Thesis (BS Architecture) University of the Philippines Mindanao, 2018

It cannot be denied how essential government work and services are to the masses on a day-to-day basis. The government almost has full control of the things the general public accomplishes from finding a new job to the procurement of grants and insurances—distributing work into different agencies that carry out specific operations more proficiently and to a larger extent. Having said this, it is only fitting for these government agencies to efficiently provide essential services that are uncomplicated and without putting too much burden or requiring more effort to their regular and first-time clients. To put this idea into realization, the proponent explored two theories applicable for a projected architectural intervention: (1) Imageability and (2) Legibility, that both help enhance one’s spatial cognition with the hopes of generating a straightforward environment for the public.
This study aims to answer the issue of spatial cognition of clients on both the indoor and outdoor spaces of the seven (7) chosen government agencies in Davao City through evaluating their spatial legibility and the perceived imageability by their clients. Three components were mutually identified from both theories, (1) Route Familiarity, (2) Landmark Information, and (3) Survey Knowledge which are fundamental in the said qualitative and quantitative nature of the assessment. Data were gathered through survey questionnaires from clients, visual documentation and observations, as well as quantified computations from the space syntax analysis.
After further investigation, it has been concluded that a space’s overall configuration influences the navigation of its users and therefore determines its legibility as a whole spatial system. Moreover, the spatial layout of a building must always be tailored to its nature and function and that visual character is significant in order to formulate sensory mental images to the observer.
With the continuous increase in population and demand for government services, the general public must be spared from further difficulties in the processes these offices require, most importantly the inefficient nature and environment of these agencies at present. The results of the study have helped the proponent furnish a proposed Regional Government Complex in Davao City that is envisioned to induce a vaster grasp of their transaction processes and a greater sense of emotional security to their clients through proficient architectural design and space planning. The project is also perceived to trim-down client expenses on transportation, improve the difficulty of transaction, and provide a hassle-free environment for the users.