An Alternative Measurement Model for Gauging the Perceived Restorative Potential of Urban Landscape Scenes

 

BACKGROUND

The study was carried out due to the rising trend of urbanization both within the Philippines and globally. It recognized the profound transformations that urban environments manifest as they become increasingly dense and artificially dominated. It underscored the consequential impacts that these dominating features have on our daily urban lives. It emphasized the needed investigations into the perceived restorative experiences that such environments offer, particularly highlighting the challenges that urbanization and its physical manifestations pose to mental health across urban places (beyond urban parks and squares). It emphasized why other urban settings and their landscape scenes (e.g. housing, streetscapes, commercial, institutional, and transit scenes) are also worth measuring and designing diligently together with unique demographic or cultural factors to raise their restorative potentials regardless of where they are in a city or urbanizing places.

In addressing the need for restorative urban environments, the study emphasized the importance of expanding the scope of restorative environment studies from the dichotomous framing of investigations. It suggested shifting the focus to expanding the variations of urban (built) landscapes (in contrast to the traditional dichotomized studies) through their distinguishable types of scenes and demographic factors. This prompted the author –the task to try and develop an alternative measurement model to gauge the perceived restorative potential (PRP) of urban landscape scenes (ULS) more aptly as a starting point for evidence-based design, based on existing theories. This model can then be used to compare urban scene types (USTs) and demographic factors, moving beyond recent models such as the Perceived Relaxation Score (PRS) and adapting these to where it matters the most today, the growing urban contexts.

The study sought to confirm the significant roles of Environmental Visual Factors (EVFs) in influencing perceptions of restorativeness (PRP) within urban landscapes (ULS). It highlighted the notion that urban landscape scenes are comparable to natural landscape scenes to possess restorative characteristics or effects (e.g. environmental quality, complexity, affordances, fascinations, and restorativeness). Then it compared all perception differences of the five EVFs across the six USTs and different demographic factors affecting their PRP, adding to the existing literature.

Our aims and objectives focused on identifying, operationalizing, and measuring the key EVFs contributing to the perception of urban landscape scenes' potential for restorativeness or PRP. The study carefully outlined specific research questions and hypotheses concerning our proposed measurement model’s reliability and validity of the EVFs and our data’s model fit in measuring the PRP of ULS. Furthermore, comparisons across different USTs and demographic factors were also performed to extend the data and model’s use for gaining insights specific to our current data.

The significance of the study was to inform the general public, developers, architects, urban planners, managers, designers, and policymakers with an overarching goal of enhancing the well-being and quality of life within urban settings. Despite its ambitions, the study acknowledged some limitations, including its correlational and cross-sectional design, its low ecological validity, and its specific focus on urban scene stimuli from narrowly defined locations in the Philippines, affecting its potential for generalizability.

A literature review on the impacts of urban environments on mental health and the concept of restorative environments provided a foundational background for the research. Studies conducted in the early 2000s through 2014 primarily focused on the adverse effects of urban environments on mental health and identifying the negative consequences of poorly designed urban spaces. Between 2005 and 2009, the scope of research expanded to explore the relationship between various aspects of the built environment, such as green spaces and pedestrian accessibility, and mental well-being. More recent investigations from 2015 to 2021, have shifted towards a broader examination of the urban environment's contribution to positive mental health outcomes.

From this point, the study of Restorative Urban Environments –in contrast to the earlier studies of “restorative (natural) environments”, has emerged in recent years. With these developments, the conceptual framework of this study draws primarily upon earlier seminal theories such as Attention Restoration Theory (ART) by Kaplan (1989), and Stress Reduction Theory (SRT) by Ulrich (1983), while also considering ideas of ecological psychology by Gibson (1979) in our proposed measurement model to help gauge and translate into the design for urban landscapes' greater restorative potentials.

METHODOLOGY

The research design adopted a three-phase exploratory sequential design, which is a mixed-methods approach. This approach synergizes purposive (qualitative) sampling techniques and then correlational, factor, and other appropriate statistical tests (quantitative analysis) to enhance the depth of interpretations from our measurement model within the varying ULS, USTs, and demographics. An initial pilot study significantly influenced the final design, enabling both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of the proposed measurement model.

Data were carefully gathered on demographic variables (e.g., gender, age, urban familiarity, education level, etc.) and stimuli ratings of the five environmental visual factors such as perceived environmental quality (PEQ), affordances (PEA), complexity (PEC), fascination (PEF), and relaxation score (PRS). All measurements were made using a 7-point Likert scale while showing variations of urban scene stimuli.

The sampling approach was strategic, utilizing purposive sampling to prequalify and select both photo stimuli and participants. This approach ensured demographic and stimuli balance and contextual relevance while randomizing survey sets and participants in seven separate sessions.

Data collection was executed through researcher-administered in-person surveys from different locations in Pangasinan, engaging a diverse pool of participants to capture perceptions of urban scenes. The survey design was carefully stratified to ensure a balanced representation of urban scenes across each survey set while mitigating participant fatigue.

Ethical considerations were paramount, with strict adherence to informed consent, confidentiality, and ethical guidelines. The study’s limitations, including concerns regarding generalizability and ecological validity, among others, were also acknowledged.

The data analysis employed both descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Software tools such as G Power, AMOS, SPSS, and Excel played a crucial role in data analysis and encoding.

RESULTS & DISCUSSIONS

The collected and prepared datasets were composed of 168 participants, encompassing varying demographics. The evaluation encompassed 126 urban landscape scenes (UST) as the stimuli and was categorized into six urban scene types, yielding 3,024 observations to ensure a representative sample. Reliability analysis confirmed the internal consistency of the Perceived Restorative Potential construct with a Cronbach’s alpha of .875. However, normality tests indicated a significant deviation from a normal distribution of our data, necessitating non-parametric methods or bootstrapping for subsequent analyses. Non-parametric statistical tests and SEM in SPSS and AMOS respectively were utilized instead, due to the non-normality of our data.

However, these methods showed statistical significance and strong positive relationships among measurements of the environmental visual factors (EVFs) reflecting the manifest construct of the PRP. Correlation and factor analyses revealed significant interrelations among these EVFs, especially between Perceived Environmental Fascinations (PEF) and Relaxation scores (PRS) or the resulting perceived mental relaxation ratings, underscoring the importance of environmental fascinations and scenes’ capacity for evoking mental relaxations from urban landscape scenes (ULS).

Comparative analyses across different urban scene types (USTs) highlighted perceptual differences. Recreational landscape scenes were rated as the most restorative while transit landscape scenes were rated as the least, which is consistent with our predictions based on literature. Demographic factors such as gender, urban familiarity, and education level were found to have significant differences in EVFs affecting their ULS’s restorative potentials, but surprisingly not for age groups.

These findings imply that architectural and urban design strategies within our context should prioritize interventions in maximizing EVFs that greatly enhance the restorative potential of respective USTs, particularly on the streetscapes, housing, and transit scene types, while also considering each significant demographic factors such as gender, urban familiarity, and education levels. The findings also showed the major influence and correlation of perceived environmental fascination (PEF) and relaxation (PRS), followed by perceived environmental quality (PEQ) and affordances (PEA), with environmental complexity (PEC) having the least correlational effects in significantly enhancing the restorative potential of scenes across various urban settings.

CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS

The author posed critical questions regarding the reliability, significance, validity, and model fit of the proposed alternative measurement model in gauging PRP with our non-normal datasets. To address these, we employed SEM alongside traditional (non-parametric) statistical techniques due to the nature of our data. The findings revealed high internal consistency among the EVFs, underscoring their substantial reliability in measuring the PRP. The study affirmed the presence and strength of positive correlations among EVFs as indicators of PRP and further confirmed its good model fit with our data.

This confirmation came in the form of our proposed (ULS-PRP) measurement model, which was used in capturing PRP’s nuances of USTs and demographic factors. Notably, the study revealed significant differences in EVFs that are measuring PRP across the six USTs. Recreational landscape scenes were consistently rated highest (confirming previous studies) while transit landscape scenes were rated the lowest in terms of their PRP. Demographic factors also revealed significant differences among genders, urban familiarities such as ruralites versus urbanites, and education levels. It underscored the need for restorative urban environments that cater to a range of urban contexts and a variety of local population’s restorative needs.

Considering all these results and insights, the study presented some recommendations for architects, urban planners, designers, policymakers, and scholars to improve urban landscapes’ restorative potential. The study recommends that architects, urban planners, and designers should measure and translate better into plans and designs, restorative design concepts that tap into the positive environmental visual factors like quality, affordance, complexity, fascination, and mental relaxation in urban landscapes to enhance their perceived restorative potential in their ongoing transformations. It also urges policymakers to support the study and development of restorative urban environments and for public awareness initiatives to educate about their benefits. These suggestions were anchored from the empirical evidence and analytical insights gleaned from the narrow context of this research.

Acknowledging its limitations, the author called for future research to pursue longitudinal studies, and cross-cultural comparisons, explore the current indicators as higher-order constructs, and adoption of more objective measures of restorativeness, thereby broadening our understanding of restorative urban environments and their design to raise or improve their perceived restorative potentials. This would provide more mental restoration experiences to 21st-century urban dwellers and beyond.

Read the full Manuscript Here

Architects' Exclusive Right to Sign and Seal Architectural Documents is Upheld by the Supreme Court

 In the long-running legal battle between civil engineers and architects over who has the right to prepare, sign, and seal architectural designs and documents for building construction, the nation's highest court has decided in favor of the architects. The 2004 Revised IRR of the National Building Code is legitimate and constitutional, the court ruled, and only licensed and registered architects have the exclusive right to do so. This important ruling upholds the qualifications and professional privileges of Filipino architects in practicing, duh... "architecture".., in the Philippines.

The primary questions in the case are whether civil engineers have the right to prepare, sign and seal architectural documents, such as blueprints, designs, and specifications for the construction of buildings, and whether the 2004 National Building Code (NBC) Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) that restricted this power to architects are lawful and constitutional.

The 2004 Revised IRR of the NBC is valid and consistent with the Architecture Act of 2004 (RA 9266), which regulates the practice of architecture in the Philippines, the Supreme Court ruled. Only licensed and registered architects, not civil engineers, have the exclusive authority to prepare, sign, and seal architectural documents.

These were the grounds upon which the Supreme Court based its decision:

The 2004 Revised IRR of the NBC merely put into effect the provisions of RA 9266, which specifically granted architects the exclusive right to prepare, sign, and seal architectural documents and prohibited government officials from accepting or approving any documents that were not prepared by architects. This did not exceed the rule-making authority of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Only civil or structural documents may be prepared, signed, and sealed by civil engineers, as permitted by the Civil Engineering Law (RA 544), which establishes the parameters of civil engineering practice. The other provisions of the law and the legislative intent make it clear that the term "building" in RA 544 should only be understood to refer to structures that are related to waterworks or meant for public gatherings.

Only mechanical and electrical engineers are recognized by the official version of the NBC, which is certified by the Malacañang Records Office and published in the Official Gazette, to be able to prepare, sign, and seal architectural documents. The NBC version that contained the phrase "licenced architect or civil engineer in case of architectural and structural plans," which was kept in the National Library and referenced by the Court of Appeals, was not offered or admitted as evidence in the trial court and, as a result, cannot be taken into consideration on appeal. In addition, the term was a misprint or a typo, and using it would be changing the legislation.

Because of the unbridgeable contradiction and conflict between these laws, RA 9266 has implicitly repealed or modified RA 544 and the NBC to the extent that they allow civil engineers to prepare, sign, and seal architectural documents. RA 544 and the NBC are general laws that cover a variety of professions related to building design and construction, while RA 9266 is a special law that deals specifically with the practice of architecture. Lex specialis derogat generali, which states that a special law supersedes a general law on the same subject matter, is applicable.

Since the 2004 Revised IRR of the NBC was implemented to protect the State's police authority and guarantee that only qualified professionals could prepare the necessary paperwork for a building permit, it did not infringe upon the substantive due process rights of civil engineers. Civil engineers' ability to practice their profession was not taken away by the 2004 Revised IRR of the NBC; rather, it limited their authority with regard to architectural documents. It is still, without a doubt, the exclusive right or privilege of civil engineers to prepare, sign, and seal structural or civil documents in addition to other non-architectural documents. The decision did not take away any of their rights that they were not supposed to have in the first place, which historical conditions permitted. It only gave the architects of today their rightful place and domain in the realm of the multidisciplinary professions of designing and constructing buildings.

This decision should usher in a more informed population about the roles of architects and engineers in nation-building. Gone should be the days when people took architects as just visual artists or drawing specialists and assigned the title "master builders" to civil engineers who never took any architectural design class or 2-year construction training prior to taking professional examinations. The curtains have been drawn, and the truth is out in the open, adjudicated by the ultimate arbiters of the land.

See Court Decision here: 200015.pdf (judiciary.gov.ph)

Advantages of building green homes in the Philippines

Sustainable homes or Green Homes or buildings are those that are made with the environment, the economy, the community, and people's health in mind. They try to make sure that construction and operation have as few negative effects as possible on natural resources and human health, while having as many positive effects as possible on both. In the Philippines, which has problems like rapid urbanization, climate change, poverty, and pollution, building sustainable homes can help homeowners, developers, and the country as a whole in many ways. Here are some reasons why building green homes in the Philippines is a good idea:

Sustainable homes are better for the environment because they use less energy, water, and waste. They do this by having green features like renewable energy sources, energy-efficient appliances and lighting, water-saving fixtures and devices, rainwater harvesting systems, waste management systems, and green roofs and walls. These features can also increase biodiversity by giving plants and animals places to live. Lamudi says that Alphaland Makati Place, Arya Residences, Botanika Nature Residences, and Primavera Residences are examples of eco-friendly homes in the Philippines. These homes have earned different levels of certification from green building rating systems like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies). 

Economic benefits: Sustainable homes can save money on electricity, water, and gas bills, which can lower the cost of living for the homeowner. They can also raise the value of a home by bringing in more buyers who are willing to pay more for green features. Using locally sourced materials, recycled or re-used materials, and prefabricated parts can lower the costs of building sustainable homes for developers. They can also get a competitive edge by making their products stand out from the rest and by meeting the growing demand for green homes from people who care about the environment. Pinoy Builders says that Bench Tower, which used low-E double glass walls to keep heat out, The Boni Tower, which used modular construction to save time and money, and Ylang Lane Townhouses are all examples of sustainable buildings in the Philippines that are also cost-effective.

Social benefits: Sustainable homes can improve the health of a community by making places to live that are safe, accessible, and welcoming to everyone. They can also help the local economy grow by creating jobs for architects, engineers, contractors, and suppliers who are skilled in green building practices. They can also help local businesses by using materials like bamboo, rattan, or coco lumber that are grown in the area. Also, they can encourage other groups, like government agencies, universities, and civil society, to work together to teach the public about sustainability and raise awareness of it.

Health benefits: Sustainable homes can improve the quality of the air inside by giving people enough ventilation, natural lighting, and thermal comfort.

By using non-toxic materials and paints, they can also reduce their exposure to harmful substances like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, and asbestos.

They can also improve people's physical and mental health by adding biophilic design elements like plants, water features, and natural views that bring people closer to nature.

In the end, building sustainable homes in the Philippines is not only the right thing to do, but also a smart choice that can help homeowners, developers, and society as a whole in many ways.

By using green building methods and ideas, we can make homes that are not only beautiful and comfortable but also strong and good for the environment.

References::
https://www.lamudi.com.ph/journal/eco-friendly-residences-philippines/
https://pinoybuilders.ph/building-green-sustainable-buildings-in-the-philippines/

Building Your Dream Home in the Philippines: Why Hiring an Architect is the Smartest Decision You'll Ever Make

 One of the biggest expenditures a person can make in their lifetime is constructing a home. Making a home that is special, individual, and indicative of one's values and objectives requires not only a financial commitment but also an emotional and psychological one.

The job of an architect in designing a house extends beyond simply the design stage and includes the building stage as well. The architect is in charge of following industry standards, making sure that the design is carried out as effectively as possible, and making sure that the building is finished on schedule and within the allocated budget.

Working with an architect has several advantages, one of which is their capacity to listen to your demands and create a home that is suited to your particular tastes. They can incorporate their understanding of design and building concepts with their experience and expertise to make your idea a reality. In order to produce a design that is not only beautiful but also practical and effective, they will work with you to comprehend your way of life, the size of your family, and your particular needs.

In addition, architects can assist you in avoiding costly construction-related errors. You may save time and money by having them anticipate potential issues and offer ways to avert them. Additionally, they are able to oversee the entire construction process, ensuring that it is completed with high quality, on time, and within budget.

It is important to keep in mind that constructing a home in the Philippines might be difficult, particularly for people who are unfamiliar with the country's building norms and rules. An architect can help you navigate the procedure and make sure you follow all rules and apply for all essential permits. You'll feel more at ease knowing that your investment is not in danger of being destroyed because it does not adhere to building codes.

Moreover, hiring a professional architect guarantees that you receive the most for your money. They can suggest materials that are not only functional and affordable but also aesthetically beautiful. They may also provide you advice on how to make the best use of your available space and develop designs that are energy-efficient, which will ultimately cost you less money.

Many people may claim (especially in the Philippines) that employing an architect is an unnecessary investment and that they may design and construct their home with the help of amateurs or carpenters. This, however, can be a risky approach that results in poor building, delays, and even legal problems. Non-professionals might be able to offer less expensive prices, but they lack the education and expertise needed to guarantee that the construction is completed to the necessary standards.

ECONOMY 

Although hiring an architect may seem like an additional expense, it is actually an investment that could end up saving you money. Architects have the skills and knowledge necessary to create attractive homes that are also practical and affordable. They can suggest building materials and methods that are strong and energy-efficient, which can lead to significant power bill savings.

Additionally, architects can assist you in avoiding costly errors that could happen during the building process. These errors may cause delays, extra costs, and lowered standards. Working with an architect will help you avoid these blunders and guarantee that the building is done correctly the first time.

The cost of an architect's fees is well worth paying when you take into account the long-term cost savings and the potential risks of not hiring one.

RESALE VALUE

When compared to homes constructed by non-architects, those that are designed and built by architects have a higher after-market valuation. This is due to the fact that architects create homes that are both aesthetically beautiful and useful. They take into account the regional context, the immediate environment, as well as the homeowner's demands and preferences. As a result, the house is distinctive and sticks out in the market.

An architecturally designed home is also more enticing to prospective buyers since it reflects the homeowner's lifestyle and values. Additionally, it is more likely to be free of design defects, which may appeal to buyers seeking high-end properties more.

In short, a home that was designed by an architect has a better resale value, which can increase the return on investment.

Furthermore, architects are artists, and their projects serve as their works of art. Like any other artist, once they become recognized for their own style and identity, it might increase the value of their work. Buildings designed by renowned architects like Frank Lloyd Wright, Zaha Hadid, and Bobby Manosa have become cultural icons and draw tourists from all over the world.

Similar to this, a property that was designed by an architect may come to represent that architect's style, increasing its attractiveness and value. Working with architects gives homeowners the chance to design a one-of-a-kind house that stands alone as a piece of art.

Below should be your criteria for making the choice of a DIY, hiring a cheap substitute, or opting for the sure-shot route and more convenient. Heck, it might even give you the best experience, like having your own hair stylist or wedding planner, though it's a far more expensive undertaking.

To sum it all up, building a home in the Philippines is a big investment that needs to be done carefully. Your dream home can be realized with the assistance of an architect, and your investment will be safeguarded. From concept to construction, they may offer vital advice and support while assisting you in avoiding costly errors. Working with a trained architect who has the required knowledge and skills to realize your vision is crucial. Keep in mind that buying a home is an investment in your future and the future of your family as well as a financial one.

Top 10 Architectural Design Features for Modern Houses in the Philippines

If you want to build a modern house in the Philippines, you can choose from various design possibilities. There are numerous ways to make your modern home unique and adapted to your needs, ranging from environmentally friendly features to lavish comforts. Here are some of the most popular architectural designs for modern houses in the Philippines, focusing on sustainability and elegance. Use These Architectural Designs to Make Your Modern House in the Philippines Stand Out:

1. Solar panels are a popular choice for modern residences in the Philippines since they provide a clean and renewable source of electricity.  Installing solar panels on your home's roof allows you to generate electricity to run your appliances and lighting. Solar panels are environmentally friendly and cost-effective to lower your energy expenses and carbon footprint.
   
   
   
2. Rainwater harvesting systems in modern homes: Rainwater harvesting systems gather and store rainwater for usage in your home. This can lessen your dependency on municipal water supplies while also saving you money on your water bills. Rainwater harvesting systems are a sustainable and practical option for modern homes in the Philippines, particularly in areas prone to drought.
   
   
   
3. Green roofs are a new and environmentally friendly addition to homes in the Philippines, with various advantages. These roofs are covered in flora and plants, which provide insulation, noise reduction, and air purification. Green roofs can minimize runoff and improve the surrounding ecology by absorbing stormwater. These environmentally friendly roofs are also attractive and can be a fantastic addition to any modern home. Green roofs are not only a great way to reduce carbon emissions, but they also help to create a healthier and more vibrant environment for everyone.
   
   
   
4. Passive cooling systems in modern homes: Passive cooling systems are meant to keep your home cool without the use of air conditioning. They function by utilizing natural cooling strategies such as ventilation, insulation, and shading. Passive cooling systems are a sustainable and energy-efficient option for modern homes in the Philippines, particularly in hot and humid conditions.
   
   
   
5. Courtyard gardens in modern houses: Courtyard gardens are a prominent feature in modern residences in the Philippines. They give a peaceful and quiet outdoor spot for leisure, entertaining, or cultivating plants. Courtyard gardens can be constructed in a range of styles, ranging from formal to casual, and can be customized to your specific needs.
   
   
   
6. Rooftop gardens in modern houses: Rooftop gardens are another popular element in modern houses in the Philippines. They add to the outdoor space for relaxing, entertaining, or growing plants. Rooftop gardens are a practical and environmental option because they can help to reduce stormwater runoff and provide insulation.
   
   
   
7. Energy-efficient appliances and lighting in modern houses: Energy-efficient appliances and lighting are a sustainable and cost-effective option for modern residences in the Philippines. They consume less energy than typical appliances and lighting, which can help you save money on electricity and minimize your carbon footprint. Energy-efficient appliances and lighting are available in a variety of styles and can be customized to your specific needs.
   
   
   
8. Infinity pools in modern luxury houses: Infinity pools are a luxurious and visually attractive addition to modern residences in the Philippines. They are pools with an edge that appears to flow into the surrounding landscape, giving the appearance of infinity. Because they give a relaxing and delightful outdoor space, infinity pools are a popular choice for modern luxury houses in the Philippines.
   
   
   
9. Home theaters in modern luxury houses: Home theaters are a luxurious and entertaining amenity for modern residences in the Philippines. They are specific areas built for the best viewing and hearing experience. Because they give a handy and immersive method to view movies and TV shows, home theaters are a popular choice for modern luxury houses in the Philippines.
   
   
   
10. Technology-integrated study rooms: The pandemic has highlighted the importance of having a dedicated space for remote learning and working in the home. As a result, many modern homes in the Philippines now include technology-enhanced study rooms. These are dedicated places with cutting-edge technology and services to promote online learning and work. High-speed internet, ergonomic furniture, and high-quality audio-visual equipment may be included in technology-integrated study rooms. These qualities can aid in the creation of a pleasant and productive atmosphere for remote learning and working from home. You may ensure that you and your family have the support you need to thrive in the digital age by installing a technology-integrated study room in your modern house in the Philippines.
    
    
    

You could build a unique and individualized place that meets your needs and fits your budget by adding any or all of these architectural features to your modern house in the Philippines. There are various design possibilities to select from, whether you want a sustainable and practical home or a lavish and entertaining residence, or both. You may build the modern home of your dreams in the Philippines with careful planning and the assistance of a knowledgeable architect.