-2133607620005379720000FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY
Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts
LaguVista: A Proposed Aplaya Waterfront
Leisure Park
A Preliminary Thesis Proposal Submitted to
the Faculty of Architecture and Fine Arts
In Partial Fulfilment of the
Requirements in DESIGN 951:
Thesis Research Writing
Submitted by:
Roselyn Kate P. Balidio
September 25, 2018
BACKGROUND/OVERVIEW OF THE STUDY
Waterfront areas were intensely used and successful with people and activities. In more recent years, there is a growing interest in environmental issues and the development of leisure activities. Renewed awareness and attention towards the water in general, is the result. Specifically, open space and parks play a significant role in tourism and economy that is based on the leading projects that have been developed through the years. Many cities around the world regenerate their post-industrial urban waterfront over the last several decades.
Over the past sixty years, waterfront development and redevelopment has been a problem. It has been undergone massive changes, passing from industrial use to neglect and disuse, to revitalization and redevelopment. These redevelopments have transformed areas that were often extremely polluted and underused into housing, parks, and other amenities. Nowadays we see the results of people constantly and increasingly degrading waterfront and coastal ecosystems all over the world.
Laguna often dubbed as the “resort capital” of the country, is blessed with a rich culture and natural resources. Surrounded by mountains and embraces the Philippines’ largest lake, the Laguna de Bay. Showcasing its natural features, the city will continue to peak and be the land for business, residence, recreation, industry among others. The study will introduce a new approach in bringing development and progress to the lakeshore barangays not only in Sta. Rosa, as well as in other areas that have an emerging issue in regards to the waterfront development.
Beneficiaries of the LaguVista Waterfront Development are the residents of Aplaya and other locals of Laguna as well. This project will help to improve their quality of life, and the level of productivity of the local people would also refine contributing to the progress and development of its community and nation. Its setting will be situated in the area that offers a unique opportunity for providing cultural and recreational public amenities and retails for business as a source of income to urban life. By this, it will result in a more efficient and effective way of basic services.
The study will focus on finding the balance between the waterfront as a natural resource and as an urban amenity. Its relationship will be analyzed through the transportation network, the real estate speculations that compete against the water-related activities, and the right of the public to use the waterfront for recreation and other activities.
The budget for Aplaya De Santa Rosa Waterfront Development Project is P2.5-billion. It is a Public-Private sector project that will compose of community use, commercial and recreational areas, and an inner central business district. It is one of the priority project in Luzon of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) that is being offered in the investment conference because of the reason that it can bring a lot of employment and investment in rural and urban areas that focus on tourism and business. And if ever the project will push through, this will be the first waterfront development in the country.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
We all know that here in the Philippines, waterfront developments is one of the least priority projects. The value of the development today is not the same as in the old times. Its usage has been neglected and the importance is no longer valued. Many issues have emerged on why if this important. Here are some of the questions that always comes up in terms of waterfront development.What are the amenities will be incorporated into the development and possible to be the future face of the urban waterfront?
What will be the architectural solutions that will address the current condition of the waterfront in Laguna?
How will the proposed project contribute to the socio-economic factor that showcases the town’s natural asset?
What architectural measures shall be used for the waterfront to not further damage the environment but helps to promote in preserving what is left for the future?
Is Leisure Park the best approach to solving issues and enhancing the potential economic benefits of Laguna Lake?
These will guide the researcher on how to solve emerging and continuing issues that the present condition of urban waterfronts will lead to a new and active development for the community. Having it analyzed and studied, these questions may be the primary step in introducing a new purpose and bringing back the true essence of a waterfront.
MAJOR PROBLEM ARCHITECTURAL GOAL
Degradation of Laguna Lake and its desolation.
To revitalize the Laguna Lake and revive its purpose in the urban area.
Promoting development through protection of the natural environment that reconnects the waterfront to the city— to make use of the collective heritage of the water and the city, the events, landmarks and nature to revive the waterfront’s own character.
ARCHITECTURAL GOAL ; OBJECTIVES/STRATEGIES
MINOR PROBLEMS OBJECTIVE/STRATEGIES
An inappropriate approach of the planning of the developments in relation to the waterfront.
To plan effectively the location and distribution of different structures.
Strategic thinking and pragmatic approach in planning the area to enhance the potential of the waterfront with initiatives based on its cultural and environmental factors.
The absence of green spaces, blue elements and within the community. To promote human contact and social activities with a safe, welcoming and accommodating for all users.
Having the concept of sustainable development focused on the environmental impact of the urban waterfront that will benefit the community not only in ecological and economical but also socially.
Providing a commercial and leisure park that is built in the residential area that serves as their public space to stimulate a sense of community.
( Pocket neighbourhood )
Lacking in utilities to cater the excessive pollution caused by household wastes and industries that affect the condition of the waterfront.
To reduce the source of pollution in the community area and promote sustainability.
Providing its own material recovery facility to lessen the waste caused by the residents and industries.
Lessening the environmental impact caused by uncontrolled developments but instead providing urban green public space that will enhance the natural features of the waterfront.
Ineffective urban design planning and strategies To provide architectural features that promote community involvement that will connect the waterfront to the community and to the city.
Designing the waterfront both physically and visually accessible for locals of all ages and income. Ensuring high quality of public spaces to allow intensive use.
To design an engaging place by optimizing public spaces such as having Landscape gardens, Water features, Gallery exhibits that feature the natural beauty of Laguna, Ampitheater, Promenades, Parks and Greenways, Commercial establishments and Event centers; serves as the breathing space of the urban to reduce the lake stress.
Its full potential as a place for recreation and nature appreciation has not been given much importance due to the environmental degradation.
To enrich the existing character of Barangay Aplaya
Creating a shared and connected community vision for the waterfront by enhancing the abundance of natural and man-made scenic spots of Laguna, showcasing its contribution to tourism and cultural heritage.
Designing an environment using natural harmonics whether it be a direct or indirect impact on the natural environment.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
To the Community
It will be a step in promoting the preservation and protection of the Laguna Lake and its surroundings. This research will spread awareness on the importance of the environment and its natural resources that gives opportunities in enhancing the potentials of the area by connecting the waterfront to the community while having recreational and leisure activities.
To Architecture
Will influence practitioners of architecture in the profession to continue considering green designs and protecting the environment from infrastructures that can damage. This study brings relevance to having a sustainable community through local tourism and helps to raise long-term economic resources.
1.5 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Title: Urban Floods and Climate Change Adaptation: The Potential of Public Space Design When Accommodating Natural Processes
Author: Maria Matos Silva, João Pedro Costa
Type of material: Article
Date Published: 9 February 2018
Date Retrieved: 2 September 2018
SYNOPSIS:
The article is about the facing the potential climatic changes that can affect the urban space that may not have the same adaptation capacity from others. Considering the natural process of designing and planning an urban space can be an effective adaptation in enhancing the potential of a public space. Whereas, through case studies and literature review analysis, the design of a public space may increase the need for action and pursuit suitable solutions.
The idea of a public space may be understood by two meanings. First, as a conceptual meaning commonly used in social and political science, while the other one is the physical, used in urban planning and design. Concerning the phenomenon of urban flooding, climate changes have been a warning that needs to be addressed. New approaches should be the representative which implies changes in the relationship between the water and the city.
CRITIQUE:
Its advantage is that having the understanding shown to be inclined in facing the impending threats of climate. Even the developed countries are still experiencing and suffering from consequences of climate impacts. It proves that when it comes to planning and designing the urban, it must welcome adaptation actions. This underlies the assessment that public spaces should advocate the emerging tendency of urban flood management, especially when developing a waterfront.
APPLICATION:
Integrating the climate change adaptation engagement can be visible and meaningful for the citizens and their livelihoods through the public space and design. Its design of public space itself enhanced the face of impending weather occurrence, being considered as a determinant. Helping to promote a change for flood – adaptive cities that aims to reduce openness while incorporating environmental, economic and social concerns.
Title: Reconnecting the City with the Riverfront to Revitalize the Socio-Economic Conditions of Springfield, Ma
Author: Sneha Rasal
Type of material: Thesis Study
Date Published: May 2012
Date Retrieved: 2 September 2018
SYNOPSIS:
In this study, it explains how the City of Springfield, Massachusetts was established on the Connecticut River for trading as a fur-collecting post. The City experienced an industrial boom and it became a regional financial center. During the mid-19th century, Springfield suffered due to flooding of the Connecticut River that resulted in the disinvestment in the industry and urban sprawl the aftereffect is that the people start moving away from the core of the city.
At the present time, the city is trying to revitalize its downtown and neighboring area by improving different types of cultural and social amenities to attract people. The author focused on various reasons causing the natural asset of the riverfront to be underutilized for several years. Also, the possibilities of connecting the downtown to the riverfront are checked.
CRITIQUE:
Its foundation is the link lays for its further development of the riverfront area. Prioritizing the accessibility is a big factor when it comes to any development. The researcher’s strategy is an effective way to reconnect the riverfront and revitalize its socio-economic conditions despite the tragedy that happened. It shows that even though a development results in a failure, it can still be revived again.
APPLICATION:
The researcher focuses on the accessibility which makes the riverfront accessible to the downtown having transportation, paths, and roads that will serve as the link. This is an effective way to give encouragement to local and can aim to boost business by providing spaces for museums, exhibitions, commercial areas, and retail shops. The proposed solution can be adapt to different waterfront developments and be an example to connect the waterfront to the community.
Title: Creating World-Class Gathering Places for People and Wildlife along the Detroit Riverfront, Michigan, USA
Author: John H. Hartig, Mark C. Wallace
Type of material: Article
Date Published: 13 January 2015
Date Retrieved: 2 September 2018
SYNOPSIS:
In this article, it discussed that the Metropolitan Detroit, Michigan, USA is a major urban area, the automobile capital of the world and a part of the industrial heartland of Rust Belt. According to the information, the Detroit River was perceived as a working river that supports industry and commerce. The river became indifferent to the water pollution caused by the industrial progress. Was considered as one of the most polluted rivers in North America and now after the clean-up and recovery of the river, it represents one of the most remarkable ecological stories.
Out of recovery, two transformational projects had come up – the Detroit River International Refuge and the Detroit RiverWalk. These projects help change the perception of the city to one of the leading when it comes to urban sustainability that reconnects people to nature, enhances the community pride, promotes sustainable development and improve the quality of life.
CRITIQUE:
With the information acquired with the article, giving a new life to Detroit River is a big contribution in developing a sustainable community. The idea of having it redeveloped and having a new purpose is advantageous when designing a waterfront development. The new vision or plan supported a broad diversity of the people living in the area and could impact many stakeholders by the transformed riverfront.
APPLICATION:
Adapting the idea of redevelopment of a project that has no longer in use. After the success that gradually brought a more publicly-accessible and environmentally-friendly riverfront. It can be useful for designers to have the vision of the waterfront development as a gathering place for the community, a place where people can connect to nature despite the busy environment of the urban.
Title: Underscoring Waterfront Infrastructure Development Needs
Author: Chuck Agustin
Type of material: Online Magazine
Date Published: 1 November 2016
Date Retrieved: 2 September 2018
SYNOPSIS:
In this online magazine, the author, Chuck Agustin discussed how he highlighted his own vision of government in developing infrastructures in coastal areas. Every part of the series issued is his experience and visits he made to various places observing different infrastructure developments and how it contributes to create wealth and improve living conditions.
According to the article, Chuck Agustin convened the first International Waterfront Development Forum and Exhibition held in Manila last January 2000. He invited representatives from different countries in Asia. Its objective to enhance Philippine Waterfront transport and tourism development planning and also to attract developers and investors to the Philippines. As he observed the different conditions of waterfront developments, he comes up with recommendations to avert future flooding in Metro Manila and Laguna Lake that made as a result of the forum. Some of these are the same old problems why waterfront developments are not that successful.
CRITIQUE:
Extensive research, observation, and performing methods regarding your project is a huge contribution. Understanding the present state and considering the past can affect the future condition of a project development. Conducting case studies and analyzing different issues that can be encountered is very important in improving development. Agustin’s strategy and substantial study lead him to be an advocate in promoting waterfront developments in the Philippines to solve the constantly emerging issues regarding the degradation of the environment and water bodies.
APPLICATION:
As part of his recommendations, ineffective planning and construction, policies and laws in relation on building infrastructures, relocation of illegal settlers as well as communities obstructing the outflow of lakefront, improper usage of waterways and improvements and implementations of Urban Master Plans. These problems should have a solution in counterpart to improve Philippines’s living condition. By these encountered issues, it will help the citizens, future designers, and builders, and the government to realize that it is time to give importance and undertake these and other infrastructures projects to the betterment of the overall development of the country.
Title: Waterfront Coastal Development
Author: Architect Felino A. Palafox, Jr.
Type of material: Journal Article
Date Published: 3 December 2014
Date Retrieved: 2 September 2018
SYNOPSIS:
The article tackles about the higher land value of waterfront when it is developed as cities, towns, and communities because of its amenity value with the bodies of water which are riverfronts, lakefronts, sea, and oceanfronts. People prefer to go closer near to nature because of its calming effect. The relationship between a man and nature strains erodes in some cases, causes permanent damage to coastal developments on its point. Knowing that the Philippines is an archipelago, it results to constantly expose to the wrath of the sea. Most of our cities and towns lie on the coast which brings a high exposure to the rising sea levels that can cause calamities,
It is also discussed how in the United States and different cities have been increasing their defenses against the weather occurrence and eventual rise of the sea level. In one section of the article which entitled “Raising a whole city” the city of Galveston in Texas come to the point where the entire city was raised. Structures were raised 17 feet above and this engineering deed results in the city the prestige of being on a National Historical Civil Engineering Landmark. Since then, the city has had fewer casualties in subsequent hurricanes.
In the section of the article Art of Resilience, the content includes some of the winning designs that shows insightful ideas on how coastal cities can be planned effectively. The program was reviewed by Rebuild by Design in the Urban Land Magazine which sought to advocate a more holistic approach by integrating climate resiliency features.
CRITIQUE:
The method and actions that were done in Galveston don’t mean that it can also be effective and applicable in other coastal cities as well. The question that will always come up is what lesson can we learn from these past events, and can we do something to make our cities resilient to these forces of nature especially here in the Philippines. The strategy to go to a community or the area to design and find out what action is really needed is an effective way to know what approach will be applied.
APPLICATION:
One of the winning designs can be an application for future development and the new face of an urban waterfront development. The solution for creating multiple layers of protection to keep water out and preventing it from spreading with the area. Having the strategy of putting a “green belt” of public space around for the low-lying lands can also create as breathing spaces for the locals especially in the urban. Some of the things that said in the article to have an effective approach when developing a project is through conducting a comprehensive study, site visits, extensive interviews, and consultations.
1.7 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
To be able to come up with a good research and result, the framework provided theories, literature, and concepts to distinguish what would be the proper approach of waterfront that is appropriate to be able to promote the preservation of the natural environment and bring back to the potential of the waterfront development.
276634937213400
center344725PROCESS
Analysis of gathered information
Case Studies
Review of both local and international standards, guidelines and literature
Assessment of Statistics and present condition
Finding potential solutions
Incorporation of strategies applicable to the project
Application of new and appropriate techniques
Installation of alternative approaches
00PROCESS
Analysis of gathered information
Case Studies
Review of both local and international standards, guidelines and literature
Assessment of Statistics and present condition
Finding potential solutions
Incorporation of strategies applicable to the project
Application of new and appropriate techniques
Installation of alternative approaches
40210214261OUTPUT
Solution
Minimizing the impact of infrastructure on the environment.
Commercial and Leisure Park approach in a residential zone as their “breathing space”
00OUTPUT
Solution
Minimizing the impact of infrastructure on the environment.
Commercial and Leisure Park approach in a residential zone as their “breathing space”
left11430INPUT
Problem
Degradation of Laguna Lake and its desolation.
Present Condition
Inappropriate approach
The absence of green spaces, blue elements and features
Lacking in utilities
Ineffective urban design planning and strategies
00INPUT
Problem
Degradation of Laguna Lake and its desolation.
Present Condition
Inappropriate approach
The absence of green spaces, blue elements and features
Lacking in utilities
Ineffective urban design planning and strategies
79865329761400
57004092334630028598102235473511685-9728PROBLEM ANALYSIS
00PROBLEM ANALYSIS
807396-107004IDENTIFICATION OF THE PROBLEM
00IDENTIFICATION OF THE PROBLEM
42946544081600-311285337779Approaches and Strategies
Guidelines in Designing Urban waterfront
Local and international Standards
00Approaches and Strategies
Guidelines in Designing Urban waterfront
Local and international Standards
3531140250231Goals and Objectives
Scope and Limitation
Significance of the Study
Related Literature
0Goals and Objectives
Scope and Limitation
Significance of the Study
Related Literature
1308721165735Strategies for Planning an Urban Public Space
Strategies for Planning an Urban Public Space
28451472407231838751443700884785298450
130892491413Situation analysis of Laguna Lake
Situation analysis of Laguna Lake
284711023711
40986818180100132184112119Obtaining Potential Solutions and Approaches
0Obtaining Potential Solutions and Approaches
28455512799177973433022800-350196438380Review of Records/Statistics
Assessing the Problems and Situations
00Review of Records/Statistics
Assessing the Problems and Situations
336577010363Gathering of all necessary Data
(Research, Case Study, Review of Related Literature, Observations, Documents and Records)
00Gathering of all necessary Data
(Research, Case Study, Review of Related Literature, Observations, Documents and Records)
3186373255731303438354736The condition of the Proposed Site and its connection to the Lake
The condition of the Proposed Site and its connection to the Lake
286223328217142751362789350
661481213617
1319260187271Attitudes of Citizen towards Urban Parks and Green Spaces
Attitudes of Citizen towards Urban Parks and Green Spaces
3443591113651Selection of Appropriate Approach in Waterfront Development
00Selection of Appropriate Approach in Waterfront Development
284711018288066148129592800-369367364071Review of Related Literature
0Review of Related Literature
4271894899890
66148122231800661386222021006614822212640013086674134Impact of Urban Parks in Cultural Ecosystem Services
Impact of Urban Parks in Cultural Ecosystem Services
3696335105234Formulation of Architectural Solutions
Formulation of Architectural Solutions
3183774240140284687926382
202652303902001298940232046Urban Sustainability through Public Architecture
Urban Sustainability through Public Architecture
357005158609Revitalizing Urban Waterfront
Revitalizing Urban Waterfront
2828521237264759034268337
2829349366395129025210835Reconnecting the City with the Riverfront
Reconnecting the City with the Riverfront
17705823812500
1.8 RESEARCH DESIGN
This study will make use of the Descriptive Qualitative Research, particularly focused on finding new approach and strategies that could give resolutions to the problems encountered with the project of Laguna Lakeshore.
Online research
The researchers will make use of the internet for more references like journal articles, foreign case studies and legitimate sources for information about the governments involved related to the research study. This will contribute to the data gathering phase that will help the researcher formulate some ideas and strategies.
Library research
The data will be from legitimate statistics both from articles and books that include different factors that involve the status and conditions revolving around waterfront developments. This will serve as a guide and bring some ideas in regards to the project by case study and having inspiration with the graduate theses.
Agency visitation
The data gathered from the city of Sta. Rosa, including their Zoning, CLUP, Profiles, Laws and ordinances and maps will serve as a big contribution to the research. Also, other data supporting the study will be from laws, regulations and guidelines from Laguna lake development authority (LLDA) Lake Zoning and Management Plan (or Zomap) and Conservation of Laguna de Bay environment and resources (CLEAR). This will serve as a reference in developing the study and the design for the project. Visiting government offices and conducting an interview to seek recommendations and accumulate more accurate data and information.
Ocular inspection
As part of the research study, photo documentation and observation of the site needs to be conducted. Analysis of the actual site, micro and macro affect the overall results of the project. Assessment is also one of the methods that will help the researcher focus on formulating pragmatic solutions based on the observed problems and issues during the ocular visitations.
1.9 SCOPE AND LIMITATION
This study is focused on developing a new approach and alternative solutions in reviving waterfront based on the data gathered from a study about the present conditions such as desolation, disuse, improper and ineffective planning, and etc. in the existing ecological state of Laguna de Bay.
The researcher is limiting this research to the pertinent data concerning the study of developing waterfronts, Laguna Lake Authority laws and regulations, DOT guidelines, Zomap, and CLEAR. The focus will be limited to only conduct a research acquiring the current condition of waterfront within the vicinity of Laguna, and later on, developing architectural solutions and suggesting strategies for the improvement and revival of Waterfront development and redevelopments.
SCOPE LIMITATION
SITE PLANNING
Focused on the spaces that will reconnect the community to the waterfront. Green public spaces, gathering areas and infrastructure that will contribute to improvin the ecological and economic state of the waterfront. The research is limiting the site planning within the vicinity of the Barangay Aplaya only, which affects the condition of the residential area and the waterfront.
ARCHITECTURAL
The research study focuses on commercial shopping and entertainment center with coffee shops and retail stores. Landscape gardens, water features, a boardwalk, ampitheater, gallery exhibit promenade event center, pocket parks and greenways. Its limitation will only be on infrastructures regarding the commercial development and leisure park with a residential zone.
STRUCTURAL
The research study focuses on some elements of a green building design. It incorporates materials locally to contribute to its cultural factors. The study limits its scope on structural strategies that are related to designing a commercial and leisure park only.
UTILITIES
It focuses on utilities and facilities that will help in contributing the excessive pollution caused by the residential zones and lessening the stress of the lake. Its limitation will only be on the appropriate and applicable approaches and solutions regarding the issue on the lake on the Barangay Aplaya part only.
RESEARCH FOCUS
Minimizing environmental impact that can harm the environment but rather enhance and revitalize the waterfront to serve the community.
1.10 DEFINITION OF TERMS
Decentralize – to rationalize the function or power of a government, industry, etc. into smaller units.
Degradation – failure to update the results; a process which something is destroyed.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – refers to a department of the Philippine Government that acts as a catalyst for private sector activity to accelerate as sustainable economic growth.
Department of the Tourism – a department of Philippine Government that is responsible for the Philippines’ tourism industry regulation and its promotion as a tourist destination.
Desolation – a state of destruction or a place that is empty
Green belt – is a land use zone and a policy used in planning to retain natural or semi-natural environments within urban. Its similar concepts are greenways or green wedges.
Pragmatic – realistically dealing with things based on practical considerations
Public-Private sector – a relationship between public and private sectors that has a cooperative arrangement for a long term of nature.
Revitalize – to revive something with new life and purpose
Waterfront – direct contact with water of the urban area.
1.11 TIMETABLE
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
Articles
BIBLIOGRAPHY Agustin, C. (2016). Underscoring Waterfront Infrastructure Development Needs.
Architect Felino A. Palafox, J. (2014, December 3). Waterfront Coastal Development.
Bingqin Yu, S. C. (n.d.). Sustainability. Understanding Shanghai Residents’ Perception of Leisure Impact and Experience Satisfaction of Urban Community Parks: An Integrated and IPA Method.
John H. Hartig, M. C. (2015). Creating World-Class Gathering Places for People and Wildlife along the Detroit Riverfront, Michigan, USA.
Maria Matos Silva, J. P. (2018). Urban Floods and Climate Change Adaptation: The Potential of Public Space Design When Accommodating Natural Process.
Rasal, S. (2012). Reconnecting the City with the Riverfront to Revitalize the Socio-Economic Conditions of Springfield,Ma.
Soomi Kim, H.-a. K. (2018). Sustainability. Urban Sustainability through Public Architecture.
Websites
Doing Great at 8. (2012, July 10). Retrieved from pressreader: https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/the-philippinestar/20120710/282613144886575
Louisville Waterfront Park. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://louisvillewaterfront.com/
Osorio, M. E. (2011, November 25). philstar global. DTI offers 51 priority projects.
