UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
S.Y. 2018-2019

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

In
Planning 1 (ARC1118)

Research Output for

“Site Planning Innovations”

Submitted to:
Ar. Cecilia Villanueva
College of Architecture, University of Santo Tomas
España, Manila, Philippines

Submitted by:
Germino, James Bryant A,
2AR-1

Submitted on:
December 5, 2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 CHAPTER 1: Introduction
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Methodology

2.0 CHAPTER 2: Findings and Analysis

2.1 Site Review and Analysis
2.1.1 Architectural Problems in the Site
2.1.2 Tabulation of Two-Dimensional Façade Details
2.2 Green Architecture
2.3 Urban Design
2.3.1 Encourages Movement and Motion
2.3.2 Integrated and Multi-functional
2.3.3 Discreet Architecture
2.4 Factors That Affect a Design
2.4.1 Location and Topography
2.4.2 Priority and Setting
2.4.3 Light, Ventilation and Color

3.0 CHAPTER 3: Site Planning Innovations

3.1 Conceptual Development
3.2 Design and Innovations

4.0 CHAPTER 4: Conclusions and Recommendations

5.0 References

CHAPTER 1: Introduction

1.1 Introduction

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 Manila is a very busy city, with a high number of populations that are coming from different

places every day to continue their everyday lives, whether it be work, study or visit the area. It

is a place greatly affected by urbanization, a process in which cities are formed and becoming

larger due to industrialization and economic development, and that encourages urban specific

changes in specialization, labor division and human behaviors [1]. Often associated with

development and modernization of developing countries, it has been common for urbanization

to take the blame for various environmental problems [2].

Metro Manila, holding one of the largest populations in the Asia Pacific Region,

experiences a lot of environmental problems associated with urbanization such as flooding,

solid waste management problems, air and water pollution, and climate change [3]. Therefore,

this study aims to highlight these implications and provide architectural innovations that could

possibly help and lessen the problems – with the aid of design.

1.2 Methodology

The researcher focused on an underused lot along the street of España, Manila for the

purpose of this research. The chosen site is located on Barangay 528, Sampaloc, Manila 1008

– a right-trapezoid shaped lot near Blumentrit Street was chosen and used for this study. The

researcher wants to introduce architectural innovations that would potentially, if not solve or

minimize the problems in the area near the chosen lot.

Nearby and surrounding buildings in the site include commercial buildings such as

Metrobank and a driving school, and some residential and mixed-use ones which are seen in

the streetscape and elevation of the site. The researcher also found that the chosen lot is facing

the Northwest, which gives it a direct exposure to Northwest Monsoon and Habagat winds. In

gathering the information required, several applications/ programs were used. For the

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elevations and perspectives, which were needed to accomplish the line drawing and

comparative analysis – Google Maps Streetview and Google Earth were used.

There were eight (8) buildings that were seen and one overpass that connects the street to

the other side. The chosen lot was semi-demolished, so its analysis was not complete and highly

relied on the surrounding buildings, which were complete and intact.

Figure 1. Perspective of the Site via www.maps.google.com

Figure 2. Perspective of the Site via www.maps.google.com

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 Figure 3. Line Drawing/ Elevation of the Site

CHAPTER 2: Findings and Analysis

2.1 Site Review and Analysis

The chosen site is located on Barangay 528, Sampaloc, Manila 1008 – a right-trapezoid

shaped lot near Blumentrit Street. It has a perimeter of 63 meters and an area of 196 meters

squared. The lot is also semi-demolished with no solid walls nor foundations but only a hollow

block wall at the front.

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 Figure 4. Closer Perspective of the Site via www.maps.google.com

The following is based on the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and

Threats) Analysis done by the researcher:

 Strengths - Highly Populated Area; España is home to various schools/universities

and many condominiums. Lot is near an overpass and pedestrian lane, making it much

accessible to people.

 Weaknesses - Air pollution is very evident in the area which is further enhanced by

traffic and all the vehicles that pass by. There is also less parking space in the area.

Lot is an inside lot.

 Opportunities - Chosen lot can be turned into a space where people can go to –

recreational, co-working. It will be passed by and seen by a lot of people. Green

architecture and sustainability will help in combating the air pollution.

 Threats - Chosen lot can be turned into a space where people can go to – recreational,

co-working. It will be passed by and seen by a lot of people. Green architecture and

sustainability will help in combating the air pollution.

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 2.1.1 Architectural Problems in the Site

1. No recreational space (for physical, social or cultural/ entertainment) - Since the study

area is located near the university belt, it is expected that a lot of the residents in the

area would be students, thus having more recreational space would benefit the students

for studying and working. Along with this, multiples condominiums are present in the

area which would mean that a lot of people of the working age would also be situated

in the study area – thus needing the same spaces for their wellbeing.

2. No parking spaces - Spaces for parking would be highly needed in the study area since

there are multiple schools present along España, such as UST and FEU and this is also

the reason why many of the streets branching from the survey area are filled with parked

cars.

3. No stops for PUV - The survey area is a main road in which public utility vehicles pass

through but since there is no proper stops for the vehicles, traffic accumulates during

peak times/rush hours.

4. Not much vegetation - There are only little amount of trees/plants that are present in the

study area in which could lessen the polluted air since trees/plants absorb odors and

pollutant gase which could come from different vehicles passing by the study area.

2.1.2 Tabulation of Two-Dimensional Façade Details

Pictures of the chosen site which is located on Brgy. 528, Sampaloc, Manila 1008 were

taken and compiled together as a reference for the survey of two-dimensional elements of point,

planar elements, building components and surface articulation.

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 SMART
Nancy's Canteen
Unknown LotChosen Lot Unkown Lot 2 Commercial Bldg. BPI Total %
Driving School
Point Elements
central 2 0 3 0 4 4 13 23.20%
left 2 5 2 1 5 3 19 33.90%
0
right 3 4 2 1 4 5 19 33.90%
cannot be assessed 1 2 1 0 1 0 5 8.92%
Total 8 11 8 2 14 12 56

Direction
radiating horizontal 4 2 2 2 5 4 19 21.11%
radiating vertical 6 3 6 3 6 5 29 32.22%
radiating to the left 1 2 3 0 1 4 3 14 15.55%
radiating to the right 2 1 3 1 3 4 14 15.55%
both ways 4 1 2 1 4 2 14 15.55%
Total 17 9 16 8 22 18 90

Linear Elements
horizontal 4 6 3 2 6 5 26 36.61%
vertical 5 5 8 3 8 7 36 50.70%
0
both ways 0 2 0 1 4 2 7 9.85%
cannot be assessed 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 2.81%
Total 9 15 11 6 18 14 71

Planar Elements
horizontal 3 5 1 2 7 4 22 43.13%
vertical 5 4 3 1 8 6 27 52.94%
0
both ways 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1.96%
cannot be assessed 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1.96%
Total 8 9 5 3 16 10 51

Dominant Features
entrances 1 3 1 1 4 1 11 37.93%
variety of signages 1 3 0 0 5 1 10 34.48%
0
division of units 0 2 0 0 4 0 6 20.68%
cannot be assessed 0 1 0 1 0 0 2 6.89%
Total 2 9 1 2 13 2 29

Number of Levels 2 1 1 0 1 3 1

Table 1. Comparative Analysis of Two-Dimensional Façade Details of the Street View of the Chosen Lot.

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MART
Nancy's Canteen
Unknown LotChosen Lot Unkown Lot 2 Commercial Bldg. BPI Total %
g School

2 0 3 0 4 4 13 23.20%
2 5 2 1 5 3 19 33.90%
0
3 4 2 1 4 5 19 33.90%
1 2 1 0 1 0 5 8.92%
8 11 8 2 14 12 56

4 2 2 2 5 4 19 21.11%
6 3 6 3 6 5 29 32.22%
1 2 3 0 1 4 3 14 15.55%
2 1 3 1 3 4 14 15.55%
4 1 2 1 4 2 14 15.55%
17 9 16 8 22 18 90

4 6 3 2 6 5 26 36.61%
5 5 8 3 8 7 36 50.70%
0
0 2 0 1 4 2 7 9.85%
0 2 0 0 0 0 2 2.81%
9 15 11 6 18 14 71

3 5 1 2 7 4 22 43.13%
5 4 3 1 8 6 27 52.94%
0
0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1.96%
0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1.96%
8 9 5 3 16 10 51

1 3 1 1 4 1 11 37.93%
1 3 0 0 5 1 10 34.48%
0
0 2 0 0 4 0 6 20.68%
0 1 0 1 0 0 2 6.89%
2 9 1 2 13 2 29

2 1 1 0 1 3 1

Table 2. Comparative Analysis of Two-Dimensional Façade Details of the Street View of the Chosen Lot.

2.2 Green Architecture

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 Buildings and infrastructures have inevitable effects on the natural environment,

whether it be displacement of ecological habitats, to a much bigger scale such as greenhouse

gas emission which leads to global warming and climate change. These effects may arise

throughout the whole life cycle of a building – construction to operation and even to its closure

and decommissioning.

Sustainable and Green building design can save our natural resources by reducing

environmental impacts, lowering transportation costs and decreasing water consumption. The

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), is one of the most if not popular

rating systems for green building which is known and used internationally. Here in the

Philippines, there is the Philippine Green Building Council which aims to find a viable and

locally applicable solution that will help promote environmental conservation and protection

in the Philippines.

The highly visible benefits of architectural greening technologies are easily observed

when bleak, sterile or underutilized built surfaces are transformed into verdant, productive,

species-diverse and responsive living environments. Roof gardens, vertical gardens, and green

facades allow for the transformation of building spaces into habitat, parklands, recreational or

food-production spaces. These social, economic and environmental benefits more than not

benefit the wider population, notably in cities where visual access to nature comes at a

premium. Roof gardens, green facades and vertical gardens on adjacent buildings not only

increase property values of host buildings; they inject vitality, interest, and value to surrounding

properties, along with the commercial benefits inherent in proximity [4].

2.2.1 Thermal and acoustic insulation of buildings

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 Certain materials incorporated into a building envelope may offer insulation to sound

and reduce temperature gain or loss. Degrees of insulation vary depending on the type, quality

and mode of application of these materials. Roof gardens, green facades and vertical gardens

can be cleverly designed to improve both thermal and acoustic insulation, as significant

additions to the building envelope [4].

2.2.2 Reduction in urban heat island effect

Our cities are composed of glass, concrete, tar, iron and stone. These materials reflect

and absorb heat while cumulatively generating thermal mass, notably during the day in

conjunction with solar heating. At night, in combination with mechanized activities, our cities

function as heat islands, releasing heat back into the atmosphere. This process generates enough

heat outflow to impact climate on a global scale. Living architecture technologies offer

significant thermal insulation capacities and the unique ability to encompass all aspects of the

building envelope with substrate and vegetation. These vegetated technologies can reduce

building albedo (reflected energy) while simultaneously creating internal shading and cooling

via evapotranspiration [4].

2.3 Urban Design

2.3.1 Encourages Movement and Motion

Residential buildings often exude a friendly appearance from the street, while

traditional nursing homes exude an institutional aura the minute you spot them. A good first

impression can establish a sense of warmth and comfort, while the opposite creates low

expectation. This building type should appear residential to differentiate it from a commercial

building or a hospital, and vice versa.

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 Exercise, important for maintaining competence and well-being, often requires special

equipment or a space for stretching. However, encouraging walking is easy to implement and,

except for falling, contains a few risks. Balance control, gait problems and muscle weakness

can limit walking but should be viewed as challenges rather than limitations.

Making certain that benches are places on stair landings can encourage the use of stairs.

Also, placing benches every 25-40 feet in corridors and common spaces can also encourage

walking, this allows individuals with limited strength capacity to rest and recharge [5]

2.3.2 Integrated and Multi-functional

Integrate a variety of types of open spaces within a unifying, coherent structure.

Incorporate considerations for streets, creeks, parks, habitat, urban forest, trails, drainage,

shorelines, views, commercial and civic spaces, back yards and buildings. Consider layering

multiple functions and uses within green spaces to create high-functioning, high value open

spaces.

Within a network of open spaces provide equitable access for all persons to a variety of

outdoor and recreational experiences. Distribute appropriate open space types to every

neighborhood, in order to address the needs of diverse population groups. Prioritize public

access to water.

Expand the quantity and quality of natural systems in the city: Provide quality habitat

for all appropriate species, with a special emphasis on the waters’ edge. Design for hydrological

health (water temperature, water quality, water regimes, stormwater), and consider appropriate

water and resource conservation strategies. Connect to regional ecosystems in order to achieve

integrity, resiliency and biodiversity in ecological systems in the face of climate change [6].

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 2.3.3 Discreet Architecture

Some urban designs focus on representing an aesthetic idea. The responsibility of urban

design is seemed to be to the eternal. Art world and not to the population who, after all will

soon pass on, the concern is for built form as a product of its creator’s ideas in the face of

empirical findings, social requirements, or utilitarian purposes.

Discreet architecture is well executed but does not shout to be looked at. The attitude

is that architecture and urban design must be a part of the city and region in which they are

located. The concern is with the specifics of the site and with resolving urban design problems

in relationship to their regional context, cultural and architectural. It is most clearly spelt out in

the work of Neo-traditionalists.

Urban designs are treated as consumer products; the building themselves vary

considerably but are variations provided by the infrastructure. The landscape is used to unify a

project and give it a prestigious air [7].

2.4 Factors That Affect a Design

2.4.1 Location and Topography

A thorough analysis of a structure’s location and topography can enhance the design

of a structure in ways that can block pollution and sound, maximize the surrounding views,

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utilize the natural resources available, and blueprint a smart floor plan which uses the given

space to its full potential [8].

2.4.2 Priority and Setting

A balance between creativity and practicality must be achieved as this will affect

every action of the occupants within the bounds of the property. Priorities can be arranged

according to the design purpose and objectives. Although architecture is encouraged to be

boundless, certain limitations must be considered to ensure safety, security, comfort, and the

like. The challenge is to design in accordance with these restrictions without sacrificing

aesthetics.

2.4.3 Light, Ventilation and Color

The architectural structure can be decided by analyzing the sun and wind path of the

given site. Proper analysis of the considerations can lead to the maximization of natural

lighting and ventilation. This can reduce energy consumption and costs, as well as promote

sustainability.

Natural lighting and passive cooling can be achieved by proper orientation and

landscape design. Moreover, openings should be well planned out as this may optimize air

flow yet create heat gain. Additionally, cross ventilation and playing with squeeze points to

create natural vacuums are other ways to promote better air flow [9].

Colors play a significant role in heat absorption, visual perception, and human

psychology [10]. Generally, dark colors absorb heat when used in a structure’s exterior

unlike light colors which reflect light. Moreover, when used in a structure’s interior, dark

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colors can make rooms feel smaller for added intimacy, and make a space feel cozier when

used in ceilings. On the other hand, light and cool colors tend to recede. It can enlarge rooms

and adds spaciousness when used in ceilings [11].

CHAPTER 3: Site Planning Innovations

3.1 Conceptual Development

The project aims to provide solution to the problems in the study area and apply concepts

of green architecture and modern aesthetics in design. The proposed design will have a green

wall with hanging plants, as well as a roof deck with plants and small trees, which receive

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sunlight from a green roof - providing natural ventilation and lighting. Bicycle Horizon: Co-

Work will provide a space for people who want to work in a comfortable space despite the

environmental problems in the site.

Since the study area is located near the university belt, it is expected that a lot of the

residents in the area would be students, thus having more recreational space would benefit the

students for studying and working. Along with this, multiples condominiums are present in the

area which would mean that a lot of people of the working age would also be situated in the

study area – thus needing the same spaces for their well-being.

The study area is prone to traffic especially during peak times such as morning, afternoon

and evening due to the number of populations currently settled at the area. The number of

vehicles also increases the air pollution in the site, and with the lack of vegetation it continues

to be a burden to the people in the site. This is further supported by the WHO, which gave

Manila a "High" rating for Pollution level, which is not only air pollution but also for water,

noise, light, greeneries, satisfaction of people and waste disposal.

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 Figure 5. Poster on the Proposed Design.

3.2 Design and Innovations

The design provided several features/ innovations such as the use of wood and light

materials to help in natural lighting and ventilation inside the co-working space. Green

architecture through the sustainable green wall, plants and the interior garden which is provided

sunlight the by photovoltaic glass roof.

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 Figure 6. Wood and Light Materials for Natural Lighting/ Ventilation. Retrieved from:

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/97/2c/84/972c845a40ccf66e2dd6b37706a92eaf.jpg

Figure 7. Diagram of Sustainable Green Wall Design. Retrieved From: https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/uw-s3-cdn/wp-

content/uploads/sites/6/2012/06/04212934/cisternCombo_use.jpg

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 This glass roofing is a new technology which uses solar panels to capture sunlight’s

photons. These solar panels each have many solar cells made up of layers of different materials.

An anti-reflective coating on top helps the cell capture as much light as possible.

Figure 8. Photovoltaic Glass Panels. Retrieved From:

https://cdnassets.hw.net/98/4c/31c467104b808d661a934c9a9898/smartflex.jpg

Bicycle parking was also provided at the front of the structure in order to introduce a

better lifestyle and pollution-free mode of transport.

CHAPTER 4: Conclusion and Recommendations

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 Since Metro Manila is a highly populated and urbanized area, adverse effects of it are

evident and causing uncomfortable and lesser quality of life for the people in the area. These

however could be lessened or improved with the use of innovations and proper design.

Architecture provides a variety of solution to these problems, although if the main root of the

problem will not be solved, the problem will continue to be an issue in the metro.

The researcher recommends to future studies to focus on much more updated

technologies and how it can be modified or used to provide new solutions to present

problems, such as sustainable green architecture and photovoltaic glass panels, which

harnesses the power of modern technology.

5.0 References:

1. Uttara, S., Bhuvandas, N., &Aggarwal, V. “Impacts of urbanization on environment”.

International Journal of Research in Engineering and Applied sciences (IJRES),2(2),
1637- 1645(2012). http://www.euroasiapub.org
2. Hope, K.R. “Urbanization and economic development in the third world: an
overview”. Cities, 3(1), 41-57(1986). doi:10.1016/0264-2751(86)90005-3

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3. Raflores, L.SD., & Regmi, R.K. “Understanding the water and urban environment of
a megacity: the case of Metro Manila, Philippines”. Water and Urban Initiative
Working Paper Series 2(2015). United Nations University Institute for the Advanced
Study of Sustainability.
4. Images Publishing (2017). Going Green with Architectural Landscapes.
NA.9053.W3.G561 2017
5. Victor Regnier (2018). For an Increasingly Older Population. 7195.A4 R265 2018
6. Nan Ellin (2013). Good Urbanism. HT 166.E156 2013
7. Jon Lang (2017). Urban Design. NA 9031.L253 2017
8. Architecture Lab. (2014, December 05). “Important Factors for House Architecture”.
Retrieved from https://www.architecturelab.net/important-factors-for-house-
architecture/
9. Diaz, C. (2016, February 13). “Advice from an architect: 10 tips to create a cooler
home”. Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/arts-and-
culture/122067-advice-architect-tips-cooler-home
10. Boucher, B. (2015, November 03). “Factors That Influence the Design of a
House”.Retrieved from http://www.ar-architects.co.za/factors-that-influence-the-
design-of-a-house/
11. DiNobile, K. (2019, February 09). “How to Use Paint COlors to Change the Feeling
of a Room”. Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/paint-colors-change-feeling-
of-a-room-1835371

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