Research & Outputs

This thesis is a case study which sought to find out if the designs of the UP Diliman dormitory bedrooms, specifically those in the Yakal Residence Hall, are gender-sensitive in terms of lay-out, choice of color scheme and furniture design. Using the multi-method approach of research, the following were the data gathering techniques used to address the objectives of this study: site inspection, interview and survey. The instruments employed were floor plans, pictures, observation guide, interview guide and questionnaire. By means of purposive sampling, 30 dormers were asked to answer the questionnaire. Sixteen of them were males and 14 were females. The data gathered were tabulated, summarized and analyzed vis-a-vis the theories of Color, Proxemics, Anthropometrics and Universal Design. Results showed that the sizes of the selected Yakal dormitory bedrooms followed the given standards based on Universal Design. However, the existing furniture lay-outs in the said bedrooms were unsuitable and some areas were not easily accessible due to the closet that also served as a divider. For the color scheme of their bedrooms, both males (9 out of 16) and females (8 out of 14) indicated their disapproval for the color of the walls. Both genders expressed their preference for the shade of blue. The dormitory bedrooms of both male and female dormers were found to be complete with the basic furniture pieces necessary in a dormitory bedroom. On the contrary, majority pointed out the poor construction and design of the furniture in their bedrooms. Furthermore, the male dormers (5 out of 16) gave a lower rating of 7 to the over-all design of the bedrooms compared to that of female dormers' rating of 8 (7 out of 14). In view of the findings, the study revealed that there were efforts made by the University to be gender-sensitive in designing the said bedrooms but they were not fully realized. The lay-out and the existing furniture pieces in both males' and females' bedrooms did not address their needs in terms of their gender. Specifically, the males' characteristic of being more territorial and the females' penchant for aesthetics and flexibility were not satisfied. On the other hand, the results indicated that colors traditionally associated with gender are not anymore strictly followed as demonstrated by the female dormers' preference for blue (a masculine color) as the color for their bedroom. The study recommends that the lay-out, the color scheme and furniture design for the dormitory bedrooms be changed according to the standards of Universal Design, giving special considerations to the needs and requirements of the dormers based on their gender. It is also recommended that a survey regarding the dormers' preferences in terms of color scheme, the type of furniture and even the number of dormers per room, be carried out by the University not only in Yakal but also among other co-ed dormitories inside the UP Diliman campus. Lastly, a separate study for each aspect of the dormitory bedrooms: lay-out, color scheme and furniture, should be conducted in order to yield better results.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the circulation of Palma Hall, focusing on the entrances and lobbys accessibility for persons with disabilities (PWDs). It determined if the circulation of Palma Hall's entrances and lobby are generally accessible and if it complies with the building code standards. Along with the evaluation, this study determined the common problems faced by PWDs and provided recommendations on how to improve the design relative to the problems they experience. To acquire appropriate data, the researcher limited the sample to physically impaired persons which frequently used the aforementioned areas of Palma Hall. The sample chosen through purposive sampling included seven (7) UP Diliman students who attended classes in Palma Hall while having mobility deficiencies. Specifically, it encompassed one (1) wheelchair user and six (6) persons with limited walking abilities which made travelling more difficult for them. The researcher employed a descriptive research design. The respondents supplied relevant information during the survey and interview to provide a greater insight regarding their perceptions and preferences. The researcher also conducted site visits to observe the condition of the buildings accessibility routes. This study used the building's adherence to the Universal Design theory and compliance to the design policies provided by Batas Pambansa Bilang 344 - Accessibility Law as a basis for analyzing the consolidated data. Results showed that relative to the Accessibility Law, Palma Hall's entrances and lobby are not fully accessible for PWDs in terms of circulation. Answers given by the respondents generally suggest that the left entrance and lobby partially meets the needs of users with a wide variety of characteristics while the main and right entrances do not. The presence of numerous stairs and the lack of ramps turned out to be the users main concerns. This led to the recommendations of providing effective accessibility features like ramps, elevators, special walkways, and handrails.

The study determined the behavioral and environmental components of functional comfort of the design student residents in the four (4) selected bedrooms of Kalayaan resident hall in relation to usability of the work space, sleeping space and storage space. The respondents of the research are six (6) freshmen students of BS Interior Design residing in Kalayaan residence hall for the first semester of A.Y. 2018-2019. The type of research design used was descriptive case study with an inductive approach. The study used the following instruments: for Phase I, an online survey questionnaire; for Phase II, photo documentation; for Phase III, ocular observation; and for Phase IV, semi-structured focus group discussion. The bedroom units and the respondents were chosen through purposive sampling. From the data gathered, the study culture and the priority of the design student residents are academic activity based including manual drafting and manual rendering among others. The academic needs of the design student residents are different with variations in materials and sizes. Findings regarding the environmental components of functional comfort in the built environment of the physical space are the need for additional spaces, low level of body comfort, inappropriateness of lighting and furniture, and inability to control the space. The behavioral findings are inability to function properly, high sense of vulnerability and low encouragement. The usability of the physical space is greatly altered by the design student residents to attain functionality and productivity, satisfaction is not met. It can be said that the design students are not functionally comfortable in the space which resulted to issue and problems and consequences that further affect functional comfortability and usability.