Architectural Code PDF

Architectural Code  INTRODUCTION is compiled by the UNITED It prescribes rules and ARCHITECTS of the PHILIPPINES regulatory measures to (UAP) the bonafide accredited ascertain good building des...

Architectural Code  INTRODUCTION is compiled by the UNITED It prescribes rules and ARCHITECTS of the PHILIPPINES regulatory measures to (UAP) the bonafide accredited ascertain good building design organization of architects under the and construction with inherent purview of PD 223 - the Professional considerations and provisions Regulation Commission Law and RA for the safety and protection of 545, the Architect's Law, to serve as limb, health, life, property and a referral code for the implementation general public welfare, within a and enforcement of PD 1096 - the sound/wholesome National Building Code (NBC). environmental set-up.  General Provision CHAPTER 1 Sections 102 up to Section 106 inclusive of the National Building Code (NBC) is adapted verbatim in this referral architectural code and shall have mandatory force and effect as if fully embodied hereunder. Amplifications in any of its original provisions, objectively to cope-up with the latest advancements in science and technology shall apply. This Document shall be known as the "Architectural Code of the Philippines" and shall hereinafter be referred to as the "Code". Declaration of Policy ARCHITECTURAL CODE is designed to be consistent, complementary and compatible as a referral code to NBC and all allied engineering referral codes under purview of NBC. In a sense, 'organic', being founded on broad performance principles and standards. It is therefore presumed to be reviewed periodically for changes in accord with universal advancement in science and technology, to allow the use of new materials, innovative technologies systems and methods of assembly. Without infringing into the architect's creativity, intuitive innovations and keen aesthetic sensibilities in the total design of buildings and other structures. Use of this ARCHITECTURAL CODE The following considerations should guide the architect in the total design of building and other structures in accordance with the Declaration of Policy of this Code. ▪ Occupancy Grouping: (Determine the occupancy group under which the building is classified.) ▪ Types of Construction: (Ascertain the type of construction by the building materials and the fire resistivity assembly) ▪ Determine location on property and buildable area as to the type of lot (comer, interior, inside, thru and open lot) which requires the mandatory percentage of open space for natural light and ventilation and legal easements as provided for in the Philippine Civil Code, most particularly Art. 670-673 inclusive under Easement On Light and View. ▪ Floor Area: Determine the maximum floor area based on use or occupancy and type of construction with or without automatic fire sprinklers and allowable floor area for multi-storey building.  ▪ Height and Number of Stories: Compute building height from grade based on nature of occupancy and type of construction and permissible increase in floor area by installation of fire sprinklers. ▪ Floor to floor area and total building area occupant load. Compute occupant load to determine adequacy of stairs and exit ways and exit requirements. ▪ Parking requirements: ▪ Other architectural considerations: Cultural and Historical aspects, light and ventilation, accessibility, information technology, others. SECTION 4. General Building Requirements Buildings and other structures as well as all accessory facilities, shall be aesthetically, functionally and structurally designed to completely and efficiently serve its purpose while protecting life, health, property and general public welfare and concomitant resource of civic pride and aspirations. Buildings and other structures intended to be used for the manufacture and/or production of any kind of article or product shall comply with adequate environmental safeguards as provided by all government agencies concerned.  Buildings and structures together with all parts thereof as well as their adjunct facilities, utilities and equipment therein shall be maintained in good repair, safe, sanitary, and good working condition as originally approved for occupancy. SECTION 5. General Site Requirements The land or site upon which the building or structure or any adjunct or ancillary facility thereto shall be the concern of the architect. He shall verify, survey, and ascertain safe design determinants such as geodetical and geophysical characteristics, the potential chronological or periodic floodings, soil conditions of the site, and other potentials hazard such as volcanic eruption, pollution, land slides, tsunami. Other environmental factors shall also be considered such as: solar angles, prevailing, typhoon winds and orientation to significant views. Siting of the building shall be governed by NBC-IRR as to allowable buildable area on lots, actual characteristics of physical boundaries.  ADMINISTRATION and CHAPTER 2 ENFORCEMENT SECTION 1. Title General. Chapter 2, Sections 201 up to Section 216 inclusive of the National Building Code - NBC is adapted verbatim in this referral architectural code and shall have mandatory force and effect as if fully embodied hereunder. Amplifications in any of its original provisions, objectively to cope-up with the latest advancements in science and technology shall apply. Objectively, as a referral Code under the purview of NBC, some of the original provisions and measures therein are amplified hereunder to be complimentary and compatible with the section 102, Declaration of Policy of said law and more consistent in the practice of the Architectural profession as embodied in RA 545 the Architects law Amplifications thereof hereunder shall have equal force and effect as a referral code embodied in the Law. SECTION 2. Purpose and Scope of this Architectural Code. This Code shall apply to the design and construction, repair, alteration, renovation and use of any building and other structures for human habitation and all other activities of human endeavor, including the architectural aspects of infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges and the like, The provision in the Appendix shall not apply unless specifically referred to.  Where different sections in this Code are in conflict as to provisions, systems, methods, procedures, materials, and site assemblies as embodied in NBC, the most restrictive shall govern. When conflict between general requirements and specific requirements occurs, the specific requirements shall be applicable. Since this Code is designed to be compatible with NFC and other applicable National Laws of the Philippines or the latest edition of the universally accepted provisions in the Uniform Building Code, the regulatory measures or provisions that are most restrictive shall apply as may be ascertained in writing by the Secretary of Public Works and Highways. Furthermore, in the absence of any regulatory provisions in this Code as in innovative or creative design, the case shall be referred to for approval by the Secretary of Public Works and Highways. SECTION 3. Application to Existing Buildings and Other Structures General: Existing Building and other structures subject to additions, alterations, repairs or renovations shall comply with all requirements of this code as to regulatory measures on type of occupancies and/or type of construction , fire safety, required number of exits and safety measures in construction assemblies, and such shall be properly done in a manner as t1> preserve its structural integrity, stability, soundness, aside from the architectural character and legacy of buildings of historic significance.  Historic buildings subject to alteration, repairs, renovations, additions, upgrading necessary for the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation or continued use or need not conform to all requirements of this code. However, such shall be subject to regulation of the government agencies concerned like the National Historical Institute (NHI) or National Museum, the DPWH [thru the recommendation for approval of the UAP Architectural Code Committee] Existing buildings and other structures shall be maintained in safe and sanitary condition. All devices, appliances, equipment and safety provisions and ambiance therefor shall be in appropriate and proper working/operating conditions. Tests: when sufficient evidences of non-compliance with any provisions of this code is found during construction, final inspection or upon periodic inspection, may order a thorough investigation or tests and rectification thereof at the expense of the owner and subject to applicable penal proviso. SECTION 4. The Role of the Registered Architect Under the purview of R.A. 545 Law, the architect is the one responsible for the design of buildings and other structures, for man's multifarious needs, activities and aspirations. These include structural, electrical, plumbing, sanitary mechanical, communications, interiors, acoustics, landscaping, and related systems and services.  In order to exercise such professional prerogatives, the Architect invariably requires the cooperative and collaborative efforts of the various allied professional engineering expertise, for the detailed engineering design. During construction the architect who signed and sealed the Plans and Contract Documents exercises normal cursory supervisions and deserves the right to impose precise compliance to the originally approved construction plans and documents. Allied engineers with proper expertise registered under their professional laws, normally forms part of an architect's collaborative engineers group responsible for the design of their particular expertise. Such allied engineering professionals include but not limited to the following depending upon the architect's projects requirements. i. Civil Engineer ii. Structural Engineer iii. Professional Mechanical Engineer iv. Professional Electrical Engineer v. Sanitary Engineer vi. Master Plumber i. Geodetic Engineers ii. Electronics and Communication Engineer iii. Geologist iv. Safety Engineers