I.
Introduction
a. Background of the Study
A embassy is
the
official
office
of
one country in
the capital of another country. It is where the ambassador of
the
home
country
works
and
it
is
where
most
of
the communication
between
the
two governments happen.
an
embassy referred to an ambassador and staff who were sent to
represent and advance the interests of their country with
another countrys government, Today, an embassy is the nerve
center for a country's diplomatic affairs within the borders of
another nation, serving as the headquarters of the chief of
mission, staff and other agencies. An embassy is usually
located in the capital city of a foreign nation there may also
be consulates located in provincial or regional cities.
One country's main diplomatic office in another usually in
the capital city
of
the
Philippines
where
the
highest
diplomatic officer is the ambassador. Embassy premises and all
its
diplomatic staff fall
under
the sovereignty of
the
ambassador's home
country
and
are
protected
under
the
concept of diplomatic immunity by the host country.
b. Objective of the study
To implement designs that will represent Philippines to the
world as a welcoming and open society while maintaining
appropriate security provisions, elevate the standard of
quality in the design of diplomatic facilities, create a
process that will dramatically improve the resulting built
environments of PH diplomatic facilities around the globe in
allow designers to see varied opportunities for applying OBO
criteria in creative and attractive ways to provide an
opportunity to investigate and test new perimeter security
concepts and constantly evolve its own standards
c. Significance of the study
The study on The implimentation of the design of the embassy
may be significant and beneficial to the following:
Design at every level is an important tool in developing a
positive image for our facilities and for delivering a
successful embassy project, with a functional, attractive, and
welcoming perimeter. However, embassy facilities, in recent
years, have become massive, fortress-like buildings surrounded
by
high
walls
and/or
fences,
with
forbidding
entrance
pavilions. Many of these site edges are additionally protected
by one-meter-tall painted steel bollards and barriers. The
image of such facilities does not meet the Department of
States expectation that diplomatic facilities abroad visibly
demonstrate the openness and optimism of the American people
while providing safe and secure environments for staff and
visitors.
The perimeter of the embassy compound is its leading edge
portraying the first glimpse of Philippines design and attitude
while establishing and maintaining security. The presentation
of our country begins with these first impressions, as visitors
approach the embassy. In addition to the compounds edge, the
urban context and the streets and edges surrounding the embassy
are therefore critical to public perceptions
d. Scope and Limitation
Located in a range of climates from the arctic to the equator,
from high altitudes to sea level, and site is specific to its
regional
ecological,
historical,
and
cultural
setting.
Therefore, represents a new opportunity for place-making, as
well as a new opportunity to demonstrate Philippines ingenuity
and
sensitivity
to
local
conditions.
The
diagrammatic
illustrations shown in these guidelines are simply examples
there are many more ways to combine and integrate existing
criteria to make inviting, comfortable, and attractive places
II.
Review of Related Literature
a. Architectural Character of Australia
Designing a symmetrical entrance to a central block having a
wide entrance to express balance
and rhythm indicates public
[Link] low pitched roofed houses, and
were often replicas of the architecturally designed modern
buildings of the time. The inside of the homes were often open
plan and the design allowed for an economical use of building
materials.
b. Architectural Character of the Philippines
The vernacular characteristics of architecture and reviving the
colonial lifestyle of the philippines, incorporating it in
contemporary designs. New materials and technology are combined
with the iconography of the vernacular of the building. The new
Filipino architecture as rational rediscovery of traditional
shapes, indigenous building materials, methods of construction
and usage of space which have proved to be the most suitable to
the climate, the culture, and the land. Although the the
character viewed as full of political stain and symbolizes the
imposing power of the regime
c. Embassy spaces/ Consulate General Space Requirements:
Executive Office
-
Consular Officer
Receptionist
Reception/ Waiting
Staff Offices
-
Consular Officer
Consular Associate
Visa Clerk
Consular Assistant
Cashier
Common Area
-
Employee Toilet
Consular Affairs Kitchenette
CA Meeting Room
Workroom
Consular Public Areas:
-
CA Applicant Toilets
Waiting Area
Exterior NIV Waiting
PH. Citizen Services
-
Workroom- assembly
MRP Station
Teller Service Windows
Queue Area
-
Writing Area
Files
ACS/ Estate Storage
III.
Methopology
a. Design Philosopy
The design of our diplomatic facilities abroad should reflect
an understanding of common local customs, local public behavior
patterns, and human needs, especially in the areas of the
perimeter where public interface occurs. For individuals in
some countries, for example, personal privacy is a key
consideration when obtaining diplomatic services. Requiring
visitors to line up in locations where they are visible from
public streets can compromise their sense of personal privacy,
and even their sense of personal safety. Whereas, in US
culture, lining up for sports events, cinema access or other
entertainment is commonplace, this may not be the case in other
countries. Also, in some countries, embassy visitors expect to
wait for long periods of time before they are admitted for
business; thus, even when appointments have been made, visitors
often arrive hours in advance out of fear that they will miss
their chance for an appointment. In such cases, they often
wait for hours without shelter from the weather or access to
rest facilities. Given such differences among countries,
behavior patterns need to be well-understood by designers in
order to develop appropriate design strategies at the points of
visitor contact with the embassy.
The new process and guidelines set a standard that will create:
A welcoming atmosphere for consular and other visitors to US
Diplomatic Facilities as well as for employees
PH facilities that are sensitive to local ecology Places
that are perceived as respectful of local culture, art, and
craft
In design terms, methods for accomplishing these objectives
include:
Make High Quality and Functional Spaces. Provide public
spaces that are safely shared by pedestrians and vehicles.
Incorporate local materials and culturally appropriate design
themes into the spaces. Integrate stormwater management
elements into the design.
Reflect the Character of the Host Country. Include planting,
lighting, signage and other site design elements to reinforce
the sense of welcome and to incorporate familiar and contextual
elements.
Encourage
Positive
Cultural
Exchange
and
Expand
Representational Opportunities. On a site-specific basis,
include sculptural or artistic elements that emphasize positive
aspects of local materials and references to the indigenous
patterns and forms of the host country can be used to create an
elegant and welcoming appearance. Materials used in design of
embassy perimeters, as throughout the compound, must be
carefully selected to be harmonious with architecture and local
aesthetics.
b. Concept of Design
The concept is the idea that leads our design. It may be
practical or abstract.
My concept is to design the building in such a way which
can be helping for them to achieve maximum comfort and security
and this is practical idea that comes in my mind by seeing the
first impression visitors have as they approach the embassy.
However, many places in the world have significantly different
attitudes regarding the use of public facilities by their
citizens,
while
levels
of
education,
literacy,
and
sophistication vary dramatically from one country to another.
c. Design Evolution
The human capacity to design has remained constant even
though its means and methods have altered, in parallel to
technological, organizational, and cultural changes. The
historical evolution of design argues that design, although a
unique and unchanging skill, has manifested itself in different
ways throughout time. The diversity of concepts and practices
in modern design is explained by the layered nature of the
evolution of design. It is difficult to determine exactly when
humans began to change their environment to a significant
degree, or in other words to design.
IV.
Conclusions & Recommendations
BIBLIOGRAPHY
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
itecture_of_the_philippines.pdf
[Link]
[Link]
Australian architecture 1901-51 Sources of modernism Sydney Sydney
University Press 1980
[Link]
Embassy Perimeter Improvement Concepts & Design Guidelines
JUNE 2011