Refresher Schedule for January 2013 LEA

Here's the schedule for the Refresher Review Course at the UAP Center for Career Development.
Course Fee: P3,500.00
Pls. reserve now thru Ms. Gigi at tel. nos. 02-4126364

Climate – Adaptive Architecture in the Philippines

Passive Design with Natural Light and Air: Crucial Component of Change in the Cityscape

By: Ar. Jorge M. Mission Ph.D. UAP

(This article is written as an advocacy of UAP Mt Kanla-on Chapter (UAPMK) on its GREEN EARTH BLUE SKY agenda on environment and a contribution to the celebration of the 2012 World Day of Architecture with the theme “Architects are City Changers”. UAPMK is also assisting the Department of Energy –Visayas Field Office in disseminating the Guidelines on Energy Conserving Design of Buildings through its Information , Education ,and Communication Campaign (IECC) in implementing the country’s Energy Reform Agenda.)

Primary Points 

Climate change has been an issue affecting human all over the globe today. It affects all spheres of human life –social , economic , political , cultural , and other personal human activities . Evident enough in the climate patterns , unstable temperature and its threat to human comfort , trigger challenges on creative ways for possible recovery of the lost resources of the earth in order to restore a greener earth and a bluer sky. Alternative approaches for a clean energy , reduction of carbon emission, new technology on renewable energy ,and the like ,continuously evolve. Information, education, and communication campaign has always become a program of private and government institutions. 

Architectural edifices in the Philippines are not excluded from the phenomena. On – going challenges in building designs confront architects , and allied professionals to design buildings that are considered “green”. Creative approaches are openly called for effective design models. Energy efficiency and conservation in building designs are also the current focus and priority for a more functional facility and with the use of sustainable resources. Hence , building components are affected by the disastrous effects of climate change , - structural framings and foundation has to consider earthquakes; roofing and wall materials needs to resist heat ; openings and other innovative designs shall be provided with air and light ventilation and; and

vegetations or shrubberies for landscape entourage can be effective means for carbon sequestration or give its share in the carbon sink. 

Eventually, these primary points will contribute in the change of cityscapes on Philippine architecture when building designs shall exploit obtainable and existing potential sources of energy .The use of natural light and air ventilation is significant enough to influence an impact in the conservation of energy. In addition, benefits of natural ventilation are numerous enough – from low maintenance and consumable cost, less hygiene problems, and psychological benefit of connectedness to nature. Architects , engineers and allied professionals are duty-bound to put into effect climate-adaptive designs and building technologies that will benefit clients , the community and stakeholders of the profession. 

One of the concerns in celebrating the WDA is that, “Architects will play a crucial role in evolution by their capacity to meet the challenges of global urban sustainability and develop the tools needed to create resilient and sustainably liveable cities.” Further it is moving towards

“mitigating climate change, reducing polluting emissions, and better management of resources and energy.” Further , it aims for the structuring of cities ,to be socially inclusive , accessible and equitable , eliminating discrimination and precarious housing ; developing cities that can resist crises and cataclysms, whether natural or induced by man ; developing economic, educational and creative opportunities for all; and ensuring the security and sanitary conditions vital to all individuals. The following are noteworthy information, principles and concepts highlighting some salient provisions from the DOE Guidelines on Conservation on Building Designs (DOE-GECDB). Understanding these matters could help architects address issues confronting climate change by putting into concrete practice Passive Control approach as they integrate them in the design of buildings and other related architectural projects. 

The Philippine Climate 

According to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Philippines have a Tropical Rainforest Climate with two (2) seasons – wet and dry. Dry season starts mid- November and ends up to mid of May. Cool and ocean breezes start on November up to the end of February. March to May as the hottest month and followed by a wet season from June to October being hot and humid. April and May has the hottest temperature from 28°C (83°F) up to 38°C (100°F) and rainfall varies but a rain year –round in most place of southern Luzon. An average temperature of 25.5°C (78°F) is during January as the coldest month. 

Pagasa records there are 20 (or even more ) typhoons or “bagyos” across the country lasting for three (3) to four (4) days. Normally after downpours of heavy rain during nights and early mornings, steamy and sunny days follow on wet season. 

There are 4 types of seasons: Type I-Two pronounced seasons: dry from November to April, wet during the rest of the year; Type II-No dry season with very pronounced rainfall from November to January. ; Type III-Seasons are not very pronounced; relatively dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year. ; Type IV-Rainfall is more or less evenly distributed through the year. 

The Thermal Human and Visual Comfort 

The climatic condition of the country is much affecting the built-environment of any region. Due to this, thermal human comfort and good lighting or proper Illumination from natural light source in non-air conditioned buildings and spaces are called for in order to produce energy conserving architectural designs , appropriate engineering , and aesthetically sound buildings of any type –residential, commercial, religious, public and private institutions, and the like. Thermal human comfort is directly affected with solar heat , and in fact to some extent will affect indoor air quality (IAQ). Good natural light ventilation could serve good and healthy visual comfort to the user, however be noted that only with effective means of control or devices shall be provided in order to retain acceptable temperature and evade the increase of solar heat gain to create thermal discomfort. 

The DOE-GECDB gives the general principles of thermal comfort. It enumerates the main variables that affect human comfort as to the following: dry bulb temperature; relative humidity or wet bulb temperature; air movement; ventilation; and thermal radiation from hot surface (ceiling, walls, and glass window). It also includes indoor air quality.These variables are significant inputs to consider in the building design process. 

1. Dry bulb temperature, usually referred as “air temperature”, is one consideration in a building that is affecting the interior environment. Air temperature affects human comfort. When heat discomfort occurs , cooling is necessary. This means that the use of power or motor gadgets, equipments or appliances will depend on the heat gain accumulated within the room or space that requires high cooling requirement in hot environment. Therefore, the lower the air temperature, the less necessary in the use of these energy consuming equipments in order to cool the place. In an actual experiment in the locality of Bacolod City, outdoor dry bulb temperature marks 42°C at 1:00 pm , and for indoor bulb temperature is 33°C at 2:30 pm . An early morning indoor temperature at 6:00 am could get 27°C so far. If an indoor temperature could only be maintained at average of 27°C for the rest of daytime, possibly electric bill will become lower and shall be meaningful. 

2.Relative Humidity or wet-bulb temperature , an indication of the amount of moisture in the air, is another factor to look into in achieving thermal comfort. The recommended humidity level to achieve the most comfortable environment is 40% –50 % , nevertheless, a range from 30% to 60% will also be acceptable . However ,in comparison to the DOE-GECDB , the 60% relative humidity is already the maximum for air conditioned buildings where 50% shall serve as the minimum. 

3.Air movement adds another function in achieving thermal comfort in the design of building at the same time to cause energy conservation. Building orientation on the windward side where the source of wind comes from , shall be the basis of site planning. Leeward , the opposite side of the windward , is understood as a better position where the building could release hot air. Air movement in warm or humid conditions can cause heat loss without any change in air temperature. 

Effective entry or inlets (infiltration for air leakage) of air could be achieved when openings of the structure are well oriented to the windward side as it gets positive wind pressure. Exit or outlets (exfiltration for air leakage) of air will always be effective when openings are also provided on the leeward side as it generates negative wind pressure. Air movement significantly contributes to air circulation inside the building in terms of air change depending on the type of buildings. Usually air change depends on , coefficient of discharge (Ce or effectiveness of opening , 0.5 -0.6 for perpendicular wind ,and 0.25 -0.30 for diagonal wind ), area of opening ,and wind velocity. Generally , a space may need (four) 4 air change per hour. 

4.Ventilation -Natural light and air : Thermal comfort will always be the consideration especially in hot and humid country like Philippines. For energy conserving designs, natural ventilation could help ease the warm environment with sufficient supply of air. “In order to breathe air, a human being needs 21 % of oxygen.” When a ventilation rate drops below the level of 16.5 %, a person will lose consciousness. Interior space must be very well ventilated not only in terms air but also with light. 

The DOE guideline states that “as a general rule, ventilation rate of 2.8 m3/min to 5.7 m3/min per person is adequate in practice if the average indoor air temperature rise of not more than 14 ºC is to be maintained as a result of body heat. Where power-driven and other heat sources are present, a higher ventilation rate is necessary.” 

Further DOE-GECGB address the aspect on –Natural Ventilation by Window Opening:” The influence on the size of windows on the internal air movement depends to a great extent on whether a room is cross-ventilated. If a window is located on one wall of a room, its size has a little effect on the internal air velocity. However, an even distribution of windows, and the correct choices of sashes, will help to improve the ventilation even the windows are located in one wall. 

Two natural air ventilation types of method could be integrated in the design process, -the stack effect, and the wind-induced method. Stack effect may only be effective when openings are available at higher heights where hot air inside the room can be released. Due to buoyancy effect hot air rises up because it is less dense than cool air. 

Effectivity of cross ventilation happens when two walls are provided with openings. Even by experience, extent of its effectivity however is also affected by orientation of the building to avail prevailing winds, the shape of the structure, uninterrupted airflow from outside, and to a lesser extent, the arrangement of rooms and the position of interior partitions. No how matter a room could be well ventilated, it has to be noted that Heat Index, the human-perceived equivalent temperature, could still effect. Possibly, when the temperature is 90 °F (32 °C) with very high humidity, the heat index can be about 105 °F (41 °C). 

Provisions for natural ventilation and lighting in the DOE-GECDB states that, “in natural regulations, it is specified that every building shall be provided with: natural lighting by means of windows, skylights, fan-lights, doors, and other approved natural light transmitting media; and natural ventilation by means of windows, skylights, fanlights, doors, louvers or similar ventilation openings.” 

5. Thermal radiation and the Overall Thermal Transfer Value: Heat gain inside the building is always brought by thermal radiation or heat conduction received by the building envelope such as opaque external walls, glass windows, opaque roof, and skylight. An architect and his allied professionals, must have sufficient data of materials and their characteristics , mechanical or chemical properties , in order to know what materials to specify whether it could contribute or avoid heat gain by conduction of building component in terms of “U” value (a measure of how much heat will pass through a thermal object), or “R” value, (resistance to heat flow). The guidelines specify that, in the case of a non-air-conditioned building, any external wall abutting a habitable room shall have U-value of not more than 3.5 W/m2ºK. 

The Overall Thermal Transfer Value (OTTV) of the building envelope determines the quality of the building whether it is energy conserving or energy efficient. Although the OTTV is normally used for air--conditioned buildings, it would be a guiding principle in the architectural design process to consider natural ventilation. 

DOE-GECDB elaborates that OTTV concept means, “the solar heat gain through building envelope constitutes a substantial share of heat load in a building, which will have to be eventually absorbed by the air-conditioning system at the expense of energy input. To minimize solar heat gain into a building is therefore the first and foremost consideration in the design of energy efficient building. The architectural techniques used to achieve such purpose are too numerous to mention. Siting and orientation of a rectangular building to avoid exposure of its long facades to face east and west, for instance, is a simple means of reducing solar heat gain if the building sites permits. Appropriate choice of building shape to minimize building envelope area and selection of light colors for wall finish to reflect solar radiation are other common sense design alternatives to lower solar heat input.” 

6. Indoor Air Quality: Passive design with natural air and light contributes to indoor air quality. Humidity control and ventilation already mentioned earlier are also affecting indoor air quality. Other aspects are filtration level, sanitation, and odor. Filtration level concerns with the level of respirable particle (smoke, dust, etc.) found in the place. Presence of bacteria, molds, and viruses cause sanitation problems, while unsatisfactory odors are brought by volatile organic compounds (paints, pesticides, cleaning liquids) shall be avoided. It will take effective number of air change to remove these pollutants to maintain a habitable indoor air quality. 

Being “Green” and Natural 

There are other attributes to describe what a Green House , a Green Building or any of its components - eco-friendly; environment friendly; sustainable building; eco–architecture; green architecture, green engineering , green technology etc...To certain extent, it can also be attributed to a “natural building” ,although it differs in terms of technology application. Buildings and houses in order to be labeled as green and natural, must always give visible effect in terms of energy conservation and energy efficiency. Green rating systems are established; standards and labeling for household appliances; energy management; energy audit; and recognition awards are advocated to promote energy conservation and efficiency. A new Enercon Law is also expected. 

Sufficient definitions were already established in other venues in understanding what a green building ,a house or structure is. However, the definition by Engr. Nestor Archival may be easier to understand that could summarize the information discussed earlier. Archival, who topped the Pitong Pinoy Awards, describes a GREEN HOUSE as “the structure and the environs that shelter, protect, and nurture life. It is the habitat for safe, healthy and happy living. It is a house where one can breathe clean air; a house that is not too cold and not too warm; a house that is not too humid and too dry; a house that gets light from the sun during the day; a house that can let air move in and out as desirable; a house that conserves water and energy; a house that

was constructed with mostly local materials, some of which may be reused or recycled; a house conducive to sustainable living.” 

Passive Control Approaches and Design Possibilities. 

There are possible approaches in order to apply Passive control in buildings and houses. The utilization of natural resources and potential energies of the locality must be first utilized in order to avoid or lessen the use of any mechanical means of ventilation, yet retains comfort benefits to the occupant. 

By professional judgement, natural light and natural air ventilation, and the Overall Thermal Transfer Value (OTTV) of buildings are closely correlated. They are symbiotic in terms of thermal comfort at the same time affecting lighting and visual qualities of space as well. This would mean that every building component as a channel of solar heat gain causing the generation of overall thermal transfer inside the building space must be given attention. This would even consider from the very start of site selection to site planning and development as part of the building design process. 

In site selection, whether in the urban or rural area , off-site factors and its context are initial parameters to consider ,like wind direction and pressure , solar orientation , adjacent buildings , outdoor temperature, flood history , noise ,smell and others are essential in the design process. The location of a structure will influence much the quality of building design and an advantage for new projects especially during the pre-design phase. Energy conserving building design starts from site selection. Retrofitting may only be a solution for old buildings.Studying the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) of a place, may help in choosing a practical building location while places adapting New Urbanism or Ebenezer Howard’s Garden Cities of Tomorrow , may benefit claims of these planning concepts in greening the structure.

In the case for site development planning, the shape of a building and its exposure to solar heat shall be given attention. Shorter side exposed to sun is best to avoid accumulation of heat through solar radiation on walls and windows. In addition, trees, shrubs, flora and of other type of vegetation that will cover the building will prevent solar heat from entering the building.

For buildings, external walls, roof, windows, skylights, are components of building envelop that determines the Overall Thermal Transfer Value. Generally, using appropriate materials with effective heat resistance from a direct solar radiation will prevent if not reduce heat gain. Type of roofing materials, innovative strategies, provisions of adequate ventilation, insulation, are crucial features of design adaptations. The use of skylights can always help save energy while harnessing the power of the sun for lighting the space. 

The type of materials and performance of external walls to serve as thermal mass in absorbing thermal energy , the method of construction to be used for external walls, a well- arranged location of openings for air or wind infiltration are a productive design approaches. Installation of an appropriately -sized windows to allow natural air for cross ventilation and type of windows specified whether awning; jalousie; sliding, or maybe louvered, would help direct or redirect the

wind for proper building ventilation. Sun shading or hot daylight blocking can be introduced through window canopies , overhangs , outer screen , or trellis . In addition glass windows can prevent or minimize effects of solar radiation through glass films or interior blinds. When possible ,sunscreen shall be provided at the exterior side of windows. Much favourable technique when interior walls shall be provided with cuts in the lower portion and the same at the higher portion for hot air release and sound air circulation. 

“Passive design aims to optimize the building form ,orientation ,façade design and space planning together with overall site layout to make maximum use of the natural environment in order to provide occupant comfort with minimum use of energy and mechanical systems. “ 

Summary and Conclusion 

Passive control design may not be the ultimate answer to satisfy occupants when it comes to outstanding comfort. But, by taking full advantage of natural and renewable energy resources before using any mechanical means or any active control system to ventilate the space is a sustainable approach that would contribute in mitigating climate change, reducing carbon emissions and even to zero energy consumptions. With these issues confronting world today, architecture in the Philippines must adapt or be responsive to the climate and the immediate context of its environment. Eventually therefore, when all of these technical norms and principles given are relatively and habitually observed, Passive Design with prime considerations on natural light and air will always be one Crucial Component of Change in the Cityscape. 

Truly enough , this will make ARCHITECTS AS CITY CHANGERS , indeed! 

References and Suggested Readings:

Department of Energy (DOE) –Guidelines for Energy Conserving Design of Buildings-Updated 2007

DOE-National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program (NEECP)

DOE-Energy Management and Energy Audit (PowerPoint Presentation)

DOE-Energy Reform Agenda ((PowerPoint Presentation)

UAP Memorandum Circular No. 08, S. 2012 

Internet Websites:

Natural ventilation: Stack Ventilation

http://www.architecture.com/SustainabilityHub/Designstrategies/Air/1-2-.

http://www.humidifierinformation.com/optimum-humidity-levels.php

http://pinoygreenacademy.typepad.com/pinoy_green_academy/2010/01/the-first-ecohouse-in-cebu.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_building http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_of_the_Philippines

http://www.peaktoprairie.com/?D=205

Cross Ventilation in House Designs for Natural Passive Air Flow

http://janderson99.hubpages.com/hub/Cross-Ventilation-in-House-designs...

http://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/resources/documents/Air_movement.pdf) What Rooms Do Not Require Natural Light & Ventilation? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_7597999_rooms-require-natural-light-ventilation.html#ixzz1zBEQHDXs

http://www.sustainableschoolswales.org/sustainable_design_options/buildings/passive_design/climate/index.php

Review Schedule for June 2015 Architecture Board Exams

4TH ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION ON SUSTAINABLE APPROACH TO DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

UAP-PGBI To Co-Host the 4TH ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION ON SUSTAINABLE APPROACH TO DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION with the Theme: “Working Together To Build A Sustainable Asia”

The United Architects of the Philippines (UAP), and Philippine Green Building Initiatives, Inc. (PGBI) will jointly host the 4th Roundtable Discussion on Sustainable Approach to Design and Construction on November 8-9, 2012 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City, Philippines.

This year’s Roundtable Discussion will pick up from the first three Roundtable Meetings initiated by the Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) and Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC) with the aim of linking the commonalities in sustainable approaches to design and construction of the built environment of the countries in the Asia Pacific Rim in order to achieve a unified direction and strategy in addressing global warming, climate changes, and sustainability.

As leaders in the sustainable and green built and natural environment, the United Architects of the Philippines share these common goals, objectives, and advocacies. This is an opportune time for the organization to participate and contribute towards these pressing concerns.

The event is made more interesting and meaningful with the simultaneous conduct of the following activities:
(1) The Union Internationale des Architectes (UI)A Region IV Work Program on Responsible Architecture;
(2) The Philippine Society of Ventilating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigerating Engineers (PSVARE) organized PHILCONSTRUCT construction material exhibition which will be featuring new products and trends in Sustainable design and construction; and
(3) The Grand Launching of the PGBI GREEEN Rating System.

The event’s major highlight is the day-long "Techno Forum on Sustainability". Scheduled on November 9, 2012, at the SMX Convention Center, this multi-disciplinary forum will gather together experts in the local and international scene who will be presenting best practices and new concepts in Sustainable design concepts and construction techniques. Participants and attendees will be given CPE credits for this activity. (for registration please contact UAP or PGBI Secretariat at UAP headquarters).

--Arch. Michael T. Ang, fuap

Document Guide for Buildings

The PRBoA has published a document for some building types which could be a reference for similar projects. You can view these documents from the following links: Generic Documents GUIDE for a Two (2)-Storey (with Attic Level) RESIDENTIAL Building Project Generic Documents GUIDE for a Typical LARGE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT OFFICE Building Project Generic Documents GUIDE for a Proposed 3-STOREY INDUSTRIAL PLANT Building Project

Teaching architecture to civil engineering students

This letter of the PRBoA to the CODHASP has circulated in many facebook accounts pertaining to the teaching of architecture subjects to engineering students.

Excerpts from the letter dated 15 August 2012 are as follows:

Over the past 1.5 months, the PRBoA was asked thrice as to whether registered and licensed architects (RLAs) teaching in schools of architecture can also teach architecture subjects to civil engineering (CE) students?

The PRBoA position response/ position is absolutely not. The law forbids it. Sec. 23 (d) of R.A. No. 9266 states:

“SECTION 23. Suspension and Revocation of Certificates of Registration, Professional Identification Card or the Special/ Temporary Permit. - The Board shall have the power, upon notice and hearing, to suspend or revoke the validity of a Certificate of Registration/ Professional Identification Card, xxx granted under this Act to an architect xxx or for any cause specified hereunder: xxx if he/she: xxx

(d) has aided or abetted in the practice of architecture any person not duly authorized to practice architecture in the Philippines;” xxx (stress and underscoring supplied)

RLAs teaching architecture subjects to civil engineering (CE) students therefore run the risk of having their registration and licensed to practice architecture in the Ph suspended or revoked.

Please cause the dissemination of this communication to all CODHASP members and their schools, particularly schools where the B.S. Architecture Program is offered under engineering colleges/ institutes. The PRBoA encourages everyone to promptly report to the PRBoA cases of RLAs teaching CE students so that the proper administrative charges can be filed at the PRC against such RLAs.

The above letter may be pertaining to building design and engineering drafting subjects. The building design may be construed as architectural design but looking at the engineering curriculum as mandated by the CMO on engineering, the building design subject description is focused on construction and not on architectural design.

Maybe the CODHASP can make a clarificatory statement on this.

ASEAN MUTUAL RECOGNITION ARRANGEMENT ON ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES

ASEAN MUTUAL RECOGNITION ARRANGEMENTON ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES 

The Governments of Brunei Darussalam, the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Republic of Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, the Union of Myanmar, the Republic of the Philippines, the Republic of Singapore, the Kingdom of Thailand, and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, Member States of the Association of South East Asian Nations (hereinafter collectively referred to as “ASEAN” or “ASEAN Member Countries” or singularly as “ASEAN Member Country”);

RECOGNISING the objectives of ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (hereinafter referred to as “AFAS”), which are to enhance cooperation in services amongst ASEAN Member Countries in order to improve the efficiency and competitiveness, diversify production capacity, and supply and distribution of services of their services suppliers within and outside ASEAN; to eliminate substantially restrictions to trade in services amongst ASEAN Member Countries; and to liberalise trade in services by expanding the depth and scope of liberalisation beyond those undertaken by ASEAN Member Countries under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (hereinafter referred to as “GATS”) with the aim to realising a free trade area in services;

NOTING that Article V of AFAS provides that ASEAN Member Countries may recognise the education or experience obtained, requirements met, and licences or certifications granted in other ASEAN Member Countries, for the purpose of licensing or certification of service suppliers; 

NOTING the decision of the Bali Concord II adopted at the Ninth ASEAN Summit held in 2003 calling for completion of Mutual Recognition Arrangements (hereinafter referred to as “MRAs” or singularly as “MRA”) for qualifications in major professional services by 2008 to facilitate free movement of professional/skilled labour/talents in ASEAN;

NOTING that the International Union of Architects (hereinafter referred to as “UIA”) Accord on Recommended International Standards of Professionalism in Architectural Practice shall be used as an optional reference for this MRA or otherwise agreed; and

DESIRING to provide a generic model MRA for Architectural Services in strengthening professional capabilities by promoting the flow of relevant information and exchanging expertise, experiences and best practices suited to specific needs of ASEAN Member Countries;

HAVE AGREED on this ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Architectural Services (hereinafter referred to as “this Arrangement”) as follows:

ARTICLE 1 OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this Arrangement are:

1.1 to facilitate mobility of Architects;

1.2 to exchange information in order to promote adoption of best practices on standards of architectural education, professional practice and qualifications;

1.3 to conform to the spirit of ASEAN co-operations based on fair distribution of resources and benefits through collaborative researches; and

1.4 to encourage, facilitate and establish mutual recognition of Architects and set up standards and commitment of technological transfer among ASEAN Member Countries.

ARTICLE 2 DEFINITIONS AND SCOPE

In this Arrangement, unless the context otherwise requires:

2.1 Accreditation refers to quality assurance of Graduate Architects by the respective national authorised bodies.

2.2 Architect refers to a natural person who holds the nationality of an ASEAN Member Country and has been assessed by a Professional Regulatory Authority (PRA) of any participating ASEAN Member Country as being technically, morally, and legally qualified to undertake professional practice of architecture and is registered and licensed for such practice by the Professional Regulatory Authority (PRA). ASEAN Member Countries may have different nomenclatures and requirements for this term.

2.3 Architectural Services refers to the activities covered under Central Product Classification (hereinafter referred to as “CPC”) 8671 of the Provisional CPC of the United Nations.

2.4 Assessment refers to particular processes for reporting or comparison of achievement against criteria, standards, or a benchmark.

2.5 Benchmark refers to an agreed level by which others can be measured. 

2.6 Certification refers to the issuance of a certificate or licence to those who have met specified requirements for registration.

2.7 Country of Origin refers to the ASEAN Member Country where the Architect has an existing licence to practice architecture.

2.8 Criteria or Standards refers to a specification of qualities required to be met.

2.9 Graduate Architect refers to a natural person who holds the nationality of an ASEAN Member Country and has satisfactorily completed an architectural program that is assessed as meeting required criteria in architecture determined by a recognised professional architectural body or state authority.

2.10 Host Country refers to the country where the ASEAN Architect (AA) applies to work, either in independent practice or in collaboration with the local licensed Architect, where appropriate to practise architecture.

2.11 Practice of Architecture refers to the provision of architectural services in connection with urban planning and the design, construction, conservation, restoration or alteration of a building or group of buildings. Subject to the Host Country’s domestic regulations, these professional services include, but are not limited to, planning and land-use planning, urban design, provision of preliminary studies, designs, models, drawings, specifications and technical documentation, coordination of technical documentation prepared by others (consulting engineers, urban planners, landscape architects and other specialist consultants) as appropriate and without limitation, construction economics, contract administration, monitoring and supervision of construction and project management. 

2.12 Professional Regulatory Authority (PRA) refers to the designated government body or its authorised agency in charge of regulating the practice of architecture as listed in APPENDIX A. Any amendment to this list can be made administratively by the ASEAN Member Country concerned and notified by the Secretary-General of ASEAN to all ASEAN Member Countries. ASEAN Member Countries may have different nomenclatures for this term.

2.13 Recognition refers to acceptance by the relevant authority of the respective ASEAN Member Country on demonstration of compliance with requirements.

2.14 Registered Foreign Architect (RFA) refers to an ASEAN Architect (AA) who has successfully applied to and is authorised by the Professional Regulatory Authority (PRA) of a Host Country to work, either in independent practice or in collaboration with one or more licensed Architects of the Host Country, where appropriate, in accordance with the prevailing Policy on Practice in Host Nations of the UIA Accord.

2.15 Registration refers to the process of placing on a Register those who meet specified requirements within a jurisdiction.

2.16 UIA Accord refers to the International Union of Architects Accord on Recommended International Standards of Professionalism in Architectural Practice.

2.17 Words in the singular include the plural and vice versa. 

ARTICLE 3 RECOGNITION, QUALIFICATIONS AND ELIGIBILITY

3.1 Recognition of Qualifications to Become an ASEAN Architect (AA) An Architect who has:

3.1.1 completed an accredited architectural degree recognised by the professional architectural accreditation body whether in the Country of Origin or Host Country or assessed and recognised as having the equivalent of such a degree. The education for architects should be no less than five (5) years duration delivered on a full time basis in an accredited program in an accredited/ validated university in the Country of Origin while allowing flexibility for equivalency;

3.1.2 a current and valid professional registration or licensing certificate to practise architecture in the Country of Origin issued either by the Professional Regulatory Authority (PRA) of the ASEAN Member Countries and in accordance with its policy on registration/licensing/certification of the practice of architecture or the Monitoring Committee pursuant to Article 4.2.2 and item 1.2 of Appendix B of this Arrangement;

3.1.3 acquired practical and diversified experience of not less than ten (10) years of continuous practice of architecture after graduation, of which at least five (5) years shall be after licensure/ registration and at least two (2) years of which shall be in responsible charge of significant architectural works as stipulated in Appendix D, Format 3; 

3.1.4 complied with the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) policy of the country of Origin at a satisfactory level;

3.1.5 obtained certification from the Professional Regulatory Authority (PRA) of the Country of Origin with no record of serious violation on technical, professional or ethical standards, local and international, for the practice of architecture; and

3.1.6 complied with any other requirements agreed upon by the ASEAN Architect Council (AAC) is eligible to apply to the ASEAN Architect Council (AAC) to be registered as an ASEAN Architect (AA) under the ASEAN Architect Register (AAR).

3.2 ASEAN Architect (AA) An Architect who is eligible to apply to the ASEAN Architect Council (AAC) to be registered as an ASEAN Architect (AA) under Article 3.1 and complies with the Guidelines on Criteria and Procedures as per Appendix B and satisfies the Assessment Statement as per Appendix C, may, upon acceptance and payment of the fees, be emplaced on the ASEAN Architect Register (AAR) and accorded the title of ASEAN Architect (AA). An ASEAN Architect shall practise architecture only in the specific projects in which he/she has been adjudged to be competent under this Arrangement

3.3 Eligibility of an ASEAN Architect (AA) to Practise in a Host Country

3.3.1 An ASEAN Architect (AA) shall be eligible to apply to the Professional Regulatory Authority (PRA) of a Host Country to be registered as a Registered Foreign Architect (RFA). The appli8 cant shall submit with his application a sworn undertaking to: (a) be bound by the local and international codes of professional conduct in accordance with the policy on ethics and conduct established and enforced by the Country of Origin; (b) be bound by prevailing laws and regulations of the Host Country; and (c) work, either in independent practice or in collaboration with local licensed Architects in the Host Country, where appropriate subject to domestic laws and regulations of the Host Country governing the practice of architecture thereto.

3.3.2 Upon approval, the successful ASEAN Architect (AA) applicant shall, subject to domestic laws and regulations of the Host Country, where appropriate, be permitted to work as a Registered Foreign Architect (RFA), either in independent practice or in collaboration with one or more licensed Architects of the Host Country, where appropriate, within such area of his own competency as may be recognised and approved by the Professional Regulatory Authority (PRA) of the Host Country.

3.3.3 The ASEAN Architect (AA) must register with the Professional Regulatory Authority (PRA) of the Host Country where he intends to practise. The ASEAN Architect must:
(a) show evidence of his registration with the Professional Regulatory Authority 9 (PRA) of the Host Country as an ASEAN Architect (AA);
(b) identify the architectural practice in the Host Country he intends to collaborate with; and
(c) pay the registration fee set by the Professional Regulatory Authority (PRA) of the Host Country, which is not higher than the fee paid by the domestic architects.

ARTICLE 4 PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY AUTHORITY, MONITORING COMMITTEE, AND ASEAN ARCHITECT COUNCIL

4.1 Professional Regulatory Authority (PRA) The Professional Regulatory Authority (PRA) of each participating ASEAN Member Country shall be responsible for the following:

4.1.1 consider applications from the ASEAN Architect (AA) and authorise the ASEAN Architect (AA) to practise as a Registered Foreign Architect (RFA), either in independent practice or in collaboration with one or more licensed Architects in the Host Country, where appropriate, subject to the domestic laws and regulations;

4.1.2 monitor and assess the professional practice of the Registered Foreign Architect (RFA) and to ensure compliance with this Arrangement; 10

4.1.3 report to relevant local and international bodies of the developments in the implementation of this Arrangement, where required;

4.1.4 maintain high standards of professional and ethical practice in architecture;

4.1.5 notify the ASEAN Architect Council (AAC) Secretariat (set up under Article 4.3.5) promptly in writing when a Registered Foreign Architect (RFA) has contravened this Arrangement, or when an Architect who is also an ASEAN Architect (AA) is no longer qualified to undertake practice of architecture in the Country of Origin, has not complied with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) policy of the Country of Origin at a satisfactory level, or has seriously violated technical, professional or ethical standards either in the Country of Origin or in the Host Country whereby such violations have led to deregistration or suspension from practice;

4.1.6 prepare rules and regulations to enable the implementation of this Arrangement; and

4.1.7 exchange information regarding laws, practices and prevailing developments in the practice of architecture within the region with the view to harmonisation in accordance with regional and/or international standards.

4.2 Monitoring Committee (MC)

4.2.1 A Monitoring Committee (MC) shall be established in and by each participating ASEAN Member Country to develop, process and maintain a national ASEAN Architect Register (AAR) in the Country of Origin. 11

4.2.2 The Monitoring Committee (MC) shall be recognised as competent by, and may exercise certain functions on behalf of the authorities responsible for the registration and licensing of architects in the country concerned.

4.2.3 The Monitoring Committee (MC) shall be recognised as an authorised body and shall be able to certify the qualifications and experiences of an individual architect directly or by reference to other competent bodies.

4.2.4 The specific responsibilities of the Monitoring Committee (MC) for the development and maintenance of the national ASEAN Architects Register (AAR) are given in the ensuing Articles 4.2.5 and 4.2.6 below and in Appendices B, C and D to this Arrangement.

4.2.5 The Monitoring Committee (MC) of each participating ASEAN Member Country seeking authorisation to initiate a national Register for the purpose of the ASEAN Architects Register (AAR) shall prepare a statement setting out the criteria and procedures for assessing compliance with the qualifications set out under Article 3.1 for ASEAN Architect applicants. The statement shall be reviewed by the ASEAN Architect Council (AAC) based on the guidelines on criteria and procedures and examples as set out in Appendices B, C and D.

4.2.6 Each Monitoring Committee (MC) shall further undertake to:

4.2.6.1 ensure that all Architects registered as ASEAN Architects (AA) by the ASEAN Architect Council (AAC) Secretariat comply fully with the requirements 12 specified in this Arrangement, and that a substantial majority of these Architects have demonstrated their compliance through the primary procedures and criteria as shown in Appendices B, C and D;

4.2.6.2 ensure that Architects applying for registration as ASEAN Architects (AA) are required to provide evidence that they have complied with the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) of the Country of Origin at a satisfactory level;

4.2.6.3 ensure that Architects registered by the ASEAN Architect Council (AAC) Secretariat as ASEAN Architects (AA) apply from time to time for renewal of their registration, and in so doing, provide evidence that they have complied with the Continuing Professional Development policy of the Country of Origin at a satisfactory level;

4.2.6.4 ensure the implementation and execution of the amendments agreed under Article 6.3 as directed by the ASEAN Architect Council (AAC);

4.2.6.5 where Article 4.1.5 is applicable, withdraw and deregister the said national ASEAN Architect (AA) from the ASEAN Architects Register (AAR);

4.2.6.6 issue Certificates of ASEAN Architect (AA) registration and provide advice on the particulars of any registered ASEAN Architect (AA) on request; and 13 4.2.6.7 notify ASEAN Architect Council (AAC) and Monitoring Committee (MC) of Country of Origin of non AA practicing architect in Host Country.

4.3 ASEAN Architect Council (AAC)

4.3.1 The ASEAN Architect Council (AAC) shall be established and shall have the authority to confer and withdraw the title of ASEAN Architect (AA). This authority may be delegated in writing from time to time by the ASEAN Architect Council (AAC) to the authorised Monitoring Committee (MC) in each participating ASEAN Member Country. Members of the ASEAN Architect Council (AAC) shall comprise one appointed representative from each Monitoring Committee (MC) of the participating ASEAN Member Countries.

4.3.2 The functions of the ASEAN Architect Council (AAC) shall include:

4.3.2.1 facilitating the development and maintenance of authoritative and reliable Registers of ASEAN Architects (AAR);

4.3.2.2 promoting the acceptance of ASEAN Architects (AA) in each participating ASEAN Member Country as possessing general technical and professional competence that is substantially equivalent to that of professional architects registered or licensed in the Country of Origin;

4.3.2.3 developing, monitoring, maintaining and promoting mutually acceptable standards and criteria for facilitating practice by ASEAN Architects (AAs) throughout 14 the participating ASEAN Member Countries;

4.3.2.4 seeking to gain a greater understanding of existing barriers to the practice of architecture and to develop and promote strategies to help governments and licensing authorities reduce those barriers and manage their processes in an effective and non-discriminatory manner;

4.3.2.5 encouraging the relevant governments and licensing authorities to adopt and implement streamlined procedures for granting rights to practice to ASEAN Architects (AA), through the mechanisms available within ASEAN;

4.3.2.6 identifying and encouraging the implementation of best practice for the preparation and assessment of architects intending to practise at the professional level; and

4.3.2.7 continuing mutual monitoring and information exchange by whatever means that are considered most appropriate, including but not limited to:
(a) regular communication and sharing of information concerning assessment procedures, criteria, systems, manuals, publications and lists of recognised practitioners;
(b) informing all Professional Regulatory Authorities (PRAs) when it has been notified that an ASEAN Architect (AA) is no longer qualified to undertake practice of architecture in the Country of Origin, has not complied with the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) policy of the Country of Origin at a satisfactory level, or has seriously violated technical, professional or ethical standards either in the Country of Origin or the Host Country, whereby such violations have led to deregistration or suspension from practice or withdrawal from the ASEAN Architect Register (AAR);
(c) informing the Monitoring Committee of the Country of Origin when it has been notified that an architect from the Country Of Origin who has undertaken practice of architecture in a Host Country is not a registered ASEAN Architect (AA);
(d) verifying the operation of the procedures of participating ASEAN Member Countries; and
(e) observing the open meetings of any Professional Regulatory Authorities (PRAs) and/or commissions responsible for implementing key aspects of these procedures and relevant open meetings of the governing bodies of the participating ASEAN Member Countries.

4.3.3 The ASEAN Architect Council (AAC) may, whenever it deems appropriate, invite the non-participating ASEAN Member Countries to attend as observers to its meetings.

4.3.4 The ASEAN Architect Council (AAC) shall report its progress of work to the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Services (CCS).

4.3.5 The administration of the ASEAN Architect Council (AAC) shall be facilitated by a Secretariat. The establishment and funding of the Secretariat shall be decided by the ASEAN Architect Council (AAC).

4.3.6 General Meetings of the ASEAN Architect Council (AAC) shall be held at least once in each two year period to deal with applications by Monitoring Committees seeking authorisation to initiate Registers and/or authorisation to review the Guidelines on Criteria and Procedures (Appendix B), Assessment Statement (Appendix C), Appendix D and other related guidelines, procedures and documentation, and recommend any amendments to all the Professional Regulatory Authorities (PRAs).

ARTICLE 5 MUTUAL EXEMPTION

5.1. The participating ASEAN Member Countries recognise that any arrangement, which would confer exemption from further assessment by the Professional Regulatory Authority (PRA) that control the right to practise in each country, could be concluded only with the involvement and consent of the Professional Regulatory Authority (PRA), and the relevant government agencies;

5.2 The participating ASEAN Member Countries note that licensing or registering authorities have statutory responsibility for protecting the health, safety, environment and welfare of the community within their jurisdictions, and may require Architects who do not meet the requirements stipulated under Article 3 to submit themselves to some form of supplemental assessment as determined by the ASEAN Architect Council (AAC);

5.3 The participating ASEAN Member Countries consider that the objectives of such supplemental assessment should be to provide the relevant authorities with a sufficient degree of confidence that the Architects concerned:

5.3.1 understand the general principles behind applicable codes of practice and laws;

5.3.2 have demonstrated a capacity to apply such principles safely and efficiently; and 5.3.3 are familiar with other special requirements operating within the Host Country.

ARTICLE 6 AMENDMENTS

6.1 Any ASEAN Member Country may request in writing any amendment to all or any part of this Arrangement.

6.2 Unless otherwise provided by this Arrangement, the provisions of this Arrangement may only be modified through amendments mutually agreed upon in writing by the Governments of all ASEAN Member Countries. Any such amendment agreed to shall be reduced in writing and shall form part of this Arrangement and shall come into force on such date as may be determined by all the ASEAN Member Countries.

6.3 Notwithstanding Article 6.2 above, the provisions in Appendices B, C and D and other related guidelines, procedures and documentation may be modified through amendments mutually agreed upon in writing by all the Professional Regulatory Authorities (PRA) of the participating ASEAN Member Countries, provided that the amendments shall not contradict or modify any of the provisions in the main text of this Arrangement. Any amendment agreed to shall be reduced in writing and shall form part of this Arrangement and shall come into force on such date as may be determined by the Professional Regulatory Authorities (PRA) of the participating ASEAN Member Countries. All agreed amendments shall be implemented by the ASEAN Architect Council (AAC).

6.4 Any amendment shall not prejudice the rights and obligations arising from or based on this Arrangement prior or up to the date of such amendment.

6.5 In the event that any provision in Articles 1 to 8 is inconsistent with any provision in Appendices B, C and D, the provision in Articles 1 to 8 shall take precedence.

ARTICLE 7 DISPUTE SETTLEMENT

The provisions of the ASEAN Protocol on Enhanced Dispute Settlement Mechanism, done at Vientiane, Lao PDR on the 29 November 2004, shall apply to disputes concerning the interpretation, implementation, and/or application of any of the provisions under this Arrangement.

ARTICLE 8 FINAL PROVISIONS

8.1 The terms and definitions and relevant provisions of the General Agreement On Trade in Services (GATS) and ASEAN Framework Agreement On Services (AFAS) shall be referred to and shall apply to matters arising under this Arrangement for which no specific provision has been made herein. 8.2 This Arrangement shall enter into force on the date of signature by all ASEAN Member Countries.

8.3 After this Arrangement enters into force pursuant to Article 8.2, any ASEAN Member Country which wishes to participate in this Arrangement (referred to in this Arrangement as a “participating ASEAN Member Country”) shall notify the ASEAN Secretary-General in writing of its effective date of participation, and the ASEAN Secretary-General shall thereafter notify the rest of the ASEAN Member Countries of the same.

8.4 Any participating ASEAN Member Country wishing to cease participation in this Arrangement shall notify the ASEAN Secretary-General in writing at least twelve months prior to the date of its effective date of non-participation, and the ASEAN Secretary-General shall thereafter notify the rest of the ASEAN Member Countries of the same.

8.5 This Arrangement shall be deposited with the ASEAN Secretary-General, who shall promptly furnish a certified copy thereof to each ASEAN Member Country.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being duly authorised thereto by their respective governments, have signed this ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Architectural Services.

DONE at Singapore, this Nineteenth Day of November in the year Two Thousand and Seven, in a single original copy in the English language.

PRC Exam Requirements

The following are the requirements in applying for the board exam based on the PRC web site:

Original and photo/xerox copies of Transcript of Records with Special Order and Date of Graduation with SCANNED PICTURES AND WITH REMARKS “FOR BOARD EXAMINATION PURPOSES ONLY”. View Res.2004-200. .(Graduates of government schools and institutions/programs accredited by recognized accrediting agencies under the FAAP are exempted from SO [B]) . Graduates of New Schools/Degree/Programs must submit School Recognition and/or Permit to Operate.

Original and photo/xerox copy of NSO-issued of Birth Certificate (in NSO security paper; if NSO copy not very clear, bring copy from local civil registrar)

Four (4) passport size colored pictures with complete name tag in white background

Current Community Tax Certificate (Cedula)

Original and photo/xerox copies of NSO-issued Marriage Contract in NSO security paper (for married female only;if NSO copy not very clear, bring copy from local civil registrar)

Two (2) Testimonial or Certificate of Good Moral Character

FOR THE ARCHITECTURE BOARD EXAM:

SUBMISSION OF LOGBOOK OF DIVERSIFIED EXPERIENCE IN ARCHITECTURE (DEA)
consisting of two years apprenticeship or equivalent 3,840 hours (including overtime and work done on holidays). All work experience after Dec. 24, 2008, whether still studying or after graduation will be considered as part of the DEA.

Review Schedule for June 2015 Architecture Board Exams