Batangas Commercial Complex: Chapter 6

Batangas Commercial Complex: The Redevelopment of the Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center into an Environment-responsive Income-generating Complex through Ecocentrism Camacho, Cheskertt I. | Laigo, Billy T. | Maniquiz, John Carlo M.

CHAPTER 6: SYNTHESIS

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INTRODUCTION The problems that purview in the redevelopment of an unutilized place and building has been defined as the Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center (BPLC) calls to integrate the needs of its immediate environment to achieve socio-economic and ecological development while it faces existing problems after its construction. With the participation of the people within the proximity of the BPLC – the residents and local merchants of Sta. Clara and its neighboring communities, the workers of the Batangas International Port and the Passengers, strategies for the redevelopment in line with the objectives of the study has been produced; these strategies are supported by concrete references supported by the existing studies and developments related to the site context, present social behavior and economic status of the Batangas City and BPLC. Consolidating the findings on the three aspects of the study: social engagement, ecological setting, and economic status of the redevelopment, proposals have been established – corresponding to the needs identified for the BPLC. The site context of Batangas City, and the Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center development plan has been assessed to further address the risks of BPLC being situated in a coastal area, and its relationship to the users of the immediate community and establishments – addressing each type of user’s workflow. All information is collated in order to produce guidelines and strategies in designing a socio-economic and environmental responsive redevelopment of the Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center. Concepts and parameters that will be applied that would help achieve the design goals will also be presented.

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A. Design Scenario The due to the unutilization of the Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center (BPLC) for almost ten years, and its continuous physical deterioration due to its coastal setting is being pursued by the government of Batangas, given with a fixed and limited budget of 200 million pesos, to be redeveloped in order to gain economic development. However, the existing relationship between the immediate environment and the community does not respond to the purpose of BPLC in order to sustain socio-economic development and instigate positive ecological impacts, and vice versa, in its immediate environment and to the province of Batangas. The research has revealed that the BPLC is no longer responsive to the economic, ecological and psychological needs of the community – leading it to be less utilized and turn into a white elephant building. The challenge then, is to redevelop the Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center into an income-generating multi-use complex that contributes to the sustainable economic growth, holistic well-being of the of its users while contributing to the social and ecological development of the community.

B. Design Goal The goal of the design is to reimage the Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center from being a dull, white elephant building into a conducive space to its immediate users and responsive to its environment while improving psychological, social behavior and relationships between the diverse community within the development of the facility – contributing to the socio-economic and ecological development not only with the BPLC, but with the developments in its vicinity as well.

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C. Design Objectives Sourcing from the established findings from the comprehensive data gathered, the objectives in redeveloping the Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center are listed below: 1.

To effectively integrate the immediate facilities within the BPLC, such as the Batangas Port, Sta.

Clara Elementary School, and its neighboring community while considering the individual need of each user type.

2.

To effectively maximize building efficiency and effectivity to cater more users and commercial

developments, while stimulating comfort and convenience during peak or normal season of building operations.

3.

To maximize the benefits from the environmental setting of the BPLC in improving holistic wellness

of its users and the building itself.

4.

To mitigate the negative effects of the ecological setting of BPLC, being in a coastal area on the

building’s physical and aesthetic form.

D. Design Philosophy “Architecture is a discipline that requires a deep cultural, sociological, economic, political and ethical understanding of the world.� as Odile Decq, a Jane Drew prize for Women in Architecture has quoted, defines the purpose of why the study to redevelop the Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center has been initiated. Supporting philosophies to be adapted and implemented throughout the design process has been considered in the three aspects of ecocentrism: Social, Ecological and Economic development of the BPLC. CHAPTER VI | 413

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Social Integration and Engagement

The community, and its immediate users is a primary consideration for design as architecture is for the people. Architect and urban designer Jan Gehl have told, “First life, then spaces, then buildings. The other way around never works.” The community and the people are the soul of a space. The BPLC being unutilized by the people within its surrounding has problems rooted from the facility being unresponsive to their immediate needs. As a known Japanese architect, Tadao Ando have told, “You cannot simply put something new into a place. You have to absorb what you see around you, what exists on the land, and then use that knowledge along with contemporary thinking to interpret what you see.” The community is essential in the process of creating solutions as architects, are not designing for concrete structures but for the people and its end users.

Ecological Development and Contribution Human and environment has been on strong ties since time immemorable. In an essay by the known American Art Historian, Vincent Joseph Scully, he told that “the way human beings see themselves in relation to nature is fundamental to all cultures; thus, the first fact of architecture is the natural world, the second is the relationship of human structures to the topography of the world, and the third is the relationship of all these structures to each other, comprising the human community as a whole.” Coexistence of the two entities has given diverse benefits and has generated a deep mutual relationship and with strong connection between people, space, and the environment, the BPLC shall provide ecological development and contribution to its immediate community and its environment.

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Economic Sustainability As the Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center have faced a long-term drought in its economic progress, the redevelopment pursues to empower the connection between the economics of a place into architecture. A German planer and artist, Oskar Schlemmer has told, “In the face of the economic plight, it is our task to become pioneers of simplicity, that is, to find a simple form for all of life’s necessities, which is at the same time respectable and genuine”. Transforming the BPLC into a mixed-use commercial center deep consideration to the main necessities of the immediate community is revealed a prior requirement to ensure feasibility of the facility. Eric Weiner, a philosophical traveler, has shared the same thought that a place has a huge power in contributing to the comprehensive development of the people and its surrounding, he quoted, “I believe that where we are affects who we are when it comes to happiness, spirituality, economics and creative genius”.

E. Design Considerations and Parameters a. Social Engagement In a Portuguese book, Public Spaces (2017) discussing the Ten Principles of Urban Renewal quoted that, “Our impressions of a city are formed mainly by the quality of public spaces. If they are not pleasant and preserved, or if they transmit a sense of insecurity, we will

Figure 6.1: Socially engaging open spaces

seldom return”. The BPLC, being a space for the people Source: youtube.com CHAPTER VI | 415

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and the community in its proximity, shall integrate strategies that conforms to the social norms of its people and create a conducive space for interaction between other people. Considering social engagement creates an active and positive atmosphere where people would catch interest of going to the BPLC.

Design Parameters 1.

Visibility and Permeability a. Provide waiting areas on open spaces with no blockades for visibility. Usage of foliage as barriers for private spaces b. Articulation of key spaces by elevating floor areas c. Color selection of Site furnishing materials in contrast to the ambiance of the environment d. Use of glass on key commercial areas to encourage buyers

2.

Enforced Interaction a. Provision of “cramped” social spaces on small open areas to initiate interaction b. Usage of round tables on working stations to allow cross-interaction c. Gruen Transfer – locating key spaces separately to force building users to navigate the area, making the ambiance of the facility to be active

3.

Engaging Environment a. Provision of open stalls that offers basic and immediate need for food of the people b. Provide variety of activities on open areas for people to choose from

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b. User Well-being As a typical connotation to architecture, “Designing for the people�; architecture and its built environment has the direct impact on human well-being. It is essential to ensure the well-being of every type of user who utilizes the facility. The Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center (BPLC), being a public space surrounded by huge user population actively working within its neighboring facilities must take into account the possibilities for human intervention as it would affect the social engagement and economic development of the facility.

Design Parameters 1.

Safety and Security a.

Zoning of spaces on the BPLC to ensure

privacy of office workers and port workers during workhours b.

Proper

circulation

of

arriving

and

departing passengers on the BPLC and the Batangas Port Figure 6.2: Securing waiting areas Source: google.com

c.

Locating security visibility at key spaces

such as the entrance and exit way of passengers and vehicles.

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2.

Conducive Space and User Efficiency a.

Application of active daylighting on

office spaces and on social spaces through clerestory windows, high ceilings and application of polycarbonate roofing. b.

Transitional arrangement of workspaces

responding to the workflow of activity of users Figure 6.3: Natural lighting on Office Spaces Source: google.com

3.

Psychological development a.

Integration of interior landscaping that

stimulates good air quality b.

Usage of scented plants to stimulate

relaxation c. Application of textured finishes of light and natural earth color to stimulate relaxation and Figure 6.4: Interior Landscaping on public areas (atrium) Source: google.com

concentration.

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c. Responsive to the Coastal Environment The BPLC, being a redevelopment project, shall conform to the demands of the environment as well, limiting construction waste and contribution to carbon footprint emissions in its pre-redevelopment phase is essential. In terms of its new design proposal, innovations must be applied in order to achieve compliance to environmental codes set by the government and standards for green design.

Design Parameters 1. Compliance to BERDE Standards 2. Sustainable and local material selection a. Use of Foamed Concrete to maximize flood control b. Maximizing the use of bamboo in structural Figure 6.5: Interior Landscaping on public areas (atrium) Source: google.com

and aesthetic purposes c. Use of recycled plastic hardscapes on landscaping

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d. Use of ground covers and turf on paved areas

Figure 6.6: Natural ground covers Source: google.com

3. Physical contact to nature a.

Integration of landscaping to social interior spaces

b.

Provision of evaporative cooling from sprinkler,

fountains on active spaces

Figure 6.7: Water features on site Source: google.com

d. Value for Economy The redevelopment project of BPLC has faced huge debts to be paid by the Provincial Government of Batangas after it did not materialize. Being in this situation, value for positive economic progress is critical in order to compensate for what has been lost. Given with limited and fixed budget, maximization of budget will ensure building efficiency and effectivity – securing fast return of investment within the BPLC.

Design Parameters

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1.

Utilization of existing resources a. Incorporation of rainwater harvesting on the building for further utilization on sanitary areas b. Application and use of bioswales to reduce flooding c.

Maximizing the good orientation of the site by using solar panels to harvest natural energy

Figure 6.8: Rainwater Harvesting System Source: google.com

d. Maximizing the wind speed in the BPLC being in the coastal area by using wind belts that captures energy from vibrations produced by wind e. Solar-powered street lamps on parking areas.

Figure 6.7: Wind belt generators Source: google.com

2.

Maximization of commercial spaces a. Cater facilities and establishments of prior need of the Sta. Clara Residents, passengers, and BIP Workers to maximize revenue b. Commercial/food stalls on social areas to gain purchasing interest of people 3. Vertical

Figure 6.8: Solar-powered street lamps Source: google.com

Expansion

of

building

development CHAPTER VI | 421

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F. Design Guidelines a.

Existing Laws to be followed

Ordinance/Laws/Standards

Description

Effect of Implementation Consideration of the National Building codes provides a more secure redevelopment for the users and

Presidential Decree No. 1096

National Building Code of the Philippines and its implementing rules and regulations

possible expansion of user population.

It will also give provisions that will be applied for the possible design, alteration, repair, conversion, use, occupancy, maintenance, moving, demolition

A decree instituting a water code, thereby revising and consolidating the laws governing Presidential Decree No. 1067

the ownership, appropriation, utilization, exploitation, development, conservation and protection of water resources

Implementation of the water code secures the protection of its immediate natural water bodies – the Batangas Bay. Consideration to the Sanitation Code

Presidential Decree No. 856 and Republic Act 1378

Sanitation Code of the Philippines and National

secures natural bodies of water from

Plumbing Code of the Philippines

improper application of waste water systems

Presidential Decree No. 1185

Fire Code of the Philippines

The BPLC, being a prospect site for social and economic development

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shall secure safety of its possible growing population.

Implementation of the Local Government Code provides more Republic Act 7160

Local Government Code of the Philippines

opportunities for the BPLC to be for the people through the power of the local government.

The BPLC, as it targets to cater all types of users shall conform to the

Batas Pambansa Blg. 344

Accessibility Code of the Philippines

needs and standards set for people with disabilities (PWDs) allowing them to have more efficient access in the BPLC, its facilities and utilities.

Sangguniang Panlungsod Ordinance No. 16 Series of

An Act providing for the Environment Code of

2010

Batangas City

Secures ecological balance and harmonious relationship within the community and the BPLC

Table 6.1: Existing Laws for Compliance

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b.

Code Survey Codes from laws to be implemented and considered in the redevelopment of the Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center has been collated as reference in the design process which will be essential to achieve the goals of ecocentrism – social welfare, economic development, and positive ecological impact.

PD 1096

National Building Code of the Philippines

PARKING REQUIREMENTS Planting Strips and Sidewalks RROW (m) 30 and above 25 - 29 20 - 24 10 - 19 Below 10 15 12 10 8 6.5

PW SW 1.2 (0.6) 1/6 – 1/4 0.6 (0.3) 1/6 – 1/3 0.6 (0.3) 1/6 – 1/3 0.4 (0.2) 1/4 - 1/3 Optional 1/4 - 1/3

Markets restaurants

1 slot/ 150m² 1 slot/ 125m² of gross floor area

Office building Other buildings in business and commercial zones

1 slot/ 125m² of gross floor area 1 slot/ 50m² of spectator area

Public assembly buildings OCCUPANCY Tourist bus parking

REQUIRED PARKING 2 bus slots/ hotel or theater restaurant

LOADING REQUIREMENTS OCCUPANCY

PARKING REQUIREMENTS OCCUPANCY

PARKING REQUIREMENTS

Required Parking

Hotels Residential hotels and apartels

1 slot/ 10 rooms

Motels

1 slot/ 1 unit

Shopping centers

1 slot/ 100m²

1 slot/ 5 units

Stores, manufacturing, mercantile, wholesale and the like

REQUIRED PARKING 1 loading slot for every 5000m² of gross floor area (minimum of 1 truck loading slot)

Hotels and hospitals 1 truck loading slot 1 accessible parking lot for 50-150 slots and an additional slot for every 100 thereafter.

Table 6.2: Code Survey – PD 1096

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BP 344 (Accessibility Law)

An Act to Enhance the Mobility of Disabled Persons

By Requiring Certain Buildings, Institutions, Establishments and Public Utilities to Install Facilities and Other Devices.

Doors

Width (Clear)

Pressure Force

Kick Plates

0.30 m to 0.40 m

CORRIDORS Width (Clear)

1.20 m 1.50 m X 1.50 m @ 12.00 m Spacing

Recess / Turnabout 3.50 m @ every Dead End

0.80 m (Measured from the surface of the fully open door at the hinge to the Door Jamb at the stop

WASHROOM & TOILETS Area

1.70 m X 1.80 m

4.0 kg (Operable);

Turning Space

2.25 m2; 1.50 m (Min. Dimension)

1.0 kg (Closing Device Pressure – Interior Door)

Number

1 / 20 WC; 2 / >20 WC

1.50 m X 1.50 m (Before & Beyond) Signage

Clear Level Space

▲ Men’s Washroom,  Women’s Washroom 0.30 m Length or Diameter; 7.5 mm Thick

1.20 m if not into a corridor Out-Swinging Doors

Storage Rooms, Closets, Accessible Restrooms

Water Closet

Door Knobs / Hardware

0.82m to 1.06 m; 0.90 m (Preferred)

Lavatories

Vertical Pull Handles

1.06 m OC (Preferred)

Urinals

0.45 m (H); Flush Control @ 1.20 m (H) 0.80 m Height (Max.) 0.60 to 0.70 m Knee Recess Vertical Clearance 0.50 m Depth Elongated or Through Lip of 0.48 m (H)

Table 6.3: Code Survey – BP 344

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SAFETY FENCING FOR ROADWORKS & FOOTWORKS Height (Top of Rail) 1.00 m above adjacent surface Tapping Rail 0.35 m above adjacent surface NO GAPS between adjoining fence lengths, STRONG enough resistance COVERS FOR EXCAVATIONS Width 1.20 m with 0.20 m Kickboard If footway width is reduced to less than 1.20 m, cover will be full width of footway SIGNAGE FOR ROADWORKS ON CARRIAGEWAY Location Verges or Similar Should not reduce the footway width to less than 1.20 m EMERGENCY EXIT Tablets / Plan Located at Main Lobby Flashing Light / Signs At every change of direction AUDIBLE & VISIBLE ALARM SYSTEM Audio-Visual Alarm In all fire sections as per (PD1185) Vibra-Alarms Deaf or Hearing-impaired Occupants

STAIRS Tread Surface

Slip-Resistant Slip Resistant / Slanted (AVOID Open Nosing Stringers) Non-Skid Material with High Contrast Leading Edge Color Hazardous Areas 0.30 m (W) Tactile Strip ELEVATORS Location 30.00 m (Max.) from Entrance Dimension 1.10 m X 1.40 m Control Panels 0.90 m to 1.20 m (H) 20 mm Ø; 1 mm (D) with Braille-Type Button Controls Signs

Table 6.3: Code Survey – BP 344 (Safety)

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G. Design Concept In

the collation

of

all

the

information from all the respective respondents

that

may

affect

the

redevelopment of the Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center (BPLC), the concept developed lies behind the objectives and goals set for the redevelopment that will be applied in the design – being distinctive as the core for all solutions to be integrated in response to the three

Figure 6.9: Euplectella aspergillum Source

aspects needed, what has been discovered through the research was the need for integration of the community to the BPLC by providing its immediate needs; responsiveness of the facility to its environment – being in an urban coastal area; and the need to provide efficiency to mitigate its negative economic backlogs. The design will be translated in reference to ecocentrism – materialized in the analogy and the essence of the process of regeneration of Euplectella aspergillum, a species of sponge.

1. Architectural Adaptations Analogy. The concept runs from the qualities and process of regeneration of a sponge, relating to the need to be satisfied in order to achieve ecocentrism in its immediate environment – a holistic and comprehensive CHAPTER VI | 427

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redevelopment of the BPLC for its people. The BPLC in its aim to revive its socio-economic status can be promoted as a center for commerce and development of social interaction with Batangas’ diverse culture and natural attractions. Derived from the concept of sponge, known for its regenerative capabilities can be divided, regrow, and be combined to continue its existence, the BPLC shares the same process in its aim for redevelopment – has been sorted out from the society where people get no interest to use the facility, regrow, as it starts to be redeveloped in response to the immediate needs and wants of its community and nearby facilities, and integrate itself to the community back again, and its share to the economic development of Batangas, and sustain environmental influence to its immediate environment.

Figure 6.10: Regeneration process of Sponge Source: Billy Laigo

Structural Form The body structure of these sponges is a thin-walled, cylindrical, vaseshaped tube with a large central atrium. The body is composed entirely of silica in the form of 6-pointed siliceous spicules, which is why they are commonly known as glass sponges. The arrangement of glass fibers has been known for its stability. The skeletons have geometric patterns on its body which have Figure 6.9: Body structure of Euplectella aspergillum.

Source: www.spotmydive.com

been studied for its strength, yield strength and minimal crack propagation.

The skin of these type of sponges are translucent-like.

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The redevelopment of BPLC, in order to achieve environment-responsiveness needs to apply the concepts of natural forms to ensure stability while considering other aspects of social and ecological development. Integrating the natural structural patterns of the sponge in the building design gives complexity and structural Figure 6.10: Body structure of Euplectella aspergillum and its application Source: Billy Laigo

stability

with

aesthetics.

The

cylindrical, vase-shaped tube structure of the sponge relates to the aim of the redevelopment of the facility – permeability within the

environment and its users. As it looks forward for a socially engaging facility, provision of atriums as social spaces in the facility can lead to a improved social ambiance of the facility that maximize interactions on the diverse users of the BPLC.

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Ecological Process Sponges are important in nutrient cycles in coral reef systems. Scientists believe they may be important factors to changes in water quality, whether good or bad. With the structure of sponges, they tend to collect bacteria when water is filtered through them.

These filtered microorganisms have an essential purpose – they may be able to create forms of nitrogen from the nitrogen gas in the water that may be nutritional for them. They can be able to turn ammonium from the sponge’s breathing into nitrogen gas that is then released into the atmosphere.

Figure 6.10: The Process of Ecological Contributions of Sponges Source: Billy Laigo

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Respiration of sponges takes place by diffusion of oxygen from water the flowing into the body. Adequate dissolved oxygen is necessary for good water quality, creating a more conducive marine life. The essence of the contribution of sponges on marine life sustainability, intends to be a stimulation on the redevelopment of the BPLC – to be a building of importance to the community and the environment by supplying its immediate needs. The importance and impact of its presence and life within its environment is adapted in the redevelopment Figure 6.11: Application of Structure and Essence to the Design Source: Billy Laigo

of the BPLC as it aims not just to contribute in the economy of the Province of Batangas but to contribute on its people and its environment.

Spatial Application As sponges are very complex and can adapt to any situation or ecosystem they are situated in, the redevelopment focused on planning site features relevant to the needs of its immediate environment and diverse users. As spaces are located directly accessible to the establishments in its proximity to attract more social engagements.

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Social Integration Upon the process of improving social

engagement

within

the

development of BPLC, it must be taken into account how each user in its diverse

community

behaves

and

interacts. As the life process of sponges tends to improve water quality by dispersing

water

molecules

and

releasing ammonia that contributes to the water cycle and the atmosphere – it shall be as well applied in the

Figure 6.11: Application of Structure and Essence to the Design Source: Billy Laigo

redevelopment of BPLC as it aims to improve quality of life within its users. This can be translated as open spaces within the building and outside, incorporated with landscaping. Selection of plant species on the landscape can affect air quality as well,

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H. Design Evolution The BPLC’s redevelopment project aims to be cost efficient while achieving socio-economic development of the Sta. Clara Residents and its future investors. In order to achieve its cost efficiency, it has determined through that the structural core of the building is still good – maintaining its columns and almost of the whole structure.

Figure 6.7: Projected Expansion of BPLC

In order to address the growing social needs such as the diverse types of users and activities. The ground floor, where active operations are often due to the proximity of the Batangas International Port will be maintained and will be provided minor alterations in ceiling and walls to allow light penetration to create ambient atmosphere inside the facility.

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Figure 6.8: Alterations on Building Form and Envelope

The second and third floor, will be maintained and provided minor alterations in ceiling and walls to allow light penetration to create ambient atmosphere as well. In order to create a soft and harmonious atmosphere within the facilities with different uses, curves on floors are adapted including on its proceeding floors. Tall windows will be adapted to create an illusion of height and permeability. Distribution of wind belts on the faรงade are arranged perpendicular to wind flows to catch vibrations and create energy.

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Figure 6.9: Addition of Green Elements and Open Spaces

Vertical expansion is considered in the redevelopment in order to adapt on the limited buildable space in BPLC’s site. The concept derived from the regenerative characteristic of sponge is also applied through the bottom to top approach – prioritizing the most important areas located on its ground floor.

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Lastly, to create ambient spaces on the building interior, green areas are added that would serve as social areas as well. These spaces allow sunlight penetration on deep hallways of the building – creating a better indoor atmosphere for residential spaces on the upper floors of the BPLC.

Figure 6.10: BPLC with the Proposed Buildings

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