CS100

DISTRICT 2 CALOOCAN UNDER INVESTIGATION

IN FOCUS: ELEMENTS AND CONSIDERATIONS OF URBAN
DESIGN

submitted by:

DE LEON, SOPHIA LOIS C. coordinator

DELA CRUZ, ROM IAIAN NICOLO R. co-member
DIA, ANNALOU C. co-member

AR 175-1 A52
submitted to:

MA. SOCORRO A. GACUTAN

Instructor

November 26, 2021

2nd Quarter 2021-2022
Table 1. Conditions of the Urban Design Elements in District 2 of Caloocan City

Elements (name of student) Photos Comments

Street Lighting, Signs, The streets of District 2 are
Furniture composed of basic street
(De Leon, Sophia Lois C.) elements. Some of these
elements are as follows:
- Water features and
bollard lights as part of
Bonifacio Monument beautifying a landmark
- Planters situated along
the main streets that
serve as barriers
- Lamp post and No
parking signs placed
around a park
- School crossing sign
Caloocan People’s Park
meant to warn drivers
that they are
approaching an area of
high pedestrian
activity
- Pedestrian sheds and
railings that ensure the
safety of people
Planters along Rizal Avenue Ext.

Caloocan High School

However, the arrangement of

urban design elements does
not entirely provide a
comfortable pedestrian
environment. The following
observations were taken:
Caloocan City Hall
- Lack of proper public
seating where people
can rest
- Blocked important
signages that can help
direct people
- Lack of bus signs and
SM Supermarket (Parking Sign)
sheds that designate a
space for commuters
- Absence of public
water fountains and
lavatories for people
strolling in the parks

Victory Liner Bus Terminal (Sign)

Transportation and Related During the first developments
Facilities in the city, the railway was the
(De Leon, Sophia Lois C.) primary mode of
transportation. Today, railways
are still functional, but several
Baliwag Transit, Inc. other transportation options
are available around district 2
of Caloocan. People can ride a
city bus, taxi, jeepney, tricycle,
or the LRT line to travel from
one place to another. The
advantage of the LRT line
located along a major road in
First North Luzon Transit Inc.
the district offers accessibility.
However, it could be a
disadvantage since the major
transportation terminals (e.g.,
bus terminals), located along
the LRT line, cause traffic and
congestion.

Monumento Rail Station

Buildings Caloocan’s second district has

(Dia, Annalou C.) mixed use of buildings such as:

Mercantile buildings - this

type of building can be found
in groups within the vicinity,
like the Victory Central Mall,
SM City Grand Central, and the
Astoni 101 Mall

Educational buildings - this

SM City Grand Central
type of building is found in
great numbers within the area.
There are elementary schools,
high schools, and colleges like
the Bagong Silang Elementary
School, Caloocan High School,
and Manila Central University.

Residential buildings - this is

the type of building dominated
in the area. There are villages,
and subdivisions like the Grace
Park East and west.

Manila Central University Recreational buildings - parks

and other recreational public
spaces are common in the
area. An example is the
Caloocan City People’s Park.

Caloocan City People’s Park
Street layout, Condition, and
Use (Dia, Annalou C.)
Organic Street Layout of University
Hills Subdivision
Grid Street Layout of Grace Park
West
Open Spaces, Plazas, and Park
(Dela Cruz, Rom Iain Nicolo R.)
Mother Ignacia’s Park
Before
District 2 can be commended
for its complementary mixed
uses, like how schools are
prominent in the area so the
recreational buildings are also
present as a complementary.
However, each building lacks
character and unity with one
another.
The street layout in the District
is generally an organic type.
This means that they follow
the main roads and the more
important elements in the
area. This layout starts and
ends seemingly at random, but
still forms a dense grid of
streets at some smaller areas
particularly in Grace Park
West.
The streets are primarily used
for traffic in both vehicular and
human circulation. It is used to
provide a connection between
the social, economic, and
physical activities in the
vicinity. Smaller mercantile
businesses like sari-sari stores
can be found here.
The general layout of Caloocan
is mostly in a grid setting
meaning there are spaces
allocated for open spaces,
housing and parks. Mother
Ignacia’s Park is no exception
and is surrounded by houses
from all sides. However, the
downside is that the park has
such a relatively small space
for the massive population of
Caloocan city, not to mention
there is only a limited amount
of space for trees within the
park which limits air filtration
and rainwater absorption. The
grid setting is nice to easily
allocate spaces for roads and
houses but it lacks parks and
open spaces for public usage.
 The same can be said about
Caloocan People’s Park, it's a
relatively small plaza beside
Caloocan city hall. Before it
was an open area for garbage
disposal but was soon
rehabilitated to a park to give
After the people some leisurement
and the city some much
Caloocan People’s Park needed character.

Landscape Caloocan city lacks proper

(Dela Cruz, Rom Iain Nicolo R.) landscaping design, the only
open spaces for trees are
allocated within schools and
other private properties.
Landscapes that are open for
the public are very little to
almost entirely non-existent
Caritas Kalookan Memorial homes
within the city. The local
cemetery has a wide space for
trees and landscape but it’s
not a park for people to
meander. The urban design for
Caloocan is mediocre at best.
Landscapes are essential
within busy cities to
counteract air pollution and
overall add a bit of nature
within.

The site on the image is a

privately owned lot space. As
seen in the image, the amount
of trees and greenery it
contains can be taken
Don Leon Burac Hacienda Caloocan advantage of by the city if they
choose to do so. Currently
nothing is built within but it’s a
relatively large space which
can be easily transformed into
a park, zoo or a plaza that
people of District 2, Caloocan
can enjoy. This would be a
good route to go to since the
city is severely lacking in open
spaces, in doing so it can help
lessen air pollution and
potentially boost tourism with
a nicely planned park.
Table 2. Reaction on the following Urban Characteristics/Considerations in District 2

Elements (name of student) Photos Comments

Complementary Mixed Uses District 2 is heavily crowded
(De Leon, Sophia Lois C.) with mixed developments such
as residential, commercial,
institutional, and industrial
developments. In a short
matter of time, people are able
Vicinity Map of District 2 to travel short distances to
attend to their needs.
However, the zoning of these
developments was not planned
carefully, which may cause
confusion and inconvenience
to people traveling from one
place to another. For example,
a residential zone is just 300
meters away from a
commercial zone, both
situated along a main road. It
implies that there is no proper
distinction of spaces.
Continuity and Change Caloocan City is a progressive
(De Leon, Sophia Lois C.) city that still holds on to its rich
history and culture. It still
possesses the best attractions
that never fail to amaze its
visitors. Unfortunately, some
were left in a state of neglect,
The Horace Higgins Hall like the Horace Higgins Hall
that was once a subject to
foreign architectural influence.
It used to be a warehouse and
site of the first train trip.

The most prominent landmark

Bonifacio Monument
connecting the two districts of
Caloocan is the Bonifacio
Monument. It depicts a
historical battle that prompted
early Filipinos to fight against
oppressors. Guillermo
Tolentino designed it as a
tribute, and it now has become
a visible reminder to passers-
by of the past.

A unique landmark that

Thai To Taoist Temple Pagoda
signifies the first settlers of
Caloocan is the century-year-
old Thai To Taoist Temple
Pagoda. The Chinese
community in the city built it,
and it has become evidence of
its growing population.
Animation
(De Leon, Sophia Lois C.)
Ribbon-cutting ceremony in
Caloocan People’s Park
Community Pantry in San Roque
Cathedral
Vaccination Site in Bagong SIlang
Elementary School
Christmas Tree Lighting in
University of Caloocan- South and
Caloocan South City Hall
Order and Incident
(De Leon, Sophia Lois C.)
Responsible Pet Owner
As part of promoting public
activity in the city, some public
spaces and buildings are used
for various events. Last 2019,
the city government held a
ribbon-cutting ceremony in the
Caloocan People’s Park, which
was followed by a musical
fountain show and an acoustic
concert. The city government
wanted the people of Caloocan
to have a place for relaxation
and recreation in the midst of
the bustling city.
In line with recent events,
some public buildings were
opened for public assistance;
the San Roque Cathedral
hosted a community pantry
that was accessible to the
residents of Caloocan, and the
Bagong Silang Elementary
School provided a site for
vaccination.
Due to the district being a
center of industrialization and
a residential suburb, a ” Zoning
Ordinance” was implemented
for the following purposes:
a. Promote the general
welfare of the people
b. Control the growth and
development of lands
c. Provide proper
regulatory
environment
d. Protect the character
of the mixed use
spaces
 e. Provide adequate light
and ventilation
f. Prevent overcrowding
and urban sprawl

Other ordinances include

mandating pet owners to
collect and properly dispose of
their pet’s waste in public
spaces.
Urban Structure Caloocan’s district 2 has a grid
(Dela Cruz, Rom Iain Nicolo R.) plan, each lot spaces are
equally spaced. The city has a
dense population and with a
grid plan it’s relatively easy for
people to travel since the
routes are pretty linear and it’s
not that difficult to get lost
when compared to other
planning methods. Gathering
information within the district
is convenient, though some
parts of the district still suffer
from cars parked on the side of
the road making it difficult for
vehicles to pass through.

Legibility As mentioned with the grid

(Dela Cruz, Rom Iain Nicolo R.) layout, it is easy to figure out
different routes for
transportation. However, not
all zones of the city are
planned accordingly. Some
streets have tighter roads
compared to others which
makes it very difficult for
vehicles to pass through and
may cause traffic or worse,
accidents.

The grid planning design

provides consistency within the
city making travel efficient
since every allotted space is
already in order.

Accessibility The built environment is

(Dia, Annalou C.) accessible the way it is desired
and intended: public spaces
such as streets, parks, and
roads can be accessed and
used by its intended users.
However, because of the
organic street layout, it fails to
Rizal Avenue Extension produce the most desirable
access to spaces.

Samson Road
Bike-unfriendly Road in Bonifacio
In terms of the accessibility on
city level, District 2 of Caloocan
is accessible from other cities
by private and public land
transportations.
Sustainable accessibility, on
the other hand, is not the best
suit for district 2. The Bonifacio
located below the Skyway 3
can be an intimidating and
dangerous road for bikers. This
is because of the speeding
trucks and motorists that don't
seem to slow down. The road
from Monumento and R. Papa
isn't bike friendly too, because
of the prominent uneven
pavements. Perhaps, this area
needs more traffic calming
measures.

Function and Fit The district is composed of

(Dia, Annalou C.) mixed use buildings as
mentioned, and these major
buildings became the center
for interaction. For instance,
the Bonifacio Monument plays
an important role in the district
Monumento Station as being one of the characters,
and it is then followed and
shaped by other uses that
complements it such as
institutional and commercial
buildings. The Monumento
station of the LRT 1 is also
shaped from the district’s
Bonifacio Monument.

Character and Meaning The district is known to be the

(Dia, Annalou C.) historic city of Manila. It is rich
in history as it had the first
battle between the
Katipuneros and the Spanish
Guardia Civil in the Spanish
Colonial Times. These can be
seen in the monuments and
museums, however, few.

Bonifacio Monument
Conclusion

Throughout the years, District 2 has maintained its history and structure. The prominent
landmarks and spaces that were developed before still function but now have different uses relevant to
present times. The changes that people experience today are brought about by the shift in urban
planning. Back in the day, the importance of urban design in the district was how it could provide a safe
environment that was susceptible to colonization and agrarian unrest. In the present day, urban design
and planning in the district are focused on creating safe and efficient spaces in a fast-paced
environment.

District 2 of Caloocan is promising with the urban planning elements discussed. The public
spaces provide enough opportunities for people; the division of zones allows easy information
gathering; the grid layout helps establish order within the city. Whenever there is an emergency, the
proper authorities can easily find their way around. However, flaws were also presented, especially with
the proper spacing between streets and spaces, the allocation for parks and efficient landscaping. These
elements that play an integral part in the city's continuous development are not met. Parts of the city
are still inconsistent with urban planning and considerations; houses are scattered, roads are congested,
street elements are insufficient, and public spaces are not user-friendly, exposing the populace to social
and environmental hazards.
Recommendations

Urban growth in District 2 is clearly an integral fraction of the total development in Caloocan
city. It resulted from socio-economic growth trends and public and private actions that have increased
land use. However, the various developments transpiring within the district created manifold urban
problems that need to be addressed immediately.

The following recommendations are as follows:

➔ Character and meaning in various urban elements can still be enhanced, in such a way that
complementary spaces show unity with one another, and differences between one place and
another are clearly seen. For instance, the Bonifacio Monument can be followed with old-
fashioned urban elements to enhance its historic significance.
➔ Provision for a more comfortable pedestrian movement. Urban elements in consideration to the
public such as proper public seating, improved street signs, and public water fountains and
lavatories in parks are suggested.
➔ A more defined traffic control for vehicles to lessen and/or avoid traffic congestion in major
roads. District 2 is a relatively busy town and its roads should focus on the supervision of
vehicles that ensures efficiency and safety.
➔ A stricter ordinance for street layout can be imposed. Although the district is composed mainly
of the grid street layout which provides efficiency to its users, some streets are narrower than
others.
➔ Allocation of a more cost-effective public infrastructure and facilities, thereby maximizing the
use of resources for local development.
➔ Creating more bike-friendly roads with bike lanes and traffic calming measures as discussed in
the district’s accessibility.

References

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caloocan/
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glance
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