Makati Green Urban Space Case Studies by Vertical Urbanism Ventures

Makati Green Urban Space Case Studies: From Issues to Options By Arch Mart Erick Bingco, Arch Ma. Elena Lamasan, Arch Baren Paul Del Rosario Architecture, Industrial Design and Built-Environment, Graduate School, Mapua Institute of Technology, Manila

MAKATI GREEN URBAN SPACE CASE STUDIES From Issues to Options

A Green Urban Public Space and Action Plan

A Final Paper submitted to the

Department of Architecture, Industrial Design and Built-Environment, Graduate School, Mapua Institute of Technology, Manila

Authored by: AR 213 2Q AY 2014-15 MIT MSAR Students

INTRODUCTION A Green Urban Public Space and Action Plan is the main focus in this Makati Green Urban Space Case Studies: From Issues to Options. This Paper is presented as an Executive Summary of the Seminar-Workshop done in the Green Urban Design Center, University of Makati with the Graduate School architects-students of the Department of Architecture, Industrial Design and Build-Environment of the Mapua Institute of Technology, Manila. A group work participated in by 3 architects- students and representatives of the assigned Barangay, specifically LA PAZ, in this paper were done in 6 Saturdays of combined Lecture and Field Work to fully complete a productive seminar workshop. Illustrated from the background of the Barangay to the Design, Policy and Action Plan Recommendations and Options are critical environmental concerns of Barangay La paz with the Design Solutions as a result of the created Group Team Work supervised by the Panel and Seminar Facilitators the GUDC-University of Makati, Mapua MSAR and the University of the Philippines School of Urban Design Alumni and Friends Foundation, Inc. (UP SAFFI) This paper states its Limitations and Unanticipated Consequences after a thorough Implementation Strategy is shown for a well guided Green Urban Design.

Images of Barangay La Paz, Makati City

I. BACKGROUND OF THE BARANGAY AND THEIR PUBLIC SPACES

a. Description of the Barangay and their Public Spaces

HISTORY OF BARANGAY LA PAZ The History of Barangay La Paz started almost 60 years ago when this part of Makati was opened by the Ayala Corporation as its First Post War Residential Subdivision. The Barangay used to be part of Barrio Tejeros, carved out of a Riceland, water lilies, kangkong, talahib and other swamp undergrowth, but then, for those who wanted to lead a new life and start a new home they can truly call their own, it was good enough to live in. By May 1949, more than five families have built their Modern Homes. As the number of Families grew, the community residents need to organize themselves to provide solutions to emerging needs and problems. Their first Official Act was to secede from Tejeros and christened the community, Barrio Villena in Honor of Mayor Jose D. Villena. Later on, it was renamed LA PAZ in honor of Nuestra Senora de la Paz y Buen Viaje, the Barangay Patroness. Now, a large residential community with very few vacant lots available. Physical Attributes includes a Total Land Area = 0.2478 Square Kilometers. Existing Land Use is Commercial along Chino Roces Avenue (Pasong Tamo), Vito Cruz Extension and Zobel Roxas St. The rest of the area are Residential. The Barangay Boundaries are â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to the North-Manila, Brgy. Singkamas and Tejeros(Davila) . To the South-Brgy. San Antonio (Vito Cruz Ext.). To the East-Brgy. Sta. Cruz (PasongTamo St.) And to the West-Manila (Zobel Roxas,Vito Cruz). The Specific Barangay Boundaries are Brgy. Singkamas and Brgy. Tejeros.

b. Existing Problems and Maintenance Plan

The Main Environmental Problem of Barangay La Paz is Flood. Next to such is the IS-Informal Settlers in whom the GK-Gawad Kalinga extended assistance by transferring them to Bulacan. At Present, the sight of the IS is not fully diminished due to the new â&#x20AC;&#x201C; transient-mobile so called IS which are scattering along Davila and part of Mola St going to the Makati Coliseum. Many are also scattered on the side streets of Onyx that poses a conflict of location since the Manila territory and Makati shall be identified at Onyx Street. These unidentified transient IS stays in the side streets causing problem in orderliness.

Side Street used as Funeral Places and temporary sleeping areas.

The Existing Problems and Maintenance Plan was seen clearly thru the Identification of

the existing conditions and data gathering, evaluation and processing them as an

Architectural Rejoiner. Considered on the identification of existing problems are the predominant economic activities identified as: Car repairs, Restaurants, Inns, Sari-sari Stores, Banks and Gas Stations. Major Establishment are among others - McDonalds, Mercury Drugstore, The Inquirer, Union Bank, Banco de Oro and the Condominiums that dots the Barangay. Due to fast development of Condominiums in the area, other businesses created a domino effect on the neighborhood, some positive and some are to the negative effect.

c. Outcomes of Prior Efforts to Solve the Problem Thru the CLEAN and GREEN Program of the City of Makati and the Makati City Engineering Division, the problem of Flooding in the Barangay is mitigated. Below are illustrations of Flooding Situation in the Barangay:

Flooded Areas in Barangay La Paz, Makati

II. SCOPE AND SEVERITY OF THE PROBLEM a. Assessment of Past Performance Solutions were made to lessen the severity of Flooding that reaches from 3ft. to 4 ft. or even up to the 2nd levels of residencies. By the vigilant communications with the residents and the help of the City Public Works Programs, middle of the street drainage were constructed shown in photos below.

b. Significance of Problem Situation

The actual width of streets in the Barangay are enough to accommodate a twoway and a limited sidewalk on both sides. Thus, the only remaining solution for Drainage is to do it in the middle of the street and create strong manholes to resist movement and vibration of the heavy traffic street.

Illustration 2: Middle of the Street Drainage hasten drainage performance compared to Side streets

c. Need for Analysis Barangay La Paz as one of the oldest residential villages in Makati and known as a lowlying area has one major problem which is Flood.

The Illustration above shows the intensity of the Flood as color coded in Low Flood Hazard. Moderate Flood Hazard and High Flood Hazard which all drops down to the Pasay direction and can be minimized if a bigger catch cistern be located at Vito Cruz-Zobel Roxas Sts. These direction points to the South Super Highway Canal when maximized.

III. PROBLEM STATEMENT a. Diagnose the Problem Barangay La Paz had participated in the GUDC Workshop the previous years back and some of their environmental problems were initially addressed while others are in progress. These are the following: 1. Flooding being a major problem were mitigated with the Sewerage Maintenance that was recently completed. 2. Materials Recycling Facility in a given space was made easier thru the Garbage Segregation and Recycling Program. This activity is being coordinated with the Clean and Green Program as a good Livelihood Project offering source of income to the residents. 3. The greening program that had lead to a cooperation in the neighborhood in planting activity and making the streetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sidewalk plant boxes were already 8

implemented. These had created an architectural touch to the streets combined with steel artwork barrier for pedestrian safety. 4. The answer to the need for additional space for the Barangay Hall paved the way to a proposal for a Retrofitting of the existing Basketball Covered Court into a Multi-level Mixed-Use Hall. This remained a proposal up to this GUDC presentation 2014. Apart from the previous yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; solutions that was started also with GUDC, some of the present concerns this 2014 were identified as Major Points to consider in this paper. These are the following: 1. Need of additional space for Barangay Activities and Administration 2. On-going transfer and/or giving alternative accommodation for Informal Settlers. 3. Unpleasant use of private lots that are not properly maintained by owners resulting to illegal businesses and settlements. 4. The need for an increasing space for Materials Recovery Facilities (MRF) 5. Need for Parks and Open Grounds 6. Scattered Tricycle Terminals that needs regulation and assistance 7. Need for Social Interaction Spaces and Green features

b. Major Stakeholders

The 7 Major Points stated above shows very defined stakeholders. Both the Residents and the Government workers share benefit should the additional space be provided for the Barangay Hall. The TODA or the Tricycle Operators and Drivers are the major stakeholders if and when the proposed regulated terminal is pushed thru. The greening programs which include the proposed green wall, the proposed parks and open ground and the improvement of the MRF or the Materials Recovery Facility will benefit the residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; clean environment.

Investors in the high-rise condominium projects are the players in the economic upliftment of the Barangay while the private owners of the lots that maybe negotiated for the PPP-Public-Private Partnership will derived gainful economic future should join in a Partnership and cooperation with the Government. c. Goals and Objectives

The Mission of Barangay La Paz states that it shall intensify the delivery of public service through the implementation of various development programs and projects that will promote kinship among its people, enhance their competence and improve their economic status.

This is enriched with the assistance of the city government to the LGUs thru the overall Goal and Objectives of the Green Urban Design for the Barangays in Makati which leads to this GUDC-Workshop as it aims to bring the concepts of green building and sustainable urban governance at the grassroots level to target barangays, the smallest unit of government in the country. The workshop provides expert assistance to barangay officials as they develop their green visions for their respective jurisdictions namely:

1) To develop an urban design process for the different participants 2) To develop skills in governance

3) To acquire and understand district information 4) To identify and understand sites to develop urban programs 5) To become familiar with models of green urban design 6) To locate, program, and design green urban public and publicly accessible spaces 7) To communicate green design ideas to varying audiences 8) To implement green design ideas for public and publicly accessible spaces

To the micro level of this Workshop Goals and Objectives, this paper relates the Goals and Objectives as what was the presentation in the GUDC-Workshop 2014. Done by the Mapua Graduates School Group together with the Barangay Officials assigned is to continue the started Implementation of the previous GUDC Team. At present, these are on-going and added to these are the present Goals and Objectives namely: 1. PPP: Private-Public Partnership at San Diego Compound. a. To unify and regulate the existing tricycle operators and drivers associations presently cluttered in approximately six (6) socalled “terminals” located along side streets of the following:  Zobel Roxas corner Caton St.  Eureka St corner Archimedes St.  Cervera St. corner Pablo Ocampo St. d. Mola St corner Chino Roces Avenue e. Zobel Roxas corner Balagtas St. b. To implement cleanliness and orderliness in the neighborhood by providing Lounge and Comfort Rooms for Drivers in cooperation with the Non Government Organizations and Sponsors. Model sponsors for the construction and maintenance for the proposed projects can be gas suppliers like shell, petron, and/or other companies whose business considers tricycles one of their prime customers. c.

To create an income generation for the private sector on the use of the property like community tax incentives while serving for the good of the community.

d. To be a base-group for any innovation on the use of bio-fuel or any future diversification for green air act. The current tricycle terminals are found at Zobel Roxas corner Caton St., Eureka St corner Archimedes St., Cervera

St. corner Pablo Ocampo St., Mola St corner Chino Roces Avenue and in Zobel Roxas corner Balagtas St.

Existing Tricycle Terminals along the streets

2. PROPOSED GREEN WALL in Rafael Palma Elementary School along ABCD St. and other locations in the Barangay.

a. To create breathing spaces and clean-air in the neighborhood. b. To motivate the residents in engaging natural ways of beautifying their surroundings c. To strengthen team building and cooperation among the baragay residents existing condition

3. WALKABLE PARK/COMMERCIAL STRIP along Guam St. to Our Lady of La Paz Church a. To create a Gainful impact to the Tourism Aspect of the Barangay while maintaining a safe and trendy social interaction in the social spaces that is economically sustainable.

4. RELOCATION OF BARANGAY HALL a. The Conversion of the existing structure into a Multi-storey Building that will accommodate: new barangay hall, fire station, police station, material recovery facilities, multi-purpose area and covered court will create more interior and exterior space for the Administrative and Social functions of the Barangay. b. This will also accommodate the Youth Center, Barangay Clinic, Library and Senior Citizenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Headquarters and Welfare Center.

5. ADAPTIVE REUSE OR OPEN PARK WITH FLOOD CONTROL as a result of the Conversion of the Old Barangay Hall will create sustainable water source for the Barangay while making a Green Park as Additional Social or Public space

6. UTILIZING OPEN SPACES thru PPP or Public-Private Partnership lies in the goal of maximizing productivity of these sleeping places thru PublicPrivate Partnership which in turn eliminates crime, uncontrolled and illegal garbage dumping and encourages business giving source of income to the City.

d. Measure of Effectiveness and Potential Solution The measure of effectiveness and Potential solutions lies on the priority or the urgency of the needs of the constituents. Basically the need for human survival which means their existence is their first priority and the first priority in governance. Below are the priority of the Potential Solutions where Effectivity can be gauged.

1. Livelihood Problems and solutions that will encourage livelihood or source of income is the first priority. These are the problems identified that had solutions on the Regulated Tricycle Terminal as a strong and common Livelihood in the Area. Next to this is the creation of a Walkable Park along Guam St. that is commercially sound as it encourage business and source of income. Belonging to the source of Livelihood is the Materials Recovery Facility where residents derives income in the sale of assorted and recycled junks or wastes supported by the Clean and Green Program of the City. 2. Preservation of Life â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Protection and Safety Next is the preservation of life in terms of protection and safety. In Barangay La Paz, it is the solution to flooding that speaks on this. The Sewerage Manitenance and the Adaptive Reuse of the open space as a Flood Control Facility.

3. Community Improvement and Future Investments Aside from the Existence of the Barangay and its capacity to protect itself or the Livelihood and the Self-Preservation, the Barangay has to consider building â&#x20AC;&#x201C;up for its future. These caters to answer the questions: Is the Barangay has future investments to go with the trend of fast high urbanism? Does it accommodates residents or individual investors who may bring income and economic gain to the community? Does the Local Policy open its doors to ideas for building up of its future?

These questions so far are being answered in the Barangay as shown by the interconnected development of High-Rise Residential and Commercial structures who may eventually function as SPURS to the community contributory to the

attainment of a sustainable urban community. Well known Condominium Development such as the EGI-I and EGI-II along Mola St. and the KINGSWOOD along Pasong Tamo Extension are examples of bright investments for the future. Here the stakeholders maybe companies whose owners are not residents of the Barangay yet the Business creates job for the neighborhood.

The gauge of the effectiveness of these economically gainful features in the Barangay is the IRA or the Revenue accumulated from these investments.

IV. DESIGN , POLICY AND ACTION PLAN ALTERNATIVES a. Description of Alternatives

The six (6) Green Urban Design Solutions discussed herewith has seen its alternatives presented together with the Outline of Implementation Strategy in the preceding article V- Design, Policy and Action Plan Recommendation/Options.

There, is being shown the Stages of Implementation and Alternatives at the same time as affected by the Budgetary Cost of the proposals in a Tabulated Format.

b. Comparison of future Consequences

In the case of the Proposed OPEN PARK with FLOOD CONTROL which the proponents foresight shows something like the adapting the Bonifacio Global CityBurgos Circle Flood Control â&#x20AC;&#x201C; underground cistern type, this proposal is submissive to the plans of the Makati Sanitary and City Engineersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; target plans in the area. In case the City Engineers proceeds with their underground cistern after the Vito Cruz23

Zobel Robel Roxas junction which is already directional to Pasay, a big consolation will be experienced by the residents during flood.

The proposal to a Regulated Tricycle Terminal maybe foreseen as creating other growing commercial spaces alongside. Strict policy must be reserved for this expectations so that the proper zoning for the residential and commercial can be maintained.

The Walkable Park proposed along Guam St shall remain as light /mobile Kiosks without stay-ins. This would avoid Illegal Settlers again that may just ride-on the idea of â&#x20AC;&#x153;tiangge-tianggeâ&#x20AC;? concept during certain seasons like Christmas or Summer but yet, ths can cause again a difficulty in clearing the space for any future wiser alternative. c. Constraints and Political Feasibility

For any plans the community does, a strong political power is a big push to it. The coming 2016 National Elections will again draw other colors to these proposal, some maybe favorable that will speed up its implementation and some may hinder if not totally abolish these Proposals. It is again a wiser preparation if the sitting-in Barangay Officials put a strong basis and stand for the implementation of this regardless of a change in the National Leaders happen in 2016.

The Proposals for PPP-Public-Private Partnerships like the San Diego Compound and other open spaces may still be under the New Zoning Ordinances should changes in the CLUP - Comprehensive Land Use Plan of the City. A clear provision on the PPP shall be obtain to be favorable to these proposals.

V. DESIGN, POLICY AND ACTION PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS / OPTIONS a. Criteria for Recommending Alternatives

Criteria for Recommending Alternatives in the Green Urban Design for Barangay L a Paz are derived from the following: 

Time or target date of start of project - this is depending on the time frame of the National Government in releasing budget to Local Government Units



Weather Condition – the Barangay is a Flood Prone area and any project involving exterior activity such as construction or installations is depending on the good weather most probably Summer.



The Economic Status or Dollar Rate Increase affecting the GNP or the Gross National Product. This dictates the capability of the National Government to finance local project.



The Fast Growing and Upgrading Lifestyle in the community – this is greatly determined by the wide social media, internet and other communications. This dictates the legibility and acceptability of the constituents to a certain project.

Though the Problems identified and Green Solutions stated in this paper are given a wide reservation, circumstances may prevail where some may not be implemented any longer due to the reason of its fast obsolete an dleft behind by the fast technological advancement. 

Updated Demographic Data of the Barangay. This is critical to plans involving community participation like the Clean and Green Programs essential to the Green Wall Proposals and Sidewalk Beautification. An updated survey is needed to check if the residents are physically present and able to participate in the program, are able to do planting in their homes and contributing to the greening of the surroundings. 25

b. Description of Preferred Alternatives and Outline of Implementation Strategy IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY and ALTERNATIVES FOR THE GREEN WALL ALONG RAFAEL PALMA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL and ALONG ABCD ST. 1

Scope of Work Clearing of Walls and Rehabilitation of Dilapidated Walls The Installation of Hanging Plants

Program for Maintenance

Work Description This includes preparation of the Property Wall surfaces at the back of Rafael Palma Elementary School Provision of Hanging Plants in the Green Wall can be done in two Options: 1. By buying in a Landscaping Supplier 2. By staggered installation with plants taken from the neighborhood Maintenance Works for the Green Wall can be done in two options: 1.

Involved

Contractor Barangay Residents

By a Contract with a Landscaping Supplier that includes Supply of Plants, Installation and Maintenance that takes Duration like the No. of Months. By making it as a Subsidiary Project of CLEAN AND GREEN, Beautification of Agriculture.

Contractor

Barangay Residents

BUDGETARY COST FOR GREEN WALL The Proposed Green Wall along Rafael Palma Elementary School and along ABCD St. is flexible depending on the involvement of the Barangay for the Proposed Project. At present, a Cost of P3,000 per sq. meter is adaptable for a ready-to –install wall plants, including the installation frames or any housing. This Project which requires maintenance is being contracted by Landscaping Contractors for no. of Months guaranteed maintenance. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY AND ALTERNATIVES FOR WALKABLE PARK / COMMERCIAL STRIP The implementation of the Walkable / Commercial Strip along Guam St to our Lady of La Paz Church can take 3 Stages:

Scope of Work

Work Description

The Superstructure

Includes Excavation, Foundation Works, Flooring and Roofing. Provided with Roughing –in of Electrical and Plumbing System with some portions ready for use. This Roofed structure can already cater to gatherings and assymbly for the Barangay.

Staggered Budgetary Cost 40% = P10M

2 3

Complete Building Envelop Interior Works

Includes Completion of Masonry Walls, Fenestration and Ready to use Electrical and Plumbing. Interior Finishing and Completion of Electrical and Plumbing Works. All ready for use. (Loose Furniture and Communication Lines not Included in the Budgetary Estimates) Total

40% = P10M 20% = P6M P26,000,000.00

BUDGETARY COST OF THE PROPOSED WALKABLE /COMMERCIAL STRIP ALONG GUAM ST. TO OUR LADY OF LA PAZ CHURCH. The Proposed Walkable Park/ Commercial Strip along Guam St to our Lady of La Paz Church will involve Budget estimated by DPWH since it will touch portion of the roadways. Assuming that only the side street Landscaping and Pavement Improvement will be done. An estimated cost of P 5,000 per sq. meter can be assumed. Loose or Equipments, stands, seats, benches, bollards and other Landscaping and Safety elements are priced per sample from direct suppliers. The portions of the Commercial Strip when rented out can be a source of income to the Barangay and the City as well. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY AND ALTERNATIVES FOR THE REGULATED TRICYCLE TERMINAL The implementation of the New Barangay Hall can take 3 Stages: Scope of Work

Work Description

Clearing and Adaptation of the New Open Space

This is presumed that there a Successful Negotiation with the Private Owner of the Property namely the San Diego Family who has a Residence at Balagtas St in the same Barangay. The budget for CLEARING and ADAPTING to the Open Space as Proposed Tricycle Terminal will encourage clientele for the Tricycle Operators.

The Structure

Includes Excavation, Foundation Works, Columns and Roofing. Provided with Roughing â&#x20AC;&#x201C;in of Electrical and Plumbing System with some portions ready for use.

60% = P90,000.00

Complete Terminal Structure

Includes Completion of Comfort Rooms and Ready to use Electrical and Plumbing system with Signages.

20% = P30,000.00 P150,000.00

Total of One Module

Staggered Budgetary Cost per Module 20% = P30,000.00

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY AND ALTERNATIVES FOR THE NEW BARANGAY HALL The implementation of the New Barangay Hall can take 3 Stages: Scope of Work

Work Description

The Superstructure

Includes Excavation, Foundation Works, Flooring and Roofing. Provided with Roughing â&#x20AC;&#x201C;in of Electrical and Plumbing System with some portions ready for use. This Roofed structure can already cater to gatherings and assymbly for the Barangay.

Complete Building Envelop Interior Works

Staggered Budgetary Cost 40% = P10M

40% = P10M 20% = P6M P26,000,000.00

BUDGETARY COST OF THE BARANGAY HALL The Proposed Barangay Hall with an approximate area of 1,000 sq.meters is estimated to reach about at P25,000 per sq. for Building alone. This will incur a total of about P26,000,000.00. This cost has increased to 12% of its estimated cost based on previous GUDC Presentation by Barangay La Paz which was P22,000 per sq. m. and incurred a total of P23,000,000.00 .

c. Provision for Monitoring and Evaluation Monitoring of these Green Urban Design for Barangay La Paz are divided into Three Stages. 1. Monitoring during Project Implementation 2. Monitoring on after Project Turn-over 3. Monitoring on the Level of Acceptance and Productivity of the Project. Some projects or solutions does not have definite time for completion as they are staggered depending on the progress of one stage to the other or in cases where the preceding stage is dependent to the other. This is an example on the Green Wall project when the availability of plants shall be taken from the products of Clean and Green Program where residents plants and their plants shall be the one to be installed on the Green Wall.

Unlike the Retrofitting of the Old Covered Court to be converted into a New Barangay Hall which is like a staggered Construction project with time start and time finish, some projects that are dependent to direct participation of the constituents are monitored in their own pacing as to time. d. Limitations and Unanticipated Consequences The Green Urban Design Proposal for Barangay La Paz being done by 3 Mapua ARIDBE-Graduate School Architects-Students and one Barangay Officlal incharge for GUDC concerns were done in six Saturdays from November 8December 13. A full force of talents from the architectural aspect of the solutions were poured in to the Design as a Conceptual approach. This Final Paper shall not be used for any Feasibility Study or Bidding Requirement of related projects. The costings were done in the rule-of-thumb proportion applicable to the period of 6 months after the submission of this Paper. Increments to this costings herein must have adjustments when the proposal be implemented after 6 months and beyond.

REFERENCES: 1. Jason Pomeroy, ( 2014) THE SKYCOURT AND SKYGARDEN, Routledge, 2 Parksquare, 711 Third Avenue, New York 2. UN Habitat-World Urban: New Ideas in Urban Planning( 2009) 3. UN Habitat -Visioning â&#x20AC;&#x201C; As Participatory Planning Tool Learning From Kosovo Practices 4. GUDC Lectures and Handouts References Website Links: 1. Makati Portal http://www.makati.gov.ph/portal/index.jsp 2. Center for Urban Management and Environment, Inc http://www.urbanmgtcenter.org/ 29