A.

DESIGN and DISASTER MITIGATION

1.What are the types/kinds of disaster in the Philippines?

The Philippines is a country that is highly prone to various natural and man-made disasters. Some of the most
common types/kinds of disasters in the Philippines include:

1. Typhoons - The Philippines is frequently hit by typhoons, especially during the months of June to
November. These storms bring heavy rains, strong winds, storm surges, and flooding, causing widespread
damage to infrastructure and displacement of people.

2. Earthquakes - The Philippines sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it prone to earthquakes. Strong
earthquakes can cause building collapses and landslides.

3. Volcanic eruptions - The Philippines has several active volcanoes, and eruptions can cause ashfall,
mudflows, and lahars, which can be extremely destructive to communities in their path.

4. Landslides - The Philippines' mountainous terrain and frequent heavy rainfall make it prone to landslides.
These can be triggered by earthquakes or heavy rain, and can bury communities and cause fatalities.

5. Floods - The country's geography and weather patterns make it vulnerable to flooding, particularly in low-
lying areas and those near bodies of water.

6. Fire - Fires can occur naturally, but most often they are caused by human error. These fires can cause
significant damage to property and can lead to loss of life.

7. Human-induced disasters - These include acts of terrorism, civil unrest, and industrial accidents, which can
cause significant harm to individuals and communities.

2. When and how often do they occur?

The Philippines is a country that is highly prone to disasters, and they occur quite frequently. The country
experiences an average of 20 typhoons per year, with some years seeing more than 30. The typhoon season in
the Philippines typically runs from June to November. In addition to typhoons, the Philippines also
experiences frequent earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, floods, and human-induced disasters such as
industrial accidents and civil unrest. The frequency of these disasters varies depending on the year and the
location, but it is not uncommon for the Philippines to experience multiple disasters in a single year.
Therefore, disaster preparedness and mitigation are essential to ensure the safety and resilience of
communities in the Philippines.

3. What are the effects of disasters?

Disasters in the Philippines have significant and often devastating effects on the country and its people. Here are
some of the effects of disasters in the Philippines:

1. Loss of life - Disasters can cause loss of life, both directly through the event itself and indirectly through
secondary effects such as disease outbreaks, lack of access to healthcare, and displacement.

2. Damage to infrastructure - Disasters can cause significant damage to infrastructure, including buildings,
roads, bridges, and other critical facilities, which can take a long time to repair or rebuild.

3. Economic losses - Disasters can have a significant impact on the economy, disrupting businesses and
supply chains, and causing a decline in economic activity.

4. Displacement of people - Disasters can force people to evacuate their homes and communities, resulting
in displacement and homelessness.
 5. Health impacts - Disasters can have long-term health impacts, including mental health issues and disease
outbreaks due to lack of access to clean water and sanitation.

6. Environmental damage - Disasters can cause significant damage to the environment, including
deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and pollution.

7. Disruption of education - Disasters can also disrupt education, with children being forced to drop out of
school or being unable to attend due to damage to schools and infrastructure.

The effects of disasters in the Philippines can be long-lasting and have a significant impact on the country and
its people. Therefore, disaster preparedness and mitigation are critical to reducing these effects and building
resilience in communities.

4.What are the actions of the government (and/or NGOs) in mitigating the effects of disasters?

The government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the Philippines play an important role in
mitigating the effects of disasters. Here are some of the actions taken by the government and NGOs in mitigating
the effects of disasters:

1. Disaster preparedness - The government and NGOs work to prepare communities for disasters through
training, education, and disaster drills. This includes developing emergency response plans, identifying
evacuation routes and shelters, and stockpiling emergency supplies.

2. Early warning systems - The government operates early warning systems to alert communities to
impending disasters, giving them time to prepare and evacuate if necessary.

3. Disaster response - The government and NGOs provide emergency response services, including search
and rescue, medical aid, and distribution of food, water, and other supplies.

4. Rehabilitation and reconstruction - The government and NGOs work to rebuild damaged infrastructure,
homes, and communities, and provide support to those who have been displaced or affected by disasters.

5. Climate change adaptation - The government and NGOs also work on climate change adaptation
measures, such as flood control systems, mangrove reforestation, and sustainable agriculture practices.

6. Risk reduction - The government and NGOs also work to reduce the risk of disasters through measures
such as land-use planning, hazard mapping, and building code enforcement.

Overall, the government and NGOs in the Philippines take a proactive approach to disaster preparedness and
response, recognizing the significant impact that disasters can have on the country and its people. By working
together and implementing these measures, they can mitigate the effects of disasters and build resilience in
communities.

5. How do you feel about the efforts of the government (and/or NGOs) in disaster mitigation?

The government and NGOs in the Philippines have made significant efforts in disaster mitigation, including
disaster preparedness, early warning systems, emergency response services, rehabilitation and reconstruction,
climate change adaptation, and risk reduction. However, the Philippines remains highly vulnerable to natural
disasters, and the impact of disasters continues to be significant. While the efforts of the government and NGOs
are commendable, there is still room for improvement in terms of preparedness, response, and recovery efforts,
particularly for vulnerable communities.

6. As an Architecture student, how would you help build a resilient structure for the disaster-prone areas?
Discuss your design strategies, and your preferred materials to be used. Why did you choose such material?
 1. Choose appropriate materials - The selection of materials is critical for building a resilient structure.
Materials that are resistant to wind, water, and seismic forces should be used. Some materials that may be
suitable for disaster-prone areas include reinforced concrete, steel, and timber.

2. Consider the building's location - The building's location is an essential consideration in building resilient
structures. Building in areas that are prone to flooding, landslides, or other natural disasters should be
avoided or carefully planned. For example, the building may be elevated or placed on a raised platform to
minimize the risk of flooding.

3. Incorporate flexible design elements - The building design should include flexible elements that can
withstand the forces of natural disasters. For example, the use of flexible joints, braces, and other
elements can help absorb shocks and reduce damage in the event of an earthquake.

4. Provide adequate support and reinforcement - The building should be reinforced with additional support
and bracing to improve its resilience. This includes the use of steel or concrete columns, beams, and other
support elements.

5. Consider sustainability - The building should also be designed with sustainability in mind. For example, the
use of renewable energy sources and green building materials can help reduce the impact of the building
on the environment and improve its resilience to natural disasters.

In summary, building resilient structures in disaster-prone areas requires careful consideration of materials,
location, flexible design elements, support and reinforcement, and sustainability. Architects should work closely
with engineers, disaster management experts, and other professionals to ensure that the building is safe, resilient,
and sustainable.

B.TOPOGRAPHICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN DESIGN

C. GEOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN DESIGN

How do geologic conditions affect design?

Geologic conditions can significantly affect the design of structures and buildings. Geologic conditions include the
physical and mechanical properties of the soil, rock, and other geological materials in the area where the building
will be constructed. Some ways geologic conditions can affect design include:

Foundation design - The foundation is one of the critical components of any building, and it is essential to ensure
that it is designed appropriately to withstand the geologic conditions of the area. The foundation design will
depend on factors such as soil type, soil bearing capacity, groundwater levels, and seismic activity in the area.
Slope stability - The slope stability of the ground can affect the design of structures on hillsides or sloping areas.
The soil type, slope angle, and groundwater level are essential factors that need to be considered in designing
buildings on sloping sites.

Seismic activity - The seismic activity of an area is another critical factor that needs to be considered in building
design. Buildings in earthquake-prone areas need to be designed with additional seismic-resistant features, such
as base isolation systems, which help to absorb the energy of an earthquake and reduce the impact on the
building.

Soil liquefaction - Soil liquefaction is a process where soil loses strength and stiffness due to seismic activity or
other factors, causing it to behave like a liquid. Buildings in areas prone to soil liquefaction need to be designed
with special foundation systems that can accommodate the ground's movement during an earthquake.

Soil expansion and contraction - Some soils have a high tendency to expand and contract depending on the
moisture content. This can cause significant damage to buildings' foundations, which may require additional
design features such as moisture barriers or ventilation systems.

In summary, geologic conditions can significantly affect building design, and it is essential to consider these
conditions during the design phase to ensure that the building is safe, durable, and resilient. Architects and
engineers need to work closely with geologists and soil experts to understand the ground conditions and design
buildings that are suitable for the specific geologic conditions of the area.

D.SEISMOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN DESIGN

Seismologic conditions of a site can have significant implications for building design, construction, and site
selection. These conditions include the potential for seismic activity, the ground's response to seismic forces, soil
liquefaction, landslides, ground motion, and site selection. Architects and engineers need to consider these factors
during the design phase to ensure that buildings and structures are safe, durable, and resilient in the face of
seismic activity. Buildings in areas with high seismic hazard must be designed with seismic-resistant features, while
site selection must consider the site's seismologic conditions.