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CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This section talks about the shifting exploration strategies used and connected in

compatibility to thesis project development studies. The methods were achieved with

understanding and detail accessible at the time that this research was being conducted.

Such strategies will then be used and help the researcher/designer in defining a

reasonable and suitable architectural design solutions to solve the problem being

researched upon.

3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN

In order to realize and further encourage the current pursuit of gathering

information at hand, specific and specialized research methodologies are essential and

necessary. To acquire the necessary and essential data, both qualitative and

quantitative methodologies of research were be utilized by the researcher in order to

gain a better understanding and mastery of the project problem at hand. It is in this

very process that the researcher is able to gather and arrive at the best possible

solution and organization to the project problem’s study. It is in this sense that in

order for the project to be visualized and contextually elaborated, the following

specialized methodologies of research were utilized.

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3.1.1. Historical Research

This research method involves the process of systematically examining

past events to give an account or study; the pursuit may involve interpretation

to recapture the nuances, personalities, and ideas that influenced these events;

it is also done to communicate an understanding of past events. The researcher

accumulated historic information through studying certain events in time,

specifically as the past but with regards to the present and future as well, for

the researcher to obtain the optimum knowledge requirement needed to further

pursue the research. In relation to the proposed project, historical research is

relevant to gather information about the current status of zoological facilities,

considering animal welfare, visitor influx, management, etc. to efficiently

devise architectural solutions that address these problems.

3.1.2 Descriptive Research

The descriptive research method produces implications that refer to the

deliberation and analysis of the current and existing conditions and state given

facts of the topic the subject conforms to establish and advance. It is through

the utilization of this research method that the proposed Eden Sanctum: The

New Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center project needs to be applicable

and significantly achievable and practicable to in order to be realistic and

feasible.

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3.1.3 Participatory Method

The study at hand is purely dependent upon the participation of the

public, specifically tourists, researchers, education-based organizations, etc.

since the project is aimed upon the rehabilitation and redevelopment of the

NAPWC. The response and authentic insights of the general community had

assisted the researcher in attaining the quality that majority of the users would

want and need to improve on in terms of overall and efficiency in its

operations.

3.2 DATA GATHERING

3.2.1 Case Studies

The conduction of case studies of current projects that imply the same

objectives in major areas of the research study helped the researcher define the

proper facilities, activities and spaces that must be incorporated and integrated

in the design of the Eden Sanctum: The New Ninoy Aquino Parks and

Wildlife Center.

3.2.2 Archival Research

Laws and regulations reinforced by the government and leading

organizations dealing with the interrelated context and background of the

project, in this case focusing on land reclamation guidelines and restrictions,

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which include district regulations and theories utilized by the researcher as

design guidelines were effectively executed, integrated and implemented in

the project. The researcher observed proper rules provided by authorities in

order to pursue the process to acquire the design solution to the current study.

Furthermore, the researcher focused on the environmental and ecological

restrictions that the project must consider very carefully in detail so as to make

the proposal entirely feasible.

3.3.3 Survey Method

Survey methodology consists of formulating a well-thought survey

questionnaire which were given to random people: laymen, tourists, and

science professionals. The survey included questions and statements relating

to the topic at hand. The information obtained from the survey will greatly

affect the conceptualization and direct the researcher / designer into the proper

design solutions. The target number of survey respondents shall be 100

people, and the method of surveying were both online and offline methods.

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3.3.4 Personal Interviews

Through the acquired responses from an outlined questionnaire, the

researcher will be able to support and provide a wide-ranged personal input in

the executory development of the solution to the proposed project’s problem.

Potential Interviewees are:

- James Albert Dichaves

o Officer-In-Charge, Public Recreations Bureau
 Quirino Avenue, Adriatico, Manila
 Monday – Saturday, 8AM – 6PM

- Juan Miguel Cuna

o Officer-in-charge, Environmental Management Bureau (DENR)

 Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City,1100, Philippines

 Monday – Friday, 8AM-5PM

- Marcial C. Amaro, Jr.

o Officer-in-charge, Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau
(DENR)
 Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City,1100, Philippines
 Monday – Friday, 8AM-5PM

- Nelson G. Castillo
o Park Superintendent, Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center
 Quezon City Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City, 1100
Philippines
 Monday – Friday, 8AM – 5PM

- Armida P. Andres
o Officer-In Charge, Biodiversity Management Bureau
 Quezon City Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City, 1100
Philippines
 Monday – Friday, 8AM – 5PM

- Bong Regala Jr.

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o City Architect, Quezon City Special Design Group

 Quezon City Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City, 1100
Philippines
3.3 CURRENT TREND ANALYSES

Directly subsequent to the present-day circumstances at large, the researcher

handled the most renowned wildlife centers /zoos and environmental/sustainable

technologies and media systems which apply to the development of a better and more

efficient and sustainable wildlife sanctuary serving the greater good for its animal

inhabitants and the general ecosystem as well, through the right, entertaining

objectives executed and integrated into the design concepts achieved by the project.

As every person adjusts and follows the current trends in the market, it is in nature

that the researcher will be able to gather information to which would bring the

proposed project in line with the overall developments rising today, not only in the

Philippines but globally as well in order to turn the project into a world-class facility

for natural resource and wildlife conservation.

3.4 RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS

Research instruments further helped the researcher achieve data and

information which otherwise would not have been possible without the aid of such

devices. Improvement on the quality and authenticity of information acquired are

further improved through the following:

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3.4.1. Photo Documentation

This instrument was applied and operated by the researcher for better

perception and assessment of site visits, architectural documentation, book profiling,

international studies of similar projects and sites, and etc. This may be applied to all

the different steps in the research method.

3.4.2 Survey Questionnaires

Survey methodology consists of formulating a well-thought survey

questionnaire which were given to random people: laymen, tourists, and

science professionals. The survey included questions and statements relating

to the topic at hand. The information obtained from the survey will greatly

affect the conceptualization and direct the researcher / designer into the proper

design solutions. The target number of survey respondents shall be 100

people, and the method of surveying were both online and offline methods.

Chapter III
Research Methodology