Rizal Technological University

College of Engineering & Industrial Technology

Department of Architecture

PINNACLE : A Mixed-Use Cable-Propelled Transit Terminal Complex

with Recreational Facilities Through Transit Architecture in Baguio City
“The Modernization of Mountainous Terrain Transportation”

A Thesis Proposal Presented to the Faculty of

ARCHITECTURE DEPARTMENT

College of Engineering and Industrial Technology

Ar. Roberto Tolentino

Thesis Adviser

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in Architectural Design 9/10

(ARC521/ARC521L) for the degree
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ARCHITECTURE

Presented by :
BEGHANILUM, JAE-M MANALO
2015-100500
 Rizal Technological University
College of Engineering & Industrial Technology
Department of Architecture

ABSTRACT
This proposal gives an opportunity to modernize
and improve the transportation systems on mountain
ranges of the Philippines through the use of Cable-
Propelled Transit Systems (CPT-System) specifically
aerial tramways and/or gondolas.
Our current modes of transportation are greatly
affecting our environment in terms of gas emissions
coming from it. CPT-Systems doesn’t emit huge
amounts of gases since it is electrically-powered and
motor-less.

Figure 1. La Paz, Bolivia CPT

Let us take a look at Kennon Road that starts in Rosario, La Union and winds
upward through a narrow, steep valley. This is often the fastest route to Baguio but it is
particularly perilous, with landslides during the rainy season and sharp drop-offs, some
without guardrails. As of June 2019, it was closed due to the multiple occurrences of rock
and landslides. Many other cases throughout the country has the same situation where
travelling on mountainous terrain is dangerous.
We all know that our roads and highways on mountainous places are already
congested and dangerous because of the heavy volume of vehicles that traverse it. This
proposal will give a remarkable solution in traffic congestion at ground level. It aims to
provide an aerial tramway route encompassing the mountainous range from Baguio City to
San Fernando, La Union. This will modernize the transportation of the said locations. That
means, more opportunities will be open in terms of economic growth, employment rate,
businesses and tourism.
The terminal itself will be at the topmost level of the structure. Then, below it will be
the maintenance and repair floor level. The succeeding floors down to the ground level
would be of commercial establishments that will add to the profit of the project. Around the
site would be recreational facilities like parks and hotel for people that want some
 Rizal Technological University
College of Engineering & Industrial Technology
Department of Architecture

rejuvenation after the trip. Amenities will also be strategically-located throughout the site
like power substations, material recovery, waste handling facilities and open spaces that is
required by the Code.
PINNACLE: A Mixed-Use Cable-Propelled Transit Terminal Complex, is
compliant to the agendas of the Build Build Build Infrastructure Program of the current
administration. The Department of Transportation with its Secretary currently conducts a
feasibility study funded by France with €450,000 (roughly 27 Million Pesos) budget.
They see a big potential in our country adapting to CPT-Systems, let us grab that
opportunity to have this technological advancement in our time.

Therefore, the goals and objectives of the project proposal are:

 The short term goal is to attract more tourists to Baguio and La Union. Also, to
provide an ease of access to and from the said locations.
 The long term goal is to be a catalyst of encouragement that this kind of project
should be implemented by the government in other areas of the country because of
its environmental sensibility, cost-efficiency, operational consistency and potentials.
 Decrease the disturbing rate of air pollution.
 Decongest the traffic volume on the ground level.
 Introduce the latest technology in Cable-Propelled Transit Systems for the better-
ment of mountainous transportations routes.
 To create the first, one-of-a-kind CPT-System terminal building complex that hosts
commercial establishments and businesses for an economic growth in terms of rev-
enues, tourism and employment.
 Modernize the current transportation systems of the routes on the mountain ranges
from Baguio to La Union in particular.
 To take the first step in using CPT-Systems as an urban catalyst and be a foundation
of further ideas that will develop in time.

Upon approval, the researcher will proceed to further studies and will conform to
specific dates of submission. Your favor upon the research is highly appreciated.
 Rizal Technological University
College of Engineering & Industrial Technology
Department of Architecture

S.W.O.T ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
 Innovation in the current transportation systems.
 Brings scenic views during the trip.
 A new concept in the infrastructure development.
 It will enhance the socio-economic profile of Baguio and La Union.
 It will attract more tourists and investors in the said locations.
 Return of Investment is assured because of commercial establishments and rentals.
 More cost-efficient than constructing new railways and bridges in terms of construc-
tion, maintenance and operational costs.

WEAKNESSES
 The issue of “air rights” must be properly observed.
 The exact topography and contour maps of the mountain ranges should be supplied so
that the established route will be planned properly.
 The concerns of people in CPT-Systems in terms of safety must be addressed.
 Data limitation since it is a prototype project.
 Expensive.

OPPORTUNITIES
 Businesses will occupy the stalls inside the terminal, creating revenues.
 This project will be a center of activity. Thus, the surrounding areas will have an im-
proved land values. Other businessmen will build their establishments around it.
 Tourism sector in the future years to come will improve.

THREATS
 Meteorological phenomenas that will stop the operations of the project.
 Trees, especially pine trees, will be an obstruction and needs relocation.
 The aircrafts that rover around must be given great amount of consideration.