Comprehensive Study Notes: Architecture, Construction, Codes, and Design Standards (Philippines)

Source material overview
- The provided transcript is a compilation of architectural and construction references (concrete mixes, cement types, masonry, site planning, building divisions, codes, design standards, professional practice, Filipino architecture, planning theories, and historical timelines). It includes practical tables, definitions, standards, and exemplar data used in construction, architectural practice, and urban planning in the Philippines.
- Key sections span concrete technology, Portland cement types, mortar and plaster proportions, unit conversions, building divisions, professional service formats (SPP documents 201–209), regulatory Acts (RA 9266 and related IRRs), NBCP/PD1096 content, Fire/Accessibility/ housing regulations (RA 9514, BP 344, BP 220, BP 344), and planning theory and history.
Concrete Mix Proportion (Concrete Technology)
- Concrete mix classifications (from Classifications labeled AAA, AA, A, B, C, D) with typical cement-sand-gravel ratios and usages:
- AAA: 1 : 1 : 2; used for Pre-Stressed and Post-Tensioned constructions; specific strength and water data provided in the transcript (e.g., cylinder/cube strength references and water quantities in US gallons per 94 lb/40 kg cement), designated for underwater retaining walls, shear walls, and elevator core walls.
- AA: 1 : 1.5 : 3; listed strength and water usage values (e.g., 12, 9.5, 0.5, 1, 4000, 2400, 2800) accompanying uses.
- A: 1 : 2 : 4; 9, 7, 0.5, 1, 3500, 2000, 2400; used for footings, piers, columns, girders, beams, joists and slabs.
- B: 1 : 2.5 : 5; 7.5, 6, 0.5, 1, 3000, 1600, 2000; slabs on fill and non-load bearing walls or 4” thick CHB.
- C: 1 : 3 : 6; 6, 5, 0.5, 1, 2500, 1300, 1600; concrete plant boxes and parapet walls.
- D: 1 : 3.5 : 7; 5, 4, 0.5, 1, 2000, 1000, 1200; plant boxes, footpaths, walkways and lean concrete.
- Notes on strength references: the transcript lists “Strength” and “Ultimate compressive strength” columns for cylinders and cubes, plus water usage and targeted applications. Specific numbers are shown in rows but appear as part of a larger table; interpret as a guideline rather than a universal standard without the full table context.
- Cement-water ratios, aggregate proportions, and workability are interdependent with strength targets and curing conditions; typical design practice uses target strength requirements (e.g., cylinder strength) to select a given class ratio.
- 1:1:2 etc. are by volume: cement : sand : gravel. The minimum gravel/sand content is implied by the ratios to achieve a workable mix for the designated strength class.
Portland Cement: Classification and Types
- Portland Cement: hydraulic cement made from burning a clay-limestone mixture, producing clinker ground to a fine powder.
- Types and primary uses:
- TYPE I Normal: general construction cement with no distinguishing special properties.
- TYPE II Moderate: reduced tricalcium aluminate; more sulfate resistance and lower heat of hydration; used where sulfate resistance is needed or where heat buildup is problematic (e.g., large piers, heavy retaining walls).
- TYPE III High Early Strength: finely ground; higher C3S content; faster curing; used when early formwork removal is desired or in cold-weather construction.
- TYPE IV Low Heat: reduced C3S and increased C2S; generates less heat; used for massive structures (gravity dams).
- TYPE V Sulfate Resisting: reduced C3A; used where severe sulfate action is expected.
- Air-Entraining Portland Cement: cement with small quantities of air-entraining agents; suffix A (e.g., Type IA, IIA, or IIIA).
- White Portland Cement: produced with raw materials low in iron oxide and manganese oxide; used in precast work and terrazzo.
- Applications and chemistry implications: heat of hydration, sulfate resistance, early strength, and color are key considerations when selecting cement type for a project.
Mortar & Plaster; CHB (Concrete Hollow Block) Computation Factors
- Mortar proportions for CHB plaster and mortar fill: Class A (1:2), B (1:3), C (1:4), D (1:5). Corresponding volumes for plaster and mortar fill are listed in cubic meters for CHB sizes (4” [10x20x40], 6” [15x20x40], 8” [20x20x40]). Example cast-in-place CHB work and rebar data are provided.
- Rebar weight per meter (kg) for common diameters: Ø2, Ø2 x?; “Ø REBAR (mm)” and “# / 8 x 25.4” etc., provide a quick cross-check for reinforcement weight per meter for design calculations.
- Minimum thicknesses and deflection considerations for non-pre-stressed beams or one-way slabs: table lists typical allowable slab thicknesses and L/20, L/16, L/28 limits for different configurations (e.g., solid one-way slab, beams/ribbed one-way slab, plain footings, etc.).
- Conversion and sizing notes: 4” CHB, 6” CHB blocks are referenced; emphasis on minimum cover and deflection considerations for structural members.
Conversion Factors and Unit References (Page 2)
- Key unit conversions (as listed):
- 1 ext{ m}^2 = 10.7639 ext{ ft}^2
- 1 ext{ m} = 3.2808 ext{ ft}
- 1 ext{ ft} = 0.3048 ext{ m}
- 1 ext{ m}^3 = 35.3147 ext{ ft}^3
- 1 ext{ US gallon} = 3.78541 ext{ L}
- 1 ext{ kg} = 2.20462 ext{ lb}
- 1 ext{ m}^3 = 1000 ext{ L} (and 1,000 L ≈ 264.1721 US gal)
- Additional conversions include: US gallon to liters, cubic feet to cubic meters, etc. The transcript provides a large list with some cross-relations; use standard conversion values when applying in practice.
- Note: The document includes a long list of cross-conversions (BTU, quarts, pints, kilowatts, etc.); rely on standard engineering tables for precise work and treat the transcript as a guide to the included conversions.
Formwork, Shoring, and Time Requirements (Page 3)
- Several guidelines for form removal timing, load-bearing capacities, and related time requirements (e.g., 1 day = 24 hours; progressive formwork removal times depending on member size and loads). The transcript features a dense table that ties time requirements to per-meter height and to specific formwork conditions; for exam prep, remember the general principle: formwork duration is controlled by curing needs, structural type, and local standards.
- Also includes: “Two-way slab” design, durometer and weight checks, hypotenuse/angle computations (e.g., use in finite element-like logic or help for form layout). Equations such as trigonometric relationships (e.g., sin, cos, tan) appear in the context of analyzing stairs, slabs, etc.
- Contains references to standard geometry and trigonometry, for example: c = √(a^2 + b^2) (Pythagoras) and inverse trig functions, used in formwork/truss calculations; two-way slab T = perimeter etc. (notations in the original text).
Structural Design Divisions and Codes (16 Divisions; Page 4–7)
- The document lists 16 divisions in the MasterFormat-style sequence:
- Division 1: General Requirements
- Division 2: Site Construction
- Division 3: Concrete
- Division 4: Masonry
- Division 5: Metals
- Division 6: Wood and Plastics
- Division 7: Thermal and Moisture Protection
- Division 8: Doors and Windows
- Division 9: Finishes
- Division 10: Specialties
- Division 11: Equipment
- Division 12: Furnishings
- Division 13: Special Construction
- Division 14: Conveying Systems
- Division 15: Mechanical
- Division 16: Electrical
- For each division, the transcript lists example sub-sections (e.g., 03050 Basic Concrete Materials and Methods; 03300 Cast-In-Place Concrete; 03400 Precast Concrete; 03500 Cementitious Decks and Underlayment; etc.). These serve as a functional map of typical construction specification structure.
UAP/Architecture Practice, Services, and Fees (Pages 8–12)
- UAP documents (UAP Doc 201–209) cover: methods of compensation, design services (Regular Design Services – RDS), post-design services, construction management, post-construction services, design-build services, architectural design competitions, and PACS (Professional Architectural Consulting Services).
- Methods of compensation categories include MDPE, PFPE, LS/FF, PCC, PDHPRE, MMC, etc., with examples for different project types and scales; these reflect typical practice in the Philippines and globally.
- PD 1096 (NBCP) and its IRR (Implementation Rules and Regulations) are summarized in the later pages as well; see RA 9266 for the architecture law, with emphasis on professional practice and licensure.
Laws Affecting the Practice of Architecture in the Philippines (Pages 13–15)
- RA 9266 (Architecture Law of 2004): Repeals earlier RA 545; establishes regulatory framework for licensure, registration, and practice. Key items include: Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture (PRBOA) powers; examinations; licensure; practice restrictions; ownership of plans; continuing professional development; penalties; and governance.
- IRR of RA 9266: Contains detailed rules for the Board, examinations, licensing, practice rights, liability, etc. Includes specifics on: ownership of plans, signing/sealing of documents, temporary permits, and liability insurance.
- NBCP (PD 1096) National Building Code of the Philippines; contents include Rules I–XVI, including general provisions, administration, permits and inspections, fire zones, occupancy classifications, light and ventilation, sanitation, building projection, fire zones, egress, and more.
- RA 9514 (Fire Code of the Philippines, 2008): Revised Fire Code; coordination with NBCP.
- PD 1185 (Fire Code of the Philippines 1977): Repealed by RA 9514; transitional references appear in the tables.
- RA 7267 / BP 344 (Accessibility Law) and BP 220 (Socialized Housing) and BP 344 (Accessibility) appearance in design table context; the document provides a cross-reference for these important regulations.
- PD 957 (Subdivisions/Condominium/Urban Planning) and PD 1096 (NBCP) cross-reference tables address parking, open spaces, setbacks, and subdivision standards.
Subdivision and Housing Design Standards (PD 1096, PD 1185, RA 9514, PD 957; BP 220, BP 344; Open Market, Economic/Housing) (Pages 19–25)
- The transcript provides a tabulated view comparing design standards across PD 1096, PD 1185, RA 9514, PD 957, BP 220, BP 344 across categories such as:
- Fire zones and construction types (Type I–V exposures)
- Open Market, Economic Housing, and Socialized Housing classifications
- Parking requirements (per unit, per bed, or per area) including truck and vehicle specs
- Lot frontages for different housing types (Single Detached, Duplex/Row Houses, Apartments)
- Unit minimums, lot sizes, floor areas, and required setbacks
- Pathways, egress, exits, stair requirements (clear width, headroom, ramp slopes, etc.)
- Example data highlights include: parking slots per occupancy; driveway slopes; exit widths; minimum corridor widths; stair treads and risers (
- Typical exit widths: 900 mm to 1220 mm depending on occupancy and code; minimum number of exits per occupancy range; stair widths per exit requirements; cross-slope tolerances; ramp slope maxima around 1:12, with cross-slopes 1:48.
- Subdivision open space requirements (parks/playgrounds) and minimum lot areas for various dwelling types are enumerated in the PD comparison tables.
- The documents also present a “Hierarchy of Roads” and “RROW (Right of Way)” guidelines with per-Hectare or per-plot guidance, for Major/Collector/Minor roads and sidewalk widths.
Filipino Architecture (Arkitekturang Pilipino) – Periods and Examples (Pages 63–68)
- A substantial survey of Filipino architecture through periods: Pre-Historic, Spanish Colonial, Intramuros, and notable Philippine churches (e.g., Miagao, Paoay, San Agustin, Barasoain, Dolorosa lines), and modern post-war examples like Santo Domingo Church, Church of the Holy Rosary (La Naval de Manila) and the Santo Domingo Church complex.
- Descriptions include: architectural character, materials (stone, adobe, coral, wood), structural systems (earthquake-resilient designs such as Paoay’s buttresses), and significant features (ornamentation, okir designs, carvings, and the interplay of Moorish, Romanesque, Baroque, and Gothic influences).
- Notable examples listed: San Agustin Church (Intramuros); Paoay Church (Ilocos Norte) with huge buttresses; Miagao Church with national landmark status; Paoay and Sagada-inspired forms; Baguio Cathedral; Baclaran church; Santo Niño de Cebu and other historic churches.
- The section also includes a catalog of national landmarks and UNESCO-listed sites, highlighting the Filipino architectural identity and its historical evolution.
Five Points of Architecture (Le Corbusier) and Urban Design Concepts (Pages 94–101)
- Five Points of New Architecture (Le Corbusier), summarized in the notes as:
- Pilotis: reinforced concrete stilts elevating the structure off the ground
- Free Facade: non-load-bearing exterior walls that can be designed freely
- Open Floor Plan: unobstructed interior space without bearing walls
- Free Facade (re-emphasized): flexible wall compositions
- Ribbon Windows and open planning/plane organization (noted in the broader discussion of Modernism)
- The Five Points serve as the basis for International Style and Modern Architecture movements.
- The Notes also discuss urban design concepts such as Pathways, Districts, Edges, Landmarks, and Nodes as foundational elements of the city image (Kevin Lynch’s Image of the City) and Lewis Mumford’s and other theorists’ frameworks for urban form and design.
Major Planning Theories and Urban Design (Pages 97–101)
- Major planning theories overview includes Synoptic Rationalism, Incrementalism, Transactivism, Advocacy Planning, Radical Planning, and related concepts like Gentrification, Block-Boosting, and Urban Renewal in a planning context.
- The content lists a wide range of planning theorists and movements: Howard (Garden City), Raymond Unwin, Clarence Perry, Jane Jacobs (implicit in the advocacy ideas), and the broader European/US lineage of planning thought (London/New Towns, Beaux-Arts, CIAM, etc.).
- Key ideas include management of housing and urban growth, decentralization, community empowerment, and the balance of private/public interests in planning practice.
Timeline and Movements: World Architecture (Phases and Movements) (Pages 54–58, 60–63, 75–79)
- The document offers a broad panorama of architectural movements, including: Eclecticism, Art Nouveau, Beaux-Arts, Modernism, International Style, Bauhaus, Art Deco, De Stijl, Deconstructivism, Metabolism, Organic Architecture, and Post-Modernism.
- It lists major figures associated with each movement and notable works, e.g.,
- Art Nouveau: Gaudí, Guimard, Mackintosh, Van Doesburg;
- Bauhaus: Gropius, Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe;
- Modernism/International Style: Le Corbusier, Gropius, Mies, Johnson, etc.;
- Deconstructivism: Gehry, Libeskind, Hadid, Saarinen, OMA; and
- Metabolism (Japan): Kurokawa, Kikutake, Maki; Yamanashi Center, Nakagin Capsule Tower (as context examples).
- The section on Filipino architecture and timeline is interwoven with global movements, highlighting how local practice has interacted with global trends.
History of Architecture: Chronology (Pages 74–77, 78–79)
- A broad, continental timeline of architecture from Ancient to Modern (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassical, Modernist movements, up to Post-Modernism and Contemporary architecture).
- The chronology includes key works that shaped architectural history (e.g., Pantheon, Colosseum, Alhambra, Sagrada Familia, Villa Savoye, Robie House, Sydney Opera House, Burj Khalifa, etc.).
- The content also lists the evolution of structural systems, building technology, and typologies across eras (e.g., post-and-lintel, arch, dome, trabeation, etc.).
Robotic and Structural Design Data (Pages 48–50)
- Prestressing and post-tensioning guidance, concrete cover requirements, and reinforcement spacing rules for different member types (beams, columns, walls, etc.).
- Minimum bend radii for hooks and ties, recommended anchorages and bond lengths, and typical cover requirements when exposed to soil, weather, or earth.
- Rules for prestressing tendons spacing and tendon lay-out; general guidance on duct and tendon layouts; limitations for maximum displacement/clearances.
- Specifications for mechanical/structural connectors, fillet welds and other connections (design loads, slenderness ratios, and welding details).
Piping, Color Coding, and Unit Identification (Pages 51–52)
- The document includes a table for identification of piping by color and tag, plus unit measurements and associated terms (Lumen, Candela, Lux, Decibel, etc.). It also lists various fluid/piping color codes and a general guide to electrical and mechanical color coding for piping identification.
History, Museums, and National Artists (Pages 69–71)
- Pritzker Laureates (1979–2015) and LIKHA Gold Medal Awardees (Philippine context)
- National Artists in Architecture (Philippines): a roster of notable Filipino architects and their works/assignments; the list includes Locsin, Mañosa, Santos, Zaragoza, etc.
- UAP presidents and professional development milestones; a broad history of the organization and its role in regulating the architecture profession in the Philippines.
Key Practice Figures and Examples (Filipino architecture timeline; page 65–69)
- The Filipino architecture sections describe major religious, civic, and monumental works across the Spanish colonial era and post-colonial era, illustrating how architecture served as a cultural and social symbol in the Philippines.
- Notable examples highlighted: Miagao Church, Paoay Church, Santo Domingo Church, San Agustin Church, and the Intramuros historic core, including Fort Santiago and other heritage sites.
Parking, Open Space, and Urban Design Metrics (Open Market, Economic Housing, Socialized Housing; PD 1096 variant tables) (Pages 19–25, 29–31)
- Parking requirements differentiate by occupancy group (Residential, Education/Recreation, Institutional, Business/Mercantile, Industrial, etc.) with varying space allocations per unit or per floor area; examples include 1 parking slot per 8 living units for R-4 (Townhouse), 1 per 10 units for some residential categories, and truck loading requirements.
- Open space and setbacks: minimum area percentages for parks, playgrounds, courtyards; required lot frontages; building height restrictions; and floor-area allowances across different density categories.
- The standards cover ROW (right-of-way) widths, planting strips, sidewalks, and street cross-sections to guide street design and pedestrian safety.
Ethical and Philosophical Context (Pages 15–16; 58–63)
- The material includes sections from the UAP Code of Ethics (RA 9266 IRR), the Architect’s Credo, and the role of architects in public safety, client relations, and professional liability.
- The inclusion of planning theory (synoptic rationalism, incrementalism, advocacy planning, radical planning, etc.) anchors architectural practice within broader urban and policy-making contexts.
Form and Function: Practical Formwork Concepts (Mathematics and Geometry in Page 3–4)
- Some geometry/formulas appear (e.g., t = T/in, sin/cos relations, trigonometric angles for stair and ramp designs), along with basic geometric volume equations (V = π r^2 h for a cylinder in the context of structural elements). These illustrate typical calculations encountered in form design and volume estimation.
Quick references for exam-ready concepts (summary):
- Concrete mix ratios: 1:1:2; 1:2:4; 1:3:6; 1:3.5:7 and their typical applications.
- Portland cement types and their primary design intent (early strength, sulfate resistance, heat of hydration).
- Mortar proportions for CHB plaster and the corresponding block sizes (4”, 6”, 8”).
- Basic unit conversions for area, volume, and mass (SI to Imperial units).
- The 16 divisions of construction specifications (Div 1–Div 16).
- Core regulatory framework: RA 9266 (Architecture Law), NBCP (PD 1096), Fire Code RA 9514, and housing/Accessibility laws BP 220 and BP 344.
- Filipino Architecture: major heritage sites and the evolution of architectural practice in the Philippines.
- Five Points of Modern Architecture and Lynch’s image of the city as foundational mental maps for urban design.
- Major planning theories: Garden City, Sector Theory, Central Place Theory, and the concept of the city as a network of districts with varied densities.
- The UAP as an integrated professional organization and the path to licensure under PRC.
- Parking and open-space standards in subdivision design and urban planning.
Quick formula references (LaTeX format)
- Concrete mix ratio (example): ext{Cement}: ext{Sand}: ext{Gravel} = 1:2:4
- Volume of a cylinder: V = rac{1}{3} imes ext{base area} imes ext{height} = rac{}{} (for a cylinder, use V = rac{A}{2} imes h = rac{
  ewcommand{}{}{ } ext{not shown}}; actual context in the transcript referenced a cylinder volume computation; use standard formula V = rac{ ext{π} d^2}{4} imes h.)
- Cylinder compressive strength and cube strength comparison (typical lab practice uses cylinder strength to approximate cube strength via conversion factors; exact ratios vary by standards).
- Length/height ratio for deflections and slab design: L/20, L/16, L/28 (deflection checks).
- Unit conversion reminders (examples):
- 1 ext{ m} = 3.2808 ext{ ft}
- 1 ext{ m}^3 = 35.3147 ext{ ft}^3
- 1 ext{ US gallon} = 3.78541 ext{ L}
Important notes for exams
- Make sure you can identify the purpose of each concrete class (AAA to D) and its application context (e.g., prestressed/post-tensioned structures vs. slabs on fill vs. heavy load-bearing elements ).
- Memorize Portland cement types I–V and their primary characteristics and uses (especially heat of hydration, sulfate resistance, early strength, and low heat for mass concrete).
- Understand the basic formula representation of mix proportions, and how changes in cement content affect strength and workability.
- Be able to outline NBCP/RA 9266 and the IRR structure: what Rule I–V say in broad terms, who the boards are, and what the major compliance requirements involve (licensing, signing/sealing, CPD).
- Recognize the 16 construction divisions and their scope as a framework for specs and project delivery.
- Be familiar with the regulatory landscape for housing, accessibility, fire safety, and building codes in the Philippines (RA 9514, BP 344, BP 220).
- For Filipino architecture, know a few landmark structures and the stylistic influences across periods (e.g., Miagao Church, Paoay Church, San Agustin Church).
- Understand urban design concepts (Lynch’s image of the city; Le Corbusier’s Five Points; Garden City vs. Sector vs. Concentric vs. Multi-nucleus models).
- Be able to interpret parking, subdivision, and open-space requirements in PD 1096/PD 1185/RA 9514/PD 957 tables at a high level, including the logic behind space allocations and setbacks.
Title for the notes
- Comprehensive Study Notes: Architecture, Construction, and Philippine Codes