CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

I. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Agriculture is the art and science of cultivating the soil, growing crops, and raising

livestock. It includes the preparation of plant and animal products for people to use and

their distribution to markets.

The fast-paced population growth has been and is currently a major crisis that the

world is facing ever since the start of the 20th century. In figure 1.01 it shows the World

Population and the equivalent demand for food.

Figure 1.01 Demanding of large amount of food consumption per capital. (Tilman,

D. 2011.)

With this great increase in population, farmers of the world must produce more food

per unit of land, water, and agrochemicals. To do so, the farmers simply cannot continue

producing using the same conventional soil-based agricultural system and wild fishing.

They will have to do this while facing climate change, volatility, shifting nutrition needs,

and the increasing scarcity of most of the physical factors of production. (Mariano K.J.,

2017)

In the Philippines, agriculture plays a significant role in its economy. The country's

agriculture sector is made up of four sub-sectors, which are farming, fisheries, livestock,

and forestry. (FAO, 2020)

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 In the fourth quarter of 2020, in figure 1.02 the value of agricultural production at

constant 2018 prices decreased by -3.8 percent. Production declines were noted for crops,

livestock, poultry, and fisheries.

Graph 1.01 Value of Production in Agriculture at Constant 2018 Prices Growth Rates

(PSA Report, 2021)

Nowadays, the Philippines is one of the fastest developing populations in the world.

All these individuals might be depending on the rural segment to supply adequate food for

all. The increase in demand for fish and vegetable consumption and the supply is limited

because of the increase of people’s awareness in preserving nature.

Aquaponics uses these two in a symbiotic combination in which plants are fed the

aquatic animals’ discharge or waste. In return, the vegetables clean the water that goes

back to the fish. Along with the fish and their waste, microbes play an important role in the

nutrition of the plants. These beneficial bacteria gather in the spaces between the roots of

the plant and convert the fish waste and the solids into substances the plants can use to

grow. The result is a perfect collaboration between aquaculture and gardening (North, D.

2016)

By utilizing various technologies that are already implemented in today’s modern

society, we as a human population can change the way we view food. The future growth of

Philippine aquaponics may not be sustained unless new markets are developed, market

competitiveness is strengthened, and farming risks are reduced. Letting people know how

food is produced may help them appreciate food sustainability.

tanks for growing fish and stocks to provide public recreational fishing; a research facility

to study and experiment with the growth of new species. In addition, a public exhibition

space where people can observe the production of fish, an experience enhanced through

the building form.

II. MAIN OBJECTIVE

The main objective of the study is to plan and design and create an aquaponics

complex to provide new thinking for the agricultural world and to supply enough energy to

power the growing facilities passively.

A. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

1. To determine the importance and analyze the farming method that will be integrated into

the aquaponics complex.

a. Organic Food

b. Vertical Farming

c. Aquaponics

2. To identify and apply advanced technology to the building design and systems and

evaluate its sustainability aspect.

a. Zipgrow Tower

b. Tank

c. Germination

d. Seedling

e. Atom doser

f. Photovoltaic Glass

g. Solar Panel

h. LED lights

3. To plan and design an Aquaponics Complex integrating modular design applications in

terms of:

a. Modular Design

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 b. Site Analysis

c. Areas and Facilities

d. Local and International Design Codes

e. Programming

f. Conceptual Design

g. Architectural Drawings

III.SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The significance of the study varies from domestic livelihood which contributes to the

aspects of fishing and vegetable industry, economic which contributes statistical aspects,

and architectural which contributes to the design of the building.

A. Tourism Significance:

The study will benefit the City of Calamba region not only as of the province of Jose

Rizal the national hero but also in the field of fisheries and vegetables. It will also help

how the communities can connect to food production while also helps in understanding the

value of sustainable farming methods and learning how food is being produced and

distributed.

B. Domestic Livelihood Significance:

The study will benefit the domestic livelihood of the City of Calamba, including other

provinces and neighboring cities and municipalities by having remuneration on agriculture

and fishery as well as local industries that strengthens local food production and

consumption. It will also benefit by integrating controlled environment agriculture which

allows to bring about high-quality food supply, food security, and food safety.

C. Economic Significance:

The study will benefit the city as an integrated fish and vegetable industry with the

provision of processing and sales activity. Aquaponics will be a viable business with good

long-term prospects. The business of the farmers will increase after establishing a proper

infrastructure with all the amenities and modern technology in the fishing and crop

industry. It will also eliminate illegal fishing practices for it will have the establishment of
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 the fish processing facility. It serves as a tool to promote environmental preservation and

protecting the bay. Strengthen the mutual relationship between man and nature.

D. Architectural Significance:

The study will address the benefits of architecture that can provide the expansion of

vertical farming and make them more socially, ecologically, and economically dynamic in

urban areas. The study seeks to set in place an exemplary example of integrating the

sustainable farming realm and contemporary market space. Effective biosecurity and

disease control systems will represent sustainability in the project.

E. Significance for the Country

The Philippines is still essentially an agricultural country despite the arrangement to

make it an industrialized economy. Parcels of land were dedicated for agricultural use due

to the high nutrition present in the soil which is suitable for planting different fruits and

vegetables. The impact of urbanization is very evident in terms of the economy and the

environment. As a country that has yet to be fully developed, our economy relies mostly

on the agricultural sector. As a result, agricultural lands are slowly either being converted

to commercial lands.

IV. SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

The project is a development of Aquaponics Complex processing in the City of

Calamba, Laguna. The project will cover the establishment of a structure equipped with

facilities that will consider the increasing demand and supply of fishes and other vegetable

crops products in the region. The study is limited to the conceptualization of its scale based

on the current supply and demand.

Aquaponics deals with many scientific processes in terms of their actual execution.

This study will not delve deeply into its scientific process but rather focus more on the

architectural details of the facility. The actual scientific process shall be considered

especially on the determination of the space requirements and basic needs of the facility.

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 The study, in its entirety, will be limited to determining and analyzing principles,

theories and concepts, along with existing controls, and will be applied to the architectural

design process. The goal is to analyze and understand where architecture can help improve

the design of aquaponics farms.

V. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

1. Case Study 1 (Foreign Reference)

Soper, Z. (May 2019). Countering Food Insecurity in the Urban Environment: SYR

Aquaponics Market, Syracuse, New York.

http://web.alfredstate.edu/faculty/petricja/S19_SOPER_BARCHTHESIS.pdf

Countering Food Insecurity in the Urban Environment: SYR Aquaponics Market,

Syracuse, New York

1.1 Architectural Justification:

The development of a mixed-use structure could be used as a response to the

fundamental needs of the residents located in Downtown Syracuse. The building could

integrate more urban services to the area by maximizing the use of the site. The original

building was adaptively reused in 2015, introducing new use to the area, as well as

requirements. The incorporation of a markets to this district could add an addition level of

accommodations to the community.

1.2 Site Analysis

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 Image 1.01 Syracuse, New York Site Plan. (Soper, Z. 2019)

Syracuse, New York, consists of over twenty-six square miles, with a population of

approximately 143,000 people according to the 2017 census. This site plan depicts a half

mile radius around the site of the proposed facility. Syracuse currently stands as the fifth

highest populated city in state, acting as a hub for education and economy for Central

New York.

1.3 Programming

Figure 1.02 Modular Design SYR Aquaponics Market. (Soper, Z. 2019)

The SYR Aquaponics Market is designed to emulate a large-scale harvest method. A

modular design for these types of systems is highly recommended so stations can be

arranged as the aquaponics farm upgrades and expands. The width of the vegetated filter

beds has to be considered when designing for this type of agriculture as harvesting the crop

can be difficult if the beds are too wide. The same thought process has to be considered

when designing the fish tanks.

Image 1.02 Parcel of land SYR Aquaponics Market. (Soper, Z. 2019)

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 The parcel of land the SYR Aquaponics Market is proposed to be constructed on is

approximately 175’ by 160’. After applying the 10’ setbacks on the south and east side of

the site, and the city mandated 20’ easement between new construction and interstate-690

there is still a footprint of 21,750 square feet available for the structure. Fortunately, the

zoning ordinance for Syracuse permits the use of horticultural nurseries, greenhouses, and

wholesale business buildings.

Image1.03 Aquaponics System Design. (Soper, Z. 2019)

In aquaponics system designs, some can be built to emulate green houses and provide

access for direct sunlight to sustain their crops. However due to the climate and seasonal

variance in the city of Syracuse, it would be more efficient to rely on a dual system of

natural light and LED grow lamps. The dual lighting system ensures that crops are

growing consistently and evenly across grow beds. To save energy costs, the natural light

would be used when there’s abundant sun exposure and the grow lights would only be

turned on during days of overcast.

1.4 Schematic Design

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 Image1.04 Building Composition. (Soper, Z. 2019)

The SYR Aquaponics Market serves as a reaction to the prevailing needs associated

with food deserts. The city of Syracuse continues to struggle with this problem as the

population grows each year. Residents of the Downtown and Near Westside districts have

publicly expressed their distain toward the accommodations that they have access to. The

respondents of a 2017 Food Environment Study stated that “access to fresh and healthy

food” was one of their top five features that they wish would be incorporated into their

neighborhoods. The problem grows larger when considering that 51% of residents in these

districts acquire their groceries through ambulatory means and 40% rely on public

transportation.

Figure 1.03 Zoning of Areas SYR Aquaponics Market. (Soper, Z. 2019)

The top levels of the building will house the aquaponics facility. The systems for the

facility require ample access to natural light to effectively grow food on the intended

commercial scale. An open roof that utilizes either skylights or a green roof structure will

be incorporated to grant equal access of light to the plants in the grow beds. On a design

basis, the facility should capture elements of nature to reinforce the sustainable elements

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that are utilized on site. Bringing components such as trees indoors, visitors will feel fully

immersed with the methodology behind the structure.

1.5 Building Systems

 Smart Glass

Smart glass is very important element to functionality and affect that the SYR

Aquaponics Market has on the community. This system uses electro-chromatic

material that adjusts the level of light that passes through the glass. To activate smart

glass, a single burst of electricity is used to modify the level of transparency that is

required. This can be synchronized with the photo sensors present in the building to

automatically adjust the state of the glazing in accordance to the needs of the

aquaponics facility.

Image 1.05 Night, Moderate Sun, High Sun Smart Glass Effect. (Soper, Z. 2019)

 Photo Sensors

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 Image 1.06 Photo Sensors Effect. (Soper, Z. 2019)

Access to light is a crucial factor in the design of aquaponics systems, having a

direct correlation to the growth rate of crops. The grow beds inside the facility are

oriented to capture as much natural light as possible. Lining the perimeter of the

building, natural light shines through the large curtain walls to sustain each of the

crops.

 Water Retention

Image 1.07 Integrated into the design of multi-tiered roof. (Soper, Z. 2019)

Integrated into the design of multi-tiered roof is a storm water retention system that

aids in supporting many of the other sustainable and aesthetic factors throughout the

facility. Crickets are pitched to direct storm water to small weirs, that filter out larger

particles and fill the interior water cisterns as well as the exterior detention pond

located on the second-floor balcony.

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 Aquaponics System

Image1.08 Aquaponic Facility. (Soper, Z. 2019)

The aquaponics facility located on the third and fourth floors of the building utilize

the deep-water raft form of aquaponics. This system is different from other types as it

separates the fish and crops into their own respective tanks, resulting in cleaner water

that is circulated through system. Crops are held in grow beds where they are

suspended in a floating raft system. This keeps the leafy portions dry, to avoid wilting,

while the roots are submerged. Fish occupy their own tanks, using a recirculating

aquaculture system that is connected to the rest of the aquaponics system.

1.6 Completed Design

 Site Plan

Image 1.09 Site Plan Completed Design. (Soper, Z. 2019)

 Floor Plans

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 Image 1.10 Floor Plans Completed Design. (Soper, Z. 2019)

 Dual-Level Parking Garage

To compensate the residents of the Herald Commons, as well as the guests of the

SYR Aquaponics Market, a dual-level garage was designed. The structure consists of

48 parking spots and 6 handicap parking spots. Grocery cart storage is also available to

shoppers on each level.

 Aquaponics System

Image 1.11 Aquaponic System Completed Design. (Soper, Z. 2019)

A commercial sized aquaponic system occupies the third and fourth floors of the

facility. Tilapia are grown alongside an assortment of vegetables that are sold back to
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 the community in the marketplace. Educational programs are available that teach

participants how to sustainably grow their own food.

 Sustainable Support

Image 1.12 Sustainable Support Completed Design. (Soper, Z. 2019)

 Building Sections

Image 1.13 Building Section A. (Soper, Z. 2019)

Image 1.14 Building Section B. (Soper, Z. 2019)

 Building Elevations

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 Image 1.15 South Elevation. (Soper, Z. 2019)

Image 1.16 West Elevation. (Soper, Z. 2019)

Image 1.17 North Elevation. (Soper, Z. 2019)

 Perspectives

Image 1.18 Herald Place Perspective. (Soper, Z. 2019)

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 Image 1.19 Second Floor Market Perspective. (Soper, Z. 2019)

Image 1.20 Third Floor Aquaponic Facility Perspective. (Soper, Z. 2019)

 Conclusion:

This architectural thesis aims counter the effects that food insecurity can have on a

community. Focusing on the Downtown and Near Westside districts of Syracuse, New

York, the solution that was explored consists of the inclusion of an urban farm and

marketplace to the city. By utilizing a commercial aquaponic system the facility can

provide a wide assortment of healthy options to an area that currently struggles to

function in a food desert.

This facility is designed to integrate into the existing urban fabric while serving as

a resource for the community. The subterranean dual-level garage provides parking for

the residents of the existing Herald Commons apartment complex as well as the

employees and guests of the aquaponic market. The market will sell the fish and crops

harvested on site to local consumers. These products are grown utilizing sustainable

systems such as a water retention, providing water for the grow beds and irrigate the

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 vegetation on site, and a photovoltaic array aids in the energy required to power the

indoor grow lights.

2. Case Study 2 (Foreign Reference)

Almass, S.F. (2020). Agro Green A Solution to Feed the World in the 21st Century.

https://issuu.com/sultanafatima/docs/agro-green_graduationthesisreport?

fbclid=IwAR1Kqcvg5BTrdwgjQtxI1J2WThziJvH80bItChYzoG5ksivlGK2MASoIhWA

Home Farm

2.1 Project Description

This project was selected due. To its way of incorporating vertical farming within a

senior housing building. The interpretation of its design is very interesting with its unique

curvilinear terraced formation, green facade, and open spaces for outdoor activities. Itis a

great example of showing how communities can connect to food production while also

helps in understanding the value of farming and learning how food is being produced and

distributed.

Image 1.21 Home Farm Spark Architects. (Spark, 2014).

2.2 Concept

Home Farm is a project proposal for an urban senior housing. The project is a private

entity focusing on Singapore's senior citizens that will not only include affordable

retirement housing but will also integrate commercial vertical farming facilities with a

pleasing garden environment where they can have opportunities for post-retirement

employment. Spark Architects combines two separate realms to address challenges faced
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by Singapore, how the city can Support its senior citizens, and how it can improve the

country’s food security. (Spark, 2014)

For it’s vertical farming, Home Farm uses aquaponic farming system which has been

adapted on the building façade. The vertical planting beds use soil-based farming method.

The senior citizens living in the residential will be offered work within the farm, although

this would not be a requirement of the contract. Moreover, those in need of financial help

will be able to earn some income on their own, this will not only encourage them to

participate in farming activities but will also help them to feel part of an active

community. (Rosenfield, 2014)

2.3 Design Program

Image1.22 Design Program Spark Architects. (Spark, 2014)

This building includes a variety of housing typology from studios to 4bedroom

apartments in order to house different needs as well as adjust to cultural norms of

multigenerational housing. All the apartments will have views to the central courtyard and

open market.

2.4 Observation Study

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 Image 1.23 Water Cycle. (Spark, 2014)

Image 1.24 A biomass boiler generates on-site energy. (Spark, 2014)

The building's shape is curvilinear and wraps around a courtyard in the center

with Staggered terraces and a green leafy facade, incorporated with an aquaponic

farming system.

In this system, the plants and vegetables use nutrients from fish waste while

water is provided through collected rainwater and treated gray water. All agriculture

waste will be disposed into an onsite biomass power plant.

2.5 Final Building Design

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 Image1.25 Elevation Spark Architects (Spark, 2014)

Image1.26 Perspective Spark Architects (Spark, 2014)

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Home Farm provides the possibility of designing a vertical farming

building into a landmark in the city with a unique curvilinear staggered terrace formation that

has views to a central courtyard, which the residents of the building can enjoy. Retired senior

citizens will reside in this housing project, having opportunities for post-retirement

employment as well as feel like they are a part of an active community which will mitigate the

chances of dementia and boost self-esteem.

3. Case Study 3 (Foreign Reference)

Mork, J. (2016), Architecture’s Influence on Growth. https://library.ndsu.edu

Architecture’s Influence on Growth

3.1 Typology

Vertical farming today, in regards to practicality, is about as realistic as your

favorite sci-fi story. We view it as sci-fi because we are quite content with the way things

are working out, now. However, the world is evolving and moving forward. The time has

come to adjust our way of thinking of what can be done to better ourselves and the planet.

A vertical farm not only provides food for many at a fraction of the energy required by

modern farming, but it also provides housing, education, and jobs. By utilizing the

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advancements made in technology one could design a building that would be self

sustaining and definitely Eco-friendly.

3.2 The Site

Image 1.27 Portland Oregon Downtown Pioneer District. (Mork, J. 2016)

Located right across the street from the ever popular Pioneer Square, the site is

quite literally surrounded by public transit of every kind. There is rarely a five minute gap

between any form of transit to the site. During my site observation I noticed that people

were using the public transit to either buy/ bring a lunch to eat in the Pioneer Square itself.

The opportunities to capitalize on a popular area of Portland are as endless as the transit

systems them selves. There would be no need to drive to the market to grab groceries, thus

reducing the carbon trail of the building. Also with the college nearby, students can work

and/or live at the vertical farm.

3.3 Human Impact

If you’re still asking yourself why vertical farming is important, consider the

following. The human population is constantly growing and is expected to hit nine billion

by 2050. With that size of population, people will migrate to the urban environments

looking for work. An estimated 70% of the projected nine billion people on this planet will

be living in an urban environment. Using urban density as a factor, the number of grocery

stores needed to feed the population will take up valuable space for other businesses.
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These grocery stores will be filled with preserved, frozen, and pesticide grown food; This

is all from having to transport from farms all across the nation/world. Outsourcing

transportation jeopardizes the city’s economy and the environment in regards to carbon

emissions. By bringing the farmers into the city, we can use the land for livestock, larger

crops, and preserve the land.

By building a farm within the city, it is an investment that pays off for everyone in

various ways. Better food, quality of living increases, and even psychologically. It is

proven that by having a plant on your desk at work can reduce stress and make you more

efficient. Showcasing these plants will create a better environment from the inside out. The

residents will have an entire garden right next to their living rooms, creating a sense of Zen

with nature in an urban context.

3.4 Hydroponic System

The concept of hydroponics isn’t as new as some would perceive it to be. It’s

earlier methods are an almost different language in comparison to the more evolved

modern methods. With modern technology, producers can grow more crops on an

exponential scale.

Image 1.28 Sprouting. (Mork, J. 2016)

3.5 Architecture

Concrete is of the earth, it’s highly structural, and is able to be poured into forms. With

organic forming we can achieve minimal structure and maximum design. I attended Bill

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Baker of SOM’s presentation at LOCI in Brussels, on organic structuring. In this

presentation he states that structure is the language of architecture, and should be done

simply. If we cannot explain the structure through simple means, then it should be

considered nonsensical. Using the Fibonacci Sequence, a Voronoi Sequence [based upon

Michell’s Cantilever] creates the most optimal bracing using different polygons. However,

my trypophobia will not allow me to design with that type of mesh. Therefore, the next

most optimal is the Delaunay triangulation, which uses the same points, but uses triangles

instead of other polygons.

Photo 1.01 Michell Cantilever. (Mork, J. 2016)

3.6 Historical Influence

Farming, in an agricultural sense, changed the way we as a species lived more than

10,000 years ago. Humans grew out of the hunter/gatherer stage and started to dominate. to

planet. We learned about plants from cultivating them, and thus started to innovate our

23
technologies. The tower of Babylon gave birth to the early stages of vertical farming. The

original ‘Vertical Farm’ that began to grow plants in soil-less controlled conditions was

known as a hydroponicum - the precursor to the greenhouse. Le Corbusier’s Immeubles-

Villas [1922] was the first integration of growing plants within a structure. In 1964,

Vienna, Austria created he Glass Tower for the Vienna International Horticulture

Exhibition. This signified the unification of the greenhouse and the hydroponicum in

concept.

3.7 Cultural Influences

Sustainability is sexy. By that I mean that sustainability is a rising trend and sometimes

a necessity for certain practices. With the project focusing on utilizing passive strategies,

we can observe a vast amount of examples to draw inspiration from and/or incorporate into

the project. Another major component is the mitigation of the urban crisis. The world

population is projected to rise to nine billion by the year 2050, with 80% living within an

urban environment. With a vast majority of the population living in the city, we will have

fewer farmers and farmland to provide for the people of the world. With such little land to

work with, a vertical farm is the solution to helping out the farmers, instead of replacing

them.

3.8 Physical Influences

Portland has a near perfect landscape to work with and draw inspiration from. The

Columbia and Willamette rivers bring life into the valley, grounded by the surrounding

Sierra Nevada Mountains. Mt. Hood stands out and provides a great backdrop to the city

skyline. The Columbia river separates Portland, OR from Vancouver, WA in a beautiful

gesture tied together by seven bridges, each telling a story of the area’s history through

design. The city’s urban context is full of various styles and materials, thus allowing for

this idea to have an open context as well.

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3.9 Site Inventory Analysis

 Climatic Aspects

Portland is a located close in the Pacific Northwest region of the US, therefore making

it no stranger to rainfall. Water retention for the hydroponic system will be a definite

feature with all of the water falling from the sky for free. Drainage raises some concerns,

however. Temperatures remain fairly moderate and hardly reaches freezing, allowing crops

to flourish.

Graph 1.02 Portland Climate. (Mork, J. 2016)

 Contextual Relations

Throughout the city Portland has many distinct districts, each with their own character.

Each resembling a time in which Portland was expanding, preserving history.

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 Image 1.29 Typology Portland. (Mork, J. 2016)

 Building Program

Main Facility

The purpose of the program for the main site is to embody the idea of the separate

forms/spaces/ inspirations into a singular cohesive plan. To find the dissimilarities and blur

the boundaries.

 Mixed Use – 45%, Farm – 35%, Connection – 10%

4. Conceptualization

Image 1.30 Building Design Concept. (Mork, J. 2016)

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 Image 1.31 Pioneer Courthouse Square. (Mork, J. 2016)

 Conclusion:

The Earth has only a limited supply of Resources. Climate change, population growth,

and Urbanization together contribute to a major future problem for our beautiful planet.

With a projected population of 9.1 billion people by the year 2020, 80% of which will be

in an urban environment, we must find a way to feed the people of the world.

With limited land, farmers of the world need to think up instead of out. Vertical Farms

could be our greatest solution to maintaining a healthy diet for the whole world. By

creating an environment within the building suitable for plant growth, we can place these

vertical farms anywhere in the planet Maybe even galaxy. Our traditional agricultural ways

have brought us this far, but it is time for yet another advancement in our methods to reach

our full potential.

4. Case Study 4 (Local Reference)

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Mariano, K.J. (March 2017). Aquaponics Agritourism Complex.

https://www.academia.edu/35182631/A_design_project_proposal_Aquaponics_Agritouris

m_Complex_Mariano

Aquaponics Agritourism Complex

4.1 Conceptual Framework

Figure 1.04 Conceptual Framework Aquaponics Agritourism Complex. (Mariano, K.J.

2017)

The framework is formulated and inspired by the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.

Notice that the primary needs are located at the left part of the framework and the

secondary and tertiary needs are at the center and right parts, respectively. This is not an

implication of what is more important over what is relatively not. This is a framework for

solving the problem, starting from the issues, with a systematic consideration of what

needs to be done first, until the whole problem is solved.

4.2 Feasibility studies

What is the Project

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 The project is to design an agritourism complex which focuses on aquaponics as its

farming system. The complex shall include recreational, educational and production spaces

which will be accessible to the public.

As an urban farm, the complex shall house multiple aquaponics set-ups which will

produce organic plants and fish. These products shall either be sold to the CGC community

and public markets or be featured in the complex’s restaurant & organic market.

Aquaponics, being a new farming system in the Philippines, is not yet widely

known in the country. The provision for recreational spaces such as a restaurant, organic

market, and the main food production space itself shall help society acknowledge this

farming system as a better alternative to the conventional farming systems that Filipino

farmers use.

4.3 Key Elements of the Project

Location

Image 1.32 Clark Green City Conceptual Development Plan. (Mariano, K.J. 2017)

4.4 Site Selection & Site Analysis

 Site Selection Process

The Manual for Philippine Agritourism Program is a guidebook for developing

agritourism program in the Philippines. A significant content in this literature are the nine

29
factors that it has given that make a good agritourism site. These nine factors may serve as

the main criteria for the site selection of this project.

A. Accessibility and Distance- The site, preferably, should be of close proximity to

major gateways and highways.

B. Products- The products should be intended for consumption and sale. Basic

needs of plants should also be available and should be in good quality

C. Attractions- The site should be near major tourist destinations or important

facilities

D. Facilities & Utilities- There should be available necessary utilities such as

plumbing, electrical and water lines

E. Infrastructure- The site should be accessible using good roads. There should

also be available communication systems

F. Peace and Order- The vicinity should be peaceful and clam

G. Market Attractiveness- Farm site should be near the target market and should

respond to needs to secure its market growth and development

H. Environmental Techniques and methods geared to protect the environment -

Preferred sites are those with policies regarding sustainability

I. Social Acceptance- The government should be supportive of the project. It is also

preferred to have a site where users need this kind of facility.

4.5 Utilities

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 Image 1.33 Conceptual Underground Utilities at CGC. (Mariano, K.J. 2017)

BCDA has unveiled it plans of having an underground utility tunnel that will run along

the streets of Clark Green City. The underground utility tunnel is a joint venture

partnership for the development and operations of power generation and distribution,

energy management, water supply and disposal, district cooling, telecommunications &

information systems, solid waste management, and natural gas supply & distribution. All

of which shall be connected to a central operations facility.

The advantages of having a utility tunnel are: to allow for unobstructed views of the

city, significantly reduce costs and disruptions due to recurrent excavation works, better

access to utility lines for maintenance works/repairs, and provides added protection to

utility lines and real-time monitoring.

4.6 Implications to the Design

Based from the initial site inventory and SWOT analysis conducted, Figure 27 shows

an on-site representation of some of the design implications which should be done in order

to solve some of the threats and weaknesses found.

Image 1.34 On-site Design Implications. (Mariano, K.J. 2017)

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4.7 Site Image Map

Image 1.35 Site Image Map. (Mariano, K.J. 2017)

4.8 Site Program

Figure 1.05 Site Program Bubble Diagram. (Mariano, K.J. 2017)

4.9 Conceptual Development Plan

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 Image 1.36 Conceptual Development Plan. (Mariano, K.J. 2017)

 Conclusion:

All these major issues may be potentially solved through aquaponics farming within an

agritourism facility. Aquaponics is the use of aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics

(soil-free plant farming) in order to achieve a sustainable & waste efficient foo production.

Its system has two vital elements which are the fish and the plants. In normal aquaculture,

animals’ excretions are usually thrown away since they are of no future use. Aquaponics

integrated the use of plants, in order to filter the water from all the animal excretions which

are broken down into nitrates for the plants’ nutrient. The plants in return provide clean

water and all the nutrients needed by the fishes. This would lead to almost 0% waste for

the whole system and plenty of sustainable food ready for consumption.

An agritourism facility does not only provide sustainable food for consumers but

also help educate people with regards to food production. Letting people know how food is

produced may actually help them appreciate food sustainability.

VI. CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

The major focus behind this study is to create a space for processing, and harvesting of aquatic

species, both animals and plants, in controlled aquatic environments.

Input Process Output

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1. Aquaponics Farming 1. Aquaponics Farming
Method Method
A. Organic Food
- Data gathered
 Definition - Tabulated Analysis
 Importance - Computations of cost
 Comparison to Non
“Aquaponics
Organic Food
Complex: A
 Survey Results
New Approach
B. Vertical Farming
to Fish and
 Definition Vegetable
 Advantages Farming
 Comparison to integrating
Horizontal Farming Modular
Design in
C. Aquaponics Calamba,
Laguna”
 Definition

2. Aquaponics
2. Aquaponics Technology
Technology
- Tabulated Analysis

A. Aquaponics Facilities

 Zipgrow
 Fish Tank
 Germination Chamber
 Seedling Cart
 Photovoltaic glass
 Solar Panel
 LED lights

3. Design and Planning

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C. Areas and facilities - Schematic diagrams
D. Local Design Codes B. Site Analysis
 National - Research Data
Building Code - Evaluation of data
 BP344 - Interview and Surveys
E. PROGRAMMING Evaluation
 Computations of C. Areas and facilities
areas - Area computations
F. Conceptual Design - Zoning of Areas
 Vegetation Map D. Local and International
 Visual Map Codes
 Olfactory Map - Area computations
 Aural Map E. Programming
 Tactile Map - Bubble diagram
- Area Computations
G. Space Planning - Relationship and
 Program Diagram functionality of areas
- Food Production F. Conceptual design
- Educational - Conceptualization analysis
- Recreational process
- Technical G. Space Planning
- Administrative - Analysis of Spaces
H. Drawings
 Administrative Zone
- Presentation of working
- Offices
drawings
- Conference
I. Feasibility
- Lounge
- Estimated cost
- Reception

 Food Production
Areas

- Farming Zone
- Seedling Station
- Germination
- Vestibule
 Educational Areas
- Classrooms

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- Laboratories
- Faculty
 Recreational Areas
- Market
- Cafeteria
 Technical Areas
- Electrical Room
- Mechanicall Room
- Waste Room
- Packaging House
- Distribution
H. Drawings
 Perspectives
 Site Development Plan
 Floor Plans
 Elevations
 Sections
I. FEASIBILITY
 Building Cost Per
Square Meter
 Project Cost
Estimate
Table 1.01 Conceptual Framework

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VII. DEFINITION OF TERMS

Aquaculture - also known as aquafarming, is the farming of fish, crustaceans, mollusks,

aquatic plants, algae, and other organisms.

Aquaponics - is a combination of aquaculture, which is growing fish and other aquatic

animals, and hydroponics which is growing plants without soil. Aquaponics uses these two

in a symbiotic combination in which plants are fed the aquatic animals' discharge or waste.

Fisheries - the occupation, industry, or season of taking fish or other sea animals.

Hydroponics - the process of growing plants in sand, gravel, or liquid, with added

nutrients but without soil.

Sustainable Food - it must first take into account environmental, health, social &

economic concerns and consists of eight inter-related principles; local & seasonal, organic,

reduce foods of animal origin & maximize welfare standards, excludes fish species

identified as at risk, fair-trade certified products, promote health & well-being, food

democracy, reduction of waste and packaging.

Modular Design – or modularity in design, is a design principle that subdivides a system

into smaller parts called modules, which can be independently created, modified, replaced,

or exchanged with other modules or between different systems.

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