Jurist Daneniel Domingo & Salve Antonine Tajanlangit

Homework 1.0 ARCDS2 BDAR3

Site Selection (Hytek, 2008)

Site selection is the process of choosing a location for a business based on a list of

facility needs.

- The objective is to find the best site, from among available candidates’ sites.

- The ideal site location will have the largest long-term success rate for business

operations while providing flexibility for any plans for future expansion.

How an effective Site criteria influences site selection: (CSH.org, n.d.)

An effective Site Criteria;

Site search and selection is a major element of the process of creating a

supportive project. Prior to initiating a site search, it is important to first develop

the project concept, including defining the site and configuration requirements for

the proposed project.

The site selection process is most successful when it is a methodical search for

the site that best meets established criteria, including size, location, proximity

to services and price — factors that will help ensure the project fulfills the needs

of future tenants.

SITE CRITERIA (CSH.org, n.d.)

1. Scale:
 The scale or size of the proposed project should relate to the level of need for the

housing identified, as well as to the capacity of the organization to develop and/or

manage the property. Scale also should be “contextual,” meaning the project should be

consistent with the height and density of the surrounding buildings. Determining the

number of units also could be based on the degree of community support for the project.

The project architect can help determine the maximum allowable development area

(based on zoning and floor area ratios), as well as the appropriate scale for the identified

neighborhood.

2. Location:

● Accessibility:

Any location you consider should be easy to access. It should be nearby

one or more major roads (in good condition) and are easily served by

public transportation,

Besides being easy to access, consider how accessible other places are

to you. Consider a location that is near other stores as well as places that

people visit regularly, such as a grocery store, bank or post office.

Also consider a place that is easily visible from the road. (Accruent, n.d.)

● Neighborhood Amenities:

Projects should be located in neighborhoods that have key residential

amenities, such as affordable shopping (especially supermarkets), public

libraries, post offices, banks, parks, open space and recreational facilities.

● Security:
 The site should not be in an area that has a high crime rate, since

supportive housing tenants may be especially vulnerable to victimization.

Sites also should abide by the principles of “defensible space,” which

suggests low-rise buildings and open site designs avoid hidden spaces

that are conducive to crime (e.g., playgrounds or courtyards screened

from public view).

3. Zoning Consideration: (CSH.org, n.d.)

Zoning also must be carefully considered in making site selection decisions. The project

architect can analyze local zoning restrictions to help guide the site search. Using zoning

maps, it is possible to identify areas in which to develop a proposed project “as-of-right”

— that is, without a zoning variance. If possible, it is advisable to limit the site search to

these areas, since the process of seeking and being granted a zoning variance will add

time and uncertainty to the development efforts.

4. Community Acceptance (CSH.org, n.d.)

The potential for community opposition to a proposed development should be

considered as the site search is being conducted. In planning for the siting of new

projects, there are significant issues that can create community acceptance problems

that should be considered when identifying potential neighborhoods/blocks for

development, including:

● Scale/Impact — The scale of a supportive housing project can have an undue

impact on a neighborhood, and this impact needs to be considered in siting new

 projects. For example, a large project in a low-density residential area could have

an adverse impact and would likely attract opposition from neighbors.

● Contextual Design — Related to scale/impact, the design of supportive housing

projects should be sensitive to the neighborhood context. Largely an architectural

issue, designs should respect the scale, historic quality, setback/street line and

architectural styles in the immediate area. Plans that do not fit into the context of

the neighborhood can be rejected. The design should communicate the goal of

integrating the project into the neighborhood.

5. A state of Urban Decay (DesigningBuildings, 2022)

Urban decay is a process in which a previously functioning city, or city area, falls into

disrepair and disuse. Common indications of urban decay are abandoned buildings and

empty plots, high unemployment levels, high crime rates, and an urban landscape that is

generally decrepit and desolate.

It tends to be a feature of major cities which despite maintaining high property values in

the inner city and central business district (CBD), and a thriving suburban area, have

peripheral slums on the outskirts.

Socio-Economic Factors of Urban Decay:

There are many socio-economic factors that may lead to urban decay, including:

● Deindustrialisation, either by industry dying out or moving away.

 ● Depopulation or changing population, through ‘white flight’ (large-scale

movement from urban areas to the suburbs).

● Restructuring of transport networks.

● Political disenfranchisement.

● Rent controls.

● Economic downturn and recession which may result in local businesses failing.

● Urban planning decisions.

● Prolonged riots and crime.

● Lack of new construction work or urban renewal projects.

● Environmental conditions, changes or disasters.

● Redlining (see below).

‘Redlining’ is the practice of directly or indirectly denying services such as banking,

transport, health care or adequate shopping facilities, to the residents of certain areas.

This became a particular problem in the United States during the 1970/80s, where black

inner city neighborhoods were often discriminated against by banks and other

businesses who refused aid and did not invest in the area.

Urban Blight

‘Urban blight’ refers to property that is in a state of decay and disrepair. A property can

be said to be ‘blighted’ if:

● It is a public nuisance.

● It is fire-damaged or dangerous.

● It poses a severe and immediate health or safety threat.

● It is open to the elements and trespassing.

 ● It has had utilities and other services disconnected, removed or rendered

ineffective.

PRE-SELECTED SITES:

1. Esteban Abada St., Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City

- The chosen site is located near institutions, such as Ateneo de Manila and

Miriam College. ​Hotels, restaurants, sports facilities, educational centers, ATMs,

supermarkets, gas stations and more are present nearby. Due to its proximity to

universities and schools, Esteban Abada St., has high foot traffic despite it having

a desolate urban landscape.

Justification:

1. Scale:

- The site has potential for urban renewal or regeneration due to the fact

that it is situated in one of the country’s infamous colleges, Ateneo de

Manila University. Despite its advantage as a student magnet location,

Esteban Abada St., still does not pass the criteria as a well-developed,

conducive space for a student-friendly experience.

2. Location:

● Accessibility

- The site is located in close proximity to institutions, and is

accessible from Katipunan Avenue by bus, private vehicle,

or train. There are also following transit lines, such as,

 jeepneys and the LRT2, have routes that pass near

Esteban Abada St.,

● Neighborhood amenities

- The site lies in Loyola heights, and is surrounded with

residential amenities, such as affordable shopping

(especially supermarkets), public libraries, banks, parks,

open space and recreational facilities.

● Security

- In terms of security, the site and its surrounding areas

historically have been susceptible to theft, hold ups, and

other crime-related activities. However, in recent years,

measures have been taken in cooperation with Barangay

Loyola Heights and the [Philippine National Police] to

prevent incidents of snatching, hold-ups, budol-budol, and

robberies along Katipunan Avenue.

3. Zoning Considerations:

- Mainly residential zones and Institutional zones with few commercial

zones

4. A State of Urban Decay

- Esteban Abada St., currently lacks new construction work or urban

renewal projects.
2. Hidalgo St., Quiapo

- Quiapo is one of the many districts in the city of Manila. It is also considered as

the “Old Downtown Manila”. The place is popularly known for its marketplace

where bargain hunting is a thing.

The site, located in Hidalgo St. was formerly called Calle San Sebastian because

of the fact that the street goes from Quiapo Church to the Basilica Minore de San

Sebastian or the San Sebastian Cathedral. The street was popular then because

of the row of houses going to San Sebastian that showcases old Spanish

architecture. However, at the present moment, most of the houses have either

been abandoned or replaced by modern buildings. This particular street is

currently known as the mecca for photography equipment.

Justification:

1. Scale:

- The site is of historic significance to Quiapo and is still one of the most

visited. It has the greatest potential for urban regeneration or renewal due

to its probable contributions to tourism, which in return, boosts economic

growth and revenue.

2. Location:

● Accessibility
 - Site is easily accessible through wide major roads, and is

within 1.2 to 1.7km distance from LRT-1 Doroteo Jose

Station and LRT-2 Recto Station. The site is also along the

routes of other modes of public transport such as jeepneys

and uv express vehicles.

● Neighborhood amenities

- The area is within walking distance to local stores,

convenience stores, markets, and local restaurants, It is

also along a neighborhood. The site is close to Universities

such as UST (University of Santo Thomas) and FEU (Far

Eastern University) which is part of the U-BELT.

● Security

- In terms of security, Hidalgo St., is generally a safe area ,

as it is within the vicinity of U-Belt. Streets in the University

Belt in Manila are "relatively safe" According to a study of

the Far Eastern University Public Policy Center.

3. Zoning Considerations:

- Hidalgo Street comprises commercial, residential, industrial, and

institutional zones.

4. A State of Urban Decay

- The site is in a state of deindustrialization, and if it weren’t for the

photography shops nearby, the area would have already deteriorated or

 lost its essence. Since recent developments focus on different areas of

Metro Manila, the old downtown districts, such as Hidalgo Street, were

forsaken.

3. Escolta Street, Binondo

- Binondo is the "Chinatown" district of Manila. It is the oldest Chinatown in the

world and was the country's center of commerce during the American

occupation. Many of Binondo's commercial establishments were destroyed after

World War II, with companies moving to Makati, which is the financial capital of

the Philippines.

Calle de la Escolta or Escolta Street is one of the oldest and most historic streets

in Manila, Philippines. Located in the old downtown district of Binondo, it was

once dubbed as “The Queen of Streets.”. Manileños used to flock to Escolta to

shop, work, and dine, making it a leading commercial district during the 1800s to

the early 1930s. Escolta is part of the larger Binondo area in Manila, which runs

parallel to the Pasig River, from Plaza Santa Cruz to Plaza Moraga and Quintin

Paredes Street.

Justification:

1. Scale:

- Escolta St, in Binondo has potential for urban regeneration because; (1) it

holds a cultural value to the people, especially for the Filipino-Chinese

community, (2) it has to social significance through activities, such as the

 month-long “Escolta Block Festival.”, (3) it still brings in revenue and

economic growth due to authentic business establishments.

2. Location:

● Accessibility

- Escolta St. is well known and is a very accessible street

located at downton Binondo. There are multiple ways to

commute to Escolta, either by jeepney, train, or ferry. It is

accessed through main roads, Escolta’s one end is right

next to Jones Bridge, and the other one is beside the

Roman Santos Building, and adjacent to Plaza Lacson &

Sta. Cruz Church.

● Neighborhood amenities

- The site is accessible to community infrastructure, such as

the Yuchengco Park and the Intramuros-Binondo bridge

that consists of a bike lane. Other than that, the site is also

close to the LRT-1 station, LRT-2 station, and food markets

to name a few.

● Security

- Binondo is generally a safe area to travel in during the day.

The number of focus crimes recorded in Metro Manila last

year(2022) has decreased compared to 2021.

3. Zoning Considerations:
 - The site comprises mainly commercial, institutional, and residential

zones.

4. A State of Urban Decay

- Structures in the site are currently in a state of ruins due to the fact that

most major buildings within the area are neglected. Main examples of this

are the neo-classical building, El Hogar Filipino and Art-deco, First United

Building.

References

Accruent. (n.d.). Four Important Factors for Site Selection. Accruent.com.

https://www.accruent.com/resources/blog-posts/four-important-factors-site-selection

Alaska Department of Education & Early Development. (2021). Site Selection Criteria and

Evaluation Handbook. Education Alaska Org.

https://education.alaska.gov/facilities/publications/siteselection.pdf

Artscape. (n.d.). Key Considerations for Site Selection. D.I.Y. Creative Placemaking. Retrieved

January 14, 2023, from

https://www.artscapediy.org/guide/key-considerations-for-site-selection/

Determine Criteria for Site Selection. (n.d.). Local Initiatives Support Corporation. Retrieved

January 14, 2023, from

https://www.lisc.org/charter-schools/understanding-your-needs/site-selection/determine-c

riteria-site-selection/
Guide to the Philippines. (n.d.). Information about Quiapo.

https://guidetothephilippines.ph/destinations-and-attractions/quiapo

LaGro Jr., J. A. (n.d.). Site Analysis: A Contextual Approach To Sustainable Land Planning and

Site Design (Second ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Philippines Travel Guide. (n.d.). Hidalgo Street- The Photographers Market.

Philippines-travelguide.com. http://www.philippines-travel-guide.com/hidalgo-street.html

Russ, T. H. (n.d.). Site Planning and Design Handbook (Second ed.).

Santos, K. (n.d.). Things to do in Escolta, Manila. Traveling-up.com.

https://www.traveling-up.com/things-to-do-in-escolta-manila/

Site Selection Criteria and Search Strategies. (n.d.). The Corporation for Supportive Housing.

Retrieved January 14, 2023, from

https://www.csh.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/SiteSelectionandSearchStrategies_F.p

df

White, E. T. (n.d.). Site Analysis.

Why Site Selection is Important. (2022, June 28). Hytek Intralogistics.

https://hy-tek.com/resources/why-site-selection-is-important/

WikiVoyage.org. (n.d.). Binondo. Wikivoyage.org.com.

https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Manila/Binondo