Retrofit: Chapter I - 1

Envisioning an Open andSocio-Friendly Commercial District in the Compacted Urban Areas of Poblacion, Makati
through Urban Porosity Design and Spatial Planning

Ericka Jersey T. Sionson | Pauline Angela T. Sison | JhonLerry I. Sunga
RETROFIT
Retrofit
Retrofitdesign
design
strategy,
strategy,
source:
source:
https://www.asla.org/2016studentawards/184035.html
https://www.asla.org/2016studentawards/184035.html
Retrofitting means 'providing something with a component or feature not fitted during manufacture or
adding something that it did not have when first constructed' (Ref: Retrofit 2050: Critical challenges
for urban transitions). It is often used in relation to the installation of new building systems, such as heating
systems, but it might also refer to the fabric of a building, for example, retrofitting insulation or double glazing.
CHAPTER I | 1
Retrofitting has come to prominence in recent years as part of the drive to make buildings more thermal
efficient and sustainable. This can help cut carbon emissions, make it cheaper and easier to run buildings, and
can contribute to overcoming poor ventilation and damp problems, therefore improving the health of occupants.
It can also increase building adaptability, durability and resiliency.
Retrofit Technique
Retrofitting should involve applying an integrated, whole-building process, however, there are a number of
basic techniques that can be used for key elements of a building:
 Walls: Cavity wall insulation, internal or external insulation, and cladding of external and internal surfaces.
 Roofs: Insulation and ventilation systems.
 Doors: Draught proofing or replacement high-performance doors.
 Windows: Installation of double or triple glazing, draught proofing of existing glazing.
 Floors: Installation of insulation.
 Tanks and pipes: Lagging.
 Lighting: New controls, occupancy sensors, Light-Emitting Diode (LED) lighting and other
low energy technologies.
 Boilers: Installation of high-efficiency condensing boilers or micro CHP, new controls, connection to
low carbon community heating systems.
CHAPTER I | 2
 Chiller plant improvements: Plant, pumps, piping and controls upgrade.
 Controls: Installation of smart controls and building management systems.
 Air conditioning: Upgrade, or replace with air or ground source heat pumps or passive cooling.
 Renewable energy systems: Installation of photovoltaics, solar thermal heating, passive solar heating, wind
energy, wood and organic waste power sourced heating or power plant, micro-hydro power, and so on.
 Water conservation: Installation of low-flow equipment such as water fittings, shower heads, dual
flush WC's, rainwater harvesting, and so on.
 Electricity: Peak saving through thermal energy storage, onsite electricity generation, combined heat and
power, and so on.
 Advanced metering systems: Smart meters.
CHAPTER I | 3
RETROFITTING EXISTING BUILDINGS TO IMPROVE SUSTAINABILITY AND ENERGY

PERFORMANCE
Retrofitting an existing building can oftentimes be more cost-effective than building a new facility.
Since buildings consume a significant amount of energy (40 percent of the nation's total U.S. energy
consumption), particularly for heating and cooling (32 percent), and because existing buildings comprise the
largest segment of the built environment, it is important to initiate energy conservation retrofits to reduce
energy consumption and the cost of heating, cooling, and lighting buildings. But conserving energy is not the
only reason for retrofitting existing buildings. The goal should be to create a high-performance building by
applying the integrated, whole-building design process, to the project during the planning or charrette phase that
ensures all key design objectives are met. For example, the integrated project team may discover a single design
strategy that will meet multiple design objectives. Doing so will mean that the building will be less costly to
operate, will increase in value, last longer, and contribute to a better, healthier, more comfortable environment
for people in which to live and work. Improving indoor environmental quality, decreasing moisture penetration,
and reducing mold all will result in improved occupant health and productivity. Further, when deciding on a
retrofit, consider upgrading for accessibility, safety and security at the same time. The unique aspects for retrofit
of historic buildings must be given special consideration. Designing major renovations and retrofits for existing
buildings to include sustainability initiatives will reduce operation costs and environmental impacts, and can
increase building adaptability, durability, and resiliency.
CHAPTER I | 4
RECOMMENDATIONS
Before making what may amount to a major investment in the retrofit of existing buildings for energy and
sustainability improvements, it is important to determine if the investment is worthwhile in perspective with
other building conditions. Is the building structurally sound? Are seismic upgrades needed to meet current
standards and local building code requirements? Do hazardous material like asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCB) and lead paint have to be contained and removed? Can the work be done in phases to minimize
disruption to the occupants? Relocating occupants to other facilities can be a significant expense. If a vegetative
roof is being considered, is the roof able to support the additional weight without costly reinforcement? Look
for opportunities to reduce the cost of the work by recycling waste and demolition materials.
Once you have determined that other building conditions are not impediments to upgrading for sustainability
and improved energy performance, you should have a plan and follow a sequence of activities in order to
determine the best options for energy and sustainability improvements.
 First, determine if the existing systems are operating at optimum levels before considering replacing
existing equipment with new higher efficiency equipment. This can be accomplished by performing an
energy audit. Sometimes, considerable savings in utility costs can be gained by evaluating the
performance of the building envelope and existing systems: leaks, clogged/dirty filters, stuck dampers,
disabled sensors, faulty or incorrect wiring, or even lack of knowledge on how to properly operate and
maintain equipment can all contribute to inefficiencies and increased costs. Audit the performance of the
CHAPTER I | 5
building's water systems as well; since leaking and inefficient systems not only waste water, they also
use energy by needlessly running pumps and other electrical equipment.
 Then, if the building is metered, review utility bills from the last two years to determine if consumption
(not cost) has risen.
 For existing federal buildings, performing an energy audit (assessing existing condition and operational
procedures of the building and major building systems and identify areas for improvement) is one of the
Guiding Principles for Sustainable Existing Buildings.
 Next, determine air tightness of the building envelope by examining the building envelope, looking for
leaky windows, gaps around vents and pipe penetrations, and moisture intrusion. Upgrading heating and
air-conditioning systems without addressing problems with the building envelope will result in less than
optimum performance of those systems.
Sustainability And Energy-Efficiency Strategies
 Recommission all energy andand water systems to determine they are operating at optimum
performance; then upgrade energy and water systems to minimize consumption.
 Develop a plan to optimize the recycling and reuse of demolition debris and construction waste to
minimize waste sent to landfills.
CHAPTER I | 6
 Evaluate occupancy patterns, then apply daylight, HVAC and lighting sensors in appropriate locations.
Incorporate energy efficient lighting into the project as appropriate for the tasks and functions of the
spaces.
 Determine if natural ventilation and fresh air intake are feasible alternatives to reduce heating and
cooling loads.
 Investigate renewable energy options that can offset the purchase of fossil fuel-based energy.
 Consider solar shading devices for windows and doors, including those that generate electricity by
photovoltaic (PV) devices.
 Replace existing windows with high-performance windows appropriate for climate and exposure. If
building requires security upgrade, evaluate blast resistant windows and films. If building is located in a
high noise area, evaluate windows that also include adequate exterior to interior noise reduction.
 Analyze the benefits of distributed generation if the building is in a campus cluster or can share the on-
site energy produced with adjacent buildings.
 Balance the project's sustainable goals with its security goals including protecting the building and its
occupants from natural and man-caused disasters.
 Certain site renovations can improve the energy performance of the building including reducing the heat
island effect.
CHAPTER I | 7
 Determine if a cool roof or green roof are cost-effective ways to reduce heat island effect and
stormwater runoff.
 Employ Energy Star and/or a green building rating system for existing buildings like LEED for Existing
Buildings: Operations and Maintenance (LEED EBOM) or Green Globes for Existing Buildings to gage
the building's level of performance.
 For historic buildings, update systems appropriately to maintain a balance between the need for energy
and water savings with the character of the original building fabric.
 Take the opportunity afforded by the building renovation to incorporate sustainable operations and
maintenance practices and switch to green cleaning products and methods.
 To ensure a newly renovated building continues to perform as designed, measure the performance of the
building regularly.
 If not already metered, plan on installing meters for electric, gas, water and other utilities. Smart meters
and submeters are preferable to monitor real-time consumption, control demand and increase tenant
accountability (cost control).
CHAPTER I | 8
Soft Shells - Porous and Deployable Architecture
Cut, Pleat, Tile, and Weave. Four principles guide every

project in the publication Soft Shells - a new publication that
features porous, deployable, expandable and retractable
architecture.
CUT / STRETCH
With applications from sun screens to building skins, a
project in which the designer has complete control over each
individual hole.
"The series of objects manifests augmentation and curvature of

a single surface as it performs under tension. In material terms,
the experiment utilizes the elastic behavior of a perforated sheet
of acrylic along the horizon of its thermal malleability, in the
ten seconds before it settles into a plastic form. Local variability Source:
of the overall regular pattern that striates it emerges in this https://www.archdaily.com/517895/soft-
shells-porous-and-deployable-architecture
interval. Patterns tested here include line segments and arcs in
alternating rows, as well as randomly distributed splines."
CHAPTER I | 9
A project that tries to solve the issue of emergency relief through thoughtful and
rapidly deployable architecture.
"The project aims at the production of an emergency park strategically designed with the potential to transform
within a few days into a settlement to shelter people affected by natural disasters. The proposed shelter unit is
energy-efficient, recyclable, polymorphic and extendable, easy to transfer and install and engaging the dwellers
in its construction process. It provides safety and the highest quality of living possible under the circumstances.
Thermal comfort and individual floor area within the dwelling are considered as a set of minimum necessary
conditions. The dwell-ing core is a self-supporting pleated tube to which deployable components – sleeping
areas, veranda and bathroom – adhere. Dwelling parts are transported to the location by truck in flat packages
and erected in situ. The pleated surface is multi-layered, including structural strata (honeycomb cardboard,
Tectan board) and insulation strata (Actis, Gore-Tex). On its south-facing side, the hot air accumulated between
the pleats can be released into the interior. Side and top facets can rotate into openings."
Source: https://www.archdaily.com/517895/soft-shells-porous-and-deployable-architecture
CHAPTER I | 10
INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS IN METRO-MANILA: RELOCATION COMMUNITY PROGRAM AND DESIGN
This paper investigates the development of informal settlements in Metro Manila, Philippines within the context
of urbanization, globalization and their effects. A relocation strategy for a portion of urban settlers has recently been
initiated and planned by administrators and policy makers. Relocation site builders have the potential tasks of creating
not just homes and communities, but improved livelihood, lifestyle and societal roles for a marginalized population.
Along with appropriate site and housing design, a community program is rationalized through interrelated benefits of
improved economic, environmental and societal conditions. For a proposed relocation community in Quezon City, the
study focuses on creating collective goals and conveying associated values to new homeowners and an important
segment of civil society.
Source: file:///C:/Users/Administrator/Downloads/Valeriano_Sam_Spring%202012.pdf
CHAPTER I | 11
Multi-story Family Housing
It is worth establishing some key points on appropriate housing density. Similar to the housing
requirements in other high-density cities such as Tokyo, Singapore and Hong Kong, options for high-density
living are necessary in Metro Manila. Typically, high-density housing units offer less space, are closer to city
centers, and can offer more public services and infrastructure. One high-density housing option, high-rise
condominiums units, is generally too expensive in construction costs to be offered as socialized or economic
housing for the Masses although they are typically more affordable per unit than single-family homes. In Metro
Manila’s urban centers, where informal residents value their proximity to work, multiple story residential
buildings are a valuable option for most citizens. With the current increase in mid to high-rise developments,
Metro Manila residents who can afford it are choosing to live near their work place to save money and time
commuting to work. In the case of informal settlers who require low-cost rent, housing in 1 or 2- story
makeshift homes is their only option.
High-density, low-income housing can also develop from low-rise housing, 1 to 4-story buildings with no
elevators. While high-rise buildings can potentially house more families, smaller scale housing typologies in
compact layouts can generally offer a more affordable solution. Low-rise apartment buildings requiring less
structural support is the main model of housing for Habitat for Humanity Philippines in Metro Manila. Up to 4
stories high, these multi-family dwellings offer single room dwellings which can be partitioned and/or allow a
mezzanine or loft space to be added. Certain cost-efficient technologies in steel frame construction and an in-
house developed Concrete Interlocking Block (CIB) system reduce construction costs for the non-profit
homebuilder.
CHAPTER I | 12
GREEN BUILDINGS COULD SAVE OUR CITIES

The City Solution
As the world’s urban population expands, architects and planners are mapping out ways to make cities
more sustainable. Cities produce a vast amount of emissions and waste, putting a strain on both human and
ecological health. But our buildings themselves may hold a solution. High-density urban areas—especially
those built using green methods in design and construction—can be more energy efficient and pollute less. New
research is also revealing that green buildings can actually be good for our health too.
Source: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/urban-expeditions/green-buildings/benefits-of-green-
buildings-human-health-economics-environment/
CHAPTER I | 13
Source: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/urban-expeditions/green-buildings/benefits-of-green-buildings-human-health-
economics-environment/
CHAPTER I | 14
Source: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/urban-expeditions/green-
buildings/benefits-of-green-buildings-human-health-economics-environment/
CHAPTER I | 15
Urban green spaces

Green spaces such as parks and sports
fields as well as woods and natural
meadows, wetlands or other
ecosystems, represent a fundamental
component of any urban ecosystem.
Green urban areas facilitate physical
activity and relaxation, and form a
refuge from noise. Trees produce
oxygen, and help filter out harmful
air pollution, including airborne
particulate matter. Water spots, from
lakes to rivers and fountains, Source: https://www.arch2o.com/urban-green-spaces-challenge-
moderate temperatures. cities/
Urban parks and gardens play a critical role in cooling cities, and also provide safe routes for walking and
cycling for transport purposes as well as sites for physical activity, social interaction and for recreation. Recent
estimates show that physical inactivity, linked to poor walkability and lack of access to recreational areas,
accounts for 3.3% of global deaths.
Green spaces also are important to mental health. Having access to green spaces can reduce health inequalities,
improve well-being, and aid in treatment of mental illness. Some analysis suggests that physical activity in a
natural environment can help remedy mild depression and reduce physiological stress indicators.
CHAPTER I | 16
5 REASONS FOR CREATING URBAN GREEN SPACES
Many cities are starting to work

towards spreading green urban spaces because they provide great benefits for urban areas and their inhabitants,
as we explained in “The 8 benefits of spreading green spaces in cities”.
Improve environmental conditions in cities
Some of the problems faced by cities today are air pollution, urban heat and extreme temperatures in
summer and winter.
The creation of an urban biodiversity layer is the solution to these problems, as they significantly contribute to
the improvement of environmental conditions in cities in many ways:
 Green roofs act as sinks for CO2, the gas responsible for climate change. For each 100 square metres of green
roof, the gas responsible for the greenhouse effect is reduced by 1.8 tonnes per year. In addition, installing 100
square metres of green roof on top of a building can produce the oxygen needed by 100 people in a year.
 The pollution emitted by 15 cars in a year can be removed by 100 square metres of green roof, since the leaves
of the green roof plants can retain these harmful particles on their surface.
 Green spaces can reduce the ambient temperature of cities by 1°C, thus reducing the urban heat island and
harmful city smog. In this sense, 1°C cooler urban environments prevent the harmful ozone layer that is
triggered during intense heat episodes from forming.
CHAPTER I | 17
 Another benefit of green roofs is that they retain 40% of rainwater. Also, they can delay water discharge by 18
minutes in episodes of intense rain, preventing the collapse of urban drainage systems.
Greater social cohesion and relations
Who doesn’t like to walk through

a green park, ride a bike or read a book
under the shade of a tree? According to
recent studies, cities with more green
areas boost social cohesion and
relations, since they are meeting points to
share and create links between city
inhabitants.
Additionally, green spaces

positively affect the behaviour of
inhabitants. Urban parks build and
develop relations between neighbours,
strengthening community bonds and sense
of identity. Source: https://www.urbanespora.com/en/5-reasons-for-creating-urban-
green-spaces//
Central Park is a 314-hectare
green space in the centre of New York, one of the world’s most famous and busiest cities. At lunch time in
Manhattan, office workers go to the park to develop their relationships with colleagues, take part in group
activities or play sports.
CHAPTER I | 18
They contribute to environmental regulation compliance

In recent years, both the European
Union and city administrations have
seen the need to ensure the presence of
green spaces in cities to improve
environmental conditions and the
health and well-being of citizens.
Green Infrastructure – Enhancing
Europe’s Natural Capital (2013) is one
of the European Union’s initiatives to
promote the design and creation of
more natural areas for sustainable
development. Since 2013, Member
States have been working to implement Source: https://www.urbanespora.com/en/5-reasons-for-creating-urban-
these guidelines by creating new green-spaces//
policies that pursue ecological, economic and social benefits through natural solutions.
In this regard, the Urban Green Index is an indicator that allows the amount of green areas per inhabitants in
urban areas to be calculated, as well as the surface area of green areas in a city. According to the World Health
Organization, between 10 and 15 square metres of green space per inhabitant are needed to ensure a healthy
urban ecosystem.
CHAPTER I | 19
They promote human well-being
Disconnecting from the road and noise of cars for a few minutes can inspire and improve mood. It is about
including nature city life, because it increases the well-being and health of citizens. Dedicating part of the day to
walking or resting in green areas makes us relax and reflect which consequently reduces the stress of city life.
According to the World Health Organization, urban green spaces are essential to human well-being, both
physically and emotionally. This means that people living in cities with more parks and gardens have a better
quality of life than those who live surrounded by high levels of pollution.
More attractive cities
Aesthetics can also change our perception of city life. Decorating a building with plants or grasses not only
enriches the existing architecture, but also offers an attractive space for people who spend a lot of time in the
building, boosting creativity and encouraging innovation.
In this regard, there are many psychological benefits to greener cities. For example, vertical gardens, green
roofs and parks increase a city’s attractiveness, since people perceive them to have a better quality of life and
healthier and more sustainable spaces.
Direct contact with nature also promotes the use of renewable energies and a greener lifestyle
In addition, recent studies show that more travellers are opting for sustainable destinations, visiting cities that
are committed to the environment and nature.
The Tower and the City
CHAPTER I | 20
The Tower and The City
Invariably, architects focus on individual

buildings rather than on their contextual
relationships. Ergo, this research not
only examines the tower itself but it also
analyzes its relationship with its larger
urban context. Indeed, the sustainable
architecture of tall buildings must aim to
enrich the quality of urban life and must
benefit their surroundings through their
presence while also deriving benefits
from their context. Sustainable An example of a “green” parking garage for a high-rise building in Miami,
skyscrapers should positively contribute FL.The design team employed vertical landscaping to improve
environmentalperformance and visual aesthetics. Source:
to city development by offering public https://www.academia.edu/38047377/The_sustainable_vertical_city_research_
project?auto=download
spaces, producing more energy than that
they use, producing food, and recycling gray water and black water for their neighborhood, for example. Mark
Lavery advocates the idea of using tall buildings as integral pieces of the larger infrastructure. Conventional
skyscrapersoften tax the city infrastructure. However, themodel proposed by Mark Lavery makes tall buildings
major contributors to efficient andless costly infrastructure.
CHAPTER I | 21
Transportation Networks
Accommodating new high-rise developments in urban cores could be challenging because cities’ existing
circulations are often maxed out even when cities have applied traffic mitigation measures such as congestion
pricing.
In addition to wasting time, automobile-oriented environments increase air and water pollution, foster spatial
dispersion, and create a high demand for parking spaces. Therefore, the relationship between tall buildings and
mass transit is important because mass transit provides a “greener “or “cleaner” means of transport to a large
population of tall buildings; and, in turn, tall buildings supply ridership, necessary to sustain mass transit. Also,
mass transit eases parking requirements associated with tall buildings.
Therefore, we need full-blown plans that explicitly spell out vertical density strategies regarding mass transit. It
is important to locate tall buildings (major trip generators) near mass-transit stations. Transit-oriented
development continues to gain popularity as a promising tool for breaking the vicious cycle of sprawl and car-
dependence.
Some of the means to encourage people to use mass transit include:
• improving payment mechanism;

• streamlining boarding process;
• augmenting pedestrian and cycling networks;
• providing affordable fares;
• enhancing the image ability of mass-transit stations and the overall system; and
• granting employees financial incentives to use mass transit.
CHAPTER I | 22
Greenest means of transport
To create sustainable urban mobility systems, cities are playing an active role in planning transit by improving
biking and walking networks—the greenest means of transport. They are also enhancing the entire passenger
experience, recognizing that “transit trips start long before riders board a vehicle. Every transit trip starts and
ends as a biking or walking trip (even if just from a park-and-ride lot).
Walking
Overall, emphasis on walking prevails for numerous reasons, namely health benefits, urban connectivity, social
interaction, environmental well-being, and energy saving. Dan Burden, a “walkability” expert, make a good
point when he pointed out: Walkability is a word that did not exist just20 years ago. We made walking so
unnatural that we had to invent a word to describe what we were missing … Essentially, walkability is allowing
people to do what the human body was designed to do in the first place: to go places without having to get into
some mechanical instrument.
Biking
If walking is suitable for short-distance trips, then biking is useful to connect people and activities placed within
middle-range distances. Urban planners view biking as a viable transportation option that improves the overall
health of people and reduces carbon footprint—major sustainable living goals. As such, more cities are
integrating bicycle infrastructures. As more people discern the health benefits of bicycling, they are increasingly
attracted to live in neighborhoods where bicycle infrastructure is in place. Biking provides benefits to the city,
including;
CHAPTER I | 23
• improving urban connectivity;

• decreasing traffic congestion;
• decreasing the need for additional driving lanes;
• offering cost savings to citizens because of purchasing less gas and having less wear and tear on vehicles;
• improving air quality
• fostering a positive image as a capable, forward-thinking community;
• enhancing local economy by increasing visitor numbers for downtown businesses that rely on local customers;
and
• improving public health
The health benefits of regular cycling include:
• increasing cardiovascular fitness;

• increasing muscle strength and flexibility;
• improving joint mobility;
• decreasing stress levels;
• improving posture and coordination;
• strengthening bones;
• decreasing body fat levels;
• preventing or managing of disease; and
• reducing anxiety and depression.
Interestingly, the bike valet has emerged recently as an effective tool for stakeholders looking to increase the
use of bikes as primary mode of transportation, particularly in dense areas. Valets allow cyclists to drop off their
bikes and have them parked in safe area, where they can retrieve when they leave.
CHAPTER I | 24

Retrofit: Chapter I - 1

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Envisioning an Open andSocio-Friendly Commercial District in the Compacted Urban Areas of Poblacion, Makati

through Urban Porosity Design and Spatial Planning

 Roofs: Insulation and ventilation systems.

 Doors: Draught proofing or replacement high-performance doors.

 Windows: Installation of double or triple glazing, draught proofing of existing glazing.

 Floors: Installation of insulation.

 Tanks and pipes: Lagging.

 Chiller plant improvements: Plant, pumps, piping and controls upgrade.

 Controls: Installation of smart controls and building management systems.

 Advanced metering systems: Smart meters.

RETROFITTING EXISTING BUILDINGS TO IMPROVE SUSTAINABILITY AND ENERGY

Sustainability And Energy-Efficiency Strategies

Soft Shells - Porous and Deployable Architecture

Cut, Pleat, Tile, and Weave. Four principles guide every

"The series of objects manifests augmentation and curvature of

INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS IN METRO-MANILA: RELOCATION COMMUNITY PROGRAM AND DESIGN

Multi-story Family Housing

GREEN BUILDINGS COULD SAVE OUR CITIES

Urban green spaces

5 REASONS FOR CREATING URBAN GREEN SPACES

Many cities are starting to work

Improve environmental conditions in cities

Greater social cohesion and relations

Who doesn’t like to walk through

Additionally, green spaces

They contribute to environmental regulation compliance

They promote human well-being

More attractive cities

The Tower and the City

The Tower and The City

Invariably, architects focus on individual

Some of the means to encourage people to use mass transit include:

• improving payment mechanism;

Greenest means of transport

• improving urban connectivity;

• increasing cardiovascular ﬁtness;

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