
· Pavement marking, signs or other
means shall be provided to delineate
parking spaces for the handicapped
· Markings of emergency exit should
be readable by both the fully sighted
and the blind persons.
Signs
· Every exit shall have
the word "EXIT" in
plainly legible letters not
less than fifteen
centimeters (15 cm) high
with the principal strokes
of letters not less than
nineteen millimeters (19
mm) wide
· Every sign shall be
suitably illuminated by a
reliable light source
giving a value of not less
than five thousandth
(0.005) lumens per
square centimeters on the
illuminated surface.
23
Doorways Doorways

· Less than 2.40 m above the · Doors required to be of the side-

GL shall not project beyond hinged or pivoted-swinging type shall
property line when fully swing in the direction of egress travel
opened. where serving a room or area with an
occupant load of fifty (50) or more
· Exit doors serving an area persons
having an occupant load of
more than 50 must swing in the · Door openings in means of egress
direction of exit travel (double shall not be less than seventy one
acting doors shall not be used as centimeters (71 cm) in clear width.
exits) and openable from the
inside without the use of key. · When a pair of doors is provided,
not less than one of the doors shall
· 0.90 m width by 2.00 height provide at least seventy one centimeters
(71 cm) clear width opening.
· Must open at least 90
degrees and mount that the min.
clear width of exit way of 700
mm.

· Door leaf width max. Of

1.20 m.

· Sliding and overhead doors

shall not be required as exits.

· Exit doors shall have both

its landings leveled with or not
more than 50 mm lower than
the threshold of the doorway.

· Frameless glass doors, glass

in doors, fixed glass panels etc.
shall conform with the
requirements set forth by the
Secretary on impact loads of
glass.

24
Exits Exits Exits

· No. of exits- every building · Location of emergency exits: · Doors on buildings of

= at least 1
· All occupancies:floors
above 1st storey having an
occupant load more than 10
· > min. 2 exits
· > each mezzanine flr. Used
for other than sto. Purposes, if
greater in area than 185 sqm/
more than 18 in any dimensions
shall have min. 2 stairway
· Wall mounted or free standing
tablets with an embossed plan
configuration of the building which
would also indicate locations of
lobbies, washrooms and emergency
exits
four (4) or more storeys
in height shall be
provided with re-entry
mechanism to provide
access out of the stairway
to another exit. There
shall be re-entry
mechanism every four (4)
floors that provide a way
out of the stairway.

· Width - total width cannot

go below total occupant load
served 165

· Arrangement

· 2 exits must be placed a

distance of ⅕ the perimeter,
apart in a straight line

· Distance to exit - sprinkler

system- 45 m max

· Auto extinguishing system -

60 m

· Door - swing in direction of

exit, occupant load = 50/more

· Width & height = 900 mm,

2m, 90 deg opening

25
Ramps Ramps Ramps

· Must be provided in · shall have a minimum clear width

changes in floor elevations of of 1.20 m
less than 300 mm along any exit
serving an occupant load of 10 · Max. gradient of 1:12
or more.
· The length of a ramp should not
· Width of ramps shall exceed 6:00 m. if the gradient is 1:12;
coincide with the width of the longer ramps whose gradient is 1:12
corridor. shall be provided with landings not less
than 1.50 m.;
· The slope must not exceed
1 in 8. · Handrails shall be installed at 0.90
m and 0.70 m above steps or ramps.
· The ramp with slope Handrails for protection at great heights
exceeding 1 in 10 shall have may be installed at 1.0 m to 1.06 m.

· Handrails shall be installed at 0.90

m and 0.70 m above steps or ramps.
Handrails for protection at great heights
may be installed at 1.0 m to 1.06 m.

· Handrails that require full grip

should have a dimension of 30 mm to
50 mm.

· Handrails attached to walls should

have a clearance no less than 50 mm
from the wall. Handrails on ledges
should have a clearance not less than 40
mm.

· In case entrances are not on the

same level of the site arrival grade,
ramps should be provided as access to
the entrance level;

· A level area not less than 1.80 m.

should be provided at the top and
bottom of any ramp

26
Washrooms

· Washrooms and toilets shall be

accessible and provided with adequate
turning space.

· Water closet stalls shall have a

minimum area of 1.70 x 1.80 meters.
One movable grab bar and one fixed to
the adjacent wall

· Turning space of 2.25 sq.m. with a

minimum dimension of 1.50 m. for
wheelchair shall be provided for water
closet stalls for lateral mounting.

· minimum number of accessible

water closets on each floor level or on
that part of a floor level accessible to
the disabled shall be one (1) where the
total number of water closets per set on
that level is 20; and two (2) where the
number of water closets exceed 20

· The maximum height of water

closets should be 0.45 m.; flush control
should have a maximum height of 1.20
meters.

· Maximum height of lavatories

should be 0.80 m. with a knee recess of
0.60 - 0.70 M. vertical clearance and a
0.50 m. depth

· Urinals should have an elongated

lip or through type; the maximum
height of the lip should be 0. 48 m.

27
PLUMBING CODE: Minimum Plumbing Facilities

Type of Water closets Urinals Lavatories Drinking Fountains

occupancy
(fixture per person) (fixture per person) (fixture per (fixture per person)
person)

Worship Male Female 1 per 150 1 per 2 lava 1 per 75

Places closets
1 per 150 1 per 75
(Principal)

VI. Case Studies

28
 A. Foreign Studies

Figure 12-13. Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health and the Statue Velankanni in

Velankanni, Tamil Nadu

The Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health also known as Sanctuary of Our Lady of

Vailankanni is a Marian shrine located at the small town of Velankanni in Tamil Nadu,

South India and was built on the 16th century. The Roman Catholic Latin Rite Basilica is

dedicated to Our Lady of Good Health and became a parish in 1771. During 1928, the

southern side was extended and the northern in 1933. The basilica is known for its three

miracles. These miracles are one, that the Virgin Mary had appeared to a young

shepherd named Tamil Krishnannesti Sankaranarayan as he gave milk to his child. A

shrine to commemorate the miracle was built near area where the boy met the lady who

came to be called as “Matha Kulam” which means Our Lady’s Pool. Where supposedly

she appeared and healed a crippled boy who gave her buttermilk. With this a small

thatched chapel was built in honor of “Our Lady of Health” called in Tamil “Arokiya

Matha.” The last miracle being the most popular one happened during 17th century

where a group of Portuguese sailors were saved from a violent storm due to her

intervention. This in turn constructed a larger chapel on landing in Vailankanni.

29
 The Basilica’s architecture is built in the Gothic style. The Shrine Basilica contains

three chapels, as well as Our Lady's Tank, Church Museum, Priests' Residence,

Offering Center, Stations of the Cross, Stations of the Rosary, and the Shrine Mega

Mahal which is known to be Velankanni named as the "Lourdes of the East", where

millions of pilgrims visit this church throughout the year, praying various needs and

thanking her for the favors received through her intercession. The buildings structure is

painted in white except for the structure’s roof where its tiles are color red.

Figure 14-15. The welcome arch and the altar of the basilica

One feature of the basilica is the welcome arch which is illuminated to show the way

to eager pilgrims seeking the graceful protection of Virgin Mary. Another feature is the

altar being adorned of spotless white marble. As when visitors of another language

speak, a separate hall behind the central altar is provided to accommodate the

multilingual visitors. Some disciples say that to make this church to resemble the

Basilica in Lourdes of France it is so designed and to make it so appear a two-storied

church about 90 feet high dome and 82 feet high gothic spirals is constructed.

30
 The construction of the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health gives emphasis on its

roots predating 12th century gothic architecture, yet with a twist of Islamic influences. In

turn shows elements such as the use of Islamic patterns like horseshoe or curved arch

opening being made into a whole curved welcome arch. On how the basilica itself was

constructed, it took inspiration of its community’s history as a focal point for its interest

due to the background of events or “miracles” that happened in the past.

B. Local Studies

Figure 16. San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City (Present)

Figure 17-18. San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City (1901)

31
 The San Pedro Cathedral also dubbed Davao Cathedral is situated in Davao City.

The cathedral was built during 1847 by the Spanish, the cathedral itself is known to be

oldest church in Davao City and is also recognized as a National Cultural Treasure. It is

named after Davao’s patron saint being Saint Peter or also widely known as San Pedro.

The Cathedral’s Spanish-style architecture with its distinctive modern design frontal-

curved solid structure was first built using nipa and bamboo in 1847 and was rebuilt in

wood during the mid-1900s by late Ar. Ramon Basa until it was finally remodeled in

concrete with a modern architectural style in 1964 by Ar. Manuel Chiew. (Battad, 2011)

Figure 19-20. San Pedro Cathedral’s Bell Tower and an example of a vinta boat

The present design is inspired by the convergence of Christians and Muslims

residing in Davao City. The frontal-curved roofing was designed to look like the prow of

a “vinta” which are muslim traditional boats in Mindanao with sails that contain the

colors of their communities. The vinta boat represents Muslim Mindanao and the

Roman Catholic Cross representing itself where both stand together despite of different

beliefs and ideologies and perhaps ways of life but both points toward the glory of God.

(Battad, 2011) One of the notable features at San Pedro Cathedral is the Bell Tower

32
which contains an image of the Pieta, which is the statue of the sorrowful Blessed Virgin

Mary and on her lap is the dead body of her son Jesus, and the two concrete tablets of

the Ten Commandments of God.

The present take of Ar. Manuel Chiew on San Pedro Cathedral is stemmed on the

unification of the convergence of both Christians and Muslims in Davao City. Where the

design’s take as a cathedral is an example of using symbolisms like the Muslim’s vinta

boat as the inspirational form of the structure while the incorporation of Christian

iconography and symbolisms are both used as to show the unification of both religions

for the city of Davao. Where using its symbolisms and culture in building a design gives

its local observers a sense of being immersed by one’s culture and familiarity as they

have known to reside within their culture with a sense of comfortability in being within

their own familiar culture.

33
Reference:

Pharshall, P. (2003). Muslim Evangelism: Contemporary Approaches to

Contextualization. Retrieved December 09, 2020, from

https://books.google.com.ph/books?hl=en

USCCB Publishing (Ed.). (2007). Built of Living Stones: Art, Architecture, and Worship.

Washington, D.C.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Battad. (2011). San Pedro Cathedral of Davao City. Retrieved December 09, 2020, from

http://davaocitybybattad.blogspot.com/2011/11/san-pedro-cathedral-of-davao-city.html

Wester, J. (2014). Guidelines for the Building and Renovation of Churches, Diocese of

Salt Lake City. Retrieved 2020, from https://www.dioslc.org/images/pdfs-

doc/Guidelines_for_Building_and_Renovation_of_Churches.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1h-

lVSPN0gaVXCvYJ-GKkGGdd-pyooOkBLUVlfFPbrWgTQ4Cx8NO5xEL8

Gharipour, M. (2015). Sacred Precincts. Retrieved December 09, 2020, from

https://books.google.com.ph/books/about/Sacred_Precincts.html?id=XymeBQAAQBAJ

Tagoranao, M. S., & Gamon, A. D. (2017). The post-war reconstruction of waqf

properties in Marawi City: Prospect and challenges. Contemporary Issues on Zakat,

Waqf and Islamic Philanthrophy. Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies (Acis).

34
Sarmiento, B. (2019). Marawi cathedral rebuild on hold until mosques fixed - UCA

News. Retrieved December 09, 2020, from https://www.ucanews.com/news/marawi-

cathedral-rebuild-on-hold-until-mosques-fixed/85409

Prabakar. (2020). Vailankanni Shrine. Retrieved December 09, 2020, from

http://www.vailankannishrine.net/

35