EFS Profiles
Sustainable design
Assumption Antipolo College
Antipolo, Rizal, Philippines
Purpose: Greening the Campus
Please note that the copyright for this profile is retained by the institution.
When most people think of good environmental design and energy efficient buildings, they imagine well-insulated structures with the latest heating, air conditioning and ventilation technologies. The buildings and campuses of Assumption Antipolo College in the Philippines demonstrate how a tropical climate can equally put good environmental design to use, and that sustainable solutions need not be technological ones.
The campus of Assumption Antipolo, planned and designed by Felipe M. Mendoza, has incorporated some of the fundamental elements of sustainable design: a blend of open spaces with centers of human activity; energy-efficient buildings and grounds; preservation and utilization of existing natural features; and traffic calming measures to reduce noise and pollution.
- Structures at Assumption Antipolo are designed to blend with and complement the environment.
- Trees were preserved, rock outcroppings highlighted and vegetation welcomed in close proximity to the buildings.
- Vehicles are confined to the main entrance, providing access to the more public halls and buildings.
- Covered walkways connect buildings, protecting them from tropical rains as well as traffic.
- Open spaces were given a strong place, serving both aesthetic and utilitarian purposes.
- At the front and side of campus, a greenhouse, and organic farm and herbal gardens can be found.
- Maximize the use of natural light by utilizing large openings.
- Enhance cross-ventilation by having openings on both sides of a room or by using on open central patio with a terrace or garden.
- Attain interior spaciousness and cooling of enclosed areas through the use of an open truss system and high ceiling, sometimes with clerestory.
- save energy required by electrical lighting, fans and air conditioners;
- reduce heat generated by lights; improve the quality of light and interior air; and
- reduce noise from fans, motors and lights.
For additional information:
Excerpted from "Greening Campuses" by David Chernushenko (International
Institute for Sustainable Development, 1996) and reprinted with permission
from the Association of Canadian Community Colleges.
his document was last modified on 02/20/2002 10:43:01 AM
© 2005 Second Nature, Inc.
