REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES CAVITE STATE UNIVERSITY

DON SEVERINO DE LAS ALAS CAMPUS

INDANG, CAVITE

RESEARCH 1
CHURCH AND CATHEDRALS

SUBMITTED BY:
JOHN ROY M. RARO

SUBMITTED TO:
AR. DAN MARC BAGALAWIS

DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS

FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ARCHITECTURE

MARCH 2024
 INTRODUCTION

FOR CHRISTIANS, A CHURCH IS A PLACE OF WORSHIP AND

RELIGIOUS ASSEMBLY. IT FUNCTIONS AS A HALLOWED LOCATION
WHERE BELIEVERS CONGREGATE FOR RELIGIOUS RITES, SACRAMENTS
(INCLUDING COMMUNION AND BAPTISM), AND GROUP PRAYER. IN
CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY, THE CHURCH HAS SYMBOLIC MEANING. IT IS
FREQUENTLY REFERRED TO AS THE "BODY OF CHRIST," SIGNIFYING THE
BOND THAT UNITES CHRISTIANS IN THEIR COMMON FAITH AND
CONNECTION TO GOD. THIS THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE HIGHLIGHTS
HOW CHRISTIANS ARE CALLED TO COME TOGETHER IN FELLOWSHIP
AND SUPPORT OF ONE ANOTHER, UNDERSCORING THE COMMUNAL
ASPECT OF CHRISTIANITY.

CHURCHES HAVE ALWAYS HAD A SIGNIFICANT INFLUENCE ON THE

DEVELOPMENT OF ARCHITECTURAL AND CULTURAL ENVIRONMENTS.
THEY HAVE PROMOTED THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE VISUAL, MUSICAL,
AND LITERARY ARTS BY ACTING AS HUBS FOR EDUCATION, THE ARTS,
AND PHILANTHROPY. CHURCH ARCHITECTURE, WHICH RANGES FROM
BYZANTINE AND ROMANESQUE TO GOTHIC AND BAROQUE AND
REPRESENTS THE AESTHETIC AND RELIGIOUS SENSIBILITIES OF ITS
ERA, REFLECTS BOTH THEOLOGICAL IDEAS AND CULTURAL
INFLUENCES.

DURING THE EARLY CHRISTIAN PERIOD THE BASILICA, WHICH WAS

HEAVILY INFLUENCED BY ROMAN MUNICIPAL ARCHITECTURE, BECAME
THE PRINCIPAL ARCHITECTURAL FORM FOR CHURCH BUILDINGS
DURING THE EARLY CHRISTIAN ERA. USUALLY RECTANGULAR IN PLAN,
THESE BASILICAS HAD A SEMICIRCULAR APSE AT ONE END AND A
CENTRAL NAVE FLANKED BY SIDE AISLES. THIS ARRANGEMENT MADE IT
EASIER FOR WORSHIPERS TO CONGREGATE IN AN ORDERLY FASHION
AND OFFERED ENOUGH ROOM FOR LITURGICAL CELEBRATIONS AND
SOCIAL EVENTS.

CHURCH ARCHITECTURE STARTED TO REPRESENT THE NEWLY

ACQUIRED STATUS AND GRANDEUR OF CHRISTIANITY AS THE FAITH
RECEIVED OFFICIAL RECOGNITION AND SUPPORT FROM THE ROMAN
EMPIRE UNDER EMPEROR CONSTANTINE IN THE FOURTH CENTURY.
MORE AND MORE ORNATE FEATURES WERE ADDED TO BASILICAS,
INCLUDING MARBLE COLUMNS, DEXTEROUS SCULPTURES, AND
MAGNIFICENT MOSAICS THAT PORTRAYED EVENTS FROM CHRIST'S AND
THE SAINTS' LIVES.

THE BASILICA OF SAINT PETER IN ROME, WHICH WAS

CONSTRUCTED ON THE ACTUAL BURIAL PLACE OF SAINT PETER AND
DEDICATED IN THE FOURTH CENTURY, IS AMONG THE MOST
WELL-KNOWN INSTANCES OF EARLY CHRISTIAN BASILICA-STYLE
BUILDINGS. WITH ITS IMPOSING DOME, COLONNADES, AND ENORMOUS
INTERNAL SPACE, THIS COLOSSAL BUILDING REPRESENTED THE
CHRISTIAN CHURCH'S EXPANDING STRENGTH AND INFLUENCE
THROUGHOUT THE ROMAN EMPIRE.

THESE BASILICAS USED FRESCOES AND MOSAICS TO DECORATE

THE INTERIOR AREAS WHILE ALSO REINFORCING CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE
AND DELIVERING THEOLOGICAL STORIES. THE WALLS AND CEILINGS
WERE COVERED IN SCENES THAT TOLD BIBLICAL STORIES, PARABLES,
AND MIRACLES. THESE IMAGES SERVED AS BOTH DEVOTIONAL AND
PIOUS STATEMENTS AS WELL AS VISUAL AIDS FOR INSTRUCTION AND
MEDITATION.

WITH THE ADVENT OF GOTHIC DESIGN, THE MIDDLE AGES WERE A

PIVOTAL TIME IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHURCH BUILDING. GOTHIC
CATHEDRALS, SOARING EXAMPLES OF ARTISTIC AND TECHNICAL
PROWESS, CAME TO REPRESENT CHRISTIANITY IN THE MIDDLE AGES.

A NUMBER OF CHARACTERISTICS THAT SET GOTHIC

ARCHITECTURE APART INCLUDE FLYING BUTTRESSES, RIBBED VAULTS,
AND POINTED ARCHES. THESE ARCHITECTURAL ADVANCEMENTS MADE
IT POSSIBLE TO BUILD LOFTY, BRIGHT INTERIORS WITH LARGE
WINDOWS, EVOKING AN ETHEREAL AMBIANCE MEANT TO UPLIFT
WORSHIPPERS' SPIRITS AND ASTONISH THEM.

THE INTRICATE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS SEEN IN GOTHIC

CHURCHES ARE AMONG THEIR MOST OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS.
IN ADDITION TO PROVIDING NATURAL LIGHT, THESE WINDOWS WERE
CANVASES FOR ELABORATE AND COLORFUL PATTERNS THAT
PORTRAYED BIBLICAL EVENTS, SAINTS' LIVES, AND OTHER RELIGIOUS
THEMES. IT WAS THOUGHT THAT THE PLAY OF COLORED LIGHT COMING
THROUGH THE WINDOWS WOULD REVEAL MYSTERIES AND HEAVENLY
TRUTHS TO THE PIOUS, SO IMPROVING THEIR SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE
IN THE HALLOWED PLACE.

WITH THEIR TOWERING SPIRES AND VAULTED CEILINGS, GOTHIC

CATHEDRALS' GREAT HEIGHTS FUNCTIONED AS POTENT ALLEGORIES
FOR BOTH THE CELESTIAL WORLD AND GOD'S TRANSCENDENT
ESSENCE. THESE CATHEDRALS' ELABORATE STONE CARVINGS AND
SCULPTURES, WHICH ADORNED THEIR EXTERIORS AND INTERIORS,
INVITED WORSHIPPERS TO PONDER THE MYSTERIES OF RELIGION AND
REDEMPTION WHILE COMMUNICATING THEOLOGICAL NARRATIVES AND
MORAL MESSAGES.

GOTHIC CATHEDRALS DREW CROWDS OF DEVOTED CHRISTIANS

FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD AND WERE SIGNIFICANT HUBS OF
DEVOTION AND PILGRIMAGE. THESE BEAUTIFUL BUILDINGS, WHICH
EMBODIED THE HOPES AND GOALS OF MEDIEVAL CIVILIZATION,
INCLUDING THE NOTRE-DAME CATHEDRAL IN PARIS AND THE CHARTRES
CATHEDRAL IN FRANCE. THEY WERE CENTERS OF RELIGIOUS PASSION
AND ARTISTIC EXPRESSION.
CHURCH ARCHITECTURE SAW DRAMATIC CHANGES DURING THE
RENAISSANCE AND BAROQUE PERIODS AS BUILDERS AND DONORS
TRIED TO CONVEY RELIGIOUS IDEAS BY COMBINING AVANT-GARDE
DESIGN WITH TRADITIONAL AESTHETICS.

A RESURGENCE OF INTEREST IN CLASSICAL ART AND

ARCHITECTURE DURING THE RENAISSANCE RESULTED IN A RENEWED
FOCUS ON HARMONY, SYMMETRY, AND PROPORTION. CHURCH
ARCHITECTURE WAS IMPACTED BY THIS CLASSICAL RENAISSANCE,
LEADING TO THE CREATION OF BUILDINGS WITH TASTEFUL COLUMNS,
HARMONIOUS SPATIAL ARRANGEMENTS, AND BALANCED
PROPORTIONS. TEMPIETTO BY DONATO BRAMANTE IN ROME AND
FILIPPO BRUNELLESCHI'S BASILICA OF SAN LORENZO IN FLORENCE ARE
TWO EXAMPLES OF RENAISSANCE ARCHITECTURE THAT EPITOMIZE
CLASSICAL ORDER AND BEAUTY.

THESE WORKS OF ARCHITECTURE, WHICH SHOW THE STRENGTH

AND INFLUENCE OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH DURING THE RENAISSANCE
AND BAROQUE PERIODS, FUNCTIONED NOT ONLY AS HOUSES OF
WORSHIP BUT ALSO AS EMBLEMS OF POLITICAL AND ECCLESIASTICAL
AUTHORITY. RICHLY ORNAMENTED INTERIORS, IMPOSING EXTERIORS,
AND LOFTY DOMES PROJECTED AN AIR OF LUXURY AND MAGNIFICENCE
THAT SERVED TO ACCENTUATE THE CHURCH'S STANDING AS A
TEMPORAL AND SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY.

IN ADDITION, BAROQUE CHURCHES FREQUENTLY USED

SPECTACLE AND ILLUSION TO CREATE IMMERSIVE AND TRANSFORMING
WORSHIP EXPERIENCES. EXAMPLES OF THESE COMPONENTS INCLUDE
DYNAMIC ARCHITECTURAL SHAPES AND TROMPE-L'OEIL MURALS. BY
STIMULATING THE SENSES AND INSPIRING AWE AND REVERENCE IN
WORSHIPPERS, THESE ARCHITECTURAL IMPROVEMENTS ATTEMPTED
TO DEEPEN THEIR SPIRITUAL RELATIONSHIP TO THE HOLY.
 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

-​ WHAT IS THE USUAL CAPACITY FOR EACH CHURCH BASED ON ITS

SIZE?
-​ WHAT IS THE USUAL TIME OR DAY THAT CHURCHES REACH THEIR
MAX CAPACITY?
-​ WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL MATERIALS USED FOR CHURCHES
-​ WHAT FUNCTION DOES A CHURCH HAVE FOR THE LOCAL
COMMUNITIES

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

-​ TO IDENTIFY THE USUAL CAPACITY FOR EACH CHURCH BASED ON

ITS SIZE
-​ TO IDENTIFY THE USUAL TIME OR DAY CHURCHES REACH THEIR
MAX CAPACITY.
-​ TO IDENTIFY AND COMPARE THE TYPICAL MATERIALS USED FOR
CHURCHES.
-​ TO IDENTIFY THE FUNCTION OF A CHURCH FOR THE LOCAL
COMMUNITIES

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

THIS STUDY AIMS TO FURTHER EXPLORE THE ARCHITECTURAL

CHARACTERISTICS AND PURPOSES OF CHURCHES WITHIN SEVERAL
COMMUNITIES, WITH A FOCUS ON UNDERSTANDING HOW THESE
STRUCTURES REFLECT AND SHAPE THE CULTURAL, SOCIAL, AND
RELIGIOUS IDENTITIES OF THEIR RESPECTIVE COMMUNITIES. BY
EXAMINING A DIVERSE RANGE OF CHURCHES SPANNING DIFFERENT
GEOGRAPHICAL REGIONS, HISTORICAL PERIODS, AND
DENOMINATIONAL AFFILIATIONS, THIS RESEARCH SEEKS TO UNCOVER
COMMON THEMES, VARIATIONS, AND UNIQUE FEATURES IN CHURCH
ARCHITECTURE.

BY MEANS OF AN IN-DEPTH EXAMINATION AND RECORDING OF

ARCHITECTURAL COMPONENTS, INCLUDING CONSTRUCTION
MATERIALS, FLOOR PLANS, SPATIAL ARRANGEMENTS, DECORATIVE
MOTIFS, AND SYMBOLIC IMAGERY, THIS RESEARCH ENDEAVORS TO
CLARIFY THE FUNDAMENTAL IDEAS AND DESIGN OBJECTIVES THAT
STEER THE DEVELOPMENT AND EMBELLISHMENT OF CHURCHES.
ADDITIONALLY, THIS RESEARCH ATTEMPTS TO PROVIDE LIGHT ON THE
MANY FUNCTIONS THAT THESE ARCHITECTURAL ICONS PLAY WITHIN
THEIR COMMUNITIES BY LOOKING INTO THE HISTORICAL SETTINGS,
RELIGIOUS PRACTICES, AND COMMUNITY DYNAMICS ASSOCIATED WITH
EACH CHURCH.

ADDITIONALLY, THIS STUDY AIMS TO EXAMINE THE VARIOUS

FUNCTIONS CHURCHES FULFILL OUTSIDE OF RELIGIOUS SERVICE,
SUCH AS SOCIAL EVENTS, EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, PHILANTHROPIC
ENDEAVORS, AND CULTURAL EVENTS. THIS STUDY LOOKS AT HOW
CHURCH ARCHITECTURE MAY CHANGE AND ADAPT TO MEET CHANGING
DEMANDS AND USES. THE GOAL IS TO FIND WAYS TO CREATE
INCLUSIVE, MULTIPURPOSE SPACES THAT PROMOTE COMMUNITY
COHESIVENESS AND ENGAGEMENT.
 DEFINITION OF TERMS
MAIN ALTAR: THE PRIMARY FOCAL POINT OF A CHURCH WHERE
RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES, PARTICULARLY THE EUCHARIST, ARE
CONDUCTED.

SANCTUARY: THE SACRED SPACE WITHIN A CHURCH WHERE THE MAIN

ALTAR IS LOCATED, OFTEN SEPARATED FROM THE REST OF THE
CHURCH BY A RAILING OR OTHER BARRIER.

APSE: A SEMI-CIRCULAR OR POLYGONAL PROJECTION AT THE END OF A

CHURCH BUILDING, TYPICALLY CONTAINING THE MAIN ALTAR.

TABERNACLE: A CONTAINER, OFTEN ORNATE AND KEPT ON OR NEAR

THE MAIN ALTAR, USED TO STORE THE CONSECRATED EUCHARIST.

AMBO: A RAISED PLATFORM OR PULPIT IN A CHURCH FROM WHICH THE

SCRIPTURES ARE READ AND THE HOMILY IS DELIVERED.

NAVE: THE CENTRAL PART OF A CHURCH BUILDING, WHERE THE

CONGREGATION GATHERS DURING WORSHIP SERVICES.

AISLE: THE PASSAGEWAY BETWEEN ROWS OF SEATS OR PEWS IN A

CHURCH, TYPICALLY LEADING TO THE MAIN ALTAR.

NARTHEX: THE ENTRANCE OR LOBBY AREA OF A CHURCH, OFTEN

SERVING AS A TRANSITION SPACE BETWEEN THE SECULAR WORLD AND
THE SACRED SPACE OF THE CHURCH INTERIOR.

SACRISTY: A ROOM IN A CHURCH WHERE THE CLERGY PREPARE FOR

WORSHIP SERVICES AND STORE LITURGICAL ITEMS SUCH AS
VESTMENTS, CHALICES, AND CANDLES.

CONFESSION AREA: A DESIGNATED SPACE WITHIN A CHURCH WHERE

THE SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION, ALSO KNOWN AS RECONCILIATION
OR PENANCE, IS CONDUCTED.

BAPTISTERY/BAPTISMAL FONT: A BASIN OR POOL, OFTEN LOCATED

NEAR THE ENTRANCE OF A CHURCH, USED FOR THE SACRAMENT OF
BAPTISM.

CHOIR LOFT: AN ELEVATED AREA IN A CHURCH WHERE THE CHOIR SITS

DURING WORSHIP SERVICES.
BELFRY: A TOWER OR STRUCTURE, OFTEN HOUSING BELLS, TYPICALLY
LOCATED ADJACENT TO OR INTEGRATED WITHIN THE MAIN BODY OF
THE CHURCH.

ADORATION CHAPEL: A DEDICATED SPACE WITHIN A CHURCH WHERE

INDIVIDUALS CAN ENGAGE IN PRIVATE PRAYER AND ADORATION OF THE
EUCHARIST.

PULPIT: A RAISED PLATFORM OR LECTERN FROM WHICH SERMONS OR

HOMILIES ARE DELIVERED DURING WORSHIP SERVICES.

DESIGNATED AREAS FOR THE FIGURES OF SAINTS: SPECIFIC

LOCATIONS WITHIN A CHURCH WHERE STATUES, ICONS, OR IMAGES OF
SAINTS ARE DISPLAYED FOR VENERATION.

DOME TOWER: A TOWER, OFTEN CROWNED WITH A DOME, THAT MAY

SERVE AS A PROMINENT ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE OF A CHURCH
BUILDING.

ADMINISTRATION OFFICES: SPACES WITHIN THE CHURCH WHERE

ADMINISTRATIVE TASKS, SUCH AS PARISH MANAGEMENT AND CLERICAL
DUTIES, ARE CARRIED OUT.

CRY ROOM: A DESIGNATED AREA WITHIN A CHURCH WHERE PARENTS

CAN TAKE YOUNG CHILDREN WHO MAY BECOME RESTLESS OR FUSSY
DURING WORSHIP SERVICES.

RECONCILIATION ROOM: A PRIVATE AREA WITHIN A CHURCH WHERE

THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION OR CONFESSION IS CONDUCTED.

VESTIBULE: AN ENCLOSED AREA AT THE ENTRANCE OF A CHURCH

WHERE WORSHIPERS GATHER BEFORE ENTERING THE MAIN WORSHIP
SPACE.
 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

CHURCH CAPACITY

THIS COMPREHENSIVE LITERATURE REVIEW BY POWELL, PEPPER,

WARD, STERLAND, AND JACKA (2019) DELVES INTO CHURCH HEALTH
AND VITALITY. IT EXAMINES DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO
CONCEPTUALIZE AND MEASURE CHURCH VITALITY, MOVING BEYOND A
SINGULAR FOCUS ON ATTENDANCE GROWTH. THE STUDY IDENTIFIES 15
FEATURES OF CHURCH VITALITY, INCLUDING ASPECTS LIKE COMMUNITY,
OUTWARD FOCUS, LEADERSHIP, SPIRITUALITY, WORSHIP, AND MORE. IT
ALSO SUGGESTS TWO UNDERLYING VITALITY CONSTRUCTS:
“COLLECTIVE CONFIDENCE” AND “INDIVIDUAL COMMITMENT” WHILE NOT
EXCLUSIVELY FOCUSED ON CHURCHES, THIS REVIEW EXPLORES
CAPACITY BUILDING IN COMMUNITIES. IT DISCUSSES EXISTING MODELS
AND THEIR APPLICATION IN ASSESSING COMMUNITY CAPACITY.
ALTHOUGH IT DOESN’T SOLELY ADDRESS CHURCH CAPACITY, THE
INSIGHTS CAN BE RELEVANT FOR UNDERSTANDING ORGANIZATIONAL
CAPACITY WITHIN CHURCH CONTEXTS THIS ARTICLE EMPHASIZES
EXPLORING THE ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY OF BLACK CHURCHES TO
PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH. IT REVIEWS EXISTING CHURCH-BASED
PROGRAMS AND MODELS OF CAPACITY BUILDING. WHILE THE PRIMARY
FOCUS IS MENTAL HEALTH, THE INSIGHTS CAN INFORM DISCUSSIONS
ON BROADER CHURCH CAPACITY.

THE CAPACITY OF A TYPICAL CHURCH CAN VARY SIGNIFICANTLY

BASED ON ITS SIZE, LAYOUT, AND DESIGN. HOWEVER, LET’S CONSIDER
A GENERAL ESTIMATE:
SMALL CHURCHES:
SMALL RURAL OR NEIGHBORHOOD CHURCHES MAY
ACCOMMODATE 50 TO 150 PEOPLE. THESE COZY SPACES
OFTEN HAVE A SIMPLE LAYOUT WITH PEWS OR CHAIRS.

MEDIUM-SIZED CHURCHES:
A MEDIUM-SIZED CHURCH CAN HOLD 150 TO 500
PEOPLE. THESE CHURCHES OFTEN HAVE A NAVE (CENTRAL
AREA), SIDE AISLES, AND A CHOIR LOFT.
 LARGE CHURCHES:
LARGER CHURCHES, ESPECIALLY THOSE IN URBAN
AREAS, CAN ACCOMMODATE 500 TO 1,000 OR MORE PEOPLE.
THESE MAY INCLUDE MULTIPLE LEVELS, BALCONIES, AND
ADDITIONAL CHAPELS.

CATHEDRAL OR MEGA-CHURCHES:
CATHEDRALS OR MEGA-CHURCHES HAVE EVEN
GREATER CAPACITY. THEY CAN HOLD THOUSANDS OF
PEOPLE. THESE GRAND STRUCTURES OFTEN FEATURE
INTRICATE ARCHITECTURE, STAINED GLASS WINDOWS, AND
VAST OPEN SPACES.

CHURCH SCHEDULES

​ SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES:

SUNDAYS ARE THE PRIMARY DAY FOR CHURCH SERVICES.
MOST CHRISTIAN DENOMINATIONS HOLD REGULAR WORSHIP
SERVICES ON SUNDAY MORNINGS.

MIDWEEK SERVICES:
SOME CHURCHES HOLD MIDWEEK SERVICES (E.G.,
WEDNESDAY EVENINGS). THESE MAY INCLUDE BIBLE STUDIES,
PRAYER MEETINGS, OR SMALLER GATHERINGS.

SPECIAL LITURGICAL DAYS:

CHURCHES USE SPECIFIC LITURGICAL DAYS FOR WORSHIP:
CHRISTMAS: CELEBRATING THE BIRTH OF JESUS (DECEMBER
25).
EASTER: COMMEMORATING THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS
(DATE VARIES).
HOLY WEEK: INCLUDING MAUNDY THURSDAY, GOOD FRIDAY,
AND EASTER SUNDAY.

SEASONAL CELEBRATIONS:
CHURCHES USE OTHER SEASONS FOR SPECIAL SERVICES:
 ADVENT: THE PERIOD LEADING UP TO CHRISTMAS.
LENT: THE 40 DAYS BEFORE EASTER, MARKED BY FASTING
AND REFLECTION.
PENTECOST: CELEBRATING THE HOLY SPIRIT’S DESCENT
UPON THE APOSTLES.

COMMUNITY EVENTS:
CHURCHES HOST COMMUNITY EVENTS BEYOND REGULAR
SERVICES:
WEDDINGS, FUNERALS, AND BAPTISMS.
CONCERTS, CHOIR PERFORMANCES, AND CHARITY DRIVES.

MATERIALS USED IN CHURCH

​ PHILIPPINE COLONIAL CHURCHES:
THE FIRST CHURCHES IN THE PHILIPPINES WERE INITIALLY
CONSTRUCTED USING FLIMSY, TEMPORARY MATERIALS SUCH AS
NIPA, BAMBOO, OR WOOD.
HOWEVER, WITH THE ARRIVAL OF THE SPANIARDS,
CHURCHES BEGAN TO BE BUILT USING MORE DURABLE
MATERIALS LIKE VOLCANIC TUFF QUARRIES, WHICH ALLOWED
FOR THE USE OF STONE.
THE MAJORITY OF PHILIPPINE COLONIAL CHURCHES WERE
EVENTUALLY CONSTRUCTED USING MATERIALS SUCH AS ADOBE,
CORAL STONE, OR BRICK.
THESE POWERFUL BUILDING MATERIALS ENABLED
CHURCHES TO GROW IN SIZE AND SERVE AS SANCTUARIES
DURING RAIDS OR NATURAL CALAMITIES.

CHURCH ARCHITECTURE WORLDWIDE:

CHURCH ARCHITECTURE HAS EVOLVED OVER TIME,
REFLECTING THE INNOVATION AND FAITH OF COMMUNITIES.
HISTORICALLY, CHURCHES WERE BUILT USING LOCALLY
AVAILABLE MATERIALS, INCLUDING:
MUD BRICKS
WATTLE AND DAUB
SPLIT LOGS
 RUBBLE
THESE MATERIALS WERE USED IN SIMPLE CHURCH
STRUCTURES, OFTEN FOLLOWING THE SAME CONSTRUCTION
TECHNIQUES AS LOCAL BUILDINGS.
SAN AGUSTIN CHURCH, MANILA:
THE SAN AGUSTIN CHURCH IN MANILA, A UNESCO WORLD
HERITAGE SITE, HAS AN INTERESTING HISTORY.
LIKE OTHER CHURCHES DURING THAT TIME, IT WAS INITIALLY
CONSTRUCTED USING BAMBOO AND NIPA IN 1571.
DUE TO INVASIONS, NATURAL DISASTERS, AND
EARTHQUAKES, THE CHURCH HAD TO BE REBUILT THREE TIMES,
EVENTUALLY USING MORE DURABLE MATERIALS.
MODERN CONSIDERATIONS:
CONTEMPORARY CHURCH ARCHITECTURE CONSIDERS
SUSTAINABILITY, ENERGY CONSERVATION, AND THE USE OF
RECYCLED MATERIALS.
WHILE HISTORICAL CHURCHES OFTEN USED STONE,
MODERN DESIGNS INCORPORATE A VARIETY OF MATERIALS TO
ACHIEVE BOTH FUNCTIONALITY AND AESTHETICS.

CHURCH FUNCTIONALITIES

WORSHIP AND SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT:

THE CHURCH SERVES AS A SACRED SPACE FOR COMMUNAL

WORSHIP, PRAYER, AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH. IT PROVIDES A
SANCTUARY WHERE BELIEVERS CONNECT WITH GOD, FIND
SOLACE, AND SEEK GUIDANCE.

COMMUNITY GATHERING PLACE:

CHURCHES FUNCTION AS COMMUNITY HUBS, HOSTING

EVENTS, MEETINGS, AND SOCIAL GATHERINGS. THEY FOSTER
CONNECTIONS AMONG PEOPLE, BRIDGING GENERATIONAL,
CULTURAL, AND SOCIOECONOMIC GAPS.

SOCIAL SERVICES AND OUTREACH:

MANY CHURCHES ENGAGE IN OUTREACH PROGRAMS:

FOOD PANTRIES: PROVIDING MEALS FOR THE HUNGRY.

 CLOTHING DRIVES: ASSISTING THOSE IN NEED.
HOMELESS SHELTERS: OFFERING REFUGE.
THESE SERVICES DEMONSTRATE LOVE AND COMPASSION
TO THE COMMUNITY.
EDUCATION AND DISCIPLESHIP:

CHURCHES PROVIDE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION, SUNDAY

SCHOOLS, AND BIBLE STUDIES. THEY EQUIP BELIEVERS TO LIVE
OUT THEIR FAITH AND SHARE THE GOSPEL.

COUNSELING AND SUPPORT:

CHURCHES OFFER EMOTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE.

PASTORS AND LEADERS PROVIDE COUNSELING DURING DIFFICULT
TIMES.

COMMUNITY ADVOCACY:

CHURCHES ADVOCATE FOR JUSTICE, EQUALITY, AND HUMAN

RIGHTS. THEY ADDRESS SOCIETAL ISSUES AND PROMOTE
POSITIVE CHANGE.

CULTURAL PRESERVATION:

HISTORIC CHURCHES PRESERVE CULTURAL HERITAGE

THROUGH ART, MUSIC, AND TRADITIONS. THEY SERVE AS
REMINDERS OF COMMUNITY HISTORY.

IN SUMMARY, THE CHURCH IMPACTS LIVES, PROVIDES HOPE, AND

FOSTERS COMMUNITY BONDS. ITS FUNCTIONS EXTEND BEYOND
RELIGIOUS RITUALS TO PRACTICAL SERVICE AND CARE FOR HUMANITY
 CHURCH DESIGN GUIDELINES

RULES OF THUMB IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE GENERAL

GUIDELINES FOR ESTIMATIONS OF PROPERTY, BUILDING SPACE, AND
OTHER NEEDS PREREQUISITE TO ACTUAL PLANNING.
A RULE OF THUMB IS USEFUL ONLY IN MAKING APPROXIMATIONS
AND SHOULD NOT BE USED DOGMATICALLY. UNDERSTANDING THE
VARIABLES AFFECTING THE VALUES IS ESSENTIAL IN THE APPLICATION
TO SPECIFIC SITUATIONS.

SITE PLANNING
FACILITIES FOR WORSHIP, EDUCATION, FELLOWSHIP,
ADMINISTRATION, PARKING:
1 ACRE PER 100-125 IN ATTENDANCE ON SITE AT ONE TIME
OUTDOOR RECREATION: 2 TO 4 ADDITIONAL ACRES
NOTE: THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE BASED ON USABLE ACRES.
ZONING REGULATIONS, STORM WATER RETENTION REQUIREMENTS,
UTILITY EASEMENTS, IRREGULAR PROPERTY SHAPE, STEEP SLOPES,
AND LOW-LYING AREAS MAY REDUCE USABLE ACREAGE.
PARKING
ONE SPACE FOR EVERY 2.0 TO 2.5 PEOPLE IN ATTENDANCE ON
SITE AT ONE TIME
PARKING GROUND COVERAGE: 100-110 SPACES PER ACRE USED
FOR PARKING ONLY (ASSUMES EFFICIENT LAYOUT WITH PARKING ON
BOTH SIDES OF DRIVING LANES AND ALLOWING FOR SOME
LANDSCAPING AND GENERAL ACCESS.)
NOTE: 90° PARKING ON BOTH SIDES OF TWO-WAY DRIVING LANES
IS GENERALLY THE MOST EFFICIENT LAYOUT FOR PARKING.

PARKING SPACE DIMENSIONS

STANDARD: 9 FEET BY 18 FEET
HANDICAPPED: 8 FEET BY 18 FEET, WITH 5-FOOT ACCESS AISLE
VAN ACCESSIBLE: 8 FEET BY 18 FEET, WITH 8-FOOT ACCESS AISLE
(ACCESS AISLE CAN BE SHARED BY TWO PARKING SPACES.)
HANDICAPPED PARKING REQUIREMENTS VARY. CHECK LOCAL
REQUIREMENTS. THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS FROM THE
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) MAY BE USED AS GUIDELINES.
TOTAL PARKING:
1 TO 25 = 1 REQUIRED MINIMUM ACCESSIBLE SPACES
26 TO 50 = 2 REQUIRED MINIMUM ACCESSIBLE SPACES
51 TO 75 = 3 REQUIRED MINIMUM ACCESSIBLE SPACES
76 TO 100 = 4 REQUIRED MINIMUM ACCESSIBLE SPACES
101 TO 150 = 5 REQUIRED MINIMUM ACCESSIBLE SPACES
151 TO 200 = 6 REQUIRED MINIMUM ACCESSIBLE SPACES
201 TO 300 = 7 REQUIRED MINIMUM ACCESSIBLE SPACES
301 TO 400 = 8 REQUIRED MINIMUM ACCESSIBLE SPACES
401 TO 500 = 9 REQUIRED MINIMUM ACCESSIBLE SPACES
501 TO 1,000 = 2 PERCENT OF TOTAL
OVER 1,000 = 20, PLUS 1 FOR EACH 100 SPACES OVER 1,000
TOTAL
NOTE: ONE IN EVERY EIGHT ACCESSIBLE SPACES, BUT NOT
FEWER THAN ONE, MUST BE VAN-ACCESSIBLE.

WORSHIP CENTER
GENERAL BUILDING SIZE
UP TO 300 CAPACITY: 15–17 SQ FT PER PERSON
ABOVE 300 CAPACITY: 12 – 24 SQ FT PER PERSON
NOTE: RECTANGULAR BUILDINGS WITH STRAIGHT ROW
SEATING REQUIRE LESS SPACE PER PERSON THAN BUILDINGS
WITH RADIAL SEATING. IN SOME INSTANCES, TEN SQUARE FEET
PER PERSON IS ADEQUATE IN STRAIGHT-ROW SEATING FOR
BUILDINGS WITH CAPACITY OVER 500.

PULPIT PLATFORM
FRONT TO BACK DEPTH: 7 FEET MINIMUM; LARGER
BUILDINGS REQUIRE 10 FEET OR MORE
HEIGHT (BASED ON FLAT FLOOR IN SEATING AREA): FEWER
THAN ELEVEN ROWS OF CONGREGATIONAL SEATING, 2 FEET
MAXIMUM; UP TO EIGHTEEN ROWS OF CONGREGATIONAL
SEATING, 3 FEET MAXIMUM
DISTANCE FROM PLATFORM TO FRONT PEW: 7 FEET
MINIMUM; LARGER BUILDINGS REQUIRE 8 FEET OR MORE
NOTE: WITH A LORD'S SUPPER TABLE PLATFORM OF 4 FEET,
10 TO 12 FEET WILL BE REQUIRED.
 CHOIR AREA
CHOIR CAPACITY: 10 – 12 PERCENT OF CONGREGATIONAL
CAPACITY
CHOIR ROWS: 3 FEET MINIMUM DEPTH
BACK AND FRONT ROWS: 3 FEET, 2 INCHES MINIMUM DEPTH
RISER HEIGHT: 6" MINIMUM, 12" RECOMMENDED
SEATING: MOVABLE CHAIRS AT 24 INCHES WIDTH PER PERSON
SURFACES: ACOUSTICALLY REFLECTIVE FLOOR, WALLS, AND
CEILING SURFACES RECOMMENDED
FLOOR COVERING: HARDWOOD, STONE OR VINYL; CARPET NOT
RECOMMENDED UNDER PIANO OR IN CHOIR AREA

BAND/ORCHESTRA AREA
PREFERRED LOCATION IN FRONT OF CHOIR AND AT CENTER REAR
OF THE PLATFORM
ALLOW 20-25 SQUARE FEET PER INSTRUMENT
VIDEO PROJECTION SCREEN(S)
HEIGHT EQUAL TO ABOUT .12 TIMES THE DISTANCE TO THE
FARTHEST SEAT IN THE CONGREGATION
CONGREGATIONAL SEATING
LOCAL BUILDING CODES AND THE NATIONAL LIFE SAFETY CODE
ADOPTED BY THE LOCALITY SHOULD BE CONSULTED FOR MINIMUM
REQUIREMENTS.
ROW SPACING: 34 INCHES MINIMUM, 36 INCHES OR MORE
RECOMMENDED BACK-TO-BACK
ROW LENGTHS AND SEATING: AVERAGE MINIMUM SPACE PER
PERSON, 20 INCHES WIDTH; MORE REALISTIC, 24 INCHES; 13 OR 14
PERSONS MAXIMUM ON EACH ROW
NOTE: MOST BUILDING CODES ARE BASED ON 18 INCHES PER
PERSON.
AISLE WIDTHS (CHECK LOCAL CODES): CENTER OR MAIN AISLE, 4
FEET MINIMUM; 5 FEET OR MORE RECOMMENDED
SIDE AISLES, 2 FEET, 6 INCHES MINIMUM; SOME CODES REQUIRE 3
FEET, 8 INCHES
NOTE: A CENTER AISLE LESS THAN 6 FEET WIDE IS TIGHT FOR
WEDDINGS AND FUNERALS.
HANDICAPPED SEATING
REQUIREMENTS VARY BY LOCALITY. THE FOLLOWING
REQUIREMENTS FROM THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)
MAY BE USED AS GUIDELINES FOR WORSHIP CENTERS WITH FIXED
SEATING.
CAPACITY OF SEATING IN ASSEMBLY AREA:
4 TO 25 =1 REQUIRED WHEELCHAIR LOCATION
26 TO 50 = 2 REQUIRED WHEELCHAIR LOCATIONS
51 TO 300 = 4 REQUIRED WHEELCHAIR LOCATIONS
301 TO 500 = 6 REQUIRED WHEELCHAIR LOCATIONS
OVER 500 = 6, PLUS 1 ADDITIONAL SPACE FOR EACH TOTAL
SEATING CAPACITY INCREASE OF 100

VESTIBULE/LOBBY
SERVING WORSHIP CENTER ONLY: 1-1/2 TO 2-1/2 SQUARE FEET
PER SEAT IN WORSHIP CENTER
FELLOWSHIP LOBBY SERVING WORSHIP CENTER AND EDUCATION
SPACE: 15 TO 25 PERCENT OF THE WORSHIP CENTER AREA

BALCONY
CAPACITY: LESS THAN 50 PERCENT OF MAIN FLOOR SEATING
RISER DEPTH: 3 FEET 6 INCHES FOR FIRST ROW, 3 FEET 4 INCHES
FOR THE BACK ROW, 3 FEET 2 INCHES FOR OTHER ROWS
CROSS AISLES: 4 FEET MINIMUM
OTHER AISLES: SAME AS AISLE WIDTH ON MAIN FLOOR
STAIRWELLS: TWO MINIMUM, EXIT TO OUTSIDE (ONE MAY BE
SUFFICIENT FOR LESS THAN 50-SEAT CAPACITY). ADDITIONAL STAIRS
MAY BE DESIRED BASED ON DESIGN.
BALCONY LOCATIONS: 45 FEET MINIMUM, PLATFORM TO BALCONY;
35 FEET MINIMUM, BETWEEN SIDE BALCONIES
NOTE: PROVIDE CLEAR SIGHT LINE FROM REAR BALCONY ROWS
TO MAIN FLOOR LORD'S SUPPER TABLE AND DECISION AREAS.
BAPTISTRY
WATER DEPTH: BETWEEN 3 FEET 3 INCHES AND 3 FEET 6 INCHES
INSIDE POOL DIMENSIONS: 3 FEET BY 6 FEET MINIMUM, PLUS INTERNAL
STEPS; LARGER SIZES ARE RECOMMENDED
 BAPTISTRY FLOOR (ABOVE LAST CHOIR ROW): 6 INCHES MINIMUM,
18 INCHES TO 36 INCHES IS DESIRABLE

STEEPLE HEIGHT
EQUAL TO DISTANCE BETWEEN ROOF RIDGE AND GROUND LEVEL
EDUCATION FACILITY
GENERAL BUILDING SIZE
(EDUCATION, FELLOWSHIP, ADMINISTRATION, MUSIC, AND MEDIA
LIBRARY, WITH SOME MULTI-PURPOSE SPACE)
FIRST UNIT BUILDING: 30 TO 40 SQUARE FEET PER PERSON
SMALL CHURCHES: 40 TO 45 SQUARE FEET PER PERSON
LARGE CHURCHES WITH EXTENSIVE PROGRAMS: 45 TO 55
SQUARE FEET PER PERSON
CHURCHES WITH SCHOOL PROGRAMS WILL HAVE ADDITIONAL
NEEDS.

MUSIC
REHEARSAL ROOM: 15 TO 20 SQUARE FEET PER PERSON.
CAPACITY AT LEAST 10 PERCENT MORE THAN WORSHIP CENTER CHOIR
AREA.
ROBING ROOMS: 4 TO 6 SQUARE FEET PER PERSON
MUSIC LIBRARY: 1 TO 2 SQUARE FEET PER CHOIR MEMBER
ORCHESTRAL REHEARSAL ROOM: 25 SQUARE FEET PER PERSON
HANDBELL REHEARSAL ROOM: 20 FEET BY 30 FEET DESIRABLE
(ALLOWS FOR A FIVE-OCTAVE SET OF HANDBELLS WITH TWELVE
RINGERS, 32 FEET OF TABLES).
INDIVIDUAL PRACTICE ROOMS: 10 TO 15 PERSONS AT 10 SQUARE
FEET PER PERSON
VOICE AND PIANO PRACTICE ROOMS: 8 FEET BY 10 FEET MINIMUM
MEDIA LIBRARY
SIZE: 2 SQUARE FEET PER PERSON BASED ON CAPACITY OF
EDUCATIONAL BUILDING IS RECOMMENDED; MINIMUM OF 1 SQUARE
FOOT PER PERSON

FELLOWSHIP HALL
 DINING CAPACITY: 1/3 TO 1/2 EDUCATIONAL BUILDING CAPACITY
RECOMMENDED. SOME RURAL AND NEWER CHURCHES MAY REQUIRE
GREATER CAPACITY.
SPACE REQUIRED FOR TABLE SEATING: 12 SQUARE FEET PER
PERSON RECOMMENDED, 10 SQUARE FEET PER PERSON MINIMUM, 15
SQUARE FEET PER PERSON FOR ROUND TABLES
STAGE REQUIRES ADDITIONAL SPACE
INSTITUTIONAL KITCHEN: 1/4 TO 1/3 SIZE OF DINING AREA
STORAGE FOR TABLES AND CHAIRS
PRESCHOOL ROOMS SHOULD HAVE DIRECT ACCESS TO A
RESTROOM (WHICH CAN BE SHARED BY TWO PRESCHOOL ROOMS).
WHERE SPACE PERMITS, FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF PARENTS,
CHURCHES ARE ENCOURAGED TO PROVIDE A DIAPER-CHANGING TABLE
IN AT LEAST ONE RESTROOM FOR EACH SEX.
HANDICAPPED ACCESS MUST COMPLY WITH CODES, USUALLY
REQUIRING AT LEAST ONE FIXTURE OF EACH TYPE TO BE ACCESSIBLE
TO WHEELCHAIRS IN EACH PUBLIC REST ROOM.

OTHER BUILDING ISSUES

MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT ROOMS
SPACE REQUIREMENTS VARY WITH REGION AND EQUIPMENT TYPE
CONSIDER EQUIPMENT AND AIR FLOW NOISE IN THE
WORSHIP CENTER
ZONE EQUIPMENT SO VARIOUS PROGRAM AREAS CAN BE
HEATED AND COOLED INDEPENDENTLY
CUSTODIAL CLOSETS
PROVIDE ONE CLOSET FOR EACH APPROXIMATELY 15,000
SQUARE FEET OF BUILDING
NO BUILDING AREA SHOULD BE FARTHER THAN 200 FEET
FROM A CLOSET WITH A SINK
PROVIDE A MINIMUM OF ONE CLOSET FOR EACH MAJOR
BUILDING AREA AND EACH BUILDING LEVEL
PREFERRED LOCATIONS: BETWEEN REST ROOMS, NEAR
HEAVY TRAFFIC AREAS, NEAR ELEVATORS
DO NOT COMBINE CUSTODIAL CLOSETS WITH UTILITY
ROOMS HOUSING TELEPHONE SWITCH GEAR, ELEVATOR
EQUIPMENT, ELECTRIC PANELS, HVAC EQUIPMENT, ETC.
PROVISIONS FOR DISABLED PERSON
REQUIREMENTS VARY BY STATE AND LOCALE. MANY CODES ARE
BASED ON STANDARDS DEVELOPED BY THE AMERICAN NATIONAL
STANDARDS INSTITUTE (ANSI), THE NORTH CAROLINA BUILDING CODE,
OR THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)

CONSIDERATIONS INCLUDE:
EXTRA-WIDE PARKING SPACES (SEE PARKING)
BUILDING ENTRY: NO STEPS (PROVIDE RAMP IF STEPS ARE
NEEDED)
CLEARANCES:
36 INCHES MINIMUM DOOR WIDTH
5 FEET MINIMUM HALLWAY WIDTH FOR TWO WHEELCHAIRS TO
PASS
5 FEET, 6 INCHES MINIMUM HALLWAY WIDTH TO ALLOW FOR TWO
PERSONS ON CRUTCHES
RESTROOM DIMENSIONS TO ALLOW MINIMUM 5-FOOT TURNING
RADIUS FOR WHEELCHAIR
SLOPE OF WALKS: NOT MORE THAN 1 INCH VERTICAL IN 20 INCHES
HORIZONTAL
SLOPE OF RAMPS: NOT MORE THAN 1 INCH IN 12 INCHES
HANDRAILS AT RAMPS; GRAB BARS IN TOILET STALLS
WHEELCHAIR SPACES DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT THE WORSHIP
CENTER
POST ACCESSIBLE ROUTE MAPS AT HANDICAP PARKING AREAS
AND BUILDING ENTRANCES
HEARING ASSISTANCE IN WORSHIP CENTER
 CODE REVIEW

PD 1096
CLASSIFICATIONS
​ THE TEXT OUTLINES THE CLASSIFICATION OF RESIDENTIAL
DWELLINGS, RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS, EDUCATIONAL AND
RECREATIONAL BUILDINGS, INSTITUTIONAL BUILDINGS, BUSINESS AND
MERCANTILE BUILDINGS, INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS, STORAGE AND
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, ASSEMBLY BUILDINGS, AND ACCESSORIES.
THE CLASSIFICATIONS ARE BASED ON THEIR SIZE, OCCUPANT LOAD,
AND THE TYPE OF BUILDING THEY ARE USED IN.

GROUP A CONSISTS OF DWELLINGS, WHILE GROUP B INCLUDES

MULTIPLE DWELLING UNITS, HOTELS, AND APARTMENT BUILDINGS.
GROUP C INCLUDES BUILDINGS USED FOR EDUCATION AND
RECREATION, WHILE GROUP D INCLUDES MENTAL HOSPITALS, MENTAL
SANITARIA, JAILS, PRISONS, REFORMATORIES, AND OTHER
INSTITUTIONS.

GROUP E INCLUDES BUSINESSES, SUCH AS GAS STATIONS, RETAIL

STORES, OFFICE BUILDINGS, PRINTING PLANTS, POLICE AND FIRE
STATIONS, FACTORIES, WORKSHOPS, PAINT STORES, AND AIRCRAFT
HANGARS. INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS INCLUDE ICE PLANTS, POWER
PLANTS, PUMPING PLANTS, COLD STORAGE, CREAMERIES, FACTORIES,
WORKSHOPS, AND STORAGE AND SALES ROOMS.

GROUP G INCLUDES STORAGE AND HANDLING OF HAZARDOUS

MATERIALS, DRY CLEANING PLANTS, PAINT STORES, WOODWORKING
ESTABLISHMENTS, AND WAREHOUSES. GROUP H INCLUDES ASSEMBLY
BUILDINGS WITH A STAGE AND OCCUPANT LOAD OF LESS THAN 1000,
AND ASSEMBLY BUILDINGS WITH A STAGE AND OCCUPANT LOAD OF
1000 OR MORE.

ALLOWABLE FLOOR AREAS

THE SECRETARY'S LIMITS FOR OCCUPANCY GROUPS AND
CONSTRUCTION TYPES APPLY TO ONE-STOREY BUILDINGS AND OVER
ONE-STOREY BUILDINGS, WITH SEPARATE BUILDING PORTIONS
SEPARATED BY AREA SEPARATION WALLS. FLOOR AREAS CAN BE
INCREASED UNDER SPECIFIC CONDITIONS, INCLUDING PUBLIC SPACE
AND ADJACENT STREETS OR YARDS, WITH BUILDING OFFICIAL
APPROVAL.

MAXIMUM HEIGHT LIMITS

THE MAXIMUM HEIGHT AND THE NUMBER OF STOREYS IN A
BUILDING ARE DETERMINED BY FACTORS LIKE OCCUPANCY,
CONSTRUCTION TYPE, POPULATION DENSITY, STREET WIDTHS, AND
CAR PARKING REQUIREMENTS. THE HEIGHT IS MEASURED FROM THE
HIGHEST ADJOINING SIDEWALK OR GROUND SURFACE, WITH THE
LOWEST SURFACE NOT EXCEEDING THE MAXIMUM HEIGHT BY MORE
THAN 3.00 METERS. TOWERS, SPIRES, AND STEEPLES ARE LIMITED BY
STRUCTURAL DESIGN IF ENTIRELY INCOMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS, OR 6.00
METERS ABOVE OCCUPANCY GROUP HEIGHT LIMITS.

LIGHT AND VENTILATION

THE CIVIL CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES REQUIRES EVERY BUILDING
TO BE DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, AND EQUIPPED TO PROVIDE
ADEQUATE LIGHT AND VENTILATION, WITH ALL BUILDINGS FACING
APPROVED STREETS OR ALLEYS. NO BUILDING CAN BE ALTERED OR
ARRANGED TO REDUCE ROOM SIZE OR WINDOW AREA, UNLESS IT
CONFORMS TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CODE. ADDITIONALLY, NO
BUILDING CAN BE ENLARGED TO REDUCE THE DIMENSIONS OF THE
REQUIRED COURT OR YARD, UNLESS IT IS PRESCRIBED FOR SUCH
BUILDING.
HABITABLE ROOMS WITH ARTIFICIAL VENTILATION MUST HAVE
CEILING HEIGHTS OF 2.40 METERS, WITH A MINIMUM OF 2.70 METERS
FOR THE FIRST STOREY AND 2.40 METERS FOR THE SECOND AND
SUBSEQUENT STOREYS. NATURAL VENTILATION ROOMS MUST HAVE
CEILING HEIGHTS OF 2.70 METERS.
ROOMS WITHOUT ARTIFICIAL VENTILATION MUST HAVE AT LEAST
10% FREE AREA OF OPENINGS, OPENING DIRECTLY TO A COURT, YARD,
PUBLIC STREET, ALLEY, OR OPEN WATER COURSES.

TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION
​ THE CODE CLASSIFIES BUILDINGS INTO FIVE TYPES: TYPE I, TYPE
II, TYPE III, TYPE IV, AND TYPE V. TYPE I BUILDINGS ARE WOOD
CONSTRUCTION, WHILE TYPE II AND III ARE WOOD CONSTRUCTION WITH
FIRE-RESISTANT MATERIALS. TYPE III AND IV BUILDINGS ARE MASONRY
AND WOOD CONSTRUCTION, WITH ONE-HOUR FIRE-RESISTIVITY
THROUGHOUT. TYPE IV BUILDINGS ARE STEEL, IRON, CONCRETE, OR
MASONRY CONSTRUCTION, WITH INCOMBUSTIBLE FIRE-RESISTIVE
WALLS, CEILINGS, AND PARTITIONS. TYPE V BUILDINGS ARE
FIRE-RESISTANT WITH INCOMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION. CHANGES TO
THE TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION MUST COMPLY WITH THE
REQUIREMENTS, UNLESS APPROVED BY THE BUILDING OFFICIAL. THE
SECRETARY PRESCRIBES STANDARDS FOR EACH TYPE OF
CONSTRUCTION.

BP344

RAMPS
LEVEL CHANGES REQUIRE A RAMP, EXCEPT WHEN SERVED BY A
DROPPED SIDEWALK, CURB RAMP, ELEVATOR, OR OTHER MECHANICAL
DEVICE. ACCESSIBLE RAMPS MUST HAVE A MINIMUM CLEAR WIDTH OF
1.20 M.
FOR RAMPS 3M OR WIDER, USE DOUBLE "J" TYPE HANDRAIL
SUPPORTS. FOR RAMPS OVER 6.00M, PROVIDE INTERMEDIATE
LANDINGS WITH A MINIMUM LENGTH OF 1.50M.
THE RAMP SHOULD HAVE A LEVEL AREA OF 1.80M, HANDRAILS AT
700MM AND 900MM FROM THE FLOOR, A 300MM LONG EXTENSION, AND
CURBS WITH A MINIMUM HEIGHT OF 100MM ON BOTH SIDES.
HANDRAILS ARE REQUIRED FOR ACCESSIBLE RAMPS WITH
CHANGES IN GRADE HIGHER THAN 170 MM, INSTALLED AT BOTH SIDES
OF RAMPS AND STAIRS. DROPPED SIDEWALKS MAY BE PROVIDED BUT
NOT BEYOND CROSSING WIDTH. HANDRAILS SHOULD BE INSTALLED AT
900 MM AND 700 MM ABOVE STAIRS OR RAMPS, AND AT A MINIMUM
HEIGHT OF 1100MM FOR RAMPS, BALCONIES, LANDINGS, OR PORCHES.

PARKING
ACCESSIBLE PARKING SLOTS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
SHOULD BE LOCATED NEAR ACCESSIBLE MAIN ENTRANCES, WITH A
MINIMUM WIDTH OF 3.70M AND LENGTH OF 5.00M. PWDS SHOULD BE ON
BOARD THE VEHICLE FOR CONTROL USE AND REQUIRE AN ACCESS
PARKING STICKER/CARD WITH A CONTROL NUMBER. PARALLEL PARKING
IS DISCOURAGED UNLESS IT HELPS KEEP TRAFFIC OUT.

RA 9514

APPLICABILITY OF THE CODE. ‑ THE PROVISIONS OF THE FIRE

CODE SHALL APPLY TO ALL PERSONS AND ALL PRIVATE AND PUBLIC
BUILDINGS, FACILITIES OR STRUCTURES ERECTED OR CONSTRUCTED
BEFORE AND AFTER ITS EFFECTIVITY.

THE BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION (BFP) IS RESPONSIBLE FOR

ADMINISTERING AND ENFORCING THIS CODE, UNDER THE SUPERVISION
OF THE CHIEF. THE BFP IS AUTHORIZED TO ISSUE RULES, PRESCRIBE
STANDARDS, AND REORGANIZE THE BFP AS NEEDED. IT SUPPORTS AND
ASSISTS FIRE VOLUNTEERS, PRACTITIONERS, AND ORGANIZATIONS
WHO UNDERGO MANDATORY TRAINING AND COMPETENCY
EVALUATIONS. THE BFP MAY ENTER INTO EXTERNAL PARTY
AGREEMENTS FOR TRAINING, EDUCATION, AND EVALUATION, BUT
THESE MUST BE UNDER THE BFP'S CONTROL. THE BFP MAY ALSO
ENTER INTO LONG-TERM AGREEMENTS FOR FIRE PREVENTION, FIRE
PROTECTION, AND FIRE FIGHTING INVESTIGATION, RESCUE,
PARAMEDICS, AND HAZARDOUS MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT. THE
BFP MAY ALSO ESTABLISH COOPERATION AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER
GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS. THE BFP
MAY CALL ON LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
ASSISTANCE IN ENFORCING THE CODE. A FIRE SAFETY INSPECTOR IS
DESIGNATED TO INSPECT BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES FOR
DANGEROUS CONDITIONS OR MATERIALS, AND TO ORDER THE
REMOVAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS OR STOP HAZARDOUS
OPERATIONS. BUILDING OWNERS MUST SUBMIT PLANS AND
SPECIFICATIONS TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE CODES
AND STANDARDS.
 CASE STUDIES

BASILICA DI SANTA MARIA DEL FIORE, FLORENCE, ITALY:

THE FLORENCE CATHEDRAL BOASTS THE LARGEST MASONRY
DOME, WITH A DIAMETER OF 130 FEET. CONSTRUCTED IN ITALIAN
GOTHIC AND EARLY RENAISSANCE STYLES, IT FEATURES ORNATE
MARBLE FACADES IN GREEN, PINK, AND WHITE HUES. THE INTERIOR
SHOWCASES DECORATIVE MARBLE FLOORING AND A SENSE OF
GRANDEUR.
ABBEY OF SAINT-DENIS, PARIS, FRANCE:
THIS ABBEY MARKS THE BEGINNING OF GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE.
IT TRANSFORMED FROM ROMANESQUE TO ACCOMMODATE LARGER
CROWDS. RIB VAULTS, POINTED ARCHES, AND THINNER WALLS
ALLOWED FOR SPACIOUS INTERIORS FLOODED WITH COLORFUL LIGHT
THROUGH STAINED GLASS WINDOWS.
PISA CATHEDRAL, ITALY:
OFTEN OVERSHADOWED BY THE LEANING TOWER OF PISA, THE
CATHEDRAL IS A HIDDEN GEM. IT BLENDS ROMANESQUE, GOTHIC,
ISLAMIC, BYZANTINE, AND LOMBARDIAN INFLUENCES, CREATING A
UNIQUE STYLE KNOWN AS PISAN ROMANESQUE. THE WHITE-MARBLED
FACADE FEATURES A BLIND ARCADE WITH ROUND ARCHES, AND THE
TIMBER-ROOFED INTERIOR RESEMBLES AN EARLY CHRISTIAN BASILICA.
MILAN CATHEDRAL (DUOMO DI MILANO), ITALY:
AS THE LARGEST GOTHIC CATHEDRAL IN THE WORLD, MILAN
CATHEDRAL STANDS OUT. ITS FACADE, UNLIKE TYPICAL GOTHIC
CATHEDRALS, FEATURES NUMEROUS PINNACLES AND SPIRES
SUPPORTED BY FLYING BUTTRESSES. THE MARBLE FACADE
SHOWCASES SHADES OF PINK, WHITE, AND LIGHT GREY.
NOTRE-DAME CATHEDRAL, PARIS, FRANCE:
AN ICONIC MASTERPIECE OF FRENCH GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE,
NOTRE-DAME CATHEDRAL SITS IN THE HEART OF PARIS. ITS SOARING
SPIRES, INTRICATE STAINED GLASS, AND RIBBED VAULTS MAKE IT A
SYMBOL OF ARCHITECTURAL EXCELLENCE.
SAN AGUSTIN CHURCH (MANILA):
LOCATED IN INTRAMUROS, THIS BAROQUE-STYLE CHURCH IS THE
OLDEST STONE CHURCH IN THE PHILIPPINES. ITS INTRICATE FACADE,
ORNATE INTERIORS, AND BEAUTIFUL COURTYARD MAKE IT A
MUST-VISIT.
SAINT JOSEPH PARISH CHURCH (LAOAG CITY):
THE PAOAY CHURCH IN LAOAG IS A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE
SITE. ITS MASSIVE BUTTRESSES, CORAL STONE WALLS, AND DISTINCT
ARCHITECTURE REFLECT THE EARTHQUAKE BAROQUE STYLE.
BACLAYON CHURCH AND MUSEUM (BOHOL):
THIS SPANISH COLONIAL CHURCH IN BOHOL DATES BACK TO THE
18TH CENTURY. ITS CORAL STONE FACADE AND INTRICATE CARVINGS
SHOWCASE THE BAROQUE STYLE.
BASILICA MINORE DEL SANTO NIÑO (CEBU CITY):
THE SANTO NIÑO BASILICA IN CEBU IS THE OLDEST CHURCH IN
THE PHILIPPINES. ITS FACADE COMBINES BAROQUE AND
MUSLIM-INSPIRED ELEMENTS.
SAN PEDRO METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL (DAVAO):
LOCATED IN DAVAO CITY, THIS NEO-GOTHIC CATHEDRAL STANDS OUT
WITH ITS POINTED ARCHES, STAINED GLASS WINDOWS, AND SOARING
SPIRES.
-2 ACTUAL VISITATIONS
 SYNTHESIS
CHURCH ARCHITECTURE IS A CAPTIVATING BLEND OF ART,
SPIRITUALITY, AND PRACTICALITY. OVER CENTURIES, IT HAS EVOLVED IN
RESPONSE TO RELIGIOUS BELIEFS, CULTURAL INFLUENCES, AND
TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS. FROM THE GRANDEUR OF GOTHIC
CATHEDRALS LIKE CHARTRES TO THE INNOVATIVE DESIGNS OF ANTONI
GAUDÍ IN THE SAGRADA FAMÍLIA, EACH STRUCTURE REFLECTS THE
RELIGIOUS, ARTISTIC, AND TECHNOLOGICAL CONTEXT OF ITS ERA. ST.
PETER’S BASILICA, WITH MICHELANGELO’S ICONIC DOME, STANDS AS A
TESTAMENT TO RENAISSANCE ARCHITECTURE, WHILE ST. BASIL’S
CATHEDRAL IN MOSCOW, ADORNED WITH COLORFUL ONION DOMES,
SYMBOLIZES RUSSIAN ORTHODOXY. THESE SACRED SPACES CONTINUE
TO INSPIRE AWE AND WONDER, TRANSCENDING MERE CONSTRUCTION
TO EMBODY FAITH AND HUMAN CREATIVITY.
 REFERENCES
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