MULTIMEDIA

LOOK: Local architects design Emergency Quarantine Facility for COVID-19 patients

As hospitals around the metro reach full capacity because of the COVID-19 epidemic, architects are stepping up and contributing their expertise in helping ease the load on medical centers.

Emergency quarantine facilities (EQFs) were recently completed at the Philippine Navy's Naval Combat Engineering Brigade's training center in Taguig City. 

Initially designed by WTA Architecture and Design Studio, the EQFs were further fine-tuned through feedback from their colleagues after the designs were made available to the public. 

An EQF can be built in just 4 to 5 days and uses readily available materials costing roughly P350,000. 

The current design features 15 beds, an external testing box, a sanitation and disinfection area, changing area, and a nurses' lounge. 

However, according to principal architect William Ti, the design can be modified to fit the needs of the site. 

EQFs will be built on 47 other sites, including V. Luna General Hospital, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Army General Hospital, and Lung Center of the Philippines, with construction currently ongoing for some. 

Others, however, are in need of funding and materials. 

Access to the designs and details to support the projects can be found at the studio's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/wtadesignstudio)