Understanding the Evolution of Urban Renewal

Within the Environs of Metropolitan Theater:

The New Arroceros District Master Plan Project

Lavinia B. Alverne This study is part of the final culmination of

[email protected] AR232 (Community Architecture II) graduate
Michael S. Magauay course of UP College of Architecture, 2nd
[email protected] Semester of S.Y. 2015-2016, under the mentorship
of Professor Jose Danilo Silvestre. The AR232 class
Abstract were challenged to explore possible urban design
solutions of the Metropolitan Theater site. The
development will be considered as a complex
Urban renewal is not a new concept for the city of
problem with inter-spatial characteristics. No
Manila. In fact, numerous efforts were initiated by the
specific site extent was dictated thus giving the
Local Government Unit with optimism that the crafted
solutions will address the emerging problems of the groups flexibility on how to approach the problem
city. based on their own perceived setting.

This paper aims to look at the factors and dimensions This paper reviewed secondary data from books,
that effected what Manila City is today. The data journals, local guidelines, news articles, and
collected will be utilized as vital inputs for a more website posts. Interviews and site observation was
holistic and relevantdesign proposal. also performed to validate and further support the
research collected. Site inspections were also
Keywords: urban renewal; urban regeneration; urban utilized to map out the existing conditions of the
design; Metropolitan Theater; Arroceros District area and to better understand the site’s present
economic condition, development potential, and
social dynamics.
I. Introduction
Lastly, this paper may provide supplementary
The Metropolitan Theater (MET)restoration under information for other pursuits of research with the
the National Commission for Culture and the Arts same focus.
(NCCA) is currently progressing. The success of
the project must be looked upon at a much bigger
scaleother than its immediate site as numerous II. Case Study of Metropolitan
present challenges have to be considered along Theater and the Ermita –
with it. In addition, Manila’s MCLUPZO (Manila Intramuros District
Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Zoning
Ordinance) of 2006 or the Manila City ordinance Extensive considerations surrounding the
8119 has considered numerous urban renewal Metropolitan Theater will provide necessary
projects and this must be studied and evaluated contributions beneficial to the design process of
particularly for the area of the MET. Alignment the project. With this, the chosen extent of the
with this ordinance will prove to be beneficial not study is part of the Ermita-Intramuros District
only for the MET but also for the greater context of circumscribed by the Pasig River, the walls of
the area. Based on past accounts, complex layers of Intramuros along Muralla St., and the Manila City
external factors have been impeding significant Hall along Natividad Lopez St.
solutions of long term phases. The restoration
project will hopefully commence better awareness
and appreciation of the concept of urban A. Brief Overview of Manila City
regeneration as a solution to cities’ difficulties like
better urban environments, more economic Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, is part of
opportunities, and improved quality of life. This, the 17 Local Government Units (LGU) of Metro
on a grander dream, may consequently help Manila or the National Capital Region (NCR). It is
regain the status of Manila in its prime era. bounded by the Manila Bay and neighboring cities
such as Quezon City, San Juan, Mandaluyong,
1 of 16
Makati, and Pasay. With an area of 42.88
squarekilometers (sq km), Manila holds
apopulation of 1,780,148 (NSO, 2015 census).

The city of Manila is divided into 897 barangays

that are identified by sequential numbers. For
administrative purposes, the barangays are
grouped into 100 zones and further defined into 16
districts. Both zones and districts do not have a
form of local government.

Manila is considered the historical, cultural,

economic, and educational center of the country. It
is interesting to take note that despite the city’s
status, it struggles to solve problems inherent to Fig. 1 1872 map showing Teatro del Prinsipe Alfonso
the other cities of Metro Manila. XII (marked in red) which was burned down in 1876.
Mapped out location of the MET for reference (blue)
Traced and overlayed by Lico, 2016.
B. Historical Background: Changes
through Time Overall, the achievements of the Hispanic
urbanization program were synonymous to the
The Intramuros-Ermita’s history, similar to other
elevation of the standards of living of its colonial
parts of the Philippines, is deeply influenced by
subjects through urban infrastructure and public
the Spanish Colonial era. It is worth taking note
works that bespoke of colonial modernity and
that prior to their conquest, Manila has a
progress. (Lico, 2014-2015)
flourishing economic activity with the Chinese
and Malay merchants at the mouth of Pasig River.
The American Colonization during the 18th and
History tells us that the present location of the
19th century paved way for numerous structuresto
Arroceros Park was a trading post in the days of
be built. Notable structures include the Manila
the Parian. The Parian was the center of intensive
Post Office which was built in 1926, The
trading activities during the 16th and 17th centuries.
Metropolitan Theater in 1931 and the Manila City
Arroceros, meaning “rice dealers” is a reference to
Hall in 1939. Jardin Botanico (Botanical Garden)
the place utilized by Filipino rice dealers to engage
was renamed Mehan Garden and was converted
barter with.
into a public park as its previous function was
deemed irrelevant at the time. Three historic
By the turn of the 18th century, Spanish
bridges radiated from this central space – the old
colonizationpervaded and established ground in
Puente de España, The Sta. Ana Bridge and an
the area. The present location of the Mehan
elegant suspension bridge called the Colgante. The
Gardens was designated El Parian delos Sangleys
"Bridge of Spain" was replaced by the Jones Bridge
(original Chinatown). Thousand Chinese residents
in 1921, while the Colgante was replaced by the
were confined in the area, closely monitored with
Quezon Bridge in the late 1930s.
clear vista from the walls of Intramuros. A brief
British colonization effected Spaniards to upgrade
Consequently, Daniel Burnham, an architect and
their defenses through massive clearing between
urban designer, commenced the conceptualization
the Intramuros and the edges of Pasig River. To
of the Dream Plan for Manilain 1905.
quote Flores (2012), a better understanding of the
Unfortunately, the Burnham Plan did not reach
scale of the effort would be imagining flattened
full implementation with a number of structures
structures along the east side of present day Taft
stated in this paper were built. This will be
Ave. from the Post office all the way down to
discussed further in detail under another section
Philippine Normal University. The excess open
of this paper. A major urban renewal was
space came to be the Arroceros Plaza and the
facilitated after the World War II. Manila acquired
Jardin Botanico (Botanical Garden) which was built
its full independence in 1946.
in 1858. By 1878, tranvias(street car system) were
proposed by Leon Monsour, an official of the
Department of Public works as growing need to
the growing population of 18,000. (Lico, 2014-2015)
A station was located in the present day Liwasang
Bonifacio (Plaza Lawton) area.
2 of 16
 built. It was believed that the era of repression at
the time ironically resulted into a golden age of
flourishing architecture, arts, and, culture. The
first LRT line was built in 1984 that is set to travel
the north-south direction. Transport studies were
conducted by two (2) separate entities – the Japan
International Cooperation Industry (JICA 1972 &
1973) and the Freeman Fox and Associates (1976 &
1977).

The local government under the 1992 then-Mayor

Lim bought the Arroceros Park from the Land
Bank of the Philippines and placed Winner’s
Fig. 2 1928 Map showing the Ice Plant (red), Estado Foundation Inc., an NGO, and Catholic Women’s
Mayor (green), and Military hospital (yellow) as previous Club to develop and maintain the area. Despite the
occupants of the Arroceros-Mehan Garden area.Mapped
deterioration of the area, minimal
out location of the MET for reference (blue) Traced and
implementations were made for its restoration.
overlayed by Lico, 2016.

Through the years the succeeding administrations Upon taking office, then-Mayor Atienza decided
of Manila showed different priorities. The Mehan construction of an administrator’s building for the
Garden, for example, closed in the 1960s as the city educators within the park. It resulted into
interest of the public on parks waned. Tranvia much contention and controversy but the project
railways were dismantled after the World War II pushed through, presently eaten up a chunk of the
and the increasing population resulted to forest park. Lim regained his seat of power in the
congestion that became unbearable at the time. LGU and reopened the Arroceros Forest Park to
The government decided to address the issue by the public. With a background in Architecture and
providing flyovers above the Liwasang Bonifacio Urban Design, he had a number of urban renewal
(Plaza Lawton) to facilitate movement. Vehicular projects under “Buhayin ng Maynila” renovating
flyovers and underground pedestrian public facilities such as the Baywalk, Plaza
passageways were constructed, also, in time for Miranda, and Plaza Lawton. However, despite
the city’s 400th year celebration. It is also these efforts, were in question in view of their
interesting to note that according to Roces in his effectiveness. Adding up to afact that he enabled
newspaper article in 2010, a Department of the construction of the Park N’ Ride and the
Education building was built within the Arroceros University of Manila within the Mehan Garden. It
Park. Roces was Secretary of Education during will also be useful to take note that Atienza and
Macapagal’s seat of governance. The Education Lim have alternately exchanged seats of power
Department’s Office was the quonset hut equating to opposing and changing priority
abandoned by the American liberators of Manila. projects of Manila.
It had only 150 existing old trees. Later, Manila
Seedling Bank planted 3,500 saplings and Presently, a new set of administration under
maintained them for one year. The support of the Mayor Estrada has led to new projects like the
Ramos administration resulted to a signed renovation of the Mehan Garden which like the
memorandum of agreement with the Winner previous administrations falls short of its
Foundation. Manila City agreed to lease the site effectiveness to solve its pressing problems.
for development as a nature park by the private
environmental group. Today, the 2.1 hectares of C. Urban Renewals that shaped Manila
Arroceros Forest Park has 61 different species of
There are consideredtwo (2) major urban renewals
trees, 8,000 ornamental plants, and 10 species of
that occurred in city of Manila – the latter years of
birds.
the American colonization and the Marcos
administration around 1970 to 1980.(Munarriz,
The Marcos administration in the 1970s revisited
Perez, Caguimbal, 2015)
the Burnham Plan as the government envisioned
Manila to be a progressive and modern city.
Daniel Burnham’s plan in 1905 aimed to provide
Notable buildings like the Cultural Center of the
(1) Development of waterfront and location of
Philippines (CCP), Philippine International
parks and parkways so as to give proper means of
Convention Center (PICC), Folk Arts Theater,
recreation to every quarter of the city (2) Street
Manila Film Center, and the Coconut Palace were
system securing direct and easy communication
3 of 16
from every part of the city to every part (3) The Manila City Ordinance No. 8119 (or
Location of building sites for various activities (4) MCLUPZO)
Development of waterways for transportation and The MCLUPZOwas enacted in 2006 in response to
(5) Summer resorts. the continuous growth of the city. The general idea
(https://burnhampi.wordpress.com/2010/06/06/ was to create an integrated atmosphere where
the-plan-manila/) residential, commercial, service, and cultural uses
come together to form a new community. (Kone,
Many of Burnham’s suggestions for urban 1994) It sought to promote and enhance the
amenities (streets, parks, railroads, and public standard of living in the city aligned with local
buildings) were similar to those found in his plans codes - the National Building Code, Fire Code and
for the cities of Cleveland, San Francisco, and Accessibility Code. This Ordinance also protected
Washington, D.C. but he still incorporated criteria Rizal Park, a major public open space that serves
that are suitable for Manila of which that the as a social condenser and breathing space for the
structures must not be dictated by a specific busy and chaotic city. Similarly, other pocket
architectural style (Neoclassical) but must focus on parks within the city were protected by the
the formal arrangement of the structures, Ordinance. These were the Mehan Garden,
accommodate the “manana ambiance” ingrained Arroceros Forest Park, and the linear parks along
from Spanish-Philippine traditions, and special Roxas Boulevard. However, compliance to and
considerations due to the tropical setting of implementation of the local codes in these open
Manila. The Burnham Plan was applied selectively spaces were not evident before and even after the
through the years for a number of factors. One, ordinance was enacted.(Munarriz, Perez,
was the Quezon administration’s reallocation of Caguimbal, 2015)
the budget to irrigation infrastructure for the
Quezon province.

As previously mentioned in this paper, the latter

parts of the Marcos administration brought forth
numerous structures and infrastructures to be
built placing us before in the world map as a
beautiful city.

The Metro Manila Transport, Land Use and

Development Planning (MMETROPLAN)
As early as 1977, the Metro Manila Transport,
Land Use and Development Planning
(MMETROPLAN) targeted for environmental
sustainability in the light of the physical growth
and development taking place in Manila. The
project identified and mapped out areas that are
suitable and unsuitable for development. Another
recommendation was that the Amenity and Civic
Use Projects be undertaken in parts of Metro
Manila where particular opportunities exist, to
improve the quality of the physical environment.
These projects encompassed the following: the
creation of traffic free or traffic-restricted areas in
congested shopping and business districts such as
Binondo and Ermita; the creation and landscaping
of open spaces throughout the urban area and
particularly in the areas where the greatest need
for open space exist; the provision of better
facilities for pedestrian movement – both in the
commercial and recreational centers; and the
enhancement of buildings that have special
historic or architectural value, which could make a Fig. 3 the Manila development strategy and the new
worthwhile contribution to the street Manila Land Use Plan
scene.(Munarriz, Perez, Caguimbal, 2015)

4 of 16
 Structures

Notable structures (Manila Post Office,

Metropolitan Theater, and the City Hall) that once
possess beauty and grandeur became abandoned
buildings left to decay. The City Hall although
remaining as Manila’s seat of government
continuously deteriorates both in its external and
internal features. Uncontrolled new developments
varying from mixed-use, commercial, and
residential occupancies grow at a fast rate in the
area. Though these structures contribute largely to
the economic viability of the city, one must
Fig. 4 The Manila planned unit development (PUD) question if theyprovide the right value called for
areas in the area.

D. A Closer Look The existing Park n’ Ride has been a continued

source of strong opinions from designers,
Presently, the area of the Metropolitan Theater is environmentalists, heritage conservationist, and
alive and thriving but sadly of a different context. local users. To date, the deteriorating building
Informal settlers and businesses co-exist with the blocks the Metropolitan Theater from Taft Ave.
organized structure of the urban fabric. The The Park n’ Ride was initially intended to be the
following are observations taken from site final stop of the provincial buses apart from its
inspections and discussions in class. function as a bus terminal. Operators on the other
hand were not attracted to this concept and
Connections preferred to park somewhere else. This may
contribute to the failure of the structure and must
The area chosen for study evolved into a busy
be taken into consideration. Also, it will be
movement corridor connecting its adjacent parcels
important consideration that the current local
separated by the Pasig River. The two flyovers
government unit has implemented the “Bus Ban”
above the Liwasang Bonifacio has created an edge,
prohibiting buses to traverse major roads in
separating the area into two isolatedspaces. The
Manila like the Taft Ave. as a means to curb traffic
visual and physical relation of the key structures
congestion.
has diminished discouraging pedestrians to
explore or traverse their opposite side. In addition, Open Spaces
barriers were placed along the sidewalks and at
the center forcing people to utilize the underpasses Liwasang Bonifacio, Mehan Garden, Arroceros
that area in poor condition. The underbelly of the Forest Park, and the Asean Gardens presently exist
flyovers and the LRT became transient homes and as independent public spaces. The poorly
temporary stalls of the informal settlers creating maintained spaces areinhabited by informal
an atmosphere that feels unsafe and unhealthy. settlers. This may have also resulted disinterest
Also, existing sidewalks and urban fixtures are from the public to visit the parks. The riverfront is
poorly maintained and rendered inconsistent to underutilized either they are currently empty
the context of the place. sidewalks or unkempt softscapes.

Non-strategic and makeshift parking areas were The past Local Government Units, based on their
created by the users of nearby structures varying short and long term plans, located structures
in institutional, office, and commercial typologies. within the public spaces that poses questions to
Landmarks like the Liwasang Bonifacio their suitability and appropriateness. Taken for
monument were demoted of their status as cars example the Mehan Garden wherein the present
and PUVs proliferate the area. During peak hours, condition barely reminds the people of its original
uncontrolled PUV terminals add up to the features. Urbanity seemed to compel us that public
confusion and chaos of the area. Commuters spaces are placed below schools, parking facilities,
extend their spaces almost one-third (1/3) of the and commercial establishments. How are you
major road. going to talk about heritage preservation and
quality public spaces when there are glaring issues
on poverty surrounding the area?
5 of 16
Some interesting inputs were also gathered from The approximately 40 Ha proposed development
an interview with Ar. Luna, a heritage aims to improve the urban environment, advance
conservation graduate and professor at UP the quality of life of the area, create more
Diliman, Architecure. He shared that the noise functional and effective spaces, providemore
coming from the LRT-1 can be heard from the distributed economic opportunities, and more
Metropolitan Theater. This current scenario can be options for the local users.
solved through specialized architectural fields
such as acoustics. Other options are also possible The conceptualization process started byvalidating
and can be looked upon with careful the walkability of the area by determining ranges
consideration. In addition, the MET stage can be from the Liwang Bonifacio (Plaza Lawton) which
seen from the existing flyovers along Taft Ave. is the central part of the development and the
This, can also be approached either by solving mass transit station LRT-1.The strength of the
from within or by creating architectural solutions development seeks to deviate from the previous
outside the structure. design solutions is theresponsiveness of the place
to the users. Connect all the public spaces and the
III. The New Arroceros District: notable structures with a cohesive vehicular and
A More Responsive Public Space pedestrian circulation.

Fig. 5 A more detailed design matrix showing the criteria that shaped the design proposal

6 of 16
. 7 of 16
8 of 16
Fig. 6 Space Connectivity Pattern/Diagram

9 of 16
Fig. 7 Road Network Plan

Fig. 8 Pedestrian Network Layout

10 of 16
Fig. 9 Transport System Plan

Fig. 10 Proposed Master Plan

11 of 16
Fig. 10 Aerial Perspective of the new development

Fig. 11 The new Liwasang Bonifacio Grounds

Fig. 12 Amphitheater at Liwasang Bonifacio

12 of 16
Fig. 13 Mehan Garden Complex

Fig. 14 ASEAN Garden Complex

Fig. 15 Promenade

13 of 16
IV. Proposed Project Timeline

14 of 16
V. Conclusion and progress. The government must also realize that
Recommendations decent public spaces are not exclusive for a
specific type of economic bracket. This must ideal
must work hand in hand with the community’s
It is evident that the political dimension of a city
sense of ownership to protect and maintain their
plays an important role in shaping cities. Apart
cities.
from the personal preferences of the changing
seats of power in the Local Government Unit, a
After the presentation of the design proposal in
better understanding of their job descriptions will
class, valid and supportive insights were shared.
amount to positive changes in a city. Advocates
As with any creative outputs, continuous reviews
and planners claim that the LGU itself do not
and revisions from different points of view are
understand their roles and the processes
essential. The group will have to consider if more
stipulated in the Local Government Code. Some
options in terms of pedestrian access and urban
reasons include – They find them too technical to
details are needed to achieve a more responsive
understand, absence of support from key persons
public space. Questions rendered in class along
needed in design workshops, and clear
with the group’s answer will be specified in the
understanding and acceptance of the demarcation
appendix.
of legislative and executive functions of the LGU.

The locals must also be aware that they have the VI. References
ability to decide on what options they want in
terms of better urban environment and more Bentley I., Smith G., (1985) Responsive Environments
opportunities. Communities in other countries are A Manual for Designers
included in the decision making in the design of
their cities. Their urban design awareness is http://manila.gov.ph/government/
impressive and they value the importance of
quality public spaces as an inherent part of a city’s http://cityofmanila.com.ph/

15 of 16
 http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/45693/intramuros-to-
https://www.psa.gov.ph/content/highlights- turn-into-nighttime-manila-destination
philippine-population-2015-census-population
Lico, G., Tomacruz M. (2014-2015) Infrastures of
https://www.facebook.com/metropolitantheater Colonial Modernity: Public Works in Manila from the
manila1931/timeline?ref=page_internal late 19th to the early 20th Centuries, Espasyo Journal
of Philippine Architecture and Allied Arts
https://burnhampi.wordpress.com/2010/06/06/t
he-plan-manila/ Munarriz, M.; Perez, P.; Caguimbal R. (2014-2015)
Urban Renewal of the City of Manila and its impact to
https://en.yelp.com.ph/biz/park-n-ride-manila Environment and Physical Design: Where Can We Go
from Here?Espasyo Journal of Philippine
Horite, M. and Koizume, M. Innovations in Architecture and Allied Arts
Collaborative Urban Regeneration
Interview
Alcazaren, P. (2015) “Saving Arroceros” Luna, M. (March 2016)
http://www.philstar.com/modern-
living/2015/05/16/1455088/saving-arroceros VII. Appendix
Flores, R. L. (2012) “Arroceros: A Showcase of Question 1: How are you going to access the MET
Heritage Conservation and Neglect” from the basement?
https://liquiddruid.wordpress.com/2012/06/17/
arroceros-a-showcase-of-heritage-ignorance-and- Answer: Ingress and egress points for motorized
neglect/ vehicles are provided along Taft Ave. and Antonio
Villegas Street. From the basement, an access point
Alcazaren, P. (2002) “Relaunching Lawton” is located leading to the Mehan Plaza and the
http://www.philstar.com/modern- MET. The area will be designed with objectives
living/2002/02/16/150831/relaunching-lawton such as identifiable and welcoming entrance,
safety and security.
Rubio, P. “Manila Metropolitan Theater” and
Manila Central Post Office Building” Question 2: We don’t have a question, we like
http://arquitecturamanila.blogspot.com/p/buildi your concept. We would like to suggest
ngs.html pedestrianization along the 3 existing bridges.

Valmero, A. (2011) “Arroceros Park caretaker calls Answer: Well noted. Pedestrianization is
on the youth to save Manila’s ‘last lung’” considered in the said areas, allotting lanes for foot
https://sg.news.yahoo.com/arroceros-park- and bike traffic will entail either extending the
caretaker-calls-youth-save-manilas-last- bridge with or minimizing existing road for
095410644.html dedicated foot and bike lanes.

Roces, A. (2005) “Arroceros Forest Park should be Question 3: What are your parameters for your
preserved” concept on different ground and sublevels of
http://www.philstar.com/opinion/2005/04/21/2 pedestrian and vehicular traffic?
74716/arroceros-forest-park-should-be-preserved
Answer: One of our considerations is to achieve
Alcazaren, P. (2012) “Bridging Urbanism” cohesive pedestrian and vehicular circulation. The
http://www.philstar.com/modern- sublevel highways are intended to facilitate
living/2012/03/24/789891/bridging-urbanism movement of through the site. This will also
address the problem of sightlines for the key
(2011) “Manila Sight-Seeing: When an Intramuros structures. The green bridges and underground
Walking Tour Turns into a Pedicab Tour” passageways will allow pedestrians more options
http://www.thepinaysolobackpacker.com/manil to explore the park. Robustness, variety, and
a-when-an-intramuros-walking-tour-turns-into-a- richness will be used to articulate the urban
pedicab-tour/ details. Safety and security will also be considered.

Uy, J. (2012) “Intramuros to turn into nighttime

Manila destination”

16 of 16