Final Thesis Proposal- Museum

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    Quezon City Sci-Tech Musem

    A Symbol for Economic Advancement

    A Thesis Proposal Submitted to

    the College of Architecture

    University of Santo Tomas

    In Partial Fulfillmentof the Requirements

    for the Degree of

    Bachelor of Science in Architecture

    JOBRIEL JUNIFEN G. GAUUAN5AR3

    MARCH 2013

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    25 February 2013

    Archt. John Joseph T. Fernandez

    Dean

    College of Architecture

    University of Santo Tomas

    Espaa, Manila

    Dear Archt. Fernandez,

    I have the honor to submit my thesis proposal entitled, National Museum ofScience: Green Museum as a partial requirement for the degree of Bachelor of

    Science in Architecture. The project intends to provide a wide-ranging facility and

    center for interactive learning of the different fields of sciences.

    a. To raise the Scientific literacy of awareness and perception in an expressive and

    fun way by creating and relating interactive related educational and recreational

    exhibits and facilities.

    b. To help improve society of the nation by delving them into a world of knowledge

    and wisdom.

    c. To encourage the competitiveness of the Philippines with other countries involvingnew ideas & innovations in the field of physics, chemistry, biology, ecology,

    mathematics, agriculture, architecture & engineering &sustainability.

    Upon the approval of this proposal, it is understood that I shall proceed with

    the research work and submit it on designated date. Justification and other

    requirements for the proposal are included herewith

    Respectfully,

    Jobriel Junifen G. Gauuan

    5AR-6

    Endorsed by:

    Archt. Clarissa L. AvendaoThesis Adviser

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    Chapter 1: Introduction

    1.1 Introduction

    Science is the key to the advancement of any nation. This is clearly evident in

    todays age. We are in the Space Age wherein the economy is mainly driven and heavily

    influenced by scientific discoveries and innovations. By attaining this level of wisdom,

    we now apply these discoveries to our most basic needs such as food, shelter,

    transportation and social life. A good example of this would be the discovery of radio

    waves. Since the discovery of the radio waves, there was an immediate frenzy of

    curiosity and interest that sparked in the human world. Not long after, inspired scientists

    realized the innovative potential and practical use of using radio waves for human

    welfare. With its discovery, radio waves spawned a chain reaction wherein its scientific

    nature was applied to human usage, i.e. the invention of radio-telecommunications, where

    it solved the age old problem of wireless communication through vast distances, thus

    paving the way for inventions like the Radio, RADAR, Remote control, Telephones,

    Cellular phones, Cable Television Etc.

    This grand phenomena is not entirely exclusive, it could also be applied to all

    fields where there is discovery. One only needs a spark of curiosity and creativity to

    achieve greatness. The point to make is that science is the system that elevates people to

    overcome the most basic humanistic problems like diseases, poverty, overpopulation,

    economic woes, and climate change, all of which contribute to the negation of human

    worth. That being said, we now have the wisdom and capability of understanding the

    problems in hand, and to come up with logical solutions to solve them.

    The effect of this phenomenon was profoundly beneficial to the world and to

    nations. With technological innovations based on human needs and scientific

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    development, there was a boom in international and local Commerce. Countries were

    able to interact and transact with other countries with relative ease. During the mid19 th

    century, Globalization and Industrialization became a great trend which greatly

    developed the wealth, success, quality of life in many countries. Europe became a center

    for progress, and innovations for it housed and nurtured the leading intellectual minds

    that would make the world a better place. Such minds were the likes of Albert Einstein &

    Nikola Tesla.

    In todays age, the Industry and Economyare the foundations of all nations and

    communities. It is one of the most important components of a nation. A vastly wealthy

    and developed economy is synonymous to a 1st class country. But the problem is that

    there are still many underdeveloped countries that are impoverished, particularly the

    Philippines. Clearly what the nation ought to do is develop its economy in the same way

    that sparked Globalization and Industrialization in Europe & North America. The nation

    needs to emphasize in scientific education and nurturing to create globally competent

    professionals that will pave the way for development. The nation needs dreamers who

    dream big and think of new ideas that would greatly contribute to agriculture,

    engineering, architecture, medicine, space exploration Etc. Curiosity, Reason, and

    Intellect must be cultivated in every citizen, especially the youth, for these are the

    fundamental qualities that will ultimately shape the nation.

    1.2 Background

    The growth of a nation is determined by its economy, society and the amount of

    resources. The Philippines is classified as a developing country and is ranked as 40 th

    largest economy in the world by the IMF (International Monetary Fund).Goldman

    Sachs estimates that by the year 2050, the Philippines will become the14thlargest

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldman_Sachshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldman_Sachshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_list_of_ten_largest_countries_by_GDP#By_estimated_future_nominal_GDP_2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_list_of_ten_largest_countries_by_GDP#By_estimated_future_nominal_GDP_2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_list_of_ten_largest_countries_by_GDP#By_estimated_future_nominal_GDP_2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_list_of_ten_largest_countries_by_GDP#By_estimated_future_nominal_GDP_2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldman_Sachshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldman_Sachs
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    economy in the world. It is very rich in natural resources. But it is not devoid of

    problems. Currently the Philippines is plagued by basic 3rdworld issues such as, poverty,

    high unemployment rate, slow creation of job opportunities, relatively high scientific

    illiteracy rate, uneven distribution of wealth, and a declining habitat. The quality of life

    index in the country is undesirable. It is ranked 44th out of 111 nations in terms health,

    family life, community life, material well being, safety, security, political freedom and

    gender equality.

    All of these issues are all bounded together by the economy, for its dull and

    stagnant state. What the country needs is a boost in competitive spirit when it comes to

    capital goods and services. This can be attained by guiding the people in to the right

    direction. Museums and learning centers are highly social and economic symbols, it

    sparks a great deal of interest from the public given that it is established in a highly

    urbanized area where trade and commerce is at its zenith. These types of infrastructures,

    give a sense relief to people who have problems or find it difficult to appreciate learning

    new ideas and concepts. Museums offer a recreational and fun experience to the people,

    unlike in schools where a student is at a constant strain to cram in and learn new things.

    This is somewhat a subtle learning versus forced learning situation. By offering a totally

    new museum experience, it will spawn a new paradigm in the way, social people find

    recreation. Society will no longer delve into unproductive activities that doesn't offer new

    learning experiences. With this notion, it will form the epitome of the human culture - a

    smart, knowledgeable, creative and logical thinker who is ready to face the world and

    compete with other great minds. And with this advancement, all the pieces of the puzzles

    on how to progress the nation, through the economy, will be in place.

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    1.3 Statement of the problem

    In the Philippines there is a clear sign of deficiency in scientific literacy. This is

    evident by observing the current state of our economy, society and life quality index.

    Science & Technology education is not well taught and emphasized to the Learning

    Youth, and in turn become creatively stagnant and dependent. The economy relies mainly

    on investing in foreign entities to provide them the needs of the country i.e. car industries,

    train industries, information and technology industries, medical and pharmaceutical

    industries Etc. This problem directly correlates to the science literacy level of the

    Philippines, for science and technological innovations is what drives the economy i.e. the

    invention of smart, efficient, flexible, beautiful, and top of the line products. Therefore

    low technical and technological capacity means low possibilities of industrial

    innovations, meaning less money to help the nation, particularly the impoverished.

    Ultimately, the goal of the project create a national symbol that will develop

    industrially adept and smart citizens which would lead to strong companies and local

    government units, which can advance new ideas and innovations in the business

    industries, create new export markets, enlarge our economic foundations and make our

    economy more globally competent. Also, the goal is to cultivate the suppressed and

    untapped capabilities of the Filipino culture and ingenuity.

    Corporations, Firms, Government Units, and Institutions alike must develop and

    learn new, significant technical capabilities and attain management wisdom, for these are

    the traits required for global expansion and competition. All of these entities should

    emphasize the Innovation Economy ideology wherein knowledge, technology,

    entrepreneurship and innovation are the core principles to develop and follow.

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    promote Museum Learning Centers as the best alternative for gaining inspiration,

    recreation, learning and the advancing Scientific Literacy.

    2. To provide a Science & Technology Museum that will stimulate Economic

    Growth through its promotion of science and technology learning to ignite a creative and

    innovative spark among the future generations because in the world industry today,

    innovation, particularly technological innovation in Engineering, Architecture,

    Information Technology, Agriculture Etc. heavily influences the state and development

    of a nations economy.

    3. To provide a Science & Technology Museum that will serve as an iconic

    Architectural example that will mark the advancement of the technological capabilities,

    engineering capabilities, economic capabilities and social development capabilities of the

    country, especially in metro manila.

    4. To provide a Science & Technology Museum that will promote Foreign &

    Local tourism to expand economic and social growth in the country. The project will

    promote the Philippines to the world as an internationally competent tourist site that will

    create more job opportunities for the local people.

    1.5 Significance of the Study

    Designing a center for science and technology has many benefits. Firstly it creates

    a stepping stone for excellence in the learning field of mathematics, science and art.

    These tools and traits are exceptional and essential to the development of a nation. It

    creates a spark for innovation in inventions. The project will have a great impact in the

    Philippines regarding its socio economic status, population literacy status, and

    environmental status.

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    In a social aspect, the project could very well enhance the lifestyle of all Filipino

    citizens and improve the Quality of Life Index of the nation. The project aims to

    prioritize the endorsement of learning science and how important it is and how it affects

    everything in our lives. In turn, the project will enhance the lives of every person in the

    country via synergy through the sharing of ideas and innovations.

    One of the main goals of the Science & Technology Museum will be the

    stimulation of the creativeness and inventive spirit of each individual, especially the

    coming generations. The imbedding of a grand system of ideology in their lives that will

    help them shape and configure of a perfect future economy. This is what is truly

    important out of all the aforementioned objectives. Training people, rehabilitating people

    and inspiring people into becoming 1stclass human thinkers is all that is truly important.

    The significance of the study accentuates on the social and humanistic aspect of

    the nation. The nature of the museum works in synergy with the environmental and urban

    development of city and the nation. It will aid in increasing the legacy of the city and

    nation as an intellectual and commercial center with the likes of a Bilbao Effect.

    Wherein, one success leads to another i.e. grand-symbolic structure leads to notoriety,

    notoriety leads to tourism, tourism leads to increased job opportunities, and increased job

    opportunities leads to economic development.

    1.6 Scope & Delimitation

    The study amasses with extensive information gathered, particularly starting with

    the different types of museums, science centers and exhibition centers both on the local

    and international prospect. Through the case studies of these various examples of

    structures the researcher will be able to establish its parameters on the design and

    functions of the proposed project.

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    All the necessary facilities and spaces which support the functionality of the

    Science Museum such as, Museum exhibits, Offices, Digital auditoriums and commercial

    areas are also being studied by the researcher. Further analysis of the site such as

    microanalysis of the city, weather patterns, efficient road pathways and the immediate

    environment are also taken into considerable studies.

    Architectural & Technological innovations that will optimize the design of the

    project will also be extensively studied, such as Green Technologies and top of the line

    Informative Gadgetry, because it will pave the way for the latest trend in Modern Design,

    and because in todays economy, technological innovations are what drive the economy

    and society of a nation to higher echelons. Also we should consider that Sustainable

    Architectural Design is the only pathway towards the salvation of the environment and

    our species.

    1.7 Definition of Terms

    Bilbao Effect - The exponential creation, appreciation, growth and development of

    different kinds of economies in particular place, brought about by the establishment of an

    iconic architectural structure.

    Exhibits -Objects or collection of objects and specimens exhibited to the public

    Humanistic - Of or pertaining to a philosophy asserting human dignity and man's

    capacity for fulfillment through reason and scientific method

    Industrialization - The organized action of making of goods and services for sale

    Innovation - The act of innovating; introduction of new things or methods.

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    Globalization - The process enabling financial and investment markets to operate

    internationally, largely as a result of deregulation and improved communications

    Green Architecture - is an approach to building that minimizes harmful effects on

    human health and the environment. The "green" architect or designer attempts to

    safeguard air, water, and earth by choosing eco-friendly building materials and

    construction practices.

    Paradigm - A set of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices that constitutes a way

    of viewing reality for the community that shares them, especially in an intellectual

    discipline.

    Quality of Life Index - is a international rating systems of countries based on results

    ofsubjective life-satisfaction surveys to theobjective determinants of quality of life

    across countries.

    Reason - is the capacity forconsciously making sense of things, for establishing and

    verifying facts, and changing or justifying practices, institutions, andbeliefsbased on

    new or existing information.

    Science - is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizesknowledge in the form of

    testableexplanations andpredictions about theuniverse.

    Scientific Literacy- encompasseswritten,numerical,anddigitalliteracy as they pertain

    to understandingscience,itsmethodology,observations,andtheories.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subjectivityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Objectivity_(science)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consciousnesshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beliefshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knowledgehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_theoryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predictabilityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_writinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathematicshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_technologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Literacyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sciencehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_methodhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Observationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_theoryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_theoryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Observationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_methodhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sciencehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Literacyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_technologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathematicshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_writinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predictabilityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_theoryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knowledgehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beliefshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consciousnesshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Objectivity_(science)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subjectivity
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    Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature

    2.1 Chapter Overview

    This chapter focuses on all the important topics that will be taken into

    consideration. This will deliver discernment on all issues that need to be solved and all

    the numerous factors that are directly related to the project.

    2.2 How Science Influences humanity

    The progress of the human race throughout the millennia, owes a great deal of

    debt to Science. The majority of people may not know it but science greatly influences

    virtually all of our day to day activities. Back in the dark ages when people had no

    electricity and no knowledge of the natural world, civilizations invented deities and

    entities to fill in their gap of knowledge about natural phenomena. Surely it consoled

    their intellectual need but all of that was entirely illusory. Eventually the civilizations

    found out that explaining the unknown by means of positing a deities and demons did not

    help them through crises, especially when there were outbreak of diseases. Those people

    eventually stopped acting superstitious and formulated a system that used observation

    and empirical evidence to solve problems and mysteries that haunted them, thus the birth

    of Science.

    In the modern age, Science practically controls every aspect of our lives, mainly

    by its applications in the field of Architecture, Engineering, Medicine Etc. From the

    clothes we wear, to the food we eat, to the decisions we make, everything has science

    stamped on it. Technologies are what keeps humans sane for it gives purpose to their

    lives, which is reflected upon their dreams and aspirations. It has now become the core of

    the world economy, wherein the progress of nations heavily rely on discoveries and

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    technological innovations. Science & Technology elevate humanity in countless ways, it

    has the power of solving all known problems and issues the world could possibly create,

    and it will continue to influence human activities up until it reaches the zenith of

    development.

    2.3 Impacts of Science & Technology Centers/ Museums

    Studies have demonstrated that the construction of Science & Technology centers

    have a wide effect on the society, economy and the human psyche. This is especially

    evident when these learning centers are built up to be symbolic works of art &

    engineering in widely recognized, urban areas. Such areas where Science & Technology

    centers have great effect are as follows:

    1. Science centers and their i nf luence on careers

    There are very few studies of the effect that science centers have on students

    career choice. Woolnough (1994) showed that extracurricular science activities

    encouraged students to study science at school and to pursue science careers.

    Coventry (1997) surveyed university students. She found that 80% of students

    studying for science-based careers had visited the science center in Perth, Australia at

    least once whereas 64% of students who were not studying for science-based careers

    had visited Scitech. Similar findings were made by Salmi (2000) in Finland. There is

    evidence that youth programs in science centers have encouraged participants to

    pursue careers in science teaching (Siegel 1998).

    2.The societal impact of science centers

    Witschey (2001) writes of the Science Center of Virginia as the power house

    of the community and describes a rich array of partnerships and programs that the

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    Museum undertakes with its community. This is undoubtedly the case in many

    communities that are served by science centers.

    The St. Louis Science Center runs a Youth Exploring Science (YES!) program

    in which the-Science Center works with Job Training groups to provide a year round

    work-based training program. Science centers increase tourism to their local area.

    They run youth employment and volunteer schemes. They support local clubs and

    societies. They develop special programs for the elderly and for people with

    disabilities. They are involved with environmental rehabilitation and they affect the

    roads, parking and transport systems in their area.

    Lipardi (1997) describes how the Citt della Scienza works with local

    councils, firms and research centres in order to enhance the development potential of

    a geographical area, with particular emphasis on the development of local industry.

    However, although science centers have put many programs in place that

    benefit society, on the whole, they have not developed the methodology to measure

    the impact that they have at a societal level. Sheppard (2000) makes a strong plea that

    they should do so: As museums engage more substantially in building social capital

    and partnering in their communities, they need strong, effective evaluation

    methodology to measure their work. Anecdotal information suggests that community

    outreach may be transforming both museums and the communities they serve. To

    support further investment in community partnership, however, museums and their

    publics need to test such assumptions through consistent and methodical research.

    Museums have many stakeholders to convince, from their own board and governance

    to public and private funders and ultimately the public that chooses to engage in the

    rich programs they offer.

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    3. The poli tical impact of science centers

    Science centers have, understandably, not published reports about the ways

    they have/ have not been able to influence government. They do not necessarily want

    to publicize the means they use to gain government support. However we can

    question whether it would be useful for science centers to share case studies and

    stories of success and failure in this area. Perhaps there are some strategies being used

    by some science centers that could usefully be implemented or adapted by others.

    4. The economic impact of science centers

    During the past few years, a few science centers have calculated their impact

    on the local community in terms of the extra money brought into the community by

    visitors to the science center and extra jobs created by the science center.

    For example Greene writes, For every pound sterling spent by visitors at the

    museum (The Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester), twelve pounds is

    spent elsewhere in the local economy. With 300,000 visitors spending 1.5 million in

    2000, the contribution to the prosperity of the region was 18 million. To this can be

    added the goods and services purchased by the Museum from local business, the

    employment of 120 people, and the investment in new exhibitions and building work.

    (Greene 2001)

    2.4 Importance Scientific Literacy

    Scientific Literacy has become an internationally well-recognized enlightening

    catchphrase, and present-day enlightening objective. Scientific literacy stands for what

    the general public ought to know about science (Durant, 1993), and commonly implies

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    current state of the resource or environment (Mclennan, 2007). Sustainable design offers

    high levels of resource efficiency, including transportation and energy use in building

    materials.

    The fundamental elements that can be derived from sustainable design are

    renewable energy use, water conservation and gray-water reuse, habitat preservation and

    restoration and healthy and productive indoor environments for people, to name a few.

    Sustainable design ultimately covers and considers the big picture in planning. One of the

    most rewarding things about sustainable design is its flawless and unnoticeable

    integration with the space. It is like no person could ever tell that a structure or a house

    implores sustainable design if it is applied to perfection. Sustainable design succeeds in

    bringing symmetry and balance to application of technology with the resources.

    2.6 Biophilic Landscaping

    Landscape design is one of the areas where Biophilic design can make a wide

    impact on a global scale. It excels in relation to the climatic changes. As people and

    animals migrate from one region to another, it is wise to develop and nurture their

    surrounding environment. Migration translates into huge ecological disruptions as

    organism encounter places that are foreign to them. That is why it is important to make

    the organism feel at home and be comfortable with his/her surroundings.

    In relation to museum design, it is beneficial to the users to not only create a

    landscape or environment that suits them physically, but rather, the environment should

    suit them both physically and mentally. In a sense, there must be a balance and

    compromise between setting the environment and the theme of the environment.

    Landscape design also has the ability to blend in together some of the disembodied

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    elements that has occurred due to urban sprawl. (Lefroy,1999). This in turn can help in

    the site development and planning of the close vicinity of a proposed project site.

    2.7 Effective Museum

    A Museums worth and success as a structure is not solely based on the extensive

    arrangement of functional spaces, and the extravagant aesthetic character of its interior &

    exterior, but rather, it is greatly based on the balance between the two. What a great

    architectural characteristic of a museum has to offer is the preserving the fine line in

    between Functional Based Architecture and Aesthetic Based Architecture (Visser, 2011).

    As expounded by Visser, the aesthetic properties have to work in synchrony with

    the function of the building. For example, in exhibits, not only must there be a logical

    flow of movement and pattern in the spaces but it must be complemented with interactive

    and surreal interior decorative environment. These two characters should work together

    to relieve the viewer of the exhibit, of their monotonous and daily perception of life by

    transporting them to a new world to liven up their imagination (Visser, 2011)

    Also, a good Museum should be accessible and look accessible. With that notion,

    a good museum must be interactive with the user and must emit a positive vibe. The user

    should not be hassled with the interior design of the structure wherein he/she becomes

    confused on whether some parts of the exhibits are accessible and walk-able. The

    Museums plan should be inviting and the flow should effortlessly guide and nurture the

    viewers of the exhibit. In summary, the plans should be extremely sound and flawless.

    With everything taken into consideration, the establishment of an Interactive

    Science Museum would ultimately bridge the gap between the progression of the nations

    economy, society and industry, to its crowning level. Science, with all its majesty, helps

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    the nation in achieving its ultimate goals. As emphasized by the famous scientific

    journalist Natalie Angier in her book The Canon, Scientific Literacy is the Currency of

    the present and of the coming age.

    2.8 Case Studies

    2.8.1 Thinktank, the Birmingham Museum of Science and Discovery, UK.

    The Thinktank, the Birmingham Museum of Science and Discovery is a

    science centre located in the United Kingdom, which promotes the public

    understanding and appreciation of science, technology and history. The objectives of

    the project was to employ the very best faculties and activities in museum

    understanding that would easily relate to the modern day society. The reason for

    developing the Birmingham Museum of Science and Discovery was to explore all the

    relevant and profound features of the technology, industry and science, social history

    and natural history collections, to provide sound environment for learning and

    recreation. The existing collections at the Museum of Science and Industry in

    Newhall Street, had a display area of about 6,000 square metres. It was replaced by

    the Thinktank exhibition with an increased display area of 9,000square metres.

    The main distinguishing character of the museum exhibits is that it is full of high

    tech and fun equipment and they are interactive-based. Objects and interactive forms are

    adopted to explore and interpret ideas concerning science and technology. The interactive

    exhibits provide hands-on tools and facilities to give visitors more experience with the

    exhibits. One example of the interactive elements of the museum is the Future and

    Showcase exhibitions, wherein audio-visual media are used to reflect contemporary

    science and its relevance to humanity. The interactive exhibits basically give an insight to

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    the benefits and achievements of mankind with the help of science and technology.

    Another example would be the Water Lock, wherein it uses small scale objects (e.g.

    fans, boats, pumps) to show how the wind is used to power boats

    2.8.2 Taipei Astronomical Museum, Taipei, Taiwan.

    The Taipei Astronomical Museum is situated in the north of Taipei City. The

    goal and mission of the museum is to act as a bridge between astronomy and society,

    allowing the public to learn more about astronomical science.

    The museums exhibition function is one which promotes an understanding of

    the history, technology and theory of astronomy. The first phase of exhibition

    planning and design was started in 1991. The museum exhibitions present the history

    and theory of astronomical science, with models and explanations provided by

    storyboards. The exhibition provides a learning environment and encourages

    participation and involvement in the exhibits which meet the highest needs and

    expectations of visitors.

    The displays are generally not changed very often, but the special display

    room and many small theatres regularly change their displays to show featured

    constellations or stage special themes and displays. The exhibitions were designed on

    an interactive basis. The interactive exhibits used computer displays, and film

    projection which attempted to create a live-performance opportunity for the museum

    visitors. The purpose of the 7 Taipei Astronomical Museum was its educational

    function, which was more important than entertainment.

    The objectives of the Taipei Astronomical Museum are listed below:

    (1) To be educative: The purpose of the museum is to achieve an educative approach.

    Many exhibitions are interactive in form to provide hands-on activities and enable the

    visitor to learn.

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    (2) To be attractive and fun: The museum attempts to show how astronomical science

    is defined and used by scientist and astronomers. The exhibitions were also planned to

    provide features which allow the visitor to explore many aspects of astronomical

    history and theory through interesting content and forms. However, learning science

    should also be fun and the visitors are made to feel a part of the exhibits. A major

    exhibition objective, therefore, is to attract the intended audience.

    (3) To encourage visitors to participate in the exhibitions: All the exhibitions in the

    museum are designed to attract visitors to take part in the museums activities. The

    exhibitions use digital technology, graphics and 3-dimensional models to encourage

    the visitor to participate in the exhibitions. Through using the exhibition programs,

    mechanical objects, digital computer-controlled systems and other hands-on objects,

    the visitors are encouraged to think about all sorts of scientific problems.

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    Chapter 3: Research Methodology

    For the study, the project will require all the different research techniques and

    methodologies to further polish and make the project sound and scientific. For the benefit

    of the research, the researcher will use the more practical and logical approaches in data

    gathering to better understand the project implications.

    One method used in the study involves the historical method wherein extensive

    studies and data gathering from of bodies or entities related to the project such as

    National Museum of the Philippines, National Commission for Culture and the Arts,

    Science Education Institute of the Philippines, Department of Education (DepEd),

    National Statistics Office (NSO) and Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

    The made use of the descriptive method wherein ocular inspection, which

    involves firsthand observations and photo documentation of current conditions present at

    the site, and the researcher shall visit bodies or entities, such as the National Museum of

    the Philippines, The Mind Museum and the Science Education Institute, that could

    fundamentally help in the development of the study regarding the feasibility, survey

    plans, operational systems, profiles, zoning ordinances, historical background are among

    others.

    Structured Interview Methods of selected urban populations shall also be

    conducted to obtain ideas and specific data regarding the projects operation, mission &

    vision, objectives, problems and many others.

    Case studies will also be conducted to further learn about the basic systems of a

    museum. Specifically local case studies of the Mind Museum in Taguig and the National

    Museum of the Philippines can be beneficial.

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    Chapter 4: Project Site

    4.1 Site and Current Condition

    Choosing a site requires careful observation and evaluation. Museum sites are

    generally placed at a wellpopulated region although there is an issue of availability

    regarding the site. Taking all of these into consideration, the researcher established

    that Quezon City would preferably be a good Urban City to build the project, for it is

    the site could be in a generally populous region but it must balance out with the value

    of the land. The existing site is located in Quezon City along commonwealth avenue

    and is a corner portion of the UP campus along University Ave. As of today, there has

    been little development made in the lot and is basically a wide grass filled lots with

    minimal trees.

    The lot is directly opposite the Ayala development UP Technohub, wherein

    the site desirable for the project because it complements the other development group

    buildings and it joins them into creating a center for commerce and development in

    the center if Q.C.

    4.1.1 Site Map

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    4.1.2 Vicinity Map

    4.1.3 Location Map

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    4.1.4 Adjacent Structures & Institutions

    Within a 5 km radius, the site is within proximity with several well- known

    establishments and institutions such as the Quezon Memorial Circle, UP Diliman

    Campus, Philippine Science High School, UP Technohub, Philippine Heart Center,

    Lung Center of the Philippines, Quezon City Hall and the Bureau of Internal

    Revenue.

    4.1.5 Climate and Orientation

    The climate in Quezon City is typical of Metro Manilas, which has a distinct dry

    season from December to April and wet season from May to November. The normal

    annual rainfall total is 2,532.3 mm with the maximum mean monthly total rains being

    experienced in August with 526.8 mm and the minimum in February with 8.9 mm. The

    maximum number of 24-rainy days occurs in August while the minimum of two-rainy

    days occurs in February. The annual total number of rainy days is 153 while the average

    temperature is lowest at 20.4 C in January and highest at 34.9C in April.

    4.1.6 Transportation

    It involves an accommodating feature for bicycles and pedestrians, with linking

    access to major roads, that are will be used by service vehicles. Commuting is still a

    viable way for transportation because sheer number of jeeps and buses that travel along

    the main and secondary roads. The main roads that allow access to the site include the

    Quezon City Circle, EDSA, Commonwealth Avenue, University Avenue. Minor access

    roads include Katipunan avenue and.

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    4.1.7 Environment

    The environment of the site is very good, the whole district is kept clean and regularly

    maintained. The inhabitants near the area site are mixed classes, and are primarily

    composed of middle class people. Students are the most frequent users of the roads near

    the site.

    4.1.8 Topography

    The site is a relatively, flat surfaced grassland. The surrounding areas are mostly

    asphalt and concrete.