AR 178 : Urban Planning History, Principles, Concepts, Ideas
Topic: Urban Design: the process of giving form, shape, and character to
groups of buildings, to whole neighborhoods, and the city. It is a
framework that orders the elements into a network of streets,
squares, and blocks. – urban [Link]
Terminologies: Commons
Inclusive
Public spaces
Pedestrianized
Examples: Signage design Campus design
Placed object design Subdivision design
Sidewalk design Industrial park design
Park design Civic center design
Plaza design Housing complex design
Neighborhood design Place making plan
Topic: Historical Background Highlights
Prehistoric Location of settlements were influenced by presence fresh-water
Age sources
Settlements were established due to necessity for population sizes
to support agriculture/cultivation which required permanent
residence and farm-houses/stables
Public spaces were roof tops for early settlements such as Jericho,
Catal Huyuk, Damascus, Eridu and Tepe Gawra.
Khirokitia, a settlement in Cyprus was among the first to have a
settlement with road
Early settlement structures served as residences as well as worship
places, farm houses/stables and burial grounds
Antiquities A historical period which is marked by the development and use of
metallurgy, metal tools, first cities and civilizations headed by
monarchial government, development of armies, territories and
territorial invasion.
Special public structures developed during the period include
temples/shrines, burial buildings complexes/necropolises,
observatories such as the nilometer and ziggurats, canals,
reservoirs, watch towers, palaces, citadels and battlement type of
wall fortifications with gateways.
Classical Age A historical period which is marked by development of sciences,
engineering and philosophy, considered to have centered in
Athens.
This is the period where formal city planning is not dictated by the
head of political power, but instead facilitated by a philosopher
builder.
The period extends to the Roman Empires which developed its
conquered territories into settlements that reflect the Greek ideals
for civic and religious buildings, and public spaces supported by
the engineering technologies developed by the Romans in
building infrastructures and public utilities.
Special public structures developed during the period include
public gathering places such as the Greek agora and Roman
forum, stoa, bouleuterion/basilica, hippodrome/circus, theatre,
Odeon, palaestra/gymnasium, bath houses, aqueducts, road
networks and mass housing like the insula.
Middle Ages A historical period marked by the over-powering influence of
religion in the old world (Europe) subjugating pervious
development in sciences and philosophy.
The period which coincides with the decline of the (Holy) Roman
Empire is also marked by the rise of the feudal system which gave
way to the motte and bailey planning and castle (defensive)
architecture. Towns tend to organically develop near the castles of
feudal lords in order to be within its protective influence against
barbarian invasion.
Development of guilds to guarantee workmanship in material
production paved way for the development of first corporations.
Necessity for the study of religious doctrines and laws in order to
strengthen judicial systems paved way for the development of
universities and monasteries.
Religious structures led the way for most public facility
development, particularly that of cathedrals and monasteries.
Renaissance A historical period marked by the re-emergence of science,
reason and human capabilities as major social influences and the
driving forces for development. Physical structures and
infrastructures followed the classical principles of symmetry,
harmony, scale and proportion, as shown in formal symmetrical
public squares/piazzas.
Development in maritime technologies led to colonialization which
enabled the development of colonial towns in the New world and
conquered territories in Asia, Africa and Australia.
Special public structures developed during the period include
piazzas, port towns/trading posts. European towns were replicated
in colonies, Spanish colonies were developed based on the
codified planning process under King Philip II’s Laws of the Indies.
Industrial Age A historical period marked by the development of capital-based
production of goods and services brought about by the invention
of the engine, initially powered by steam, and later on powered by
heavy air pollutant fossil-based fuel. Air and water pollution
became both a health and social concern.
The period saw the development of manufacturing districts, initially
in port-cities which spread to other areas as locomotive
technology further developed.
The period likewise saw population shift and migration to industrial
towns by people as plantation ended heavy reliance on man-
power while industries attracted work-force. This development
resulted to unsanitary and fire-prone informal settlement in cities,
necessitating the need for a new building type later referred to as
mass-housing.
The period’s impact on the natural environment, sanitation, health,
population congestion, and class struggle brought in new
perspectives in planning and allocation of land/property in rapidly
urbanizing areas. Planning based on maintaining greeneries &
natural environment, zoning of land uses, transportation network
and economic cores provided template for urban zone
development.
Special public structures developed during the period include
factories, train terminals, parks and public gardens, and
civic/government centers.
20th Century The period wherein mass exodus of people from rural areas
and New brought unprecedented population congestion of cities resulting
Urbanism to more unhygienic areas, high levels of air, water and noise
pollution.
The period is marked by the mass production and utilization of cars
which radically changed the public space landscape due to car-
related accidents and pollution that required road hierarchy and
more strategic transport-based planning.
Urban renewal was implemented in most US towns to remove
urban blight/slums, which became synonymous to gentrification
and race & class segregation.
Reaction against anti-colored/anti-poor segregation was
highlighted in Jane Jacob’s “The Death and Life of Great
American Cities” and her famous opposition of the Lower
Manhattan Expressway project.
New urbanism rose in response against upscale planning mainly
geared for fast lane highways, large corporate headquarters and
civic center development with little consideration of people on the
streets, integral neighborhoods and pedestrianized communities.
The development of Seaside, Florida marked the dawn of New
Urbanism.
Terminologies: Adzes Civic buildings Odeon
Antiquities Cloaca Maxima Palaestra
Aqueducts Colonial town Polis Port town
Amphitheater Feudal castle Propylaea
Bailey Gentrification Reservoir
Basilica Gymnasium Slum
Battlement Insula Tel
Bouleuterion Iron Age Thermae
Bronze Age Megaron Triumphal arch
Chalcolithic Motte Tripylon
Circus (Roman) Necropolises Urban blight
Citadel Neolithic Ziggurat
Topic: Planning Concepts
Hippodamian Proposes that the center of the city contains the Agora (market
Model by place of goods, ideas, services)
Hippodamus The plan can be laid out uniformly over any kind of terrain since it
of Miletus is based on angles and measurements
Grid pattern is mathematical and therefore rational
Grid pattern promotes uncomplicated navigation/movement
around the city
Example: Priene/Piraeus
Proponent:
Linear City by Zones or sectors are mainly for transport, agriculture, residents,
Arturo Soria y production and communal enterprises (including institutions) ~
Mata generally at road intersections, buffer zone for highways and park
zones
Growth means addition of sectors along the transport line and
elongation of the expanding sector
The linear city is meant to have utilities like electricity,
communication lines and transport
Example: Ciudad Lineal de Madrid
Howard’s Proposed town-country interactions with the working class having
Garden by options of either working in crowded polluted cities or large open-
Ebenezer spaced farms.
Howard Limits town distances to 7km
Limits population growth in urban centers
Characterized by having greenbelts
Example: Letchworth, England
Geddian Trio Promotes the integration of “folk”, “work” and place, where the
Concept by people and their need to reside where their work is accessible
Patrick Planning approach promotes evaluation and analysis of current
Geddes situation prior to any planning process
Promotes regional planning through the Valley section approach
Example: Tel Aviv
Neighborhood The concept aimed at organizing the establishment of new
Concept by residential communities to suit the social, administrative and
Clarence service requirement of urban setting in a period of rapid industry-
Perry elated growth
Concept promoted the neighborhood as the basic unit of the
urban residential tapestry
Concept promoted the integration of playground, neighborhood
schools and other neighborhood spaces in response concerns
raised by automobile-dominated streets
Arterial streets were identified in order to define the boundaries of
a neighborhood
Radburn Idea Characterized by super blocks
by Clarence Parks became the core of the neighborhood
Stein Houses were turned around with backside facing the street and
front side facing the neighborhood park
Popularized the cul-de-sac
Formulated in response to growing vehicle-related risks to
pedestrians during a period of increasing affordability of vehicles
Example: Radburn, New Jersey
Broadacre by The image of Broad Acre city was an attempt to destroy the
Frank Lloyd grimy, crowded and blighted image of the American cities during
Wright the Great Depression. A family requires 1-acre plot as both
agrarian and picture-garden open space.
Promoted a suburban urban setting that was to depend heavily
on automobile for mobility
Promoted less social interaction
City of Concept proposes that CBDs should mainly be devoted to
Tomorrow by skyscrapers for business and commerce and must not exceed 5%
Le Corbusier of the city
95% of the city must be devoted to residential and green open
spaces
Residential buildings require greenbelt setbacks, and settled on
organic/zigzag-shape blocks
Roads were proposed to be stratified, from vehicle-priority to
pedestrian priority
Applied in Chandigarh, India
Human Concept covers regional city and regional planning and design
Settlements by Elements interacting within the Human settlement framework
Constantin include man, nature, society, shell(shelter and other built-
Doxiadis environment and network)
Dynamics in urban areas are seen as energy mobilized by man
Mile High Response to curb urban sprawl and encroachment of built-
concept by environment into natural ecosystems
varying Requires advance structural and building utilities technologies
proponents Espouses vertical communities to free certain urban areas for
green spaces
Promotes that communities with supporting facilities and utilities
can be contained in high-rise structures
New Urbanism Characterized by diverse, walkable, compact, vibrant, mixed-use
by varying communities composed of the same components as
proponents conventional development, but assembled in a more integrated
fashion, in the form of complete communities.
Development under this concept usually involves housing, work
places, shops, entertainment, schools, parks, and civic facilities
essential to the daily lives of the residents, all within easy walking
distance of each other.
Took inspiration from the Neighborhood concept, by largely
influenced by Jan Jacobs’ “Downtown is for People”
Example: Seaside, Florida by Robert S. Davis (developer), Andrés
Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk
Topic: Planning Movements
Genus Loci Also known as the “Spirit of the Place”, this movement is
considered to be an indigenous organic planning approach.
Planning and development takes into consideration the local
traditional/indigenous practices in order to honor the spirits
protecting the place
Sacred places are usually reserved for God-nature, tended,
landscaped, preserved
Townscape Preservation of and respect for the organic growth of towns and
respect for the visual richness resulting from such organic growth
Redevelopment approach relying on familiarity and aesthetics
offered by the visually stimulating and culturally rich townscape of
the past
City Beautiful Diagonal and broad boulevards and avenues terminating on
monument and plazas, and provided with vistas of civic buildings
and public plazas and parks
Civic centers and other government buildings converge around
plazas with water features
Neo-classic architecture compliments the plan to show grandeur,
mainly of government’s presence
Garden City Urban features that make a place distinctive include large parks
and gardens as buffer zones and recreational spaces
Singapore was planned under the garden city principle
The Picturesque movement is likewise a strong influence
Parks Intends to provide urban zones with “lungs” to counter air pollution
brought about by industrialization and vehicle emiissions. Examples
include the Central Park, Manhattan, Meiji Jingu in Tokyo, Victoria
Park in London, Monsoris and Buttes-Chaumon in Paris.
Functionalism Characterized monumental brutalism in civic centers
It is based on the “ideals of pure form and unbounded,
democratic or flowing space
Topic: Urban Growth Models
Concentric Theory proposes that cities’ social groups are spatially arranged in
Zone Model a series of concentric rings
by Ernest The size of each ring may vary but the order remains the same
Burgess with the central/core business district (CBD) at the center
Sector Model Theory proposes that cities’ social groups are spatially arranged in
by Homer a series of concentric rings
Hoyt The size of each ring may vary but the order remains the same
with the central/core business district (CBD) at the center
Multiple Theory claims that a city grows from several points and not a
Nuclei Model single business district
by Chauncy As various and neighboring communities and sectors expand,
Harris and they merge to form a single urban area
Edward Aside from commerce and businesses, PORT, EDUCATIONAL
Ullman Institutions, TRANSPORT HUBS and even PARKS serve as NODES
Theory operates on the claim that people have acquired greater
mobility due to the advent of cars
Based on San Francisco, CA
Urban Realm Theory shows a pattern of a decentralized city with each realm
Model by separate (social, economic or political) entity, linked together to
James Vance form a larger metro-framework
Jr. Suburbs are within the influence of the city and the metro’s CBD
and ay eventually grow into an edge city
Urban realms that have grown so large may eventually turn some
suburban areas into new town centers or new downtowns
Conurbation into mega-cities or megalopolises
Core Frame model assumes that the inner-most core of the CBD is where land
Model by is most expensive
Ronald R. Outer core is characterized by relatively inexpensive land with
Boyce and even lesser development
Edgar Land uses are assumed to operate on bid-rent theory which states
Horwood that there is a stronger competition among land uses for the land
nearer the CBD, and this strength of competition diminishes with
increasing distance from the CBD
Peripheral by Characterized by a city with a belt-line at the periphery which is
Chauncy lined with suburban districts (inner peripheries) and scattered
Harris businesses (shopping mall, industrial districts, office park, service
center, employment-shopping mixed used center) at outer
peripheries
The CBD became decentralized and almost empty due to the
urban to suburban migration
Irregular The irregular pattern model was developed to explain early
Pattern European (organic) town development and urban structure in the
Third World. It attempts to explain the organic pattern of many
rapidly built cities found in developing countries. This model
includes blocks with no fixed order; or urban structures not related
to supposed use of area/zone
The irregular pattern is said to be due to lack or limited planning, a
common trait among developing nations
Central Place The irregular pattern model was developed to explain early
by Walter European (organic) town development and urban structure in the
Crystaller Third World. It attempts to explain the organic pattern of many
rapidly built cities found in developing countries. This model
includes blocks with no fixed order; or urban structures not related
to supposed use of area/zone
The irregular pattern is said to be due to lack or limited planning, a
common trait among developing nations
Topic: Urban Morphology
Urban morphology means the study of the structure of a city
Terminologies: Hard: spaces that are principally bounded by architectural walls,
with measurable boundaries. Can include both 2D (plazas,
square, parks) and 3D define spaces and placed objects.
Soft: spaces dominated by the natural environment
Figure-Ground theory: 2-dimensional study of public spaces, its
placement, distribution and scattering.
Linkage: study of connective network that shows movement and
direction of both goods and intangibles una n urban area
Place Theory involves both Figure-ground analysis and linkage
analysis as well as the study of the socio-economic dynamics of
the place. understanding the cultural and human characteristics
of physical space.
Micro-urban analysis of streetscape and landscape
morphology analysis of facades, edges and interface
analysis of placed objects, street details and materials
Macro-urban analysis of urban structure
morphology analysis of urban grain, dispersal and structure
analysis of density and mix
analysis of network of goods and services that connect a city to
other relevant areas.
Topic: Processes
Urban Design 1. Define physical design principles
Process 2. Identify performance criteria
3. Develop design options, iterate
4. Evaluate options
5. Refine and integrate preferred options
Planning 1. Data gathering (transect walk, street audit, survey mapping)
Process 2. Analysis (charette, community baseline mapping, comparision)
3. Design development
4. Design implementation, monitoring and evaluation
5. Re-plan or redesign based on monitoring and evaluation
lessons.
Topic: Urban Physical Design Principles
Legibility Promotes understanding and valuation of the place by means of
creating coherent image and meaning through urban elements
such as paths, edges, nodes, landmarks and districts.
1. Paths: Are the channels along which the observer
customarily or occasionally, or potentially moves.
2. Edges: important organizing features, particularly, in the
role of holding together generalized areas, as in outline
of a city by water or wall.
3. Nodes: the strategic spots in a city into which one
observer can enter, and which are the intensive foci to
and from which he is traveling.
4. District: sections of the city, conceive of having 2-
dimensional extent, which the observer mentally enters
the “inside of” and which are recognizable as having
some common identifying character.
5. Landmark: used as clues of identity or symbolize a
constant direction. A route, to become a familiar one,
means familiarity of its landmarks.
Responsive Promotes affinity and valuation of the public space by means of
Environment making its elements
1. Legible
2. Varied
3. Permeable
4. Rich
5. Robust
6. Personalized
Place-Making Promotes affinity, valuation and sense of responsibility among the
users of public spaces by means of allowing its stakeholders
create memorable events, significant development and decisions
for the improvement and of the place. It’s operational principles
include:
1. Recognizing the community as the designers/creators
2. Involvement of community is proportional to sense of
ownership of the project
3. Design must come from how people use the place
4. Community hands-on experience results in better
sustained development
5. Architect is merely a facilitator of community generated
design.
Safe and Requirement:
Crime 1. Inclusive and sustainable community
Deterrent 2. Community is integral and happily owned by residents
Operating principles:
1. Visibility & Surveillance
2. Access, movement and sightlines
3. Activity
4. Ownership
5. Management & Maintenance
Sustainability Characteristics of a sustainable design:
1. Compact
2. Transit-oriented
3. Efficient waste management
4. Community-made (through place-making)
5. Resources used are locally generated
6. Waterways and water reserves are recharged and
revitalized
6. Urban green corridors are present to allow nature to
thrive
7. Resilient (able to bounce back from tragedies)
8.
Integrated Planning/Design framework include
Resource 1. Protection of ecosystems
Management 2. Communities are recognized as primary resource users
and stewards
3. Consideration of over-all effect of development to the
environment (land/soil, water, habitats), from inception
to decommissioning. Carrying capacity of the
environment shall not be breached.
Topic: Policies
Local The law devolves (transfer) certain powers and responsibilities to
Government the local governments including partial management of local
Code resources, particularly people, revenue, economy & the
environment, among others.
Executive order This order provides for the preparation & implementation of the
72 CLUP by LGUs pursuant to LGC of 1991, and subject to the
review and approval of the provincial government and HLURB.
Presidential Provides for land conversion for a more profitable use.
decree 1517 In order to support economic growth, the government is
given free hand to identify Areas for Priority Development.
Such areas may be part of the urban landscape with low
utilization values.
Areas set aside for priority development should be made
available, upon consultation, by owners for said
development.
Provides for the regulation of acquisition, use,
development, enjoyment of urban land for more
profitable use
Aims to liberate communities from blight, congestion,
hazards to promote development and modernization
Climate This law defines the important role of LGUs in planning &
change act of implementing mitigation & adaptation strategies for climate
2009 change.
This law mainstreams climate change into government policy
formulations establishing the framework, strategy & program on
CC, and creating for this purpose & other purposes, the Climate
Change Commission
NDRRM Act This is the law that strengthens the nation’s disaster risk reduction
& management system, providing for the NDRRM framework and
institutionalizing the NDRRM plan and related appropriations
(budget).
BP 220 Law for Economic & Socialized Housing in Urban & Rural Areas
(1982)
PD 957 Subdivision & Condominium Presidential Decree (2009 IRR)
RA 7586 or provides for the establishment & management of national
National integrated protected areas system, its scope, coverage and
Integrated definition.
Protected Areas
Act of 1992
(NIPAS Act)
RA 8550 or the identifies municipal waters as those covering 15km from the
Revised Fisheries shoreline.
Code of 1998
RA 8435 or promotes the enhancement of fisheries profitability, capability
Agricultural building of said sector for the challenges of globalization through
Fisheries adequate, focused & rational delivery of necessary support
Modernization services & budgetary allocation.
Act (AFMA) of
1997
RA 8371 or the provides for the recognition of the ancestral domain for the
Indigenous exclusive use of concerned Ips & related indigenous practices.
Peoples’ Rights
Act of 1997
RA 10066 or the provides for the measures & budget for cultural and heritage
National conservation.
Heritage Act of
2009
RA 9593 or the recognizes tourism as an engine of investment, employment,
National Tourism growth and national development, and promotes strengthening
Act of 2009 of DOT and attached agencies as key implementing agency of
this policy, and through appropriate budget allocation.
RA 9003 – provides for the proper disposal, treatment and storage (landfill,
Ecological Solid composting, etc.) of various solid waste categories (zoning for
Waste landfills).
Management
Law of 2000,
RA 7942 or the declares that all mineral resources within Philippine territory and
Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ) are owned by the State, which
Mining Act of has responsibility of promoting its rational exploration,
1995 development, utilization & combined efforts of government and
the private sector in order to enhance national growth in a way
that effectively safeguards the environment and protect the
rights of affected communities.
BP 344 – Philippine Accessibility law (urban design) of 1983.
PD 705 or the which provides forest classification, management, protection
Revised Forestry and utilization to meet the demands of the nation.
Code of 1975
Commonwealth defines various public land uses, (state land, alienable &
Act 141 or the disposable land, timberland, mining, agriculture, reservation), its
Public Land Act classification, delimitation and survey.
of 1936
PD 1067 or the (setbacks from water bodies, protection & preservation of
Water Code of water sources)
the Philippines
