ANALYSING HOW SPATIAL COGNITION ENHANCE THE
FUNCTIONAL ACCESSIBILITY OF ARCHITECTURE FOR THE
FIREFIGHTERS IN ARROCEROS FIRE SUB-STATION
A Research Presented to the
School of Architecture, Industrial Design and the Built Environment
Mapúa University
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in AR134-1: Research Methods for Architecture
for the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Architecture
Submitted by:
Patrick Aaron L. Mariano
2014170246
Submitted to:
Ar/EnP Junar P. Tablan, PhD, uap, piep
Course Adviser
June 2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page i
Abstract ii
About the Author iii
Acknowledgement iv
Dedication v
Table of Contents vi
List of Tables
List of Figures
List of Appendices
Part I The Problem and its Background
Chapter I.1 General Overview
Introduction
Background of the Study
Statement of the Problem
Project Goals, Objectives, and Strategies
Significance of the Study
Scope and Limitation
Assumption
Conceptual Framework
Definitions of Terms
Acronyms
Chapter I.2 Review of Related Literature and Studies
Related Literature
Related Studies/ Projects
Chapter I.3 Research Methodology
Research Design
Research Locale
Research Tools
Population and Sampling
Data Gathering Procedures
Statistical Treatment
Chapter I.4 Results and Discussion
Presentation of Collected Data
Summary of Findings and Analysis
Need Analysis
Qualitative or Quantitative Analysis
Chapter I.5 Conclusions and Recommendations
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Chapter 1.I General Overview
A subfield of cognitive psychology called "spatial cognition" investigates how people learn and
apply information about their surroundings to locate themselves, locate resources, and navigate back
to their homes. In the design field, we can use this to elevate the well-being of the firefighters and
enhance their work efficiency.
I.1.1 Introduction
People often rely on their ability to interact with their environment in order to commit to the
tasks at hand. Architects and designers are responsible for following the disciplines that help
shape our environment to suit our needs, and as time goes by, these structures begin to
influence our actions. As Winston Churchill said, “We shape our buildings; thereafter, our
buildings shape us.” (Bhatt, Mehul)
When looking in to designing a structure, architects make sure that the planning involves the
flow and traffic of the users. In this study we will try to understand how the theory of Spatial
Cognition helps in enhancing the user’s interaction with it surrounding environment. We will focus
on firefighters currently situated in Arroceros Fire Sub-station.
I.1.2 Background of the Study
Fire incidents are relatively common for people living here in the Philippines. The majority of
the fire incidents happen in slum areas due to the materials that are being used, and there is also
negligence in the fire safety and building codes. According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP),
the so-called informal settlers complicate efforts to save property and lives as the fire trucks have
difficulty navigating the pathways strewn with cars, food carts, and stalls. (De Castro, Enrique).
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This kind of situation is relatively common in third-world countries, and this is what most of our
firefighters are facing even amidst the pandemic.
A firefighter's primary goal is to contribute to people's safety, including saving lives by
preventing and putting out fires and providing emergency medical care. They are considered
essential frontline workers as they are the first responders that people in communities depend on
in emergency situations. They have also played a crucial role in providing rescue and relief efforts
in areas affected by natural disasters like typhoon which is very common in the Philippines due to
its location along the center of a typhoon belt.
By virtue of RA 6975, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) was established and among its
primary objectives is to carry out the responsibilities for the prevention and suppression of all
destructive fires. The establishment of at least one (1) fire station with sufficient workforce,
firefighting facilities, and equipment in each provincial capital, city, and municipality is also their
responsibility, subject to any applicable standard norms and regulations. However, despite the
promising regulations, the Philippines still faces problems as most fire stations still lack the proper
facilities and equipment.
The Arroceros Fire Sub-Station is among many of the fire stations in Manila that are still
underdeveloped as it still lacks the adequate facilities a fire station should have. This results to
poor work efficiency and productivity as the spaces provided are not suitable for the quick response
of a firefighter during an emergency. This could potentially put not only the lives of the firefighters
at risk but also the lives of the people in the communities around Manila.
In order to enhance the flow and functionality of the fire station, which could increase the work
efficiency and well-being of the firefighters and potentially save more lives, the goal of the study
is to assess how spatial cognition can inform the practical design of architectural spaces. We do
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this by first understanding the elements behind its psychological factors, on how its users interact
with each space with a consistent flow.
I.1.3 Statement of the Problem
The following research questions are necessary to accomplish this study:
1. Does the firefighters in Arroceros Fire Sub-station get affected by the poor conditions of the
fire station?
2. What are the contributing design factors in spatial cognition that can enhance work efficiency
and well-being of the firefighters?
3. Does these design elements contribute to the performance of the firefighters outside of the
fire station?
I.1.4 Project Goals, Objectives, and Strategies
Project Goals and Objectives
The main goal of this study is to understand how spatial cognition works and how it can
contribute to architectural design to enhance work efficiency and well-being of firefighters in
Arroceros Fire Sub-Station in Manila.
In line with this, the study aims to accomplish the following objectives:
1. Identify the factors that can elevate the design of most fire stations here in the Philippines.
2. Determine the standard design parameters necessary for fire stations.
3. Elevate the workplace efficiency of firefighters.
4. Eliminate barriers that negatively impacts the movement of the firefighters during an
emergency.
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Strategies
To accomplish the goals and objectives, the research must:
1. Collect data and information from articles, journals, books, and studies to support my research.
2. Conduct interviews with firefighters in Arroceros Fire Sub-station
3. Analyze international standards of fire stations and compare it locally to improve design
standards.
I.1.5 Significance of the Study
The study aims to promote safety and ensure healthy lives as part of SDG 3 - Good Health and
Well-being. The researcher aims to understand the design theory of spatial cognition and how it
can benefit its users. These fundamental approaches to research hold the promise of guiding design
choices that may promote the safe and efficient use of planned places by all individuals, as well as
the health and well-being of firefighters.
I.1.6 Scope and Limitations
The study will analyze the interaction of the firefighters currently assigned in Arroceros Fire Sub-
station to their physical environment, inside the station. It will focus on the architectural design
aspect of spatial cognition theory, such as the behavior, effects, and spatial interaction of the users.
The study’s focal point is in the architectural design and theory; thus the electrical, structural,
mechanical, and sanitary systems are not part of the researcher’s study and will not be included in
the paper.
I.1.7 Assumptions
To accomplish the goals and objectives of the research, the study has the following assumptions:
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1. The study will help further develop the design standards of fire stations here in the Philippines
as part of the BFP Modernization Act.
2. The study shall accomplish its goal to be innovative, and educational.
I.1.8 Conceptual Framework
Figure I.1-1
Conceptual Framework
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I.1.9 Definition of Terms
Apparatus Bay – This is where firetrucks and other emergency vehicles are stationed.
Architecture – a practice of creating and designing structures, especially habitable ones.
Cognition – the mental activity or procedure of learning and comprehending through
experience, cognition, and the senses.
Efficiency – effective operation as measured by a comparison of production with cost
Enhance – intensify, increase, or further improve the quality, value, or extent of.
Fire Station – intended for the sole purpose of housing Fire Department Field Personnel
(Firefighters) and their applicable equipment to allow the fastest response possible to customers
within their specific response area.
Firefighter – a rescuer extensively trained in firefighting, primarily to extinguish hazardous fires
that threaten life, property, and the environment
First Responder – a person (such as a police officer or an E.M.T.) entrusted with
rushing to an accident or disaster to aid others
Modernization – the process of social change whereby less developed societies acquire
characteristics common to more developed societies.
Spatial – relating to or occupying space.
I.1.9 Acronyms
BFP – Bureau of Fire Protection
DILG – Department of the Interior and Local Government
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References
De Castro, E. (June 21, 2018). Manila's tinderbox slums an endless battle for Philippine
firefighters. MANILA.
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). (n.d.). Retrieved June 17, 2020,
from Designing Resilience: https://designingresilience.ph/department-of-interior and-local-
government/
Bureau of Fire Protection. (2005). Executive Summary. The Philippines. Retrieved June 17, 2021,
from https://www.coa.gov.ph/phocadownloadpap/userupload/special-audit report/Special-
Study/BFP-SS2005-06_ES.pdf
Bhatt, M., Hölscher, C., Shipley, T.F. (2011) Spatial Cognition for Architectural Design, New York, USA
