CHAPTER 1

The Problem and It’s Setting

I. Introduction

Interior design is an art of interior improvement of a space, building or institution

in order to attain of comfortable and more aesthetically pleasing ambiance for the

occupants and users. It is considered as a serious and creative profession in the field of

a science for it is a complex system where the project of space, light, colors and

furniture interact. Interior design is relatively new, constantly evolving and often

confusing to the public: not an artistic pursuit and relies on research from many fields to

a well-trained understanding of how people are influenced by their environments (De

Castro, R., 2016)

According to The American Society of Interior Design, “Style, color, mood,

harmony, contrast, comfort, convenience and fit” likely come to mind when considering

a new design especially in classrooms or buildings. Interior design concerns itself with

more than just the visual or ambient enhancement of an interior space, however. It

seeks to optimize and harmonize the uses to which the interior environment will be put.

A student’s learning experience is impacted by the classroom design around

them. According to Jack (2018) simple equipment such as classroom lighting, the color

of the room, the air quality, the layout and the quality of the equipment’s, the space

planning and the architectural designs all affect students. In the 21st century, more and
more teachers are seeking a classroom layout that promotes

collaboration among students.

Ibarra (2016) stated that interior design is actually quite a lot more than just

choosing colors, lightning and selecting fabrics as it is also about changing student’s life

and improving their way of living. All the details of the institution from small to big, such

as colors on the walls, whether the space planning, types of teaching materials, lighting

best suited to a schoolroom, the position of various rooms, etc. are given due

importance.

Flexible classroom design is something many schools strive for. According to Nz

(2017), They choose to replace the outdated and rigid row-column setups with various

different layouts. This decision is motivated by the belief that allowing flexible movement

and arrangement within the classroom encourages more collaboration and connectivity

overall.

Some of the most common layouts featured in today’s classrooms is the

minimalist design. Nuhfer (2016) defined that Minimalism is a tool to rid yourself of life’s

excess in favor of focusing on what’s important—so you can find happiness, fulfillment,

and freedom. A mixed floor plan is a good option for classes engaging in several

different activities at the same time; this works especially well for teenagers. It can also

be useful for universities where different classes are held in the same room.

Classroom decoration is often overlooked because teachers will fill the walls with

students’ work anyway. However, starting off the school year with blank walls will leave

visual learners feeling bored and restless. Having colors on the walls, along with
educational posters, charts and art supplies will make them feel

more at home. Kinesthetic learners love to have props and toys that engage their

problem-solving skills. It can create a whole new world for students and be used to

stimulate their imaginations. Visual aids like projectors and smart whiteboards can also

be implemented.

The impact color has on a room and its occupants are undisputed. For periods,

interior designers have leveraged color to set a room’s purpose or mood. While often

ignored in the classroom, color remains an important element to consider in any

environment. The use of color can be broad, such as a room’s wall color, or a select

accent, such as chairs, desks or tables, depending on the intended effect. With a few

exceptions, the use of color within schools has been limited to functionality. According

Stout (2018), color in schoolroom design is rarely a consideration, except for its relation

to functionality. Typically, a school will have a neutral wall color and use the school’s

colors as an occasional accent.

Equipment’s is usually chosen based on functionality, ergonomics and durability.

Schools generally never choose light-colored furniture because it makes dirt easy to

spot also in some elementary schools; chair color is dictated by size.

However, furniture color is an important part of the school. Similar to wall color,

the pieces used in different spaces require different color usage to facilitate learning.

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to room and furniture color selection, looking

at the effects of color on emotion and relating that to the purpose of the learning space

can help guide the color choices – on walls, on floors, and even on furniture.
 According to Mohannan (2014) referrers to classroom design

as “built pedagogy”, or the design of the classroom space is physical manifestation of

education theories, philosophies and values. He states that the given premise that built

environments enable and constrain certain modes of social action and interaction,

education educational structures and values by design.

Within a classroom design, constructs known as affordances are created that

enable constrain engagement. An affordance refers to the perceived and actual

properties of objects or environments that determine how the object or environment can

be used. (Gibson, 2015). Examples are movable chairs afford students the ability to

group closer together for collaborative work or discussion. Within the context of this

study, it is assumed that the designed, Previous research has investigated classroom

design and its relationship with student learning, including the effect of open learning

spaces flexible seating and writing surfaces, the integration of technological learning

tools and aesthetics.

Ergonomic chairs and desks for any type of education facility play a vital role.

Children and young adults are still developing so they need furniture that will not cause

permanent damage. They also need equipments that are comfortable to sit on for a long

period of time. Each chair should be effortlessly adjustable, provide lumbar support and

be suitable to student needs. Depending on the style of learning, swivel and wheels

could be useful to rearrange the room quickly. (Buro, 2017)

An ergonomic chair for younger children may look different from a chair for older

students. Keep in mind the classroom layout, the learning style and the duration of any
activity students are completing. Kaur (2018) states that once the

learning goals of a classroom are set and learning styles are identified, a classroom can

be well designed. Throughout the year, a classroom’s environment can affect student

progress. Ensure your learning environment is planned with care and attention.

Experiment with different classroom layouts, seeing which suits the student’s needs. 

The first day of Western Philippine College now called as the University of

Batangas started its first day of classes on April 28, 1947 in a small rented house with a

plain white walls and a cemented floor on Rizal Avenue with a roster of 48 students.

Education is the first course offered in Western Philippine College with Juan Javier as

the Dean; Liberal Arts, headed by Atty. Francisco G. Perez as Dean; and Commerce,

which was under Dean Pablo Umali.

The construction of new buildings in the Millennium Campus of University of

Batangas may pave the way to a more student and teacher-friendly environment that

will increase their productivity, enhance their learning capability and provide more

reasons for them to go to school every day.

The succeeding few years had its challenges and changes, but to summarize,

they were for the good. Enrollees improved, encouraging the school to expand bit by bit

– a testament to the commitment of its founders. From a small house on Rizal Avenue,

they moved to a humble wooden and semi-permanent building in the M.H. del Pilar

campus. Now the university has grown to three campuses across Batangas City and

that of Lipa. The once main campus on M.H. del Pilar now the Elementary Department

branched out to Hilltop Campus, and Lipa City campus. In addition to this is an current
construction of additional building located at Sitio Lawas which will

home the Junior High School students by the year 2018. Newer buildings have been

constructed while the old underwent extensive renovations. 

The researchers come up to this study for the reason that they want to improve

and develop the old architectural interior design of classrooms in University of Batangas

– Main Campus if ever there will be a renovation or expansion that will takes place in

the future. After the assessment, the researchers will propose an architectural interior

design of a classroom that can be helpful in case there will be a new campus or building

to be constructed.
II. Conceptual Framework

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Architectural
designs of Assessment of
classrooms in Architectural
University of
Questionnaire interior designs
Batangas Main
Campus of classrooms
in University of
Batangas

Figure 1

Conceptual Framework of the Study

III. Statement of the Problem

Generally, the study aims to gather and analyze old and new data about the after

effects of the Architectural Interior design of classrooms in University of Batangas Main

Campus and how it arose through the tough test of time.

Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions:

1. What are the features of the current architectural designs of classrooms in

University of Batangas Main Campus?

2. What are the weaknesses of the current architectural interior designs of

classrooms of University of Batangas Main Campus?

3. How do the respondents assess the architectural interior designs of classroom

in University of Batangas Main Campus?

4. Are there significant differences between the features of architectural interior

design of classroom in University of Batangas Main Campus?

5. What architectural interior designs can be proposed by the researchers?

IV. Scope and Limitations and Delimitations of the Study

This study will solely focus on the architectural interior design of classrooms of

the University of Batangas Main Campus. The aim of the study is to assess the

architectural interior design of University of Batangas Main Campus. This study involves

interpreting the statements in a quantitative manner given by the participants with

relation to the topic in context. The focus of the study will only cover the architectural

parts specifically the Architectural Interior design of classrooms in University of

Batangas Main Campus.

The study will not elaborate the architects responsible in designing the building.

They will not be too much emphasized in the study but instead will be mentioned for

acknowledgement. The study will also not include the structural part rather only focus

on architectural interior design. The study will only be focused on of the Juan Y. Javier

Building and will not ornate the other building of University of Batangas. The study will

not discuss the persons involved in the creation of the classrooms; however, the

persons who initiated the renovation and other changes that has been made were given

credits. The study will be concentrated only in the architectural design of the classrooms

and other features like plumbing and wiring will not be explained any further.

V. Significance of the Study

Since the study aimed to assess the Architectural Interior design of classrooms in

University of Batangas Main Campus, the result of the study is perceived to be

beneficial and of great help in giving adequate or additional

information to various groups or individuals such as the following:

Teachers. This study may serve as their basis on the strategy, approach, and

assessment to be used that would be more appropriate and effective in helping the

student-transferees to overcome such difficulties in adapting and adjusting in a new

environment.

Parents. The results from the study will help the parents in knowing the

classroom setting of their children.

School Administrators. The outcomes of this study would be beneficial for the

school administrators as it may help the teachers, students and future researchers for

forthcoming use.

Community. This will serve as pride and an instrument for the students in the

University to improve the quality of living, thus making them globally competitive. This

study will also help to enrich and educate the students in the University in handling their

feelings and guiding their own hearts.

Future Researchers. This research may serve as s guide in conducting study of

the same nature but of different issues, venues, and aspects. Future Researchers can

propose an extension to this study, delving into the parts this study will not cover.
VI. Definition of Terms

Assessment. It is the act of making judgment about something: the act of

assessing something. It is an idea or opinion about something. An assessment is a

consideration of someone or something. Assessment refers to the wide variety of

methods or tools that educators use to evaluate, measure, and document the

academic readiness, learning progress, skill acquisition, or educational needs of

students.

Interior Design. a conscious planning of design of man-made space to create

lovable space; indicates a broader activity and at the same time suggest it as serious

profession; a complex system where the project of space, lights, colors, and furniture

interact.

Maintenance. It is the upkeep of property or equipment. It is the act of

maintaining: the state of being maintained or support. According to Global Negotiator, it

is the work of keeping something in proper condition, care or upkeep including: taking

steps to avoid something breaking down (preventative maintenance) and bringing

something back to working order (corrective maintenance).

Room. A space with a building regarded as available to contain something.

Modernization. It is the process of starting to use the most recent methods,

ideas, equipment, etc. so that something becomes or seems more modern.

 Renovate. It is a term that refers to the act to restore to a

former better state (as by cleaning, repairing, or rebuilding). It is to repair and improve

something, especially a building. It is to revive or refresh and make it as if it is new

again.

Restoration. It is a term that refers to the act or process of returning something

to its original condition by repairing it, cleaning it, etc. It is the act of bringing something

that existed before or returning something that was stolen or taken.

Arrangement. To put in order, to dispose with taste, to plan.

Education. is a process in which and by which the knowledge- character and

behavior of the young people ac shaped and modeled.

Minimalism. A style of art that emphasizes extreme simply of form.

Minimalist. Believing or seeking a minimal state; seeking to minimize or reduce

to a minimum.