SCHOOL OF MUSIC

DEFINITION
A music school is an educational institution specialized in the study, training, and research of
music. Such an institution can also be known as a school of music, music academy, music faculty, college
of music, music department (of a larger institution), conservatory or conservatoire. Instruction consists
of training in the performance of musical instruments, singing, musical composition, conducting,
musicianship, as well as academic and research fields such as musicology, music history and music
theory.

OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATIONS
1. PD 1096: NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
a. GROUP C: EDUCATION AND RECREATION
i. Division C-1: schools, colleges, seminar/workshop facilities, training center,
libraries, museum
2. RA 9514: FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
a. Division 9: EDUCATIONAL OCCUPANCIES – buildings or portions thereof used for the
gathering of groups of six(6) or more persons for purposes of education

ZONING CLASSICATIONS
1. GI (General Institution) – a community to national level of institutional use or occupancy,
characterized mainly as low-rise, medium rise or high-rise building/structure for educational,
training and related activities.

DEVELOPMENTAL CONTROLS
1. Building Height Limit (Table VII.2 of PD 1096)
Character of Use or Occupancy Building Height or Limit
INSTITUTIONAL 15.00 meters (or must follow the duly
approved BHL in the major zone it is part of)

2. Minimum Parking Requirements (Table VII.4 of PD 1096)

Reference Uses or Character of Occupancies Minimum Required Parking Slot, Parking Area
or Type of Buildings/Structures
Public colleges and Universities (GI)
Private colleges and Universities (GI)
and Loading Space Requirements
a. One (1) car slot for every five (5)
classrooms;
b. One (1) off-RROW (or off-street)
passenger loading space that can
accommodate two (2) queued
jeepney/shuttle slots;
c. One (1) school bus slot for every two
hundred (200) students.
a. One (1) car slot for every three (3)
classrooms;
b. One (1) off-RROW (or off-street)
passenger loading space that can
accommodate two (2) queued
jeepney/shuttle slots;
c. One (1) school bus slot for every one
hundred (100) students.

3. Floor to Lot Area Ratio (Table VII.G.1 of PD 1096)

 Type of Buildings/Structures FLAR DESIGNATIONS/RIGHTS
Institutional (GI) 2.50

GENERAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

1. PD 1096 and RA 9514
a. Ceiling Heights
i. With Natural Ventilation: not less than 2.70 meters
ii. With Artificial Ventilation:
 1st storey: not less than 2.70 meters
 2nd storey: 2.40 meters
 Succeeding storeys: 2.10 meters
iii. Mezzanine floors: 1.80 meters
b. Air Space Requirements in determining sizes of rooms: 12.00 cu.m of air space per
person
PARAMETERS PD 1096 RA 9514
Minimum Occupant Load 1.4 1.4
(classroom)
Minimum Corridor Width 1.1 m 1.83 m
Minimum Stair Width 1.1 m – for occupant load 1.12 meters for occupant
more than 50 load less than 2000
Maximum Riser Height 200 mm 180 mm
Minimum Thread Depth 250 mm 280 mm
Number of Exits (1000 or 4 4
more occupants)
Maximum Distance to Exits 45 m (w/o sprinkler) 46 m (w/o sprinkler)
(Educational Facilities) 60 m (w/ sprinkler) 61 m (w/ sprinkler)

2. 2010 Educational Facilities Manual by the Department of Education

Minimum dimensions of a 7 m x 9 m (for majority of school building types)
classroom
Minimum Space Requirements Classroom 1.4 sqm per place
Laboratory 2.1 sqm per place
Administration Office 5 sqm per place
Placement and Layout Shall be properly oriented with regards to air current, natural
light, heat from the sun, utility of plants and ground, and
advantageous views
Recommended Orientation Northwest-west to southeast-east axial direction to take
advantage of the solar path and prevailing winds.
Minimum Distances between 8 m between one storey buildings
Buildings 10 m between two storey buildings
10 m between building and a front gate
Minimum Area of Windows Shall be at least 10% of the room area, except for toilets which
shall not be less than 1/20 of room area or 240 square
millemeters
Minimum Ceiling Height 2.7 m for naturally ventilated rooms
2.4 m for artificially ventilated rooms
No. of Exit Doors At least 2 are required if the number of room occupants is over
50
Minimum Door Width 900 mm (for classrooms, laboratories, and other student
rooms)
Minimum Door Height 2.1 meters (for classrooms, laboratories, and other student
rooms)
Door Shutters Shall swing out at least 90 degrees and shall not exceed 1.2
 meters in width
Minimum Corridor Width 1.1m
Minimum Width of Stairways 1.5 m for occupants more than 50
Maximum Riser Height 200 mm
Minimum Thread Depth 250 mm
Handrails Shall be provided on each side of every stairway having more
than 4 steps

3. Minimum Plumbing Facilities (National Plumbing Code of the Philippines)

a. School – for staff use
Water Closet Urinals Lavatories
Male Female 1 per 50 Male Female
1: 1-15 1: 1-15 1 per 40 1 per 40
2: 16-35 2: 16-35
3: 36-55 4: 36-55
Over 55, add 1 fixture for
each additional 40 persons

b. Secondary schools, colleges, universities – for student use

Water Closets Urinals Lavatories Drinking
Fountain
Male Female 1 per 35 Male Female 1 per 75
1 per 40 1 per 30 1 per 40 1 per 30
AUDITORIUM
A multi-use performance space that is intended for use by various types of the performing arts,
including dance, music and theatre.
A cluster of performance spaces, either separate buildings or under one roof, each space
designed for a specific purpose such as symphonic music or chamber music or theatre, but multi-
purpose as a whole.

OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATIONS
1. PD 1096
a. GROUP I: Assembly Occupant Load or More
 Division I-1 – assembly building with a stage and an occupancy load of more than
1000.
b. GROUP C: Education and Recreation
 Division 1 – Principal use: school auditoriums, gymnasia, reviewing stands, little
theaters, concert halls, opera houses, exhibition halls, clubhouses, churches and
other similar places of worship
2. RA 9514
a. Assembly – assembly occupancies include, but are not limited to, all buildings or portions of
buildings used for gathering together of 50 or more persons for such purposes as
deliberation, worship, entertainment, eating, drinking, amusement, awaiting transportation,
or similar uses.

ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS
1. Cultural (“CUL”)
a. Usually Low to Medium Rise Structures
b. Structures for Cultural Activities
c. Structures for Large Business Activities such as Conventions

DEVELOPMENT CONTROLS
1. Building Height Limit (Table VII.2 of PD 1096)
a. Cultural – 30.00m or BHL of Major Zone

2. Parking Space Requirements

a. Theatres/Cinema, auditoria, dance halls, cabarets, ballrooms, skating rinks, cockfighting
arenas
 1 car slot for every 50 sqm of spectator area
 1 jeepney/shuttle slot for every 50 sqm of congregation
 1 bus parking slot for every 200 spectators

3. Floor to Lot Ratio (From Table VII.G.2 of PD 1096)

a. Cultural – 3.50

4. Maximum Allowable PSO, Maximum Allowable ISA, the MACA, the Minimum USA and the TOSL
by Type of Land Use Zoning per Lot (Table VIII.1 of PD 1096)
Duly Approved Max. Allowable Max. Allowable Minimum USA TOSL (ISA + USA)
Zoning PSO (% of TLA) ISA (Paved Open (Unpaved Open
Spaces) Spaces)
Cultural w/o 60 20 20 40
firewall
Cultural w/ 70 20 10 30
firewall
GENERAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
1. General
PARAMETERS PD 1096 (Building Code) RA 9514 (Fire Code)
Minimum Occupant Load Unit Area per Occupant Unit Area per Occupant
(sqm) (sqm)
 Auditoriums, Theatres, 0.65 0.65 (0.28 for standing room
Churches, Reviewing or waiting space)
Stands, Dance Floor,
Stadia
 Conference Rooms, 1.4 1.4
Exhibit Rooms, Gymnasia
Exits
 Number of Exits
» 1000 or more 4 4
occupants
 Width of Exits Shall not be less than total Minimum 915 mm
occupant load divided by
165
 Arrangement of Exits
» 3 or more exits If one is blocked, the others At least 2 exits shall comply
shall be available minimum distance
requirement
 Distance to Exits 45 meters (w/o sprinkler 46 meters (w/o sprinkler
system) system)
60 meters (w/ sprinkler 61 meters (w/ sprinkler
system) system)
Doors
 Minimum width 700 mm 710 mm
 Maximum width 1.2 meters 1.22 meters
 Minimum Height 2 meters 2 meters
 Threshold (Max. Height) 50 mm 13 mm
Corridors
 Minimum Width 1.1 meters 1.12 meters
 Dead End (Max. 6 meters 6 meters
Distance)
Stairways and Ramps
 Minimum width of 1.1 m for occupant load 1.12 meters for occupant
Stairways more than 50 load less than 2000
 Riser 200 mm (max) 180 mm (max)
 Thread 250 mm (min) 280 mm (min)
 Max. Vertical distance 3.6 meters 3.66 meters
between landings
 Handrails
» Height above 800-900mm 760-865mm
tread/ramp
» Min. Clearance 38mm from wall
» Intermediate Required for stairways with Required for stairways with
Handrails more than 3 meters of width more than 2.23 meters of
width
 Minimum Headroom 2 meters 2 meters
Ramps
 Min. Width 1.1 meters 1.12 meters
 Max Slope N/A 1:12
 Max. Rise for a single run N/A 0.76 meter
  Max. Cross Slope N/A 1:48
Aisles
 Aisle width 0.8 meter if serving only one
0.76 meter for less than 60
side seats
1 meter if serving both sides
0.912 m for greater than 60
seats (one side)
1.1 meters for side aisles 1.22 m for greater than 60
seats (2 sides)
(Width increased by 30 mm (Width Increased by 25 mm
w/ every meter in length w/ every meter in length
towards the exit) towards the exit)
 Max. Distance to exit 45 meters 46 meters
 Max. no of seats 7 7
between aisle and wall
 Max. no of seats 14 14
between aisles
 Cross aisles Sum of widest aisles + 50% Sum of widest aisles + 50% of
of remaining aisles it serves remaining aisles it serves
 Aisle Dead Ends 6 meters 6 meters
(maximum distance)
 Maximum Aisle Slope 1:8 12.5 %
Seats
 Spacing of Seats 840mm (back to back) 830 mm (back to back)
 Minimum Clear Space 450 mm for 18 or less seats N/A
between rows 500 mm for 19-35 seats
525 mm for 36 -45 seats
550 mm for 46 or more seats
Min. width of seat/seating space 450 mm 600 mm (seat w/o dividing
arms)

2. Plumbing Code for the Philippines

a. Assembly Places – theaters, auditorium, convention halls, etc. for public use
Water Closet Urinals Lavatories
Male Female 1: 1-100 Male Female
1:1-100 3: 1-50 2: 101-200 1:1-200 1:1-200
2: 101-200 4: 51-100 3: 201-400 2: 201-400 2: 201-400
3: 201-400 8: 101-200 4: 401-600 3: 401-750 3: 401-750
11: 201-400
Over 400, add 1 fixture for each Add 1 fixture for Over 750, add 1 fixture for each
additional 500 males and 2 for each each additional additional 500 persons
300 females 50 males

AUDITORIUM AND PLATFORM/STAGE

The auditorium is the container for the audience, focused on the platform/stage upon which the
performance occurs. The platform is usually found in the concert hall and recital room associated with
orchestral and choral music, while the stage is associated with the other performing arts. The aim within
the feasibility stage is to establish the overall volume and requirements of the auditorium and
platform/stage, and the actual seating capacity.
Below are listed the main factors to be considered in the design of the auditorium and
platform/stage:
 Type(s) and scale of production
 Auditorium and platform/stage formats:
– predominant type of production
 – multi-purpose formats
– multi-form: single production type
– single-form with flexibility
– multi-form: various production types
– multi-use
– un-committed space
 Auditorium design:
– aural and visual limitations
– levels in the auditorium
– auditorium acoustics
– sound insulation and noise control
– seating layout
– means of escape
– circulation within auditorium
– wheelchair location within the seating
– fire escape by wheelchair users
– broadcasting requirements
– latecomers
– attendants
– adaptation
– sightlines
– standing: pop/rock concerts
– standing room
– promenade performance
– cabaret layout
– ventilation
– lighting
– sound equipment
– fire protection
– structure
– ceiling zone
– seating capacity
 Auditorium character
 Platform/stage design:
– platform: orchestral and choral music
– proscenium format: stage with or without flytower
– open stage formats
– stage: pop/rock music
– stage: jazz music
– multi-use stage
 Combination with flat floor.

MEMORIAL HALL

A memorial hall is a hall built to commentate an individual or group; most commonly those who
have died in war. Most are intended for public use and are sometimes described as utilitarian memorials.
 Philadelphia Memorial Hall- Rotunda

Harvard University Memorial Hall - Transept

FUNCTIONAL AREA DESCRIPTIONS

Music Suite

The music spaces serve as the primary area for music education. Optimally, locate the music
suite near the performance area or stage. The activities in these rooms require acoustic treatment within
rooms and sound transmission between them and to adjacent spaces.

1. Music Room
A single general music room is provided in all elementary schools and in small middle and high
schools (less than 300 students). This room provides space for vocal and instrumental music classes.
Provide appropriate sound absorbing wall construction and finishing. The ceiling height will be a
minimum of 12’-0” (3.66 m) at elementary schools and 16’-0” (4.88 m) at middle and high schools where
the space will be used for band. The room should accommodate 30 students. Isolate this space from
other instructional areas. Design the student instruction area for the entire class capacity. Keyboard and
instrument instruction can occur within this room under the supervision of the music teacher. The
instructional area of this room will be occupied by the teacher and instructional equipment. This area
should be located at the front of the room with direct access to the intercom and main entrance.

Provide storage within this room for equipment and instructional materials. The majority of the
storage in this room should be tall storage with adjustable shelves for instruments and other class
materials. Provide base cabinets as required to accommodate sink with bubbler.

2. Music Storage Room

The music storage room includes space for the storage of supplies and larger equipment that
cannot be stored within the music room. Provide open shelving or lockable cabinets as required.

3. Staff Collaboration
The staff collaboration space may be included with the instructional area or can be combined
into a shared suite for visual/performing arts teachers or any other curriculum groupings.
4. Music/Band Room
In middle or high schools with enrollments of 301-500, this space will be used for both band and
choral instruction. Where enrollment is greater than 500 a separate choral room will be provided and
this space will be the primary space for band practice. This room requires access to the exterior as well
as all the support spaces. The music/band room shall be suitable for large ensembles, requiring a large
volume for acoustics. An instructional area sits at the front of the room and a small computer area on
one edge. The ceiling height should be 24’-0” (7.32 m). Provide a sink near the instrument storage room
for the cleaning of mouthpieces. This space should provide access to smaller practice areas and have
adequate lockable storage. Include exterior access for the loading and unloading of equipment for band
trips.

5. Music/Instrument Storage Room

This room provides for the storage of instruments and large equipment. Locate close to an
exterior exit for ease of loading and unloading equipment. Provide a deep wide sink for the cleaning of
instruments.

6. Practice Rooms
The practice rooms provide space for individuals or small groups of students to practice. The
rooms require sound absorbing wall construction and finishing. All spaces should have vision glass to
allow for supervision. Acoustically-isolated modular practice rooms may be considered.

7. Band Office
The band office is primary space for the band director; this room has a desk and file storage.
Locate this room adjacent to the band room near the primary entrance and near the sheet music storage
room.

8. Music Library
The music library serves as a storage area for the sheet music, recordings and other resources
needed for music education. Where a separate choral room is provided, the music library can be one
shared space between the band and choral rooms, or it can be split into two rooms, one for band and
one for choral.

9. Choral Office
Provide a choral office when there is a separate faculty member to serve in this capacity. This
room has a desk and file storage space. Locate adjacent to the choral room near the primary entrance.

10. Choral Room

The choral room serves as an area for choral music rehearsal. Ceiling height should be 16’-0”
(4.88 m) to 24’- 0” (7.32 m). Portable risers are preferred instead of poured concrete tiers. The larger
concrete structure reduces the room volume and increases loudness. The space beneath the portable
risers, if left open, will not reduce the cubic volume.
11. Computer/Keyboard Lab
The computer/keyboard lab is an area for students to practice on MIDI computers and
keyboards.

Example Isometric Plan

Bubble Diagram

Cubicle for Instrument Practice

Porte Cochere
 Republic of the Philippines
PALAWAN STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology
Department of Architecture

“ Proposed School of
Music”
DESIGN 7
Esquisse No. 4

Prepared by:
Martino, Mariel Paz R.

Instructor:
Ar. Norilyn Evangelio