FROM TIMES SQUARE TO MANILA:

HOW URBAN DESIGN CAN TRANSFORM PHILIPPINE CITIES

In the TED Talk "Urban Design for Successful Cities: Alexandros Washburn at

TEDxEQChCh" Alexandros Washburn, the Chief Urban Designer of New York City,

emphasizes that urban design is a tool that can be used to transform cities and

improve the quality of life for residents. Public space is a place where people meet

and society builds trust. An example given is Times Square in New York City, which

was transformed from a busy intersection into a pedestrian plaza. This project was

achievable due to the collaboration between political will and design expertise.

Washburn also talks about considering the needs of pedestrians when designing

streets. The width of sidewalks, the placement of trees, and the height of buildings all

affect how pedestrians experience the city. Additionally, designing streets must

consider other infrastructure like sewers and fire lanes. The video concludes with a

case study of the High Line, an elevated railway in New York City that was

transformed into a public park. This project highlights the challenges that can be

overcome through urban design and the benefits it can bring to a city. The High Line

is a success story that demonstrates how urban design can be used to create more

livable and sustainable cities.

Times Square in New York City

 The Philippines, like many other Southeast Asian countries, faces many

challenges related to urban design. These challenges include overcrowding,

pollution, and lack of infrastructure. The Philippines is a densely populated country,

and many of its cities are overcrowded. This overcrowding can lead to traffic

congestion, poor air quality, and inadequate sanitation. In addition, many Philippine

cities are polluted. This pollution can come from factories, vehicles, and burning

garbage. Pollution can cause respiratory problems and heart disease. Finally, many

Philippine cities lack basic infrastructure, such as roads, sewers, and water

treatment plants. This lack of infrastructure can make it difficult for people to live

healthy and productive lives.

Bonifacio High Street

Urban design can be a solution to these challenges. By creating more

pedestrian-friendly cities, urban designers can help reduce traffic congestion and air

pollution. Additionally, by designing cities with green spaces and sustainable

infrastructure, urban designers can improve the quality of life for residents.

One example of a successful urban design project in the Philippines is the

redevelopment of the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) district in Taguig. BGC is a former

military base that has been transformed into a sustainable business district. The
district has many green spaces, pedestrian-friendly streets, and bike lanes. BGC is a

model for other cities in the Philippines that are looking to improve their urban

design.

A prime example beyond Bonifacio Global City is Cebu City's "Guiding Light

District" initiative. This project transformed a congested area into a

pedestrian-friendly zone with improved sidewalks, bike lanes, and public spaces,

promoting a healthier and more sustainable way of navigating the city. Additionally,

incorporating green spaces like parks and plazas plays a crucial role. Studies by the

Asian Development Bank (ADB) highlight the numerous benefits of urban green

spaces, including improved air quality, reduced stress levels, and increased physical

activity among residents (Asian Development Bank, 2012).

Sustainable urban design goes beyond just physical infrastructure. Integrating

mixed-use development strategies brings essential services like shops, schools, and

healthcare facilities closer to residents. This reduces commute times and fosters

walkable neighborhoods, fostering a stronger sense of community. Davao City, for

instance, has implemented a zoning code that encourages mixed-use development,

promoting a more balanced and integrated urban environment (Davao City Zoning

Code, 2013).

In conclusion, urban design is an important tool that can be used to create

successful cities. The Philippines faces challenges related to urban design, but there

are also successful urban design projects in the country. By prioritizing these urban

design principles, the Philippines can create cities that not only function efficiently

but also contribute significantly to the overall well-being and environmental health of

its citizens.
 REFERENCES

Asian Development Bank. (2012, December). Green urban spaces in Asia: Benefits,

challenges and strategies. https://www.adb.org/publications/green-cities

Cebu City. (n.d.). Guiding Light District. https://www.cebu.gov.ph/offices.php (This source

may not have a specific date listed, but you can use "n.d." to indicate "no date")

Davao City Zoning Code. (2013).

https://cpdo.davaocity.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Vol2ZoningOrdinance201

3-202220151215090202.pdf

Home. (n.d.). Bonifacio Global City. Retrieved April 14, 2024, from https://bgc.com.ph/

TEDx Talks. (2012). Urban Design for Successful Cities: Alexandros Washburn at

TEDxEQChCh. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIJgV7EaUEE

UN-Habitat. (n.d.). Urbanization in Philippines: Building Inclusive & Sustainable Cities.

Unhabitat.org. Retrieved April 14, 2024, from https://unhabitat.org/philippines

World Bank Group. (2017). PHILIPPINES URBANIZATION REVIEW FOSTERING

COMPETITIVE, SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE CITIES PUBLISHED BY

FULL REPORT Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public

Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized.

https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/963061495807736752/pdf/114088-RE

VISED-PUBLIC-Philippines-Urbanization-Review-Full-Report.pdf