Riverside Community Center and Redevelopment of the Marikina River Park

Tomilloso, Jan Paul RMA 4 AR-11

TABLE OF CONTENT Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Project background 1.3 Statement of the problem 1.4 Significance of the project 1.5 Project objective 1.6 Scope and limitation P.3-5 P. 5-7 P.7-9 P.9-11 P. 11-12 P. 12-14

Chapter 2: Review of related literature 2.1 Chapter Review 2.2 Introduction P. 15 P. 15-21

Chapter 3: Research Methodology 2.1 Chapter Review 2.2 Research Phase P. 21 P. 21-23

Chapter 4: Site Analysis 4.1 Chapter Review 4.2 Description of the Site 4.3 Site Selection 4.4 Site Justification P.24 P.24 P.25-26 P. 26-28

CHAPTER 1: Introduction 1.1 Introduction With the continuous expansion of human presence within a city and the expansion of urban density, so does the cities growth and development, Because of such activity, Social relation within the local community is being hindered so does the connection between the city and its people. It is visible that the cities evolution is affected by its population, as a result, a city which provides its citizen with City and Civic Identity can expect to have a population who has an idea of community responsibility. Parks and Activity space gives the public various benefits such as improving ones health, reducing stress, and creating a local social connection within individuals. In relation to a city development, it provides its citizen with varying amenities which will makes the population happier, with a return in Economic advantage, directly proportional to the increase in land value within the vicinity and the possibility of attracting commercial establishment. A Community Center will then provide the locals with a place for group activities, social support, public information and other services for the development of the local community. The facility shall then reflect the Social and Cultural preference of the users which in return, are the link between individual users. The facility
3

shall house Government, Commercial, and Public activities. The Facility programs will focus of both on the city and the individuals development so they themselves can be a part of the community growth. It will also provide the government an opportunity to show their local plans for the people of Marikina to use, such as promoting Marikina as a clean and green city. One of the most Iconic seascape within Marikina is the Marikina River which is located in the eastern part of Metro Manila, A tributary of Pasig River with headwaters located in the Sierra Madre Mountains in Rodriguez, Rizal province. It is originally used as a transportation route during the Spanish era and is the cause for the growth of the city. As a result the Marikina River has an important city value and the presence of Marikina River Park is to pay tribute to the River, It is also one of the places where Marikeo can relax and exercise. Within the river parks are significant place and monument such as the Roman Garden/ Gazebo, Chinese Garden/ Gazebo, Kawayanan Picnic Area, Pontoon Bridges, MV Rosa Maria, and Womens Park. Within the vicinity are 2 Major shopping center, Farming Lot and local commercial establishment. The proposed community center, it hopes to be the jumpstart for the local government to focus on developing this local treasure, in which local tourism growth shall provide significance to the area,

which in return provides funding to once again revitalize the River bank.

1.2 Project Background The proposed project will also provide a direct link with the government program to save the Marikina River. During 1987, the then Ministry of public road and highway cited the need to improve the condition of the Marikina riverbank to allow better discharge of water of the city, its purpose was to reduce flooding and secure the river area During the reign of former mayor, Bayani Fernando, during 1993, Great changes were made for the rehabilitation of the Marikina River as opposed to the river condition 4 decades ago. The Marikina River Park was born. and its considered as the first sign of the site improvement of the then again dirty river bank. Continuous Improvement may be expected so once again, The People of Marikina can once again interact with the river. Several improvement done by the Former mayor was to add an access road so that men with equipment can go to the river and do cleaning and clearing operation, He then cleared the vicinity of Informal settler and other intrusion. After that was forcing industries to take responsibility of the water they discharge to the river, then
5

Constructing Sport facilities, Historical and Cultural structure of the stretch, Finally, Adding a landscape for the aesthetic purpose of the park. Up until now, the visibility of people within the sight which includes both the old and the children shows the success of the project. During the Typhoon Ondoy, Several part of Marikina were severely devastated with the loss of lives and property, Still Marikeo shows unity and discipline so that they could carry on and rebuild. One of the most overwhelmed areas lies within the Riverside Community zone, the Provident Village whose flooding reach up to 6 meters, probably because the area was originally meant to be as a floodway and the lack of the site flood adaptive design. The government response by telling the residence to rebuild a better flood adaptive design which is costly or move out which some of the residence did, with a little luck in finding buyers. The property within the site is always in danger especially that climate condition is still worsening. Disaster Official has already advised the local community within the site to move away from the river, but the officials have less luck in convincing them. In case of such event, the now lot can be converted to a Community center since it can house both public facility and consumable spaces.

As a response, a proposed Community Center within the area that would integrate the existing Marikina River Park will be beneficial; the facility shall comply and prepare for a flood adaptive design. As an incentive, a new Residential facility will also be placed to provide housing for the families within the reclaimed area. In addition, The Community center will hope to further enhance the view and importance of the Marikina river park and could compliment with the ongoing rehabilitation of the Marikina River. The New Riverside Structure could also serve as a basis for importance and probability of applying flood adaptive design especially within the region. In addition to the functioning community center, The facility will also house the Marikina Park Development Authority, and can also be used as a temporary evacuation center in case of extreme flooding.

1.3 Statement of the Problem Since the development of the Marikina River Park, It has gain popularity among locals within the area. To further increase the park visitors population, Additional amenities would be beneficial especially those that are community based oriented. In addition, the proposed project shall solve the need of the community to shop, relax and interact. The park should also provide feature that will support the city ideal green city image, it should promote clean
7

living within individual. With this includes creating a healthier citizen. The lack of public interaction within the river is also a prime concern, with much of the infrastructure and facility built away from the Marikina River; the public are always oriented outside the Marikina River. The Individual not only need to feel interacted with the river, but he also need so socialize with other or have time for himself, The facility should provide a space that should answer in the Marikeo need for a space to shop, relax, and socialize. The facility should also provide a way to further increase the beauty of the Marikina riverbank which is the prime identity of the city image and history. The facility should also consider the major environmental hazard of flooding of within the site, its primary purpose is to find and develop a solution to create a flood resilient design to provide a symbol of preservation during such calamities or others that might come. Since the proposed sight is within the flood prone lot within the provident village, it should provide housing space for the families. The project located within the riverside will also provide an excellent view within the site that is why development to cater commercial space and government based project.

And lastly, the facility should promote the locals identity and reflect the one of its user for them to acquire Communal Identity and Responsibility for the project.

1.4 Significance of the Project The main purpose of the Community center is to provide a space for social activities such as local event and as a meeting place. It will provide individuals to meet up with people who share with their variety of interest. In addition the Community center will cater to the need of the local population of varying degree, from the rich to the poor, and from the young to the old. The place will also provide individual a place to relax and unwind, The Facility, Facing away from Major roads and other building, while providing a direct view of the Marikina River will allow Individuals to have a time for their own, especially during the lazy afternoon. The place will be a retreat for one to release stress and enjoy the natural landscape. The facility will hope to give tribute to the provide the local government with attention regarding the health of the Marikina River, As the patron of this facility grows and appreciate the river, so will their deep interest for the well being of this seascape, They would then take a communal responsibility toward the river which will improve and preserve the rivers historical and cultural identity.
9

The Proposed facility shall be built to work with nature; reclaimed land will be converted into floodways and not concrete landscape. Additional trees and vegetation which is very important for the success of the site shall fulfill the site aesthetic needs, while also reducing flooding. With the formulation of the Facility, Additional Commercial spaces can be added to fund for the facility maintenance need. Its view from the riverside and the amount of various users from different source will allow flexible variety of business, from sports activities, services, and food. Since Marikina is formulated as a bicycle friendly zone, Access to the site would be mainly thru walking and cycling, and if possible, reintroducing the paddleboat transportation system. During these method of traveling, you not only provide you body with much needed exercise, it also exposed your body to the nature, from the fresh air to interacting with nature. And as a Social-structure, you are more likely to interact with people; The Establishment of the community center will allow visible police presence throughout the site unlike its current condition with a few a police patroller, the rehabilitation of the site will provide better consideration on the users safety and security.

10

The Proposed Community Center will finalize the Vision of the Former Mayor Bayani Fernando vision of the Rehabilitated Marikina River Park.

1.5 Project Objective

1.5.1 Provide a new use to the land within the Provident village that will be disaster resilient, the facility should apply a sustainable approach with the reclaimed land. In addition, the facility should also provide housing for the homeowner who will be evacuated from their property. 1.5.2 Provide relative and adequate amenities to the would be users, the facilities should be oriented toward to community and will promote social interactions. This will include the well-being of the individuals and the park. The design should provide a flexible design system to allow various activities such as city events to public shows. 1.5.3 To promote the use of bicycle or other transportation device (Paddleboat), Not only are they effective for one to truly interact with nature, they also promote social interaction since you are not locked on the
11

confinement of your car, they are good for your health and for the environment and they are also widely available. 1.5.4 Incorporate nearby Existing design elements such as Gardens, Fountains, and Structures to the design, The facility should also compliment the Image of Marikina City. The Community Center will be also the link between the locals and Marikina River, and in relation, The It will also allow the government to provide much effort to further enhance the beauty of the Marikina River for the satisfaction of the Marikeo.

1.5.5 Apply new technology for the benefit of its users; this will answer to the users need for Safety and Security, Communication, Information, and other for both the benefit of the Individual and the Community center.

1.6 Scope and Limitation Since the Marikina host hundreds of different community of varying source and preference, The Design of the Riverside Community center will mainly focus on individuals within close proximity and with direct accessibility of the site, these includes nearby

12

neighborhoods, particularly the Provident Village, up to the regular Users which includes Jogger, Cyclist, or families. Since these individuals lies near the River or those that benefit from it, they would be in direct relation to the River and in return, they would have it to their responsibility for the taking care of both the Park and the river. The Proposed Thesis Limitation includes: 1.6.1 The report will not focus on reflecting the overall preference of the Marikeo, but mainly, those within the nearby vicinities as they comprise of the would be regular user, General Preference of the Marikeo resident will be take into minor consideration for casual users. None the less, the design will focus as a community based facility. 1.6.2 The visual site observation will be limited to those happened during March to December of the year 2013. Although Important Public Event both

proposed and from the past that would be beneficial for the project would be take into consideration. 1.6.3 The design for Flood Resilience will mainly focus on reports during the recent Typhoon Ondoy. 1.6.4 The site is an occupied Village, and not all homeowner are willing to sell their property, the
13

proposed project will provide an alternative use to their lot. 1.6.5 The design focus on behavioral and social pattern found within the site, while Academic research will function as supportive statement.

14

CHAPTER 2: Review of Related Literature 2.1 Chapter Overview This chapter will focus on important point to be taking into consideration, This will provide insight on Issues that need to be solved and the various factor with direct relation to the project.

2.2 Introduction The Marikina River Park provides nearby residence and various user a place to relax and exercise, This park also symbolize the successful rehabilitation of the Marikina River , A Community center in response will be the link between the local with the river and to each other. It will provide various Socio-Cultural benefits.

During the Typhoon Ondoy when extreme flooding came, the residence of the provident village was extremely overwhelmed. A Community center will replace those houses near the river bank; in which, the facility should apply flood adaptive design.

Topics that should be concentrated include: Application of Flood Adaptive Design for the Facility Importance of the Community Center within a City. Opportunities within the Riverbank Designing of a Community Center
15

2.2.1 Flood Adaptive Design Flooding is the factor the design is truly concerned, the facility therefore shall have both Active and passive solution in Managing these issues.

Since little can be done to stop flooding, especially within the riverbank side, The facility therefore will allow flooding, but shall be resilient to high water. The urban design with open water bodies is comparable easy in new development areas, but more difficult in Existing cities. (Vrijthoff, 2008), In the Case of my site, There are already prebuilt village within the vicinity, However, their lack of flood adaptive design will only provide another negative result. Since the new facility will be built from this lot, the design should be immune to flooding. Suggestion was to use low lying areas exclusively for non-residential purposes which are okay to get submerged by flood waters. (Fernando, 2009)

A passive approach can be done by planning the site so that minimal damage can be done during flooding, example of which is done in Harbor City in Hamburg, its design concept was a 5 level of public space where open spaces were placed on the lower level of the city while important facilities such as buildings were place within higher elevation. In addition to its water adaptive design strategies,
16

HafenCity exemplifies many other sustainable urban planning ideas. It is dense, walk able, bike able, served by public transit, and full of multi-use buildings and public spaces. Much of the land was formerly brown fields and has now been cleaned and developed. Additionally, the historic character of the area is honored: many buildings in the neighboring Speicherstadt area have been refurbished (Reed, 2010). Both preservation and overall changes can be applied for long term benefit. In addition flood resistant material should also be used to reduce damage cost

An active approach can also be used by applying Floating Structures like the floating information centre, which is located in Ijburg. Other design consideration includes stilt structure.

2.2.2 Importance of the Community Center With the ever expansion of man to fulfill the need of growth, he has forget to consider his Social wellbeing. Contemporary life has made the concept of community untamable and it may see paradoxical that we are proceeding to homogenize the public diagram of architecture. (Yanagisawa, 1995), in relation, Individuals are being separated from their environment, Individuals are being self centered with little concern to the public. Public Building creates public responsibility and help to consolidate the negotiating strength

17

of the various organization and the committee that colonizes and make use of the space (Slessor, 1995), A Community center is not only oriented toward other but for the wellbeing of one selves, and to its environment, The local vicinity in particular. Effective maintenance of the public realm requires the creation and preservation of a clean, healthy and safe environment. While the public sector is the one that usually takes the ultimate responsibility either positive or negative are likely to come from range of public and private source. Indeed it is the diversity of interest and the incremental changes for which they are responsible, which makes the process of urban management difficult ( Carmona et al., 2003), The distribution of varying patron, and thus interest will allow a more dynamic development within the park. This will destroy the social barrier that separates us with the rest of the community.

The government should consider Community centers and parks to be an asset to develop their local community. As an urban planner, Parks are the urban land issue of the 21st century. Revitalized city needs revitalized park system. They help clean the air, reduce stress, improve heath, diminish crime, increase tourism, and property value, and provide an alternative to sprawl (Harnik, 2011). As a city, Active citizen citizenship and vibrant urban life are essential of a good city and civic identity. To restore these where

18

they are lacking, citizens must be involved in the evolution for their city, they must feel that the communal space is in their ownership and responsibility (Rogers, 1997). A Civic identity within the region will promote connections between individuals for they will develop common interest and being a symbol of their community, they want the community center to represent who they are.

Park and public open space need to be thought in terms of being an integral part of the community; in fact, they should be considered the primary organizing element in our community (Hall and Portfield, development 2001) With the problems that growth are creating overtaxed infrastructure, lack and of

community attachment, polarization of various socio-economic group, and stress on the environment. It is evident that conventional suburban development cannot sustain itself

indefinitely. Commercial activities should be embedded in our neighborhood and district to create true town center (Abrams, 1995)

19

2.2.3 Opportunities within the Riverbank For nearby community, Facilities located near the river can provide Social and cultural benefit. Rivers provide recreational, scenic, and image making value for the people who live near them, and they also provide recreation opportunities and aesthetic and scenic value that can be enjoyed by everyone. (Jerke et al., 2008), It can be the source to why the locals visit your facility and how much they appreciate it.

Actions to improve the visual and environmental quality of river address many concern, survey have found that people are willing to pay for such action (Jerke et al., 2008) Being in a Urban landscape, Vegetation and Scenery provides entertainment and leisure for the Local population, and they would be willing to spend just to maintain such environment.

Direct economic payback can be measured by taxable value of property and development adjacent to good quality of river body (Jerke et al., 2008). This Brings Opportunities of commercial establishment to invest in your facility, It will also help to improve tourism and local livelihood within the area.

20

2.2.4 Designing of a Community Center

A review of current literature shows no specific way to build a community center or what to include. However there were useful insights gained through the research of others on helpful methods when coming up with a community center plan. This is known as a responsive design approach. It takes into account both the social environment and physical environment and their combined effect on the users. Three tools of inquiry established the data for this research project, including surveys, interviews, and a chart created of current available meeting spaces. Four main themes emerged from the data and helped to answer both the primary question and sub questions. The themes include: existing groups demographics, a review of current meeting places, needs and wants for current and future buildings, and the local level of support. (Tubbs 2012)

Community Environment,

centers

should

focus

on

Create

Homelike Autonomy,

Encourage

Creativity,

Encourage

Include Appropriate Space for Staff, and Maintain a Safe and Healthy Environment (Mion, 2010).

21

CHAPTER 3: Research methodology 3.1 Overview of the Chapter

This chapter will present the various data gathering method done to fulfill the preparatory need to find information which will affect or be used during the design phase.

3.2 Research Phase 3.2 1. Ocular Site investigation An ocular site investigation will be done with the month of March up until December. This month is where most of the public events are held within the site. This would also differentiate the amount the difference in demography of users during the summer season, and during school days. 3.2 2. Literature Review Notes and data from various article, particularly who focus on public spaces and urban planning will be used for the benefit of the project, Importance will be shows regarding the articles relation to the Project details while minor information will be used as a guideline. These will Include Innovations and technology that can be applied to the architectural design of the project. 3.2 3. Data gathered by the Local Government

22

Data from the Local Park Development authority in particular, Information such as future expansions or proposed activities can be incorporated within the project to serve as design considerations. Other related information that might be of use will also be added in the gathered data. 3.2 3. Interview Interviews particularly to the Local community and the Regular user of the site are to be the primary source of information to formulate the activity that will be present to the new community center. General information about the demography of the overall city population will also be of minor consideration. 3.2 4. Case Study Case study from both Local and International source will be used. The local Case study will be useful because the concept can be link to the local community in Marikina. The International Case study will focus on successful riverside Community Center, and Facilities which incorporate flood Resilient design, Which includes related Innovations and Technologies regarding applying flood resilience in architecture.

23

CHAPTER 4: Site Analysis

4.1 Overview of the Chapter

This chapter will discuss the possible site for the project which includes the reason for its selection and its analysis.

4.2 Description of the site The site is located on both Barangay Jesus Dela Pena and Barangay Tanong. With a Coordinate of 1437'49"N ,1215'19"E. Historically, the Area the provident village currently is situated is part of the Marikina River but dried up. The used to known as Patay na Ilog was the reconstructed to create the Provident Village, Located on the top Curve of an S, Meaning, During Flooding, Flood Would rush directly to the site; the dike provided by the village only provided minimal result during the typhoon

The site provide housing for Medium High Class Residence, As a Developed Village, Property will be of a high value, But since the typhoon, Some homeowner sold their property to a very low price.

24

4.3 Site Selection 4.3.1 Land Availability Cosntructing for a flood adaptive design is much costly on a developed land than finding an empty lot, however, such lot who has little to no interest in improving their design would normally lose their land value. 4.3.2 Land Use and Zoning It is preferred that the property islocated within or nearby a residential area for the posiblity of establishing a commercial space. 4.3.3 Security Nearby Police Station, Hospital, and Fire station would be beneficial to especially that this is a public building 4.3.4 Utilities Adequate Supplies of Water and Electricity is needed 4.3.5 Climate and Orientation Being in a tropical country, it is wise that the facility would be facing north or east, It should also provide an excellent view of the Marikina river. 4.3.6 Soil Condition and Stability Capable of supporting a structure located 8 meter high. 4.3.7 Transportation

25

Bicycle friendly zone, with link to major roads to be used bys service vehicle or by person with disability. 4.3.8 Environment Nearby vegetated area 4.3.9 Topography Low Lying area to be used as a public space 4.3.10 Adjacent Structure Provide a complimenting view to the Marikina River

4.4 Justification of the Site 4.4.1 Land Availability The Site is located in an existing village, however, several homeowner decided to already sell their property, unfortunately, Majority of the users still demand to stay in their property. 4.4.2 Land Use and Zoning The Current land lies inside the Provident Village, It is being used as a residential property. 4.4.3 Security Since the property will be directly perpendicular to the Marikina River Park, the Park is being patrolled by the Barangay Tanod, However, During my last visit, A few of the street light were not working.

26

4.4.4 Utilities Being in an existing Subdivision, Adequate Electrical and Water Utilities is expected, Opportunity for Solar Energy is also feasible. 4.4.5 Climate and Orientation Marikina features a tropical monsoon climate. Together with the rest of the Philippines, Marikina lies entirely within the tropics. The Site is oriented toward south east. 4.4.6 Soil Condition and Stability The Marikina Riverbanks has a rich fertile soil, the Stability of the soil is to be further researched but by the appearance of the SM-Marikina on a nearby the site, and The Presence of houses on the intended site provide an Insight of the possibility of building from the site. 4.24.7 Transportation The site is best visited through walking or cycling since vehicle are not allowed within the sight, however, Motorist can Park their vehicle on nearby areas such as the Marikina Riverbank Mall and just walk toward the site, The Possibility of using the village as an alternative entrance is might be also possible.

27

4.4.8 Environment The site Is composed of various plant and trees, this includes lots for farming purpose within the riverbanks. 4.4.9 Topography The site is located in a low lying area of the Provident village. 4.4.10 Adjacent Structure Barangay Calumpang and San Roque, A mixture of both Residential and Industrial property.

28