TITLE PROPOSAL

NAME: Manapat, Aira Lyn P. COURSE: Bachelor of Science in Architecture

Olmedilla, Pol Vincent
Rivera, Jennalyn G.

Proposed Title No. 1

TITLE: “MANILA VIRTUAL ZOO: Redevelopment of Manila Zoo through Virtual and
Augmented Reality Technology”

REASONS/ JUSTIFICATIONS IN CHOOSING THE TOPIC:

The 5.5 hectare Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden is home to various mature trees and
animals. Opened in 1959, the Philippines Flora and Fauna was once a prime tour destination for
students and weekenders. It is memorable not just for Manilenos but also for many Filipinos.
However, the lack of maintenance and increased concern for the animal welfare led its decline. From
January 21, 2019, Manila Zoo was ordered an indefinite closure until further notice by Manila Mayor
Joseph Estrada after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) identified it as
a major pollutant of Manila Bay. The zoo was closed to the public from January 23, 2019 with
construction of water treatment facilities and sewerage treatment plants since the zoo was found to
be dumping untreated sewage into an estuary that empties into the bay. Since the closure of the zoo
there have been plans by Manila Mayor Francisco Moreno Domagoso to “redevelop” and
“repackage” the zoo.

The PETA described the Manila Zoo are housed in small barren cages that can’t compare to their
natural habitats. Because of the lack of funding and resources, the zoo’s infrastructure has

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deteriorated and conditions for animals have grown steadily worse. Animals at the zoo suffer—
physically and mentally—from constant confinement, spending their days exhibiting neurotic
repetitive behavior, such as biting the bars of their cages, pacing, and circling. Even if the zoo were
to be doubled or tripled in size, it would still never be able to meet the animals’ complex needs. .
Ma’ali or Mali is a 44 years old elephant was a prime example. She alone and was living on a
concrete home for four decades in captivity. Many animal activist call zoo as a prison for animals.

With those concerns and problem it prompted the researchers to think alternative way of exhibiting
animals and redefine the traditional zoo and transform the space from something that is not only an
exhibition of animals, but also an educational tool, and a place for research and conservation.

EXPECTED CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE GROWTH OF KNOWLEDGE IN

ARCHITECTURE:

Zoo faces a growing public skepticism of animal captivity and only exist for entertainment and
financial gain of institution. But zoo play a big role in a society most importantly people in the urban
area, it is a way to connect with nature and wildlife especially on young children who are living in
the city. Through this study it would provide a new model of a zoo that would prioritize the need of
the animals and also cater the educational purpose of the facility.

LIST OF RELATED LITERATURE AND RELATED STUDIES CONSULTED:

 https://www.petaasia.com/media/petas-statement-on-the-54th-anniversary-of-the-manila-zoo/
 Carr, Michelle. “The Reality of Zoos.” PETA. PETA, 21 Oct. 2013. Web. 15 Dec. 2016.
 User, Super. “Last Chance for Animals — Zoos.” Last Chance for Animals — Zoos. LCA,
n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2016.
 https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/25007/we-need-help-not-criticism-manila-zoo-director-tells-peta
 https://www.thedodo.com/mali-elephant-40-years-2307575946.html

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