Arch 199.1 September 19 Submission PDF
Arch 199.1 September 19 Submission PDF
Arch 199.1 September 19 Submission PDF
BS Architecture
College of Architecture
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
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Laguna de Bay Marina Development:
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Managing tourism and the state of natural attractions has been important to multiple
researches for years. The natural environment and all its aspects has always been affected by
tourism. There is a need and urgency in studying the environmental relations in areas that are
ecologically sensitive, such as small islands, reefs, desert oases, and tropical habitats, as these
Transportation connects multiple destinations and moves people, goods, and services.
Tourism is all about travel; and transportation is vital in its operation. Tourism has expanded
mainly due to the improvement of transportation. Air travel has made the world smaller, and
motor vehicles has made travel to anywhere possible. Coupled with changing work patterns
and innovative marketing, transportation reality has driven international mass tourism
However, land traffic congestion has been a common yet troubling scene in growing
areas. In Southeast Asia, the Philippines has one of the fastest urbanization rates, as the
country’s economic standing continues to move forward towards service and industrial
orientation, and away from agriculture. Areas like Metro Manila, Davao, Iloilo, and Cebu,
among others, the transport sector of big cities and its surrounding areas suffer every single
day, especially with the inefficient transport schemes that manifest. As the economy and
population continue to grow, the demand for transport services also continues to rise
(Lidasan, et. al., 2009). Thus, rising traffic congestion is an inescapable condition in these
Los Baños is one of the 17 lakeshore towns along Laguna de Bay. It also sits on the
foothills of Mount Makiling where the University of the Philippines - Los Baños is located.
From the academe to different industries, the municipality focuses on boosting its agriculture,
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science, and tourism aspects the most. The Laguna Lake and Mt. Makiling shaped the
development realities and turned it into a rapidly urbanizing municipality. However, due to
the environmental concerns the municipality faces with these two natural entities, it has
caused the city to pursue a horizontal development. Situated about 60 kilometers south of
Metro Manila, this major west to east spine is the only access from the main
urban/commercial and industrial centers of Metro Manila via the SLEX. Furthermore, it is the
only main access from the east and the rest of Laguna province. This traffic congestion has
With the road’s lack of capability to withstand the traffic volume of the National
Highway, this poses a negative counterbalance to the positive potential of Los Baños as a
tourist and leisure destination for neighboring residents. Moreover, students and faculty of
UPLB are key factors to the municipality’s development. Thus, the demand for easy access to
One of the greatest potential and advantage of Los Baños is its close proximity to
Manila, only being approximately 60 kilometers away. Being relatively close and the facility
of traverse offered by SLEX, the municipality has been and has continued to be a favored
destination to take advantage of its hot springs and a visit to the infamous Mt. Makiling.
However recently, traffic congestion in SLEX and also through Calamba into Los Baños has
affected the influx of tourists into the area, specifically those coming from Manila. As stated
in a study by Ka Leong Chong, he denoted that foreign tourists perceived negatively towards
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CHAPTER 2
PROJECT SETTING
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2.1 Rationale
According to Los Baños’ comprehensive land use plan in generating the locale’s
development framework, one of their strengths and opportunities is the rehabilitation of the
lake while introducing the untapped tourism sites of the municipality. Together with its
potentials, inherent to this strategy is the development of ecotourism centers of the entire
province.
development of Los Baños, Laguna. Tourism/recreation and transportation has become more
apparent. The interdependence continue to become more critical with the growth of tourism
and its corresponding economic impact, emphasizing that the role of tourism is used as a tool
Another opportunity for the project is to reinforce the identity of Los Baños, not only
as a science community, but also the social character of the municipality. Integrating social
culture to the project can help introduce Los Baños’s character more to the public,
With the ideas and statements mentioned above, the study aims to create a facility that
provides an alternative access route for the municipality of Los Baños, Laguna by utilizing
Laguna Lake. Furthermore, the facility shall also act as the municipality’s gateway for
tourists to get to know Los Baños better. Lastly, the project has the potential to be a catalyst
for creating sustainable developments by utilizing natural resources such as the Laguna
Lake, and integrating design systems that could enable for the synergy of nature and
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For years, traffic in Laguna province, especially in Calamba and Los Baños, has made
its accessibility difficult. With the narrow and horizontal development of Los Baños due to
Laguna Lake to the north and Mt. Makiling to the south, this poses the locale to a limited
road movement system. As population continues to grow, the demand for alternative mode of
transport also rises. Given the current situation of Laguna Lake being an underutilized natural
resource; despite being an enviable and high potential asset, establishing a gateway facility on
the lakeshore of Los Banos that utilizes water transport can help alleviate the accessibility
issue brought by traffic congestion. This provides locals and visitors an alternative entry and
exit point to the municipality. Furthermore, inter-municipality travel can help the different
towns of Laguna engage faster and better with the utilization of the lake.
Lastly, one of Los Banos’ development objectives is to create an urban blend that
would serve as an anchor for cultural tourism in positive tandem with the natural scenic
elements of the community. With plans on creating a ferry station on the lakeshore area of
Los Banos, and creating an eco-tourist facility, the project aims to create a symbiotic
relationship between transport and tourism that would help reinforce not only the
2.3 Delimitations
The study will explore architectural solutions and interventions on the scale of the site,
specifically areas along the lakeshore and will not explore interventions at a larger scale.
However, data collection may include the whole of Los Banos, Laguna.
2.3.2 Users
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The identified target users of the proposed design intervention are as follows:
● Local Government
● Facility Personnel
● Students
● Tourists
● Scientists
2.3.3.1 The proposed project study shall only cover and focus on the architectural
design of the facility. The current state of Laguna Lake shall not be delved into, but
requirements. Information that will help with the design like the depth, flooding
scenarios, and the like, will be tapped for the efficient and effective design. This will
help minimize the negative safety implication to its users, and also to the environment.
2.3.3.2 The project shall only focus on the socio-cultural aspects within Los Banos,
Laguna.
2.3.3.3 The project cannot cater other forms of cultural typologies and shall only limit
itself to the history of Makati from pre-colonial to present, performing arts, arts and
2.3.3.4 The transport facility shall provide passenger ferry boats only, and possibly
private yachts. Bigger ships such as shipping and freight vessels will not be part of the
project.
2.4.1 Culture
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The customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social
group; also the characteristic features of everyday existence (such as diversions or a way
An institution that aims to develop, promote, and/or conserve arts and culture.
Learning outside the systematic form of learning (classroom, etc.). A more immersive and
2.4.5 LB
Mode of transportation that utilizes bodies of water like lakes, rivers, seas, and the like.
2.5.1 Identify the historical, socio-cultural, economic, and architectural context of Los
Banos, Laguna.
2.5.2 Determine methods that may increase tourism viability of a transport and cultural
facility and how it can be used to redevelop the municipal hall and its existing museum
function.
2.5.3 Determine different venue platforms for showcasing of different cultural avenues.
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2.5.4 Look into alternative methods of increasing cultural awareness of the locals.
2.5.5 Organize an efficient space programming and determine design elements that shall
2.5.6 Determine the benefits of a transport and cultural facility to the local economy and
identity.
2.6.1 Economical
2.6.1.1 Provide job opportunities for locals near the site area.
2.6.2 Cultural
2.6.3. Environmental
2.6.2 Infrastructure
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2.6.2 Social
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CHAPTER 3
REVIEW OF RELATED
LITERATURE
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CHAPTER 4
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
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CHAPTER 5
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The Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Los Baños (CLUP, 2006) was used
as the basis in the selection of the potential sites of this project. However, with
different zones of the locale, the National Building Code of the Philippines was
area of focus was limited to zones that lie along the lakeshore. Two zones were
identified that best fit the project’s description: Institutional and Commercial
Zones.
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Based on the table and one of the building’s functions, the project can be
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Based on the table and one of the building’s functions, the project can also
To further narrow down the site selection, a site selection criteria was
identified based on the needs of the facility. This gives the ability for the
facility to be most effective, not only in itself, but also to its surrounding
environment.
This refers to the accessibility and the site’s proximity to major urban
measures of accessibility that may be crucial for the end users. A walkable
buses within a 350 meters. The 350 meter distance was derived from Peter
5.1.1.4.1.2.2 Safety
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The site’s current location within the area or neighborhood and about
5.1.1.4.1.2.5 Views
Has a good view of the Laguna Lake from within the site and the
adjacent road.
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The first proposed site is located along Hilario Apolinario Street. It’s
bounded by Laguna de Bay on the north and mostly residential houses on its
sides with a shared service facility for water hyacinth handicraft production on
the right. Site 1 sits on the commercial zone along the lake.
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The second proposed site, similar to site 1, is also located along Hilario
Apolinario Street on the western end. It’s bounded by Laguna de Bay on the
The last site is also along the Hilario Apolinario St. It is classified
under the institutional zone. It is where the old municipal hall is situated on,
progress. Beside it is the house of Paciano Rizal, the brother of Jose Rizal.
Also seen on the site are hot spring resorts. Lastly, the modernization of the
As stated on the site selection, the criteria will be used to evaluate the best
site for the project. The sites will be rated from 1 to 5 on each criterium, with 5
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being the highest rating while 1 being the lowest rating. The final site will be the
SITE EVALUATION
Accessibility and 3 2 5
Intermodality
Safety 4 3 5
Support Facilities 3 2 5
Views 5 5 5
TOTAL 18 15 21
Table 3. Site evaluation results.
Site 3 has a walking distance of 150 - 160 meters going to the National
Highway as measured using Google maps. This makes the site very accessible
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from the National Highway and vice versa. The National Highway is the main
route of most transport vehicles such as provincial buses, and local jeepneys.
Site 1 has a walking distance of roughly 380 meters going to the National
Bosselmann. It is still walkable, but relative to site 3, users may have to walk
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Among the 3 site candidates, site 2 has the farthest walking distance going
to the National Highway with a distance of roughly 400 meters. Although it can
5.1.1.4.3.2 Safety
Among the three zones, site 3 is the safest mainly due to the presence of
Brgy. Baybayin Police Station. Police presence provides more security not only
to the facility, but also to the surrounding area. That is why site 1 came second
due to the close proximity to the police station. Site 2 got the lowest score for
increase the overall market of an area. Sites 1 and 2 are mostly dominated by
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residential houses. Commercial establishments near the area are mostly small
sari-sari stores and bakeries. Site 3 has the public market across it and other
stores. A bank and remittance stores are also prevalent near site 3.
When it comes to the support facilities, site 3 is also the best because of its
the area. Furthermore, the block is lined up with multiple hot spring resorts,
adding more interest which visitors can visit beside the proposed facility.
Figure 8. Site image map of some support facilities relative to the site.
Shade area (1) is where Paciano Rizal’s house is located. The house is
directly beside the site. Next to the house, shaded area (3), are hot spring
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Figure 9. Photo of the public market (left) that is being currently renovated and
the house of Paciano Rizal (right).
Other than the municipal hall, site 3 is where the Los Baños is park is
located and also the construction of an evacuation center. The evacuation center
was mainly built for the disaster mitigation initiatives of the government.
According to the kagawads of this barangay, this area is where they usually
hold and celebrate their “Bañamos” festival, a toast to locale’s hot springs.
project instead, not only follows the government’s initiatives, but also collates
all the cultural festivities into one facility together with the museum. Not only
that, the function of the evacuation center would then follow the zoning
ordinance of the site. Lastly, with the relocation of the municipal hall to another
location, and making the old one a museum, this is also a good opportunity to
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erected directly beside them. Not only that, views from the facility’s vantage
Compared to the other two sites, site 2 has the narrowest lot size.
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site will not only be difficult because of the limited land area, having houses on
5.1.1.4.3.5 Views
Generally, all sites have a good view of the Laguna Lake. However, as
residents may also be directly affected with all the activities happening on the
facility, which may produce loud noises, etc., disrupting the peace of the
residents.
5.1.1.4.4.1.1 Location
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The final site is located along Hilario Apolinario St. on its south, and
Laguna de Bay on its north. It is part of Old Poblacion/Los Baños Park area.
Due to the limited number of possible sites in the locale, the chosen site fits
well with the criteria the project needs. Furthermore, it is also in line with
leisure/tourist area. The LGU also have plans of rehabilitating the old
pantalan, which is right beside the park. The site has an area of
Figure 14. Vicinity map of the site and its surrounding landmarks.
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5.1.1.4.4.1.2 Accessibility
Figure 15. Traffic scheme map of Los Baños relative to the site.
The site can be easily accessed using public utility vehicles (PUV)
such as jeepneys and tricycles. Multiple modes of transport pass through the
National Highway. The highway can be traversed on foot because of its very
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close proximity to the site; roughly 150 meters away. Also, tricycles pass
through along H. Apolinario St., the street directly along the site.
Due to the residentially dense areas that are spread around the locale
and smaller roads with low vehicular load, pedestrian traffic is relatively
plausible and safe. However, they lack sidewalks and have canals instead.
Private vehicle users can easily access the site along through roads as
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Los Baños’ shape has been said to resemble the back of a fist. Most
of the habitable area rests on the southern shoreline of Laguna de Bay and
of a little over a kilometer, this can be a concern for the project. Because
of the site sitting at around 15 meters above sea level and Mt. Makiling
near the area, flooding may become a concern on the site due to water
5.1.1.4.4.1.3.2 Geology
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Lipa and Macolod series, while others are the marshy type. The Lipa soil
is found along the lake and are residual soil from volcanic tuff. Due to its
external drainage. This can be beneficial for the site’s natural drainage.
The Macolod series are similarly residual soils derived from igneous
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Laguna Lake is the nearest body of water near the site. The biggest
concern however is not Laguna Lake, but rather water downpour from the
higher elevation areas; especially the Mt. Makiling Area. That is mainly
the cause for the slight flooding of the site and other close areas. A
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5.1.1.4.4.1.3.4 Climate
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classification.
Type 1: Generally has 2 pronounced seasons: dry and cool from
season.
Type 3: Relatively dry from November to April, wet during the rest of the
more or less)
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Generally areas in Laguna, like Los Baños, fall under the Type 1
parts of Luzon and the Visayas. This means that the site in Los Baños.
5.1.1.4.4.1.3.5 Rainfall
these are the months which experience more rainfall compared to the
November to April months. July and August are seen to have the most
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5.1.1.4.4.1.3.6 Temperature
degrees Celsius. It shows that for more than 25 days, temperatures could
Celsius. The colder months are shown to be December and January with a
month.
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Looking at figure 33, the general sun path around the site comes
from the eastern side going to western-south side of the area. This is
critical on how to orient and program the spaces within the site especially
function. These spaces are the exhibit spaces and the theater. However,
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5.1.1.4.4.1.3.8 Winds
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Los Baños is generally cool throughout the year. With the peak wind
speed at around at least 28-38 kph, this should not be much of an issue for
the project’s site or the project overall. This is because the structure is not
especially the ferry boats. However, it can still be utilized positively for
5.1.1.4.4.1.3.9.1 Landslides
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5.1.1.4.4.1.3.9.2 Floods
The flood hazard map of Los Baños shows that site’s location is
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LGU. Once the renovation is done, the new market will be a great addition to
the overall vibe of the area. This adds more points of interest so the projected
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The Paciano Rizal Shrine is the house of Jose Rizal’s brother. Being
the last one to surrender to the American colonizers back in the transition
During the site inventory analysis, five (5) factors were considered: Views,
5.1.1.4.6.1 Views
The most significant view of the site is the Laguna de Bay and the
surrounding islands and close lake shore towns within the lake. Mt. Makiling
can also be witnessed directly from the site if the user looks at the southern
direction. Lastly, Paciano Rizal’s can be seen beside it, as well as hot spring
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5.1.1.4.6.2 Noise
The site is relatively calm due to the fact that a lot of the areas are
residential. Occasional loud noises can be heard from students during peak
hours. Also, since the public market is still currently being renovated,
construction sounds will contribute to the noise of the area. Once the
renovation of the market will be finished, it is expected that the function will
Within the site, low vehicular traffic can be seen because it can be mainly
traffic comes from the National Highway, which is roughly 150 meters from
the site.
Pedestrian traffic can be observed because of the small scale roads in the
area. The roads mostly connect the houses to essential facilities such as the
market, the resorts, and the old poblacion. The area is very walkable, given the
Sari-sari stores are also a common scene there. However, hot spring resorts are
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Baybayin, Los Baños, Laguna. There is no specific list provided by the comprehensive
land use plan in determining what facilities can be built on the different zones of the
municipality. That is why the National Building code was used as the reference instead.
Any building classified by the National Building Code as an institutional facility shall be
assumed that it is allowed on that zone. Lastly, Setbacks for buildings constructed near
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