University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines

Department of Architecture
ARCH 413: INTRODUCTION TO URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING

Reaction Paper

Name: LORELEI B. CALAM

Section: BS ARCH 4A

Choose one (1) among the urban planning topics in the box and provide a
reaction/commentary/essay. Choose either from architects/planners or from projects.

TOPIC: Lewis Mumford on cities and urban architecture

Lewis Mumford is known as “The last of the great humanist”. He was a prominent
American architectural critic, urban planner, and historian who dedicated his career to analyzing
the effects of technology and urbanization on human societies social philosopher, historian and
urban planner. Born on October 19, 1895 in Flushing, New York. He studied at the College of
New York and in universities of Columbia and New York, and the New School for Social Research
in this city, where he was influenced by the writings of Patrick Geddes, a pioneer of modern urban
planning Mumford's early writings, including his architectural criticism and urban commentary for
The New Yorker magazine, established him as an authority on American architecture, art, and
urban life. He became a professor at several American universities, from 1951-1956. Lewis
Mumford died in New York on January 26, 1990. One of Mumford's works is "The City in History,"
a comprehensive historical study of the city's role in human civilization. And other Seven of his
twenty books talk about issues of architecture and planning, while others, to give an idea of his
vast culture, approach to art, politics, education, sociology, philosophy and religion.

Lewis Mumford philosophy is “The City is above all else a Theater of Social Action.” In his
philosophy he believed that the social nucleus of a city lies in its schools, theaters, and community
centers, because those are what lay the outlines that shape the city's integrated identity. Mumford
advocated for limitations on population, density, and urban growth to promote efficiency and
sustainability. He was a proponent of Ebenezer Howard's Garden City concept, which aimed to
create poly-nucleated cities with a harmonious balance between urban and natural spaces. Also,
Lewis Mumford has another philosophy and it is connected to his philosophy that I mentioned
earlier this philosophy is the “Transformation of human environment”. The way he studied things
that could help recover the human heritage and emphasized the importance of purpose in human
life, really helps him in achieving his philosophy. He also explains that urban planning should
emphasize an 'organic' relationship between people and their living spaces.

In conclusion, Lewis Mumford's philosophy and works revolved around the importance of
understanding cities, architecture, technology, and literature in order to create harmonious and
purposeful urban environments that support human well-being and cultural heritage

Based on Lewis Mumford philosophies, I proposed the integration of green spaces, pedestrian-
friendly infrastructure, and efficient public transportation systems because these are all related to
what his philosophies are all about.

Location: PLAZA DIVISORIA

Proposed Eco Oasis Park

Note: Removing roads in between and sides of the plaza, providing jog and bike paths, and
preserving the monuments.
Location: COGON AREA

CURRENT SITUATION

Mini bus at Ororama Mall, jeepney,& multicab

parking adjacent to De Lux hotel

Open area beside @ Mothers Haus, Hayes St

Abandoned building

PROPOSED PROJECT

Jeepney & multicab parking

Mini bus station

Green park

Note: Mini buses only for San Agustine, Calaanan,

Canitoan, Pagatpat, Scions, Balulang, SM uptown, and
Grand Europa to cogon back and fourth.

This framework encourages the integration of green spaces, pedestrian-friendly

infrastructure, and efficient public transportation systems to enhance the livability of the city. By
adopting Mumford's philosophy, Cagayan de Oro City can overcome its urban planning
challenges and create a more sustainable and livable environment for its residents. This approach
will enhance quality of life, and preserve the city's natural beauty.
REFERENCES

Lewis Mumford. (2023, November 12). Wikipedia.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_Mumford#:~:text=Harshly%20critical%20of%20urban%20spr
awl

Wikipedia Contributors. (2019, September 11). Lewis Mumford. Wikipedia; Wikimedia

Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_Mumford

lewis mumford.pptx. (2023, August 9). Www.slideshare.net.

https://www.slideshare.net/CharuNangia/lewis-mumfordpptx-259754360

Mumford, The Culture of Cities – Xenotheka. (2018, July 18).

https://xenotheka.delbeke.arch.ethz.ch/mumford-the-culture-of-cities/

Andhra University. (2021, July 12). Www.slideshare.net.

https://www.slideshare.net/Thanujakullai?utm_campaign=profiletracking&utm_medium=sssite&
utm_source=ssslideview