Case Studies for Flood and Earthquake Resistant Architecture

PHILIPPINE ARENA (BULACAN, PHILIPPINES)

Philippine Arena (Source: Hanwha Corporation)

The Philippine Arena, located in Bocaue, Bulacan, is a multi-purpose indoor arena and is currently recognized as
the largest non-column indoor arena in the world, measuring around 227 m x 179 m. with a maximum capacity of 55,000
seats. It was completed on May 30, 2014, and opened in July 2014, designed by Populous, a global architectural and
design firm that specializes in arenas, sports facilities, convention centers, etc. and the construction lead by the Korean
firm, Hanwha Corporation/E&C. The arena is a centennial project of the Iglesia Ni Cristo for their 100 th year anniversary
celebration.

Philippine Arena has a Seismic Design through a

seismic joint system that has the ability to withstand an
earthquake up to the magnitude of 7.0-7.5. Lead Rubber
Bearings (LRB) are installed on the critical points of the
structure which allows flexibility on the lower part of the arena
just enough to safely bend and shake once an earthquake
occurs, while the upper part moves autonomously from the
lower part. The space and sense of openness of the arena was
maximized by minimizing the pillars on the structure without
compromising its’ safety. Seismic Joint (Source: Pasugo)

Narra tree, the national tree of the Philippines, and the banyan tree's root served as the basis for the Philippine
Arena's initial design concept while the Nipa Hut roof served as the model for the roof. Its design concept is also based on
the concept of a “spine of steel,” which is a strong, central support system that allows flexibility and adaptability. The
structure of the Arena is made up of two main elements: a steel frame and a concrete shell. The steel frame provides the
structural strength and support, while the concrete shell provides the necessary acoustic and thermal protection.

Structural summary of Philippine Arena

(Source: Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture)

LOOKOUT AND PROTECTION BUILDING OF THE GENOVÉS PARK (CÁDIZ, SPAIN)

Lookout and Protection building of Genoves Park

(Source: Architizer)
 The Lookout and Protection Building of the
Genovés Park in Cádiz, Spain was built in 2015, and is a
modern structure that serves a number of purposes. It is
a winning project by architect José Luis Bezos in an
international contest hosted by the Town Hall of Cadiz,
that replaced the old protective wall that was built from
18th century. It provides a breathtaking panoramic view
of the city and the bay, while simultaneously serving as
a guardhouse against unauthorized access to the park.
Lookout and Protection building of Genoves Park
(Source: Architizer) The building is constructed of concrete, steel, and glass,
and features a distinctive design that reflects the area’s
coastal environment. The building also features a number of sustainable features, such as solar panels and a rainwater
collection system.

The major goal of the new planned structure that will

replace the wall is to ensure that the Genovés park is shielded from
wind and inclement weather. But it also suggests a much more
open and supple connection between that park and the brand-new
Santa Barbara Promenade. Five additional accesses have been
created as a result of them being seen as related and
complementary urban places. The upper level, which is also a
walkable and accessible roof, has been converted into a high
observation street with views of the Genovés Park on one side and
the Santa Bárbara Esplanade and the Bay of Cádiz on the other.
As a result, it is a building that incorporates a wide range of needs
and generates several proposals.

Steel and glass material of the structure.

(Source: Architizer)
 References

Kim, J.S. et al. (2016). Structural design of Philippine arena. Journal of Civil Engineering and

Architecture, 10(4). https://doi.org/10.17265/1934-7359/2016.04.002

Lookout and Protection Building of the Genovés Park by José Luis Bezos. (2015, May 4). Architizer.

https://architizer.com/projects/lookout-and-protection-building-of-the-genoves-park/

Philippine Arena | Major Projects | Hanwha Corporation/E&C. (n.d.). https://www.hwenc.com/majorprojects/philippine-

arena.do#:~:text=Moreover%2C%20by%20employing%20a%20seismic,a%20magnitude%20of%207.0%2D7.

5.&text=The%20surface%20of%20the%20world's,are%20each%20187m%20in%20length

The Philippine arena: An architectural wonder. (2020, June 21). Pasugo: God's

Message. https://www.pasugo.com.ph/the-philippine-arena-an-architectural-wonder/
 References

Antonio, S. (n.d.). Lean Interpretations from Philippine Vernacular Architecture | Lean Urbanism.

https://leanurbanism.org/lean-interpretations-from-philippine-vernacular-architecture/

Caruncho, E. (2012, May 5). Lifestyle.INQ. Lifestyle.INQ. https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/46495/green-by-design-

sustainable-living-through-filipino-architecture/#ixzz7uiqS2JlF