Thesis Title:

Cartoon Network World: Animation Studio and Interactive Exhibit

Background and Nature of the Project

Filipino animators have been working hand in hand with international names and their
world-class productions ever since the 1980s; names such as Walt Disney, Hannah Barbera,
Nintendo, Sega, and Ubisoft are only a few of the companies that local talent have worked and
are working with. Not only are TV shows Tom and Jerry, Looney Tunes, DuckTales, Rick and
Morty, Curious George, and Barangay 143 the products of Filipino animation, but also award-
winning video games: The Last of Us, Gears of War, and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy were
part of them as well. However, despite the country’s evident potential, one of the biggest
challenges the industry is currently facing is the lack of government support that could allow
the growth of the business by providing a better environment and better investments in terms
of infrastructure, technology, and training (Schumacher, 2018).
Due to several demands for labor by international companies, they began outsourcing
from different countries. And because the Philippines' population can mostly speak in English,
this became one of the main reasons as to why the global market finds it ideal to outsource
from the country. While animation is a much smaller proportion of the Philippines’ overall
ITES industry, its average wages are as much as a factor of two or more than the wages of
sectors like call centers or BPOs (authors’ interviews) (Tschang & Goldstein, 2010, p. 134). In
the Philippines, the digital animation sub-sector is part of one of the fastest-growing industries
in the country, the business process outsourcing sector (BPO)—annual average growth of
revenues, employment, and exports at 20%, 19%, and 22% increase per year, respectively,
from 2009 to 2013 (based on the Department of Economics Statistics, 2015) (Castillo, 2017, p.
3).

Statement of the Problem

The animation industry in the Philippines is considered as one which is progressing and
developing. Had it not been for financial constraints, they would have produced more animated
materials for Filipino viewership and usage. Local anime, on the other hand, has now developed
into a fan base on the Internet in the mid-90s. At present, based on a local internet source, the
Philippines reportedly accounts for a 30% share of animation work in the Asia Pacific, and it
is projected that this could grow to 70% or more with professional training (Garcia & Masigan,
2001, p.14).
 Currently the Philippines is now considered one of the top choices of Western countries
to outsource their work with its cheaper labor and abundant creative talent. However, given the
different forms of animation, Filipino animators inclined in 2D animation, a more economical
and less intensive kind, rather than the more advanced forms. More so, some talented Filipino
animators seek and find better opportunities for foreign organization given the limited
opportunities locally. And the country is nearing being left behind in terms of technological
aspect as compared to the other Asian competitors (Castañeda, et al, 2009, p.1).

Project Goals and Objectives

Project Goal:
• To provide a space for Filipino animators to progress and produce international
level productions.
Project Objectives:
1. To facilitate the production of world-class animation projects and state-of-the-
art displays, elevating Filipino animation studios and exhibition spaces to par
with the growing global standard.
2. To encourage and inspire Filipino artists by collaborating, learning and
enhancing their skills with the equipment and programs the infrastructure offers.
3. To shift the Filipinos’ perceptions of animation and overall art as a profession
through design and planning.
Design Objectives
1. To design a structure that may represent animation and art elegantly with
meaning.

2. To design a learning, interacting, and collaborative space for both professionals

and amateurs alike.

3. To design a building that stands as an animation center of the Philippines,

elevating the often “childish” appeal of animation.

Significance of the Study

The project aims to showcase and promote animation in the Philippines, allowing local
artists to work comfortably without needing to go abroad and further encouraging the animation
industry within the country. This project also serves as an artistic hub for aspiring creators
hoping to enter a creative career. With its advanced technologies and software, the institute
hopes to advance the Philippines' animation industry.
The study aims to design an animation studio that not only provides proper spaces to
its artists and employees but also a hub for creativity and a tourist attraction that encourages
the public to interact and experience the wonders of animation.

Project Scope and Limitation

The project focuses on creating an animation studio and interactive exhibit within
upscale Metro Manila that encourages both artists and viewers to appreciate the art of
animation and interact with it. The scope of the project includes research studies and data
analysis.
The research study includes the definition of terms, new trends in the industry, its history,
technology, and the processes and methods of animation. Other data that are deemed necessary
for the research are also added. The primary topics to be discussed in the research are
architecture, animation, project site and profile, and design focus.
The data gathering includes internet and library research of scholarly works, case
studies, surveys, and interviews. These are the processes of data gathering conducted by the
researcher to be able to solve the problem.
The design output includes a conceptual analysis, floor plans, elevations, sections, site
development plan, and perspectives. The structural concept, design, and detailed specifications
are also included. Computations of the structural aspect of the project are not included.

Site Description and Analysis

Based on the results from the point system in table 4.1, Site C, with a total of 29 points,
is deemed the most suitable site for the project. All sites could be accessed by the target users,
pedestrians, and transport and are in a CBD. And Although sites A, B, and C are all adequate
in size, Site A trumps most of the criteria as compared to Site B and Site C.
Three corners of the site have accessible roads that could work as entrances, two of which are
Aseana Avenue and Diosdado Macapagal—main roads that are both eight-laned. The land is
reclaimed and is approximately 10, 336 square meters in size; and is currently empty with only
overgrown greenery and debris. Half of the surrounding areas are empty lots as this part of
Parañaque is mostly still under development and the other half are high-rise commercial
buildings
 The study aims to design an animation studio that not only provides proper spaces to
its artists and employees but also a hub for creativity and a tourist attraction that encourages
the public to interact and experience the wonders of animation in the Philippine context.

Design Concept
“Crumpled Paper”
One of the most personal symbolisms of an artist is the paper. A canvas wherein they can
express their true selves and showcase their skill and talent. With the crumpled paper as the
design concept, this image represents the frustrations, journey, and trials an artist faces in
everyday life.

Design Philosophy
“Architecture is a sculpture inhabited.“

The design philosophy of the project follows a quote from Constantin Brancusi in which
he mentions that architecture is a sculpted piece with inhabitants. The student followed
Brancusi’s words since designing a structure meant for representation needs to be able to catch
the attention of its surroundings and stand for something.