Architectural
Code
Presented by : Krisleen Elyzel B. Gullas
INTRODUCTION
is compiled by the UNITED
ARCHITECTS of the PHILIPPINES
(UAP) the bonafide accredited
organization of architects under the
purview of PD 223 - the Professional
Regulation Commission Law and RA
545, the Architect's Law, to serve as
a referral code for the implementation
and enforcement of PD 1096 - the
National Building Code (NBC).
It prescribes rules and
regulatory measures to
ascertain good building design
and construction with inherent
considerations and provisions
for the safety and protection of
limb, health, life, property and
general public welfare, within a
sound/wholesome
environmental set-up.
General Provision
CHAPTER 1
Sections 102 up to Section 106 inclusive of the National Building Code (NBC) is adapted verbatim in this referral
architectural code and shall have mandatory force and effect as if fully embodied hereunder. Amplifications in any of its
original provisions, objectively to cope-up with the latest advancements in science and technology shall apply.
 This Document shall be known as the "Architectural Code of the Philippines" and shall hereinafter be referred to
as the "Code".
Declaration of Policy
 ARCHITECTURAL CODE is designed to be consistent, complementary and compatible as a referral code to NBC
and all allied engineering referral codes under purview of NBC. In a sense, 'organic', being founded on broad
performance principles and standards. It is therefore presumed to be reviewed periodically for changes in accord with
universal advancement in science and technology, to allow the use of new materials, innovative technologies systems
and methods of assembly. Without infringing into the architect's creativity, intuitive innovations and keen aesthetic
sensibilities in the total design of buildings and other structures.
Use of this ARCHITECTURAL CODE
The following considerations should guide the architect in the total design of building and other structures in accordance
with the Declaration of Policy of this Code.
 Occupancy Grouping: (Determine the occupancy group under which the building is classified.)
 Types of Construction: (Ascertain the type of construction by the building materials and the fire
resistivity assembly)
 Determine location on property and buildable area as to the type of lot (comer, interior, inside,
thru and open lot) which requires the mandatory percentage of open space for natural light and
ventilation and legal easements as provided for in the Philippine Civil Code, most particularly
Art. 670-673 inclusive under Easement On Light and View.
 Floor Area: Determine the maximum floor area based on use or occupancy and type of
construction with or without automatic fire sprinklers and allowable floor area for multi-storey
building.
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Height and Number of Stories: Compute building height from grade based on nature of
occupancy and type of construction and permissible increase in floor area by installation of
fire sprinklers.
Floor to floor area and total building area occupant load. Compute occupant load to determine
adequacy of stairs and exit ways and exit requirements.
Parking requirements:
Other architectural considerations: Cultural and Historical aspects, light and ventilation,
accessibility, information technology, others.
SECTION 4. General Building Requirements
 Buildings and other structures as well as all accessory facilities, shall be aesthetically, functionally and
structurally designed to completely and efficiently serve its purpose while protecting life, health, property and
general public welfare and concomitant resource of civic pride and aspirations.
 Buildings and other structures intended to be used for the manufacture and/or production of any kind of article
or product shall comply with adequate environmental safeguards as provided by all government agencies
concerned.

Buildings and structures together with all parts thereof as well as their adjunct facilities, utilities and
equipment therein shall be maintained in good repair, safe, sanitary, and good working condition as
originally approved for occupancy.
SECTION 5. General Site Requirements
 The land or site upon which the building or structure or any adjunct or ancillary facility thereto shall be the
concern of the architect. He shall verify, survey, and ascertain safe design determinants such as geodetical
and geophysical characteristics, the potential chronological or periodic floodings, soil conditions of the site,
and other potentials hazard such as volcanic eruption, pollution, land slides, tsunami. Other environmental
factors shall also be considered such as: solar angles, prevailing, typhoon winds and orientation to significant
views.
 Siting of the building shall be governed by NBC-IRR as to allowable buildable area on lots, actual
characteristics of physical boundaries.
ADMINISTRATION and
ENFORCEMENT
CHAPTER 2
SECTION 1. Title
 General. Chapter 2, Sections 201 up to Section 216 inclusive of the National Building Code - NBC is adapted
verbatim in this referral architectural code and shall have mandatory force and effect as if fully embodied
hereunder. Amplifications in any of its original provisions, objectively to cope-up with the latest advancements
in science and technology shall apply.
 Objectively, as a referral Code under the purview of NBC, some of the original provisions and measures
therein are amplified hereunder to be complimentary and compatible with the section 102, Declaration of
Policy of said law and more consistent in the practice of the Architectural profession as embodied in RA 545
the Architects law Amplifications thereof hereunder shall have equal force and effect as a referral code
embodied in the Law.
SECTION 2. Purpose and Scope of this Architectural Code.
 This Code shall apply to the design and construction, repair, alteration, renovation and use of any building
and other structures for human habitation and all other activities of human endeavor, including the
architectural aspects of infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges and the like,
 The provision in the Appendix shall not apply unless specifically referred to.
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
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Where different sections in this Code are in conflict as to provisions, systems, methods, procedures,
materials, and site assemblies as embodied in NBC, the most restrictive shall govern. When conflict
between general requirements and specific requirements occurs, the specific requirements shall be
applicable.
Since this Code is designed to be compatible with NFC and other applicable National Laws of the
Philippines or the latest edition of the universally accepted provisions in the Uniform Building Code, the
regulatory measures or provisions that are most restrictive shall apply as may be ascertained in writing by
the Secretary of Public Works and Highways.
Furthermore, in the absence of any regulatory provisions in this Code as in innovative or creative design, the
case shall be referred to for approval by the Secretary of Public Works and Highways.
SECTION 3. Application to Existing Buildings and Other Structures
 General: Existing Building and other structures subject to additions, alterations, repairs or renovations shall
comply with all requirements of this code as to regulatory measures on type of occupancies and/or type of
construction , fire safety, required number of exits and safety measures in construction assemblies, and such
shall be properly done in a manner as t1> preserve its structural integrity, stability, soundness, aside from the
architectural character and legacy of buildings of historic significance.

Historic buildings subject to alteration, repairs, renovations, additions, upgrading necessary for the
preservation, restoration, rehabilitation or continued use or need not conform to all requirements of this code.
However, such shall be subject to regulation of the government agencies concerned like the National
Historical Institute (NHI) or National Museum, the DPWH [thru the recommendation for approval of the
UAP Architectural Code Committee]
 Existing buildings and other structures shall be maintained in safe and sanitary condition. All devices,
appliances, equipment and safety provisions and ambiance therefor shall be in appropriate and proper
working/operating conditions.
 Tests: when sufficient evidences of non-compliance with any provisions of this code is found during
construction, final inspection or upon periodic inspection, may order a thorough investigation or tests and
rectification thereof at the expense of the owner and subject to applicable penal proviso.
SECTION 4.
The Role of the Registered Architect
 Under the purview of R.A. 545 Law, the architect is the one responsible for the design of buildings and other
structures, for man's multifarious needs, activities and aspirations. These include structural, electrical, plumbing,
sanitary mechanical, communications, interiors, acoustics, landscaping, and related systems and services.
 In order to exercise such professional prerogatives, the Architect invariably requires the cooperative and collaborative
efforts of the various allied professional engineering expertise, for the detailed engineering design.
 During construction the architect who signed and sealed the Plans and Contract Documents exercises normal cursory
supervisions and deserves the right to impose precise compliance to the originally approved construction plans and
documents.
 Allied engineers with proper expertise registered under their professional laws, normally forms part of an architect's
collaborative engineers group responsible for the design of their particular expertise.
 Such allied engineering professionals include but not limited to the following depending upon the architect's projects
requirements.
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
Civil Engineer
Structural Engineer
Professional Mechanical Engineer
Professional Electrical Engineer
Sanitary Engineer
Master Plumber
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
Geodetic Engineers
Electronics and Communication Engineer
Geologist
Safety Engineers