CHAPTER 1:

Introduction
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Our world faces one of the biggest challenges that mankind has ever witnessed; we are

now seeing a world that suffers in the effects of climate change, slowly racing extinction and

trying to mitigate the effects of global warming. Concern over air and water pollution rapidly

spread to a range of other conditions – soil erosion, pesticide contamination, deforestation,

declining animal populations and species, and so on – through the efforts of environmental

scientists, activists, and policy-makers (Dunlap & Jorgenson, 2012). According to Discovery

News (2013), sea level rise is already starting to flood island nations and Island States need to

act now if they want to preserve even their ocean territories. These, however, are not the only

concerns that we need to address as it is only a small portion of the environmental problems.

With these pressing issues, many have been involved in various movements and

organizations that addresses environmental problems. This has led to this dissertation of

establishing the Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development that aims to

support these causes. However, according to Dunlap and Jorgeson, “Environmental problems

is an ubiquitous but vague concept, and we begin by clarifying the nature of these problems

and how they emerge from human use of the environment by employing some basic concepts

from ecology”. It is needed to first know the broken down ideas of what we are dealing with

and what it is comprised of before going to an in depth solution to the problems of the bigger

picture. Therefore, we must be focusing on “educating and raising the awareness of the local

people, particularly schoolchildren, concerning all environmental questions and encouraging

Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility 1
the popularization and widespread application of good practices”. (Tectoniques Architectes,

2014)

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The current pressing issues of the world are recognized by a number of international

communities, movements and organizations. In fact, “many of the world's major greenhouse

gas emitters have already set national targets to reduce emissions, and they're forging their

own initiatives to meet those goals”, states the NPR (2011). However, in the Philippines,

communities are not very much aware of these environmental crises. This is possibly due to

the lack of facilities that raises the awareness and educates the community about Climate

Change. Comparably, “Australia has set a national goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions

by 5 percent below 2000 levels by 2020, Brazil is aiming to reduce its emissions to 1994 levels

and cut deforestation by 80 percent from historic highs by 2020, the EU and its 27 member

states have pledged to reduce emissions by 20 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 while Japan

has pledged to reduce its emissions by 25 percent below 1990 levels by 2020”, as stated by

the NPR (2011).

However, at the current urban planning of Metro Manila, it is difficult to develop

horizontal facilities that is sprawling across the city. According to Paulo Alcazaren, 2013, “all is

not lost in Metro Manila and there are additional pockets of public green here and there but

all are threatened by the possibility of unfettered real estate development”. Chris Crawford

states that “a city with great parks, trails, and recreational amenities attracts talented and

educated people because it is viewed as a good place to live.” Such places are lacking in the

Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility 2
Philippines especially in Metro Manila. It is more often allocated for “profitable”

developments in the belief that parks and open spaces would just generate additional costs, a

cost penalty. (Palafox, 2015)

Seeing as such, and as high-rise buildings continue to sprout in major areas, a new

typology for parks and environment centers must be developed. Singapore, in fact, has offset

denser development by replacing lost greenery in urban centers with what they call “skyrise

greenery.” These are green roofs and vertical green walls on buildings and on their sides. The

total surface area of green acts in almost the same way as landscape on the ground, but also

in ways more than that. These interventions help reduce cooling requirements for buildings,

they mitigate pollution, and they reduce glare and heat build up. (Alcazaren, 2013)

1.3 IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY

The need to develop an Environmental Center in a Vertical manner is beneficial to the

following:

To the advancement of the architectural community, this dissertation will provide

further information on the new building typology of a Vertical Park that can be improved upon

by other professionals practicing in this field.

To the government and the public community, this research aims to provide a people-

centered facility that will be significant in reinforcing the social structures of communities.

Furthermore, it will help in educating the people regarding the environmental problems that

would help to improve the quality of lives of everyone.

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 To the environmentalists and the scientific research community, this development

would provide a facility for these researchers to improve their studies on.

1.4 HYPOTHESIS

 Study the existing state of Metro Manila in terms of Urban Planning, Landscaping and

in protecting the Environment

 Identify the factors to be considered in designing an environmental center in a vertical

park

 Study different case studies of vertical parks and its feasibility for application in Metro

Manila

 Suggest solutions to have the public involved in tackling the effects of climate change

and how incorporating a vertical park would affect it

1.5 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

The study aims to garner responses from environmentalists, urban planners, landscape

architects, and the general public coming from the Philippines, specifically, Metro Manila. This

dissertation is limited to studying the design of Vertical Parks and Environmental Centers as

applicable to Metro Manila and other areas of similar environment only.

1.5.1 Research Work- Book

The research presented in this book covers topics on the history of Philippines’

environmental conditions, study of existing research facilities, site conditions and project

profile such as demographics and statistics, and necessary space computation for the project.

Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility 4
1.5.2 Spaces and Facilities

Environmental Research Laboratory – This pertains to the main facility of the

project. It would house offices and laboratories that would focus on environmental

research.

Educational Facility – The Educational Facility is composed of workshop rooms

and lecture halls that could be used by visitors, especially school children.

Eco Museum – this refers to a public museum featuring Environmental

artifacts, dioramas and other interactive displays that would educate the visitors on

environmental studies.

Mini Theater – this facility shall be used for educational film showing that

would serve as an additional support space for the Educational Facility

Public Vertical Park - pertains to the gathering spaces wherein visitors can hang

out. It envelopes the building as it traverses every floor level.

Commercial Spaces - Commercial spaces refers to areas that can be leased,

these areas also help generate funds for the implementation of the center’s programs

and for building operation and maintenance.

Office Admin and Training Facilities – Office shall house the local organization;

training facilities for workshops and seminars. These may also accommodate outside

environmental organizations, whether government or NGO’s who wish to utilize the

center for their activities.

Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility 5
 Services and Utilities - these areas are necessary for the operation of the

Environmental center. Also to accommodate deliveries, repairs and the like to sustain

and ensure maintenance of the entire facility.

Parking – accommodates service, delivery, visitor, staff parking.

1.6 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Building Typology. (in urban planning and architecture) is the taxonomic classification

of (usually physical) characteristics commonly found in buildings and urban places, according

to their association with different categories, such as intensity of development (from natural

or rural to highly urban), degrees of formality, and school of thought (for example, modernist

or traditional).

Climate Change. A change in global or regional climate patterns, in particular a change

apparent from the mid to late 20th century onwards and attributed largely to the increased

levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels.

Ecology. The branch of biology that deals with the relations of organisms to one

another and to their physical surroundings. The political movement that seeks to protect the

environment, especially from pollution.

Environment. The surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives

or operates. The natural world, as a whole or in a particular geographical area, especially as

affected by human activity.

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 High-rise Development. Any structure where the height can have a serious impact on

evacuation. For most purposes, the cut-off point for high-rise buildings is around seven stories.

Sometimes, seven stories or higher define a high-rise, and sometimes the definition is more

than seven stories. Sometimes, the definition is stated in terms of linear height (feet or meters)

rather than stories. Generally, a high-rise structure is considered to be one that extends higher

than the maximum reach of available fire-fighting equipment.

Landscape Architecture. The art and practice of designing the outdoor environment,

especially designing parks or gardens together with buildings and roads.

Urban Planning. A technical and political process concerned with the use of land,

protection and use of the environment, public welfare, and the design of the urban

environment, including air, water, and the infrastructure passing into and out of urban areas

such as transportation, communications, and distribution networks.

Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility 7
 CHAPTER II:
REVIEW OF RELATED LTERATURE

2.1 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1.1 Research Center Design Guidelines and Development

Primarily, the planning for research centers is focused on the efficiency of workflow

and create an environment to foster innovation for research works. The design of the building

highly affects the performance of researchers as they, according to Perkins and Will, “are

connected in new ways with the facility, each other and the community”. In addition to this,

research laboratories generally consume more than five times more energy than a typical

office, thus, “energy-related design considerations will include such items as energy intensity,

fan power, pressure drop, air change rates, lighting power densities, solar heat gain and

equipment power densities.” (Perkins and Will, 2007)

As defined by Perkins and Will, “research buildings are complex projects with myriad

requirements for programming, spatial relationships, and technical requirements.” Therefore,

the design must be done with intensive study and must be implemented strictly than that of

most conventional structures. “And when these buildings are located collectively, in a district

or park, the success of each is reinforced by the success of its neighbors.” (Perkins and Will,

2007)

In designing research buildings, it must also be considered that its users are more on

the collaborative work environment which is critical to the success of their work. Since the

Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility 8
approach of interdisciplinary studies is evident in these laboratories, “open spaces, rather than

cubicles, should be filled with energy and activity” that encourages human interaction.

Research facilities must also be flexible and adaptable since there is a huge variety of

available equipment used for experiments and tests and there would be different people with

different work behavior who will be making use of the spaces. The setup of offices must “allow

individual lab groups to rearrange their labs to suit their needs and will allow each lab space

to be configured for plug-and-play operations.” According to Perkins and Will, the key to

setting up Plug & Play Laboratories is:

–– Create wet columns, run MEP vertical risers then plug in at each floor.

–– Plan to allow for future MEP systems.

–– Design at least 25% of the floor on grade for the most vibration sensitive equipment.

–– Provide a zone on each floor with structural module of 21’4” by 21’4” to

accommodate most vibration sensitive equipment but not necessarily the most sensitive

equipment. (Perkins and Will, 2007)

Studies from Daniel Watch and Deepa Tolat identified additional considerations in

designing research facilities.

2.1.2 Educational and Public Spaces

2.1.2.1 History of Parks and Public Gardens

Parks and public gardens have been existent ever since the sixteenth century in

Europe. It rooted back from the cities of Padua, Pisa and Montpellier where gardens took

Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility 9
symmetrical and forsquare forms and were filled with plants that served medicinal purposes

for universities. Gardens originally started as teaching sites for medical and pharmaceutical

students, and since then, gardens have branched off for different uses, serving as a place for

education, research and/ or display. (Rakow and Lee, 2011)

2.1.2.2 Environmental Learning Facilities Design

According to Donald Rakow and Sharon Lee, “the degree to which a particular public

garden is involved with education, research, or ornamental display will vary depending on the

garden’s mission”. It would depend on different factors such as the target audience, location,

and available facilities. Since the La Mesa Center for the Environment is a fully public complex,

the programs may include classes, workshops, tours, outreach, exhibits, visitor information

and special events.

In terms of research at public gardens, Rakow and Lee has identified that these facilities

are traditionally focused on nomenclatural or plant systematics and plant breeding programs.

However, presently, many gardens are increasingly emphasizing on plant conservation and

biodiversity research. It enables a threshold to a larger community since it offers opportunities

for learning that would eventually shape the individuals within the community. In fact,

“gardens may have special areas devoted to meeting the needs of particular instructors or

courses and may feature certain plants or collections for use in classes” said Rakow and Lee,

2011.

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 2.1.3 Public Parks and Gardens

2.1.3.1 Impact on the Culture

Donald Rakow and Sharon Lee also identified the significance of parks on people.

According to them, parks expresses the culture and social norms of a community, gives

expression of social value and reflects human psyche. Designing a public park implies a social

need for gathering, leisure, or political functions. Parks have been an ever present feature of

societies throughout history which means that they have been a significant part of our

cultures. In addition, parks also function as reservoirs and generators of knowledge, preserves

social memory and sense of place and promotes our connection with the environment.

2.1.3.2 Types of Public Gardens

These types of gardens have been identified by Rakow and Lee:

Botanical Gardens contain a variety of herbs of woody plants with opportunities for

education for all ages and research programs focused on conserving and improving ecology.

This type of garden are very diverse with the collection of plant species rather than being

simply aesthetic.

Conservatories, on the other hand, are typically for play and study of tropical and non-

hardy plant displays.

Arboreta, in contrast with botanical gardens, studies primarily on woody plants such

as trees and shrubs and offer education for a wide variety of audience as well. This type of

Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility 11
garden usually have systematic way of arranging plants according to their classification unlike

botanical gardens.

Display Gardens however are more focused on giving aesthetic exhibits and pleasing

collections throughout the year.

2.1.4 Vertical Park Facilities

Nowadays, where spaces for building houses are now in such short supply, there is an

inadequacy for public open spaces. In fact, according to Penelope Hill, 2004, “gardens are at

risk of shrinking and disappearing completely from cities and suburbs unless imaginative ways

can be found of incorporating them into the planning and structure of buildings.” Presently,

planners, designers and architects are reviewing the whole idea of what a garden is and are

now finding innovative ideas of re-creating and improving it. But with the lack of available

space, designers are coming up with solutions and “proposals for gardens laid out on vertical

planes and in spaces never previously regarded as the province of plants” (Hill, 2004)

2.1.3.1 Types of Vertical Garden

As identified by Hill, there are three main types of vertical gardens presently. There are

gardens where the planting scheme is laid out on a vertical plane. Another type is where tall

trees establish the vertical line. According to Patrick Blanc, in tropical forests where trees

generally seek more sunlight, they tend to grow as tall as they can; this, as exemplified is where

tall trees define verticality. Lastly, another kind is where vertical walls and structures serve as

a visual backdrop or a physical support for plants. Blanc defined it as “a wall [that] represents

a means of extending the planting area in a new direction.”

Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility 12
2.2 CASE STUDIES

2.2.1 On Environmental Centers

2.2.1.1 Aquaterra Environmental Center

Architects:
Tectoniques
Architectes
Location: Boulevard
des Frères Leterme,
62110 Hénin-
Beaumont, France
Area: 953.0 sqm
Structural: Bridault &
Billet
Electrical installations:
DH Electricité

Aquaterra is part of a much larger park project: the Parc des Iles (Islands Park) designed

by the Ilex landscape design firm. On the 45 hectare site, the scheme propose a play of islands

and artificial lakes, linked together by the major routes that structure the area. Creating

playful, esoteric nature, off-beat in relation to the imagination and normal practices, the park

reverses the image of a site that is very badly marked.

Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility 13
 Aquaterra symbolizes the second

stage of the structure called L’Orée du Parc,

which includes the building and its

accompanying landscape. It is strategically

located, and the building occupies a pivotal

position in the time and space of the

development. Its lens form is in harmony with

the overall design.

Aquaterra is an asset for teaching and raising the attention to the neighborhood,

especially schoolchildren, concerning all environmental issues and empowering the promotion

of green practices, for example, waste sorting, sustainable housing, and effective waste

management. A vast part is dedicated to global warming, which is spectacularly illustrated by

the blooming of exotic plants and seeds accelerated by the warm ground of the slag heaps.

The contrast between black soil and exotic plants creates an extraordinary visual scene as well

as providing natural pollution control.

The building is compact and well insulated. It benefits from a good south-facing aspect,

while being protected by an overhanging louvered sun-shield whose variable overhangs

provide solar protection and shelter for the external walls. Daylight is distributed through the

building’s entire width by the shed roofs, which are also used for ventilation and for air

changes. The roof, which is considered to be an educational fifth facade, is planted with

extensive (climbing and upward-growing) plants, and it also supports photovoltaic panels.

Rainwater is recovered in tanks that are used for watering greenhouses and for flushing toilets.

Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility 14
Humidity and thermal conditions are regulated in all spaces, and the quality of the internal air

is controlled by a double-flow ventilation unit. A wood pellet boiler provides thermal comfort

in winter. Two wind generators add to the photovoltaic systems for energy production. The

site is particularly windy, and is a reputed spot for flying kites.

2.2.2 On Vertical Park Facilities

2.2.2.1 Vertical Park: Stackable Solar Skyscraper for Mexico City

In the ever-expanding metropolis of

Mexico City, green space is hard to come by.

An estimated population of 22 million

inhabitants bears an impressive weight on

the Valley of Mexico and, in recent years,

architects and urbanists have been

examining solutions to combat the

thickening smog. This stunning Vertical Park

by Jorge Hernandez de la Garza could infuse

the city with much-needed green space in the form of a modular skyscraper made up of a

Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility 15
series of stacking units. The solar-powered structure would contain sky-gardens in addition to

spaces for living and working, and recycle all of its own water.

Each module of the Vertical Park can be configured to provide space for public and

private use, water and solar collection, and urban farming. This would allow for flexibility in

design, size, and location – including the potential for relocation throughout the city or the

world. The Vertical Park’s steel frame would support solar panels used to power the building’s

diverse functions and allow wind to pass through the structure on warm days.

Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility 16
 CHAPTER III:

Research Design and Methodology

The following research methods designed and described below are deemed viable and

shall be employed by the researcher in order to arrive with relevant, reliable and factual basis

for the analysis and accomplishment of the study for “The Center for the Environment and

Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility”.

3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN

3.1.1 Descriptive Research

This method refers to research that provides an accurate portrayal of

characteristics of a particular individual, situation, or a group. It is also known as

statistical research. This technique also helps the researcher in accomplishing another

research design strategy, the case study.

The descriptive research method deals with everything that can be counted and

studied which has an impact on the lives of the people it deals with.

3.1.2 Personal Interview

The method is applied to support the study by gathering important, relevant

first-hand data, such as insights, opinions, and suggestions from reliable and

knowledgeable persons who are also experts in their field in relation to the proposed

project. This could help the researcher establish more and enhance the significance of

Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility 17
 the project, broaden her perspective on design strategies and approaches, also obtain

ideas on the possible space requirements for the proposed center. Also, this method,

when applied in an informal way as random interviews with people of the particular

agency, helps the researcher also gain important first-hand data thereby making the

proposed study and project a ‘user-centred’ approach.

3.1.3 Observation Method

This is utilized to allow the researcher in providing a better understanding of

the subjects and programs the La Mesa Eco-Academy is currently holding, the settings

which is the existing Eco-center itself, and analysis of the present occurring

phenomena or situations related to the study. This method allows the researcher to

gain additional insights by experiencing or participating in the activities being held in

the facility.

3.1.4 Case Study

This is another research strategy which is going to be applied in the proposed

project. This method is vital for the study on how existing design centers function and

its immediate and long-term impact on its community and the people that utilizes the

center. There shall be points of comparison to be made between the design centers

abroad and that we have in the Philippines.

3.2 RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS

Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility 18
3.2.1 Resource Centers

To make use of the descriptive research method, the researcher had made use

of library books, handbooks, archives, online articles and journals that are relevant to

the study. Topics comprising or related to design, existing conditions, policies and

programs, environmental studies, case studies, etc.

The following libraries and institutions are vital resource centers for the

researcher:

3.2.1.2 UST Central Library, España Boulevard, Manila 1015

The UST Central Library has a good collection of resource data and

information regarding minor information needed to support the project

proposal. Relevant data pertaining to the designs, trends, creative industry, and

Architecture related researches are found in the Humanities section, 5th level;

and for locally related archives, data and case studies, at the Filipinana Section,

4th level of the library.

3.2.2 Online Information

The World Wide Web or the internet was utilized to gather support data,

essential and up to date information, receive notices, file sharing between other

research participants. Online blogs and newspaper articles were also used in the

research process. Listed below are some websites or pages the researcher has already

utilized:

Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility 19
  Artstor Digital Library: http://0-

library.artstor.org.ustlib.ust.edu.ph/library/ -- this is a resource that

provides digital images in the arts, architecture, humanities, and sciences.

The collections comprise contributions from outstanding international

museums, photographers, libraries, scholars, photo archives, and artists

and artists' estates.

 Google Search Engine: www.google.com – this well-known page is utilized

by the researcher very well to facilitate the searching of relevant data,

archives and other websites by just typing in keywords. This page is also

utilized to search for existing Design Centers abroad to analyse and

compare them in the method of Case Studying.

 La Mesa Eco Park: http://www.abs-cbnfoundation.com/bk/lamesa-

ecopark.html -- this is the official website of the La Mesa Eco park which will

be a main resource for the researcher’s site.

 Academia: https://www.academia.edu/ – online resource for journals,

articles and recent studies on related topics for the research.

3.3 CONCLUSION

Therefore, with the outlined research design methods and strategies, plus the

necessary instruments employed and utilized, the researcher was then prepared to further

accomplish the requirements for the proposed environment center and was able to gather the

Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility 20
necessary data and information to support the study. All relevant data gathered are going to

be presented in the following chapters.

Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility 21
 CHAPTER IV:
Presentation of Site Data, Analysis and Interpretation

This chapter shall discuss the nature of the project, specifically the current state of

parks and environment centers in the country, programs and policies of in the Philippines; also

to be discussed are the project client, and its possible users. Through the following sections of

this chapter namely Profile of Client and User, Programs and Activities and Site Profile and

Analysis, the researcher hopes to help readers understand, get a clearer grasp on what the

project is about and how it works.

4.1 PROFILE OF CLIENT AND USER

4.1.1 Client History: Bantay Kalikasan (La Mesa Eco Park)

At the point when Bantay Kalikasan initially took over in La Mesa, there were

just around eight plant species in presence: Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia mangium,

Gmelina arorea, Mahogany (Sweitenia macrophylla), African tulip (Spathodia

campanulata), Eucalyptus, and Teak (Tictona grandis). Presently, there is a collection

of 82 endemic species that were planted in the La Mesa Forest Nature Reserve as an

aftereffect of the reforestation. This project has a general survival rate of 92.5%, the

most elevated rate among reforestation programs in Southeast Asia. As of November

2012, the woods restoration has achieved its initial culmination. With this, La Mesa is

currently viewed as a "carbon sink" as it lessens 3% of the aggregate carbon

emanations of Metro Manila. To manage the costs required in keeping up and securing

the watershed, the woodland was zoned for it to be utilized in mountain biking,

trekking and instructive visits.

Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility 22
 The Project has resulted to the identification of the success factors for

reforestation and watershed management projects such as adequate inputs (planning,

supervision, protection, project monitoring, defined quality standards and

specifications, communication, good access system, trained workers), proper

timing/phasing of various activities, and understanding the soil and working

environment. By restoring and preserving the La Mesa watershed as a nature park,

ideally the learning will be shared and spread to other main watersheds in the nation.

4.1.2 Bantay Kalikasan Vision, Mission and Objectives

4.1.2.1 Vision

The vision for the La Mesa Watershed is contained in a separate study done by

URBIS, Inc., a consulting firm with extensive experience in developing a resource

management plan.

The vision of La Mesa Watershed calls for the rehabilitation, protection and

development of the watershed.

4.1.2.2 Mission

The immense natural value of the resource will be highlighted to promote

environmental education for the appreciation primarily of school children and the

general public. However, all project components and activities shall in no way

compromise the integrity of the reservoir and the watershed as a whole. They shall be

complementary in the attainment of a stable, diverse, productive, and functional

watershed where income generation is sufficient to ensure sustained watershed

management and protection catering to the needs of various stakeholders.

Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility 23
 4.1.2.3 Objectives

The following are the goals of managing the La Mesa Watershed according to

Bantay Kalikasan:

· To maintain watershed values for optimal water production.

· To Improve and maintain revenue generating capacity of the dam

reservoir.

· To enhance bio-diversity.

· To sustain watershed management systems.

· To adequately install structures in the watershed to highlight the

educational, recreational and aesthetic aspects of the resource.

4.1.2 La Mesa Eco Park Eco Academy

To assist the vision of the establishment to spread ecological mindfulness,

Bantay Kalikasan built up the Eco Academy inside the La Mesa Ecopark. Guided by its

learning vision of "Let Nature Be Your Teacher", the Eco Academy boosts the La Mesa

Ecopark as a characteristic venue for leading hands-on ecological learning exercises,

pushing ecological issues, and building up a biological awareness amongst its diverse

number of guests and visitors.

4.2 SITE PROFILE AND ANALYSIS

This chapter discusses the site criteria the researcher set as basis for site

selection, the process underwent to analyze and determine the best and most feasible

of the proposed sites and the selected site’s justification. Also included in this chapter

Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility 24
is the history, socio-economic and physical profile of the project site, and other related

data that influenced the thesis project site.

4.2.1 Criteria for Site Selection

For the proposed environment center, the site is already pre-selected since the

existing Eco Academy is located in the La Mesa Eco Park in Quezon City.

The La Mesa watershed is a government property titled under the MWSS and

commissioned in 1929, as recurring water shortage had become a primary concern. It

is situated in the boundaries of Quezon City, Caloocan City, and Municipality of

Montalban and also the provinces of Bulacan, and Rizal. It is where the water coming

from three other reservoirs meet: Umiray, Angat, and Ipo. It includes the filtration

plant that supplies water to 5 cities and 32 municipalities or about 12 million residents

in Metro Manila. With its conserved ecopark, the La Mesa Watershed is also the last

forest of its size in the city.

4.2.2 Site Description

4.2.2.1 Macro Site Profile

4.2.2.1.1 General Description of Quezon City

Quezon City, also known to the locals by its initials as QC, is the densest city in

the Philippines. It is one of the cities that make up Metro Manila, the National Capital

Region of the Philippines.

Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility 25
 4.2.2.1.2 Land Area

Presently, it has a land area of 161.126 sq. km. or 16,112.8 hectares,). With this data, Quezon

City is more than four times the size of Manila, nearly six times the expanse of Makati, and

more than 14 times bigger than Mandaluyong. Presented in the following table is the

percentage of land use in Quezon City.

4.2.2.1.3 Geography according to the Government Website of Q.C.

Quezon City is located near the center of Metro Manila, towards its northeastern

portion. It is bordered by Manila to the southwest, by Caloocan City and Valenzuela City to

the west and northwest. Towards the south, lies San Juan and Mandaluyong City, while

Marikina City and Pasig City borders Quezon City to the southeast. Towards the north, across

Marilao River, lies San Jose del Monte City in the province of Bulacan, and towards the east,

lies Rodriguez and San Mateo, both in the province of Rizal.

Situated at the heart of Metro Manila, Quezon City is likewise its vital merging point

for the metropolitan street and transportation systems, making the City a perfect desitantion.

It is effortlessly accessible from the major highways, lanes and mass transit lines of the city.

Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility 26
 4.2.2.1.4 Population and Density

Being the largest city in the Metro Manila, Quezon City has an estimated population of

3,085,786 in 2014, with a 2.42% annual growth rate. The city holds the 23.3% of Metro

Manila’s total population. The city is considered as one of the melting pots of the region since

it has welcomed different cultures, with hundreds of constituents from other parts of the

country travelling to it every year. Population density is 19,151 persons per square kilometer.

More than half of Quezon City’s population can be found in district 2. However, in

terms of population density, District 1 is the relatively most congested, because it also has the

smallest land area among the districts, and a very large built-up space.

Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility 27
 4.2.2.1.5 Education

Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility 28
 4.2.2.1.3 Comprehensive Land Use Map

According to the Zoning Map of District V Quezon City, the La Mesa Eco Park is classified under

“Parks” Category. It is surrounded by Medium Density Residential Sub Zone in the South and

West; Socialized Housing and Special Urban Development Zone on the East; and Caloocan Area

in the North.

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Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility 30
 4.2.2.2 Micro Site Profile

4.2.2.2.1 La Mesa Eco Park History and General Description

A main traveler spot in the middle of East Fairview is the La Mesa Dam Eco Park, a 33-

hectare biological park that gives a nature oriented facility where individuals can relax and

revive their senses. La Mesa Eco Park is a part of the 2,700 hectares of the La Mesa Watershed,

a dam more than 70 feet deep, and the main source of Metro Manila's drinking water. The

recreation center maintains the main salt-water pools in Metro Manila that are open for open

use. For a little expense, guests can appreciate (chlorine-free) water.

Due to lack of funds, illegal settling, poaching and logging, the park hasn’t been

operational for years. In 1999, the ABS-CBN Foundation created Bantay Kalikasan (Nature

Watch) and, in coordination with Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS),

pioneered the Save La Mesa Watershed.

During 2003, the City government funded over P5.5 million to rehabilitate the La Mesa

Eco Park to make it the greatest eco-tourism destination in Metro Manila, starting with the

construction of road networks within the vicinity to enable it to be available to the general

population. The multi-sectoral exertion proceeded throughout the years, with more

supporters including Aboitiz, Super Ferry, Shell, Petron and the Lopez Group.

In September 2004, it was renamed La Mesa Ecopark and reopened to the public. This

tree-lined paradise is presently developed with opportunities for adventure seekers like

hiking, mountain-biking, horseback riding, rapelling, zip-lining and fishing. “The fish caught can

even be purchased and cooked in an open grill for a satisfying lunch under a canopy of trees.

Folks can also enjoy a paddle boat ride in the beautiful lagoon without having to trek all the

Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility 31
way to Baguio’s Burnham Park. To escape the heat, a refreshing dip can be taken in the large

salt-water pool unique to La Mesa Eco Park. Salt granules are used instead of chlorine making

the pool’s water safer and less toxic.”

Other public attrations in the park are the Eco-Trail, a linear park that allows visitors to

enjoy the beauty of nature and learn about the science of the forest ecosystem, and the

Ecomuseum, a museum focused on environmental education and biodiversity conservation.

Also present is the the Pilot Organic Farm that ventures in vermin-composting, vegetable

growing and bee-keeping for honey production.

A biodiversity assessment made by the University of the Philippines-Los Baňos

indicated sightings of rare bird and plant species in the Ecopark. Avid bird watchers can catch

a glimpse of white-eared brown doves, black napped orioles, brown shrikes and white collared

king fishers, to name a few. For orchid and flower lovers, there’s a two-hectare shell flower

terraces and an orchidarium with rare species of orchids from the Philippine Orchid Society

and other donors.

Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility 32
4.2.2.2.2 Vicinity and Route Map

Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility 33
4.2.2.2.3 Site Map and Geohazard Studies

Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility 34
 4.2.2.2.4 Site Description:

The following requirements are unique and are most appropriate and applicable for

the environment shall fall under the Specific Criteria. These criteria are vital to determine the

feasibility of a particular site with regards to the project.

Site Requirement La Mesa EcoPark

Access to the Public– Given that the project The EcoPark is generally accessible to the

is a vertical park facility, the researched public since it is in close proximity to main

deemed it necessary that the center is arteries of the city.

accessible to the public at all times. Parks, in

general, are designed and built for the

Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility 35
public and shall therefore be easily accessed

by everyone.

Proximity to local amenities– Since the The selected site is situated in a busy city

center is open to everyone, the public must and therefore close to public amenities such

be given enough amenities that the site as malls, hospitals, schools, etc.

cannot accommodate.

Proximity to existing natural parks– For the The site is already in an EcoPark which gives

environment center, it would be better if it an edge over other areas.

the visitors get a first hand experience on

the existing flora and fauna that the

Philippines is trying to protect. This will

further support the objective of the project.

Surrounding Areas must have The surrounding areas are available should

opportunities for expansion– With an ever the Environment Center need to expand.

growing density in the Philippines, the site However, as part of a vertical facility, it may

must be able to accommodate more visitors also be increased by adding more levels.

in the future, given that it is a public facility.

Must be in an Urban Setting– In the Metro, Being situated in a dense city such as

parks and recreational facilities are Quezon City, the site fulfills this

becoming less prominent due to congestion requirement.

and over population. The researcher

perceives that it is necessary to provide the

Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility 36
 vertical park facility in areas that are need

parks and open spaces the most.

Site Requirements
General Criteria La Mesa EcoPark
Accessibility 5% 5
Land Use and Zoning 5% 4
Orientation 5% 5
Existing Site Conditions 5% 4.5
Access to Utilities 5% 4
Total Points for General 25% 22.5
Criteria
Specific Criteria La Mesa EcoPark
Access To Public 25% 23
Proximity to Local Amenities 12.5% 11
Proximity to Existing Natural 12.5% 12.5
Parks
Opportunities for Expansion 12.5% 11.5
Must be in Urban Setting 12.5% 12.5
Total Points for Specific Criteria 75% 70.5
Total Score 100% 93

4.2.2.2.5 Site Justification

After the researcher has gone through the site selection requirements, the analysis of the

possible site is summarized in the site selection table. This served as the basis for site for the

project. The table yielded 93% which is perceived as adequate by the researcher.

Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility 37
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Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development: A Vertical Park Facility 39