Balboa-Ebalo-Escabusa-Terrado-Yasuzuka Architects Design-8

B.S. Architecture 4-1

"Security, Equality and Sustainability in a

Community High Rise Development"

Chapter 1

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

Multiple developments like Residential, Recreational and commercial are vital spaces for a

community. It allows interaction, security and shelter amongst the residence which influence

their growth and how they live. Developing a diverse ,small-scaled, individual structures

,however, would require a great amount of land area compensating for the number of its target

users. In Response, the utilization of vertical space becomes an ideal approach for land scarcity.

High rise structures are defined by the Fire Code of the Philippines as "Buildings, structures or

facilities fifteen (15) meters or more in height.".It is also known as a multi-level dwelling,
wherein different areas and zoning are programmed and design to be incorporated in a single

structure which rose vertically.

Designing a community which would target a large number of residents ,reckoning from a

thousand, would consume a high building footprint from provision of individual units promoting

a costly land area. To maximize space while minimizing cost, a high rise mix used structure will

be developed in response to the needs of the community allowing a construction of a single

structure to provide the basic needs while developing other parts of the site for recreational and

public open spaces.

The design approach emphasizes on connectivity of every human social classes. It is a re-

development of an area which needs to be revitalize leaning on sustainability and security.

Incorporating a high rise in the development, the design shall engage in the diversity of lifestyle

while inculcating the sense of ownership, belonging and security.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The exponential population growth equates to a higher demand for basic needs, one of which is

space. Providing basic facilities for a community is essential but horizontal developments of

multiple units would occupy a large land area. This will eventually lead to land scarcity and, if

poorly managed, development of concrete jungles. Concrete jungles contributes to Urban Heat

Island effect or the warming of the area compared to its surrounding and being situated in a

tropical area, this will affect thermal comfort in a negative way. This will also hinder

development and preservation of green spaces which will reduce natural permeable surfaces
allowing slow water drainage which would lead to flooding. Land scarcity on the other hand,

will essentially cut-off opportunity for future developments due to lack of sufficient area and will

lead to a higher land cost ,limiting its affordability for many users promoting a higher population

of informal settlers residing on properties they don't own.

1.3 Significance of the study

To address a lesser building footprint, a mix-use high rise building to accommodate the number

of target users, will be constructed as the primary structure in the development. All necessary

spaces shall be based on the users' lifestyle and the zoning will promote social activities while

maintaining individual unit privacy. Utilizing the overhead space will result to smaller land area

used providing more room for other site developments. The site plan will integrate Crime

Prevention through Environmental design promoting security amongst the community through

various outdoor recreational and public green spaces. This areas stimulates social gathering

which enhances active surveillance and orienting the facade of the multi-dwelling structure

contributes to a passive supervision while providing a scenery of the site. Development of parks

and other green spaces allows the permeability of the site which enables it to prevent flooding

and also Urban Heat gain by providing shades and absorbing excessive heat allowing thermal

comfort. The diversity of units which inhibits a high rise structure gives opportunity to

accommodate different users eliminating the need to construct multiple individual houses while

allowing them to reside in the same structure for their basic facilities giving them a sense of
belonging. Since this type of structure maximizes vertical space while minimizing land area, it

allow future developments due to availability of land.

1.4 Goals and Objectives

Goals

Prevent crime through environmental design

Promote a pedestrian oriented community
Revitalize a concrete-jungle area
Provide a housing for all social class

Objectives

To design well lighted and shaded open spaces.

To limit vehicular access to necessary areas and provide shaded path walks for

pedestrians
To develop multiple and large green spaces while integrating permeable pavements.
To provide a diversity of housing units to accommodate different users.

1.5 Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The study will dwell on proposing a High rise structure for a community development. The case

would only be limited to the site selection, analysis and architectural development of the chosen

site.The architectural plans relating to the proposal including; the structures floor plans;

pedestrian and vehicular traffic flow ;Building faade and elevations including its aesthetic

values, Site conceptualization and site planning with relation to its effect in the vicinity.

The study will also tackle the environmental impact of the said development with regards to the

site and its effect in the lifestyle of the whole community.

Excluded from the study are the auxiliary operations along with the structural design and utility

lay outs, retail investments and business related matters.

1.6 Justification of the Study

Many high rise buildings prove to be effective in accommodating a great number of users

,facilities and other related spaces while occupying minimal land area compared to horizontally

built structures. It becomes a symbol of hierarchy which targeted mostly the people in the higher

classes and the study aims to re-design this concept wherein a structure of this type can provide

equal opportunities for all social classes allowing each to interact with one another in a casual

and secured manner. This will allow a housing for a number of lower class families discouraging

growth of the slum population while exposing them to a safe and connected community

,instilling them the sense of belongingness.

1.7 Definition of Terms

Developments ( development ) noun - a developed tract of land

Residential (residential) adjective - providing living accommodations

Recreational (recreational) adjective - done for enjoyment

- used for recreation: recreational facilities.

Commercial (commercial) adjective - viewed with regard to profit

- designed for a large market

Structures (structure) noun - something (as a building) that is constructed

Scarcity (scarcity) noun - a very small supply

High Rise (h-rz) adjective - being multistory and equipped with elevators

Dwelling (dwelling) noun - a shelter (as a house) in which people live

Sustainability (sustainable) adjective - of, relating to, or being a method of harvesting or

using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged

Diversity (diversity) noun - The quality or state of having many different forms, types, ideas.

Exponential Population Growth - Increase in number or size, at a constantly growing rate.

Building Footprint - The area on a project site that is used by the building structure and is

defined by the perimeter of the building plan.

Concrete Jungles - An urban or other populated area containing a high density of buildings

constructed of concrete or similar materials, especially one which lacks greenery.

Urban Heat Island (UHI) Effect - describes built up areas that are hotter than nearby rural

areas

Thermal Comfort - the comfort of human beings under given room conditions

- the thermal balance between the body and the environment