Jurist Daneniel Domingo & Salve Antonine Tajanlangit

Homework 2.0 ARCDS2

Project Proposal

Problem Identification

Escolta Street in Binondo consists of condemned spots, cramped and neglected areas that

need to be addressed. A few of which that should be taken action are:

- The need for physical improvement and development such as sidewalks, street

lights, street signs, barangay security and issues in parking and vagrancy.

Issues associated with urban decay in the area are; old deteriorated buildings, bad streets

and utilities, and unsociable urban landscape.

Project Rationale

To revitalize the historic, cultural and architectural character, as well as heritage of the area

by providing a sense of place and continuity while introducing an innovative design

approach.

Scope & Limitation

1. Escolta St. and surrounding area within 250m radius from site, including road access

networks. (Neighboring structures’ profile within 250m radius from site, route from the

New Binondo Chinatown Arch to the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament

Santa Cruz.)

2. The social, cultural, and economical aspects of the area.

3. Data from 1990’s to present.

4. Selected buildings for profiling will include: commercial, industrial, residential,

institutional buildings.

5. Data will be gathered over a defined period of time.

 6. Zoning ordinance of the city government

Thesis Statement

Thesis: Preserving the traditional architectural styles.

Antithesis: Innovating and replacing the old with the new.

Synthesis: Preserving the overall essence of the place while adapting to the new

changes occurring in its environment.

Project Goal

- To improve specific areas of Escolta that are poorly developed or underdeveloped

and re-establish the district's quintessence that will create more opportunities for

social, cultural, and economical development.

Project Objectives

1. To reinforce the sense of place and give structure and orientation to the urban

experience

2. To rehabilitate existing buildings

3. To utilize urban design in generating social and economic benefits

4. To revitalize the essence of the area and revive its cultural significance.

5. To preserve the architectural heritage of the site

6. To create more community spaces

7. To contribute positively to the fabric of the city and the unique qualities of adjacent

neighborhoods

8. To foster opportunities for future development and maintain the viability of existing

uses

9. To minimize leftover spaces that become opportunities for antisocial behavior in the

community
Project Risks

1. Informal street vendors.

- The area comprises informal street vendors, which might hinder the project

from continuing in the case that they refuse to adhere to the changes that

need to be implemented.

2. Narrow road network

- Road network is too thin to be considered two lanes due to street parking,

which affects mobility practices and traffic flow.

3. Cultural significance of the area

- Traditional and sentimental value of the place might restrict the

implementation of changes in the area.

4. Site hazards

- Overall site condition that may present probable issues and concerns

(pollution, traffic, construction).

5. Existing Architectural Style/Design

- Adjacent buildings to the site may limit creative freedom during the designing

process.

Project Strategies

1. Utilize softwares such as AutoCad, Sketchup, etc.

2. Carefully observe site conditions

3. Conduct interviews with residents, vendors and local business owners within the

area.

4. Undertake site analysis in the whole area (250 meter radius from site)

5. Define the spaces in the area and organize them by zones e.g. residential,

commercial
6. Honor the historical and cultural background of the area with regards to design

approach

7. Provide proper designation for informal street vendors

8. Establish boundaries for parking vehicles to avoid obstruction

9. Maintain and enhance existing and potential activity linkages and a continuous

system of pedestrian and bicycle friendly public spaces

10. Preserve and respect the continuity and pedestrian orientation of historic streetscape