15 Important Things to Remember in Designing

Horizontally Directed Structures

A Research Paper Presented to Architecture Department

College of Engineering Architecture and Technology
De La Salle University – Dasmariñas

In Partial Fulfillment of Requirements in

ARCH421/ARCH421S – Architectural Design 8
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Architecture

Architect Scissel S. Naing

Adviser

Presented by

Rivera, Jo-anne G.
201201421

02/23/2016
2nd Quarter SY 2015 – 2016
 15 Important Things to Remember in Designing Horizontally Directed Structures

1. Site Condition – this can influence the usefulness of the area in terms of density on the proposed site. This
includes the observation of the surrounding developments: existing structures, roads, former uses, expected
developments, visibility into/out of site and many others. These parameters are always considered in designing
structures. However, in horizontally-directed structures, the site’s physical characteristics are dealt more consciously
especially in these factors:

 Topography – the sloping of the site will determine the finish floor elevation, as well as if the project needs
multiple entry levels to get in and out of the building. For a horizontally directed structure, the topography
of the site is one of its great challenge for it could limit the horizontal expansion.
 Flora and Fauna – aside from the actual “eating” of open spaces, horizontally directed structures are
criticized for its obstruction to the existing flora and fauna. Architects shall design the structure in respect
with the existing wildlife as term of promoting environmental protection. It should also be an instrument for
people to appreciate and give importance to our nature.

2. Layout and Form – the overall layout is the starting point of a development. The interrelationships between
these, rather than their individual characteristics, will largely determine the effectiveness of the design.

 Aesthetics - The selection of specific forms carries meaning to us, whatever choice is made. Usage of glass
can be about transparency, therefore, honesty. On the other hand, concrete could be defined as opaque, for
privacy. Appreciation of a building’s beauty corresponds to different principles and key elements like
symmetry, contrast, pattern, and many others.
 `Clustered versus Dispersed – Clustered layout groups high-risk activities, concentrations of personnel, and
critical functions into a cluster that helps maximize stand-off from the perimeter and create a “defensible
space.” This also helps to reduce the number of access and surveillance points. On the contrary, it promotes
“single-point vulnerabilities” wherein the whole building could close once this target-rich area is attacked.
Dispersed layout reduces the risk that an attack on any one part of the
site will impact the other parts. But then, it reduces the effectiveness of
site-surveillances.

3. Orientation – the orientation of a building has great impact in energy

efficiency, as well as in protecting the occupants. It is important for horizontally
directed structures to be designed after the right orientation to maximize the

Figure 1: Importance of orientation

natural advantages brought by the site. Sunlight, wind and drainage shall be incorporated. Orientation can also
manipulate the privacy and publicity of spaces.

4. Vehicular and Pedestrian Circulation – the design of access, circulation, and parking systems determines the
movement of people. It should be designed to maximize efficiency while minimizing conflicts between vehicle and
pedestrian modes. This can include the number and types of access points, vehicle requirements, the parking
volume needed, where users need to go to and from, and the modes of transportation the people will use.
Application of “universal design” should also be present. The presence of ramps and proper

5. Roadway Network Design – the more the structure expands horizontally, the roadway network becomes more
complicated. Streets shall be designed to reduce travel time and maximize safety.

6. Parking – as the structures develop horizontally, the more probability of parking areas be scattered around the
complex. It is a contributor to pervious surface which is usually followed in area percentage basing the National
Building Code of the Philippines. It is also important to strategically locate the parking areas where walking distance
between buildings will become bearable.

7. Landscape and Urban Design - Landscape

and urban design inherently define the “lines of
sight” in a space. Landscape design can be used
to create a level of protection without turning
the structure into a fortress. Presence of other
elements like water features and vegetation
can make the complex attractive and at the
Figure 2: Blocking of site lines (US Air Force, Installation Force Protection Guide)
same time can prevent unauthorized access.

8. Stand-Off Distance - The distance between an asset and a threat

is referred to as the stand-off distance. Since horizontally directed
structures occupy wider range of area, consideration of stand-off
distances is also complex. There is no ideal stand-off distance; it is
determined by the type of threat, the type of construction, and
desired level of protection. The maximization of stand-off areas
could also give the buildings a chance to expand or upgrade more in
Figure 3: Stand-off distance concept (US Air Force,
the future. Installation Force Protection Guide)

`9. Controlled Access Zones – The wider the range of a structure, the more need for it to have entry ports or access
zones. Controlling access zones could be challenging especially when it is scattered and various. This also determines
the level of publicity and privacy of spaces. Different tactics are used to control these access zones such as usage of
the landscaping aspects, barriers like fences and gates, curbs, grassy areas, etc. This deals more about the interior
access zones – entry and exit points in the building/s itself.

10. Entry Control and Vehicular Access - . An entry control point

or guard building serves as the designated point of entry for site
access. It provides a point for implementation of
desired/required levels of screening and access control. This is to
prevent unauthorized access, by foot or vehicle. This is more
about the exterior dimension of the structures, more dealt in the
site or outside.

11. Signage – Signage is very important to let the users know if

they are going to right places they needed. It is necessary for Figure 4: Exclusive and Non-exclusive zones (US Air Force,
Installation Force Protection Guide)
easier navigation. It is hard to locate places especially in
horizontally directed structures. Standards shall be followed also in
sake of the PWDs and other people with special needs. The key
element of signs is readability at an effective reading distance.

12. Loading Docks and Service Access - Loading docks and service
access areas are usually required for all types of structures
intended for public especially the commercial and industrial ones.
These are typically desired to be kept as invisible as possible. For
this reason, special attention should be devoted to these service
Figure 5: Sample loading dock
areas in order to avoid intruders.

13. Physical Security Lighting - Sufficient lighting at entry control points is needed to ensure adequate lighting for
the area. If possible, place lighting elements as high as possible to give a broader, more natural light distribution.
This will require lesser poles that will be less hazardous for drivers.

14. Site Utilities - Utility systems can become complicated as the structures expand horizontally. The lines and
connections of water, electricity, communication systems and others could become tricky and muddled. Other
utilities like the sewage treatment plants, rainwater harvesting systems and others shall be correctly oriented and
placed so it will not impede the functions and efficiency of the structures it services.

15. Open Spaces and Refuge Areas – not only high rise buildings need these refuge floors but also the horizontally
directed structures. The use of refuges within a building can be of great advantage in the evacuation of disabled
people as it enables their escape to be managed in a way that does not hinder that of other users of the building.
The emergency voice communication (EVC) system shall be installed in strategic points where there are disabled
people or people who may have difficulty negotiating the evacuation route or where it will assist stewards in
controlling the evacuation of the area in an emergency.

References

Books

 Russ, Thomas. Site Planning and Design Handbook. USA: McGraw-Hill Companies Inc., 2002.
 Harris, Cyril M. Dictionary of Architecture and Construction. USA: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 2006.
 Guhrie, Pat. The Architect’s Portable Handbook: First-Step Rules of Thumb for Building Design. USA: The
McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 2003.

Websites

 Site and Layout Design Guidance. Retrieved from <http://www.fema.gov/pdf/plan/prevent/rms

/428/fema428_ch2.pdf>
 Baldwin Boxall. When do I need a ‘REFUGE AREA’?. Retrieved from <https://www.google.com.ph/url?
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 Chambless, Tammy (2015). What are some examples on how topography effects architecture? Retrieved
from <https://www.quora.com/What-are-some-examples-on-how-topography-effects-architecture>
 Department of Sustainability and Environment (2004). Guidelines for Higher Density Residential
Development: Element 5 – Building Layout and Design. Retrieved from <http://www.dtpli.vic.gov.au/__
data/assets/pdf_file/0004/231295/Guidelines_for_Higher_Density_Residential_Development_3.pdf>
 Whole Building Design Guide (2015). Aesthetics. Retrieved from <https://www.wbdg.org/design/
aesthetics.php>

Image Sources

Figure 1: Retrieved from <http://www.yourhome.gov.au/sites/prod.yourhome.gov.au/files/images/PD-Orientation-

GeneralPrinciplesOrientation-03_fmt.png>

Figure 2: Retrieved from <http://www.fema.gov/pdf/plan/prevent/rms/428/fema428_ch2.pdf>

Figure 3: Retrieved from < http://www.fema.gov/pdf/plan/prevent/rms/428/fema428_ch2.pdf>

Figure 4: Retrieved from <http://www.fema.gov/pdf/plan/prevent/rms/428/fema428_ch2.pdf>

Figure 5: Retrieved from <http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/4e71a4f59fa37d53659f323387b53bf9f82589df/
c=298-0-982-513&r=x404&c=534x401/local/ /media/DesMoines/2015/04/21/B9317061436Z.1_20150421124520_
000_G1CAIMM1V.1-0.jpg>