ADAPTIVE RE-USE OF THE STA. MONICA HOSPITAL FOR OUR LADY OF LOURDES HIGH SCHOOL MANABO, ABRA

Idea projektu

The idea of this project is on how the abandoned Sta. Monica Hospital building could be reused and redesigned to provide better learning spaces for the senior high school students of Our Lady of Lourdes High School. Even though the school is already using the old hospital as classrooms, the interior still looks and feels like a hospital, which makes the environment uncomfortable and less suitable for learning. Due to this, the study aims to find ways to improve the interior so it could function as a proper and motivating learning facility.
The research looks into different design ideas that can help change the building’s atmosphere, including contemporary design style, adaptive reuse, and the guidelines of the Department of Education. It also identifies which parts of the building need to be improved in order that the areas could support the needs of both students and teachers. The goal is to create learning spaces that feel safer, more comfortable, and more encouraging for studying.
Moreover, instead of building a new structure, this study presents that reusing the

existing hospital building is a more practical and sustainable option for the school. Through improving it interior, the building could offer a better learning experience and become a space where students feel motivated and teachers could teach more effectively. Overall, the study hopes to transform the abandoned hospital building into a functional, student-centered learning facility that truly supports education.

Popis projektu

This project consists of the following parts. Main Area is the adaptive reuse of the Sta. Monica Hospital into a functional learning facility for Our Lady of Lourdes High School in San Juan Norte, Manabo, Abra. The project addresses the lack of proper facilities for the school, which currently offers only the HUMSS strand due to space and resource limitations. By converting the existing hospital structure, the design maximizes the use of available space while preserving the historical and cultural identity of the building.

Technical Information of the Site

Location: San Juan Norte, Manabo, Abra, Philippines

Existing Structure and History: Sta. Monica Hospital is a private hospital under the Diocese of Bangued, built in the late 1970s. Originally, it had a 40-bed capacity and was one of the largest hospitals in Abra at the time. Due to financial debt, the hospital became bankrupt and ceased operations in the early 2000s. In 2008, it briefly reopened as Triumph of the Cross, but closed again due to staff shortages and financial difficulties. In 2016, the Diocese handed over the building to the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, which converted some of its rooms into classrooms for senior high school students. Portions of the hospital are still used as classrooms today, but the school lacks sufficient learning facilities for senior high students.

Orientation: The building faces east, which allows natural lighting and ventilation in the main functional spaces.

Topography and Access: The site is relatively flat, accessible via the main road, with existing entrances adapted for student and faculty circulation.

Utilities: Existing water and electrical systems are partially functional and will be upgraded as part of the adaptive reuse project to meet current educational standards.

Functional Spaces

Academic Classrooms – Converted from hospital rooms and newly designed spaces, classrooms are planned with DepEd-compliant layouts, proper lighting, ventilation, and ergonomic furniture to provide a conducive learning environment.

Laboratories / Specialized Rooms – Designed to support hands-on activities, these rooms include chemical-resistant surfaces, sufficient artificial and natural lighting, and proper ventilation to ensure safety and functionality.

Library / Resource Center – A quiet and well-organized area to encourage reading, research, and collaborative learning, featuring comfortable seating and digital resources.

Administration and Faculty Areas – Offices and staff rooms are planned for efficient workflow, comfort, and professional aesthetics.

Common Areas and Circulation Spaces – Hallways, corridors, and lobby areas are designed for safe, efficient circulation with ample natural lighting and accessibility for students and staff.

Cultural and Heritage Integration – The project incorporates Tingguian cultural elements in materials, motifs, and spatial arrangements, aligning with concepts such as Panakaparabor, Panangtarabay, Pannakabalin, Pananglawag, and Pinangipasnek. These elements enhance visual appeal and create a motivating and culturally grounded learning environment.

Sustainability and Adaptive Reuse Considerations – The project prioritizes reuse of the existing structure, energy-efficient lighting, natural ventilation, and durable materials, reducing environmental impact and long-term maintenance costs.

Overall, this project transforms the former hospital building into a modern, functional, and culturally sensitive learning facility that meets educational standards while preserving the historical significance of Sta. Monica Hospital. Every design decision from space planning and finishes to furniture selection and lighting is intended to provide a safe, comfortable, and inspiring environment for students and faculty.

Technické informace

The construction of the building is primarily made of reinforced concrete and masonry walls, typical of hospital structures built in the late 1970s, with durable flooring and structural elements designed to support multi-room facilities and large occupancy. This project consists of the adaptive reuse of the Sta. Monica Hospital into a functional learning facility for Our Lady of Lourdes High School located in San Juan Norte, Manabo, Abra. Sta. Monica Hospital, a private hospital under the Diocese of Bangued, was built with a 40-bed capacity and was one of the largest hospitals in Abra during that period. Due to financial difficulties, the hospital ceased operations in the early 2000s and briefly reopened in 2008 as Triumph of the Cross, but closed again due to staff shortages and debt. In 2016, the Diocese handed over the building to the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, which converted portions of the hospital into classrooms for senior high students. While some areas are still in use today, the school lacks sufficient facilities to accommodate its students effectively, particularly for the HUMSS strand.

The building sits on a relatively flat lot in San Juan Norte, with accessible entrances from the main road. Its orientation allows natural lighting and ventilation to reach the main functional areas, while existing water and electrical systems will be upgraded to comply with current educational standards. The project makes use of both the existing hospital rooms and newly designed spaces to create academic classrooms, laboratories, and specialized rooms that meet DepEd standards for senior high school learning. Classrooms are designed with proper lighting, ventilation, ergonomic furniture, and layouts that promote focus and collaboration, while laboratories feature chemical-resistant surfaces and safe, functional designs. A library and resource center provides a quiet and organized space for research, reading, and group study, and administration and faculty areas are designed to support professional workflow and comfort. Common areas, such as corridors and lobbies, are designed for efficient circulation, safety, and accessibility.

The design incorporate concepts such as Panakaparabor, Panangtarabay, Pannakabalin, Pananglawag, and Pinangipasnek into materials, spatial arrangements, and decorative motifs to enhance visual appeal and motivate students to learn. Sustainability and adaptive reuse are also key considerations, as the project prioritizes repurposing the existing structure, maximizing natural ventilation and daylight, using durable materials, and minimizing long-term maintenance. Overall, the project transforms the former hospital into a modern, functional, and culturally sensitive learning facility that preserves the historical significance of Sta. Monica Hospital while providing a safe, inspiring, and efficient environment for students and faculty.

Dokumentace

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