CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
This chapter provides an overview of literature and research that underpin and
connect with the study's objectives.
Related Readings
With growing concern for environmental sustainability, the Philippine Green
Building Code (2015) sets performance standards to promote resource efficiency and
minimize the environmental impact of building practices. This section reviews these key
standards, focusing on the requirements for green building practices outlined in Chapter
2 of the code.
The key performance standards outlined in Section 9 aim to ensure sustainable
development. These include energy efficiency, water efficiency, material sustainability,
solid waste management, site sustainability, and indoor environmental quality. The
following sections provide a detailed breakdown of these measures, designed to
enhance sustainability in building practices.
Section 10: ENERGY EFFICIENCY. Energy efficiency involves implementing
effective practices, designs, methods, and technologies to lower energy use, which leads
to reduced costs.
10.1. Building Envelop
10.1.1 Air Tightness and Moisture Protection. In the Philippines, where humidity
levels are exceptionally high, controlling air tightness and moisture protection is crucial
to avoid additional strain on air conditioning systems and to maintain good air quality.
To achieve optimal air tightness, buildings should be meticulously planned and
designed, focusing on details such as joints, service entry points, windows, and doors.
This can be accomplished with minimal cost by ensuring precise construction details.
Specifically, buildings must incorporate complete gaskets, weather-stripping, door
bottom sweeps, and seals around windows and doors, and they should include moisture
protection on the external facade to prevent moisture migration from outside.
However, buildings and spaces that do not have air conditioning systems are exempt
from these requirements.
10.2 Natural Ventilation. This measure aims to enhance building design by
incorporating natural ventilation to provide free cooling and fresh air in regularly
occupied spaces, counteracting the tendency to create sealed glass box buildings. Size of
each room and space shall be consistent with the occupancy load of the NBC. To comply
with this measure, each regularly occupied space must have operable windows or
balcony doors, with openings sized at least ten percent (10%) of the floor area.
Additionally, these operable windows must include safety features to protect against
strong winds, water penetration, and ensure the safety and security of occupants,
including child safety.
10.5 Mechanical Systems
10.5.1 Air Conditioning System. Air conditioning often represents more than fifty
percent (50%) of the total electricity costs in buildings with central air conditioning,
making the efficiency of these systems crucial. The cooling system, usually consisting of
chillers in large buildings, is the central component of air conditioning and should be
highly efficient. To comply, the cooling equipment must meet or surpass the minimum
efficiency standards detailed in Tables 1 and 2. Buildings with no air-conditioning
systems are exempt.
Table 1. Electrically Operated Unitary Air Conditioners and Condensing Units
Table 2. Water Chiller Packages – Minimum Efficiency Requirements
10.6 Electrical Systems
10.6.1 Daylight Provision. To reduce reliance on artificial lighting, buildings
should be planned and designed to maximize the use of natural light. This measure does
not apply to individual dwelling units in residential condominiums.
All regularly occupied spaces within the building must include features that allow
daylight to enter the room. These features may include windows, light shelves,
clerestories, skylights, light monitors or light scoops, or other similar devices. However,
spaces where the access to daylight interferes with their intended function may be
exempt from this requirement, provided there is a justified reason for the exemption.
10.6.2 Daylight Controlled Lighting System. Interior perimeter zones of buildings
that are exposed to daylight typically do not need artificial lighting during the day.
However, inefficient design and operation can lead to unnecessary use of artificial
lighting. To address this, photoelectric sensors connected to lighting fixtures can
automatically dim or turn off lamps when sufficient daylight is available. For residential
condominiums, it only applies to common indoor areas with access to daylight.
Buildings must ensure that lighting fixtures within daylight zones are controlled
by photoelectric sensors that either automatically turn lights on and off or provide
continuous dimming. These sensors should be positioned approximately halfway into
the daylight zone. If occupancy sensors are also present in the daylight zone, they
should take precedence over the photoelectric sensors when the space is unoccupied.
Exceptions are allowed if using photoelectric sensors would interfere with the intended
function of the lighting fixtures, provided a justification for the exemption is given.
10.6.4 Occupancy Sensors for Lighting Control. Occupancy sensors connected to
lighting systems should be installed in areas where occupancy varies. To conserve
electricity in unoccupied spaces, buildings must install occupancy sensors in areas with
fluctuating occupancy, such as corridors, private offices, storage rooms, common toilets,
meeting rooms, stairways, and similar spaces. For covered parking areas, at least sixty
percent (60%) of the lighting must be controlled by these sensors. However, emergency
and security lighting are exempt from this requirement.
Section 11: WATER EFFECIENCY. Water efficiency involves implementing
effective practices, planning, design, materials, fixtures, equipment, and techniques that
minimize water use, leading to cost savings.
11.1 Water Fixtures. Efficient water fixtures, such as faucets, showerheads, and
toilets, are designed to reduce water use while maintaining the same cleaning
effectiveness as standard models. Water efficiency is becoming increasingly important
as freshwater resources are being depleted faster than they can be replenished. By
utilizing advanced plumbing technologies like sensors, automatic control valves,
aerators, and flow control or pressure-reducing devices, water consumption can be
significantly lowered. All fixtures must adhere strictly to the specifications outlined in
Table 3, with no exceptions permitted.
Table 3. Water Fixture Performance Requirements
11.2 Water Management
11.2.1 Rainwater Harvesting. Rainwater, one of the purest water sources, should
be collected from roofs and hard surfaces for reuse in non-potable applications. To
determine the minimum size of storage tanks (in cu.m), the building footprint area
should be divided by 75. The collected rainwater must be used for non-potable
purposes, such as toilet flushing, irrigation, and cooling towers.
Section 12: MATERIAL SUSTAINABILITY. Material sustainability focuses on
resource efficiency and the selection and use of materials that minimize environmental
impact.
12.1 Non-Toxic Materials. Non-toxic building materials are those free from
hazardous chemicals that could contribute to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) or cause
Building Related Illness (BRI). Materials such as paints, coatings, adhesives, and sealants
used indoors or in poorly ventilated areas must either contain no Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOC) or remain within safe levels for humans, as outlined in Table 14.
Composite wood must be free of urea formaldehyde, and all construction
materials must not pose risks to the health and safety of workers or building occupants.
Compliance with VOC limits, as specified in Table 4, should be documented with a
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and other certifications.
Table 4. VOC Limits
Section 13. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT. Effective waste management involves
implementing efficient waste handling practices and utilizing environmentally friendly
materials.
13.1 Material Recovery Facility (MRF). A Material Recovery Facility (MRF) must
be established for the collection and segregation of solid waste. The MRF should be fully
enclosed and easily accessible both from inside the building and from the outside to
facilitate waste collection. Solid waste containers must be provided for at least four
categories of waste: compostable (biodegradable), non-recyclable (for landfill disposal),
recyclable (such as paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, and wood), and special waste.
Hospitals are also required to provide separate bins for hazardous waste to prevent
contamination.
Section 15: INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY. Indoor Environmental Quality
involves implementing effective design and operational practices that focus on
enhancing the building environment. This approach aims to boost occupant health,
productivity, and safety.
15.1 Minimum Fresh Air Rates. Indoor environments can often contain
contaminants at levels much higher than those found outdoors. Research has
demonstrated that these indoor air pollutants can lead to health issues, including
symptoms associated with Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) and Building-Related Illness
(BRI). To address this, it is crucial to implement minimum fresh air rates to ensure
adequate indoor air quality by continually replacing indoor air in buildings. Although the
Philippine Society of Ventilating, Air-conditioning, and Refrigerating Engineers (PSVARE)
do not explicitly list minimum ventilation rates for fitness gym facilities. However, they
often align with international standards like American Society of Heating, Refrigerating
and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). The minimum ventilation rates for fitness-
related gym facilities in the breathing zone are provided below.
Table 5. Minimum Ventilation Rates in Breathing Zone
Related Literature
Fitness Gym Facility
A gym facility is essential for athletes for several critical reasons. According to
Schoenfeld (2010), regular strength training helps athletes build muscle strength,
endurance, and power, which are crucial for peak performance. For instance, research
highlights the role of resistance training in muscle hypertrophy and strength
development. Moreover, injury prevention is another vital benefit of gym facilities.
Strengthening exercises and flexibility training improve joint stability and muscular
balance, thereby reducing the risk of injuries. Specifically, studies have demonstrated
that targeted strength and conditioning programs can effectively lower the incidence of
injuries, particularly in high-risk activities (Hewett, Myer, & Ford, 2006).
In addition, gym facilities play a crucial role in recovery and rehabilitation. They
provide the necessary equipment and environment for rehabilitation exercises, which
are essential for recovering from injuries and improving overall physical condition. This
is particularly important as proper rehabilitation strategies are crucial for addressing
overtraining and related conditions (Kreher & Schwartz, 2012).
Furthermore, exercise in a gym contributes significantly to mental and emotional
well-being. Physical activity is known to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, which
can enhance overall mental health and focus. The benefits of exercise for managing
stress and improving mood have been well-documented (Craft & Perna, 2004). Finally,
gym facilities are instrumental in skill development. They offer the tools and
environment needed for sport-specific drills and techniques, which are crucial for
refining skills and achieving competitive success. In this context, gym facilities play a key
role in providing athletes with the necessary resources to excel (Stone, Stone, & Sands,
2007).
Biophilic Design
The challenge of biophilic design is to address the shortcomings of modern
building and landscape practices by creating a new framework that allows for a more
fulfilling interaction with nature in constructed spaces. In this approach, the goal is to
provide a meaningful connection to the natural world, thereby enhancing people’s
overall well-being and experience in these environments (Kellert et al., 2008; Kellert,
2005; Kellert & Finnegan, 2011; Browning et al., 2014).
Furthermore, biophilic design aims to enhance human health, fitness, and well-
being by incorporating nature into modern built environments. Key principles include
regular and ongoing interaction with nature, acknowledging human adaptations to the
natural world, and fostering emotional connections to specific places. Additionally,
biophilic design promotes positive interactions between people and nature, encouraging
responsibility for both, while supporting integrated architectural solutions that are
mutually reinforcing and interconnected (Kellert & Calabrese, 2015).
Kellert and Calabrese (2015) also noted that biophilic design aims to sustain and
enhance the productivity, function, and resilience of natural systems despite the
inevitable alterations caused by construction and development. Consequently, it seeks
to ensure that ecological changes result in a more productive and resilient environment
over time, as indicated by factors such as biodiversity, nutrient cycling, and ecosystem
services. While biophilic design can improve environmental conditions in the short term,
its long-term goal is to support a robust and sustainable natural community.
Additionally, successful biophilic design should yield various benefits, including
improved physical health, reduced stress, and enhanced mental well-being, as well as
positive behavioral changes like better coping skills and improved social interactions.
Design Strategies
In the book "14 Patterns of Biophilic Design," Terrapin Bright Green (2014)
outlines a comprehensive framework for understanding how nature can be effectively
integrated into the built environment. The purpose of this framework is to enhance
human well-being by leveraging natural elements and patterns in design. The book
categorizes biophilic design into three primary relationships with nature: Nature in the
Space, Natural Analogues, and Nature of the Space.
Nature in the Space involves incorporating the physical and sensory presence of natural
elements into a given environment. This includes not only visible components like plant life,
water features, and animals but also intangible aspects such as breezes, sounds, and scents.
Examples of such integration are potted plants, flowerbeds, bird feeders, butterfly gardens,
fountains, and green walls. The most effective experiences of Nature in the Space are achieved
through meaningful and direct interactions with these natural elements, emphasizing diversity,
movement, and multi-sensory engagement. This approach encompasses seven biophilic design
patterns: Visual Connection with Nature, which provides views of natural elements and
processes; Non-Visual Connection with Nature, which engages the senses through sounds,
touch, smells, or tastes that reference nature; Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli, which involves
unpredictable yet analyzable experiences with nature; Thermal & Airflow Variability, which
mimics natural environmental changes in temperature and airflow; Presence of Water, which
enhances the space through visual, auditory, or tactile water experiences; Dynamic & Diffuse
Light, which uses varying light intensities and shadows to reflect natural lighting conditions; and
Connection with Natural Systems, which fosters awareness of seasonal and temporal changes
typical of a healthy ecosystem.
In contrast, Natural Analogues involves the use of organic, non-living, and indirect
representations of nature within the built environment. This approach integrates elements
inspired by nature, such as colors, shapes, and patterns, into artwork, furniture, décor, and
textiles. Examples include furniture with organic shapes, materials like wood and granite that
have been processed but still evoke natural forms, and designs mimicking shells or leaves. These
elements create an indirect connection with nature, as they resemble natural items in their
original state but are altered or abstracted. The most compelling Natural Analogue experiences
are those that provide rich, organized, and sometimes evolving information. This concept
includes three biophilic design patterns: Biomorphic Forms & Patterns, which incorporate
shapes and patterns found in nature; Material Connection with Nature, which uses minimally
processed materials to reflect local ecology or geology, fostering a sense of place; and
Complexity & Order, which organizes sensory information in a way that mirrors the spatial
hierarchies seen in natural environments.
On the other hand, Nature of the Space focuses on spatial configurations that
evoke natural settings and address our innate and learned responses to different
environments. This includes our desire to see beyond our immediate surroundings, our
attraction to the slightly dangerous or unknown, and the psychological impact of
obscured views or moments of revelation, which can sometimes trigger a sense of fear
tempered by elements of safety. The most effective Nature of the Space experiences are
those that intentionally design engaging spatial arrangements, combined with elements
from Nature in the Space and Natural Analogues. This concept includes four key
biophilic design patterns: Prospect, which provides an unobstructed view over a
distance for observation and planning; Refuge, which offers a space to retreat from
environmental conditions or activity, with protection from behind and overhead;
Mystery, which creates a sense of intrigue through partially obscured views or sensory
cues that encourage exploration; and Risk/Peril, which introduces an identifiable threat
while ensuring a reliable safeguard is present.
The table below from the book the “14 Patterns of Biophilic Design,” outlines the
roles of each of the 14 Patterns in promoting stress reduction, cognitive performance,
emotional and mood enhancement, and overall physical well-being. Patterns supported
by extensive empirical research are marked with up to three asterisks (***), indicating a
high level of peer-reviewed evidence and a significant potential impact. In contrast,
patterns without asterisks have limited research backing their biological effects on
health, although anecdotal evidence suggests they may still be important and impactful.
Table 6. Biophilic Design Patterns and Biological Responses
Related Studies
This section draws upon relevant articles on the existing application of biophilic
design in fitness-related facilities.
Biophilic Design in Gyms and Spas (Biofilico, n.d.). This article explores how
incorporating biophilic design principles can significantly enhance the experience and
well-being of users in fitness and wellness facilities. It highlights that integrating natural
elements, such as plants and natural light, can reduce stress, improve air quality, and
promote quicker recovery. The article outlines various design strategies, including the
use of natural materials like wood and stone, the addition of indoor plants and green
walls, and maximizing daylight through windows or skylights. It provides examples of
gyms and spas that have effectively employed these design elements, demonstrating
their positive impact on user satisfaction. Additionally, it offers practical tips for
implementation, emphasizing the importance of balancing natural elements with
functionality and customization to meet the specific needs of the facility. Overall,
biophilic design is presented as a valuable approach to enhancing both the aesthetic
appeal and health benefits of gyms and spas.
The Role of Biophilic Design in Supporting the Student-Athlete (VMDO
Architects, n.d.). VMDO Architects discuss the significant role of biophilic design in
enhancing the well-being and performance of student-athletes. The article emphasizes
that incorporating natural elements into the built environment can reduce stress,
improve cognitive function, and foster a sense of well-being. It highlights how biophilic
design principles, such as the use of natural light, greenery, and organic materials,
create spaces that support both the physical and mental health of athletes, ultimately
contributing to their overall success and satisfaction. A prime example of this approach
is The Liberty University Academic & Performance Center, designed by VMDO
Architects, which integrates these biophilic elements to create an environment
conducive to both academic and athletic excellence.
Victory Capital Performance Center (GBD Magazine, 2024). The Victory Capital
Performance Center, designed by ZGF Architects for the San Antonio Spurs, exemplifies
the integration of biophilic design in athletic facilities. The article highlights how the
center incorporates natural elements, such as ample natural light and green spaces, to
create an environment that supports both the physical and mental well-being of its
users. This approach aligns with the principles of biophilic design, which emphasize the
positive effects of natural environments on stress reduction and cognitive function. The
design of the Victory Capital Performance Center underscores the growing trend of
using biophilic elements to enhance performance and satisfaction in high-stakes
environments.
