THE VEIN OF MANILA CITY

Every place does not work by itself, rather it is propelled by networks and
interconnections to and from other places. A place like a city can be compared to
the human body, wherein every organ and system, has its functions. In order for
these to work, there should be a connection from the brain to other parts of the
body, linking and enabling harmonious work. In cities, based from the book "The
Image of the City" by Kevin Lynch (1960) an American urban planner, these
connections are identified as Paths which enables people to move and to circulate
(foot traffic) giving life to the city; thus a very important city element.

In seing the City of Manila, everything is moving in a rush, and everyday life is a
typical routine of passing through the Manila City Hall Underpass. This underpass
is a valuable path which connects the City Hall, the Southbound Jeepney Terminal
and the Intramuros. Mostly it is used by students, employees, ordinary people and
sellers (the people selling along the underpass) going to their respective place of
business around the area.

The experience of the underpass starts from the Manila City Hall side. Upon
approaching the flat concrete roofed shed, in warm colors of beige and maroon,
welcomes you into a set of mirrored downward staircases. In the descent, white
tiles begin to array filling up the walls, accompanied by the smell of heat and
rain. Proceeding through, people starts to maneuver filling up the vestibule which
resembles an old forgotten town with the warm breath of Manila. In both sides of
the vestibule, variety of stuffs are hung and sold attracting people to stop and
buy, which slows down the rush. Arriving at the middle is the first light of
relief, the exit stairs to the Southbound Jeep Terminal. Further to the end is the
second light of relief which is the exit to the Intramuros side. Right before
approaching the end stairs is a real looking, half-body, female manequin staring at
everyone passing by; it is a jolt of awakening. As you ascend through the other
side's exit, you will be welcomed by another small group of people living on
pavements and on the roof of the underpass shed, before arriving to your
destination.

Ideally, paths for pedestrians like this underpass, should have the traits of
walkability and accessibility. According to Jeff Speck, a city planner and urban
designer, there are ten keys in creating a walkable city where two of which are:
"Protect the Pedestrian" and "Make Friendly and Unique Faces". In protecting the
pedestrian, he insisted the priority for pedestrian rather than improvements for
vehicular traffic. In the key of making friendly and unique spaces, he believes
that the medium of walking should feel safe, comfortable and entertaining.

Comparing the views of Speck to the case of Manila City Hall Underpass, vehicular
access was given priority and the underpass was the introduced solution to
pedstrians. It has diverted the straight walking patterns in order to not distort
vehicular traffic at the same time still give access to people. The underpass is a
good solution but looking into the existing scenarios, it was not the appropriate
idea for the location due to the succeptibility of flooding in the area. Also
persons with disability were not taken into consideration in the design of the
facility. In terms of the uniqueness and friendliness of the underpass, it can be
viewed in different ways by different people. For me it is unique in a way that
aside from being a pedestrian access, it has a community in it where you can buy
some stuff (along the way) before going to your destination; but sometimes can be
felt as a nuissance as it adds to the congestion of foot traffic and some people
are suspicious. Also there is an arguement in which one will be safer, underpass
with sellers or without, due the the presence of people, but it still depends of
how the people views and feels it.

In the theory of Steve Mouzon for walkable place, which is "Walk Appeal", he states
that people will not walk unless the pedestrian space is an appealing walk or in
other words pleasing to walk-on. Here it presents that walkable spaces should look
like walkable spaces in order for people to engage. When it comes to accessibility,
it does not only focus on the normal walking patterns but also magnifies the
walking needs of disabled persons. Nowadays this has been given importance
relieving disability difficulties while moving through places.

Engaging with Mouzon's Theory, the underpass has its own appeal but in terms of
walkability, it is argumentative. It is intended for foot traffic and people
passage but the stores are occupying the space that should have been for more
underpass users, thus bending the appeal for walking. Also people have no other
choice but to take that route due to its nearness to their point of destination; it
is decided by the rule of thumb of practicality.

All in all the Manila City Hall underpass is an important path and critical element
to the city. The experience can be both thrilling and challenging but improvements
can be made in order polish gray areas of the facility.

Intersecting experience and the ideals from Kevin Lynch and....