Urban Landscaping:Proposed Retrofitting of Horizontal Structures in

Central Business District of Asingan,Pangasinan

CHAPTER I:
 Urban Landscaping:Proposed Retrofitting of Horizontal Structures in
Central Business District of Asingan,Pangasinan

INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the introduction of the research proposal. It
inclusively discusses the following components of study: background and rationale,
statement of the problem, research objectives, hypothesis, significance of the study and
scope and delimitations.

1.1 BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE

Six interdependent “human dimensions” of greenways are identified in the

studies: cleanliness, naturalness, aesthetics, safety, access, and appropriateness of
development. Together, these dimensions form a core set of concerns relating to how
perople percieve and use the greenway for recreation and related experiences. We
defined the indicator of green space accesibility as a proportion of an urban population
living within a certain distance fron a green space boundary. In addition to encouraging
walking, these changes can heal communities by improving safety, social cohesion, and
local economies and by reducing air pollution. Landscape became less prevalent in
urban during the early decades of the 1900s, however, waterfronts, coastal zones,
mountain ridges and other visual corridors that offer excellent views of landscape and
seascapes have been built over. Most landscape representations have been classed as
“natural” or “urban”. Few studies were found to use subcategories within this groups.
Generally, the natural landscapes gave a stronger positive health effect compared to
urban landscape. Urban landscape were less positive and in some cases negative effect
on health. Three main kinds of health effects been identified in the study; short-term
overall improvement on people’s health and well-bieng. Despite of the suddenly
increasing number of vehicle little attention was given to creating landscape that would
help people and environment. There is the hope that pleasant, eco-friendly landscape
will attract the public to walk or bike instead of use a motor vehicle.

As the world progresses towards a greener and healthier environment,

with the design of cities and buildings responding to human requirements and having
less impact on the natural world. Biophilic design is based around the the inclusion of
 Urban Landscaping:Proposed Retrofitting of Horizontal Structures in
Central Business District of Asingan,Pangasinan
nature in the built environment. But it is more than just the inclusion of plants and all
things natural. Biophilic design has an underlying philosophy. That is, as humans we
have evolved in conjunction with the natural environment and we have an innate
affiliation to it. This strong leaning to the natural world means that we feel better when
we area able to connect with it. Since industrialisation much of the urban landscape has
been constructed in such a way as to isolate us from nature. However, there is now
growing scientific evidence that exposure to nature an natural patterns helps with
stress, fatigue, attention, concentration, productivity and general levels of wellbeing.
Through providing environments where people can have strong connections with
nature, biophilic design seeks to provide the physiological and psychological health
benefits to people of living and working in them.

Considering the aforementioned, a study which sought to design a Urban

Landscape of Asingan adopting the biophilical approach through the integration of
natural elements that would help people and environment. Consequently, it is hoped
that the proposed project would also mitigate the increasing temperature cause by
climate change experienced in the world.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This study sought to design a proposed Urban Landscaping that promotes

the public to an eco-friendly pedestrians.

Specifically, this study answered the following specific problems:

1.2.1 What are the design implications of nature for public.

1.2.2 What are the the general concept of proposed Urban Landscape.

1.2.3 What are the natural elements integrated in the Urban Landscape that
that can attract the public to walk.

12.4 What are the architectural design considerations, guidelines and

standards used in designing the Urban Landscape.

1.3. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

In general, the research study aimed to design a Urban Landscaping that

 Urban Landscaping:Proposed Retrofitting of Horizontal Structures in
Central Business District of Asingan,Pangasinan
promotes eco-friendly pedestrians.

Specifically, the study attempted to achieve the following specific objectives:

1.3.1 To identify the implications of nature for people.

1.3.2 To know the perception of the public on the integration of the Urban
Landscape

1.3.3 To integrate the natural features in the CBD of the proposed Urban Landscape
to attract public to walk.

1.3.4 To determine the architectural design considerations, guidelines and

standards in designing a Urban Landscape.

1.4 HYPOTHESIS

The researcher is certain that incorporating proper or Architecturally

Urban Landscaping in the existing environment of Central Business District can attract
pedestrian to walk. Thus, it is ideal and effective to integrate the biophilical landscaping
in the design of the proposed Urban Landscaping in the Municipalit!s Asingan Business
District.

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The output of this study will be beneficial to the following sectors:

1.5.1 TO THE PEOPLE

- This study will improve desirability of having a environmental friendly

pedestrians.

-This study will give an idea to the public about the perception of urban
landscaping.

- The public will be conversant on the importance and functions of nature to

built -in environment.

1.5.2 TO THE GOVERNMENT

- This study will be likewise helpful to the Municipality of Asingan to attract

 Urban Landscaping:Proposed Retrofitting of Horizontal Structures in
Central Business District of Asingan,Pangasinan
the public to walk and to lessen the pollution.

1.5.3 TO THE FIELD OF ARCHITECTURE

- This study will serve as a basis on architectural researches that have a focal
point on the design of Urban Landscape.

1.6 SCOPE AND DELIMITATIONS

1.6.1 ARCHITECTURAL THESIS ARGUMENT

This study covered the importance of nature for public. In similar

manner, it assessed the effectiveness of the trees and plants, they consume
carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the atmosphere.

1.6.2 ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

This study focused on the design considerations, guidelines as

well as the standard requirements of the Urban Landscape and other
prominent related codes.

CHAPTER II:

RESEARCH FRAMEWORK
 Urban Landscaping:Proposed Retrofitting of Horizontal Structures in
Central Business District of Asingan,Pangasinan

This chapter presents foreign and local studies in relation on the present
study. It also includes frameworks which considered as basis of the basis of the study. It
also provides terminologies to enhance the subject being employed. In order to
understand further, the following terminologies are being defined to convey their
thoughts. This also serves as the researcher’s basis in seeking for the answers to the
problems of the research study.

2.2. Foreign Literature

Urban Landscaping:Proposed Retrofitting of Horizontal Structures in
Central Business District of Asingan,Pangasinan
There has been a concerted effort in Kerrisdale to create a beautiful unified
street in which users would find pleasure. The Kerrisdale business association
has “always strived to keep the community, clean, safe and beautiful” (Kerrisdale
Business Association, 2006). With this goal at the forefront, the business
association has taken on a number of projects that have contributed to the
beautification of the street. These projects include: sidewalk bricking, a 47
railway bus shelter at West Boulevard and West 41st Ave, parking lot paving,
bricking and street tree planting, flower beds and granite stone walls. Additional
design features include wrought iron newspaper box surrounds, wrought iron
refuse containers in their official colours, large terracotta-style flower pots
throughout the district and light standards painted in the official colours. There
have also been “avenue art” projects which involves the hiring of a professional
artist who designs the street banners, special event posters, magazine and
newspaper ads. Overall the street has a unified cohesive look and it is evident
that a real effort has been made to make the street as aesthetically appealing as
possible. Figures 3.2, 3.3, & 3.4 provide a view of the street from a variety of
vantage points.

Figure 1
Healing Garden at St. Anthony Hospital

The healing garden as mentioned by Ensleen (2002) is considered the

heart and spirit of St. Anthony Hospital. The garden can be viewed from every
public space, and all patient rooms either overlook the healing garden or
surrounding woods. The healing garden features a boardwalk, Zen garden and a
lively pond home to a school of Cloud fish. Rock boulders from Baker, Oregon,
line the cascading ponds and water lilies are abundant in the three pools. The
healing garden also has two relaxing waterfalls and two arch bridges. There are
three modern art sculptures found in the garden that contribute to the peaceful
surroundings.
Urban Landscaping:Proposed Retrofitting of Horizontal Structures in
Central Business District of Asingan,Pangasinan
Wolfe (2010) claimed that St. Joseph's Hospitals have healing gardens
located throughout each of the three campuses. The gardens contain a variety of
plants, walking paths, statues and benches. For patients, the gardens can
promote a sense of well-being that leads to reduced anxiety, lower blood
pressure and enhanced immune functions. The gardens can also provide a quiet
distraction for anxious family members
or a spot for reflection and prayer. They can
even provide a place where their staff and

physicians can take a moment to break away from a stressful situation.

Figure 2
Healing gardens St. Joseph's Hospitals

Another hospital with a healing garden is the Sanford Heart Center

Fargo wherein it combines the latest in heart treatment, prevention,
rehabilitation, education and research in an environment specifically designed to
foster healing in heart patients. As reported by Thomson (2009) repeatedly
recognized nationally as one of the 100 Top Heart Hospitals because it offers
state-of-the-art cardiac care. Advanced technology, experienced and highly-
specialized physicians, nurses and staff; and proven treatments that beat
national standards in speed and survival and above average outcomes and
further claimed that they are 24/7 to provide emergency and specialized care.

Aside from the aforementioned services, the Heart Center offers a

Urban Landscaping:Proposed Retrofitting of Horizontal Structures in
Central Business District of Asingan,Pangasinan
unique healing experience for patients and families. Enhanced privacy and
design features including sunlight, soothing views, curved design, accents that
flow and textures that create warmth and quiet have been proven to help heart
patients restore their health is a place for healing, patients and family members
testified that they find the soft, indirect lighting; elements of nature, artwork and
inviting gathering places beneficial to their recovery. An outdoor healing garden
and family area with fireplace invite patients to a space of serenity and calm.
Every staff member is encouraged to stay because of its provisions on
exceptional care and the support they need for their heart’s well-being.
(www.sanfordhealth.org,January 2013)

In like manner, Cilento (May 2009) reported that Broadway Malyan,

an international firm with offices in the UK, Europe, Middle East and Asia,
recently presented their design for the National Heart Center in Singapore. This
hospital is a part of a larger master plan that will redevelop the country’s
General Hospital Outram Campus in a more technologically advanced and
environmentally friendly way.

Figure 3
National Heart Center in Singapore

Broadway Malyan’s ten story hospital is formatted to minimize travel

distances for patients. The first six floors house the active zone of the hospital,
Urban Landscaping:Proposed Retrofitting of Horizontal Structures in
Central Business District of Asingan,Pangasinan
with laboratories, facilities for surgery, radiology, and similar programs. The
upper part of the building, floors 7-10, focus on portions that are patient-free,
such as facilities for staff training.

A key feature of the Heart Center lies in its abundance of open spaces
that encourage interaction among patients, staff and workers. These spaces,
namely: courtyards and gardens, are fused with natural light and are naturally
ventilated to complement the healing process. These spaces aim to socially
connect all who use the building. The Center’s dynamic façade emphasizes these
public areas as large portions of the skin seem to be peeled back to reveal the
inner programs of the gardens.
Users enter the hospital through a spacious and naturally lit reception area.
The idea of openness is also carried through the main building as the halls are
enlarged to create more circulation space. These enlarged passages serve a dual
purpose as they maximize retail opportunities for users and create more space
for operational efficiency for staff.

Another exemplary health provider center is the Broward General

Medical Center which exists for more than 60-year heritage of delivering tertiary
care to a heavily populated county in the Sunbelt. With 550 staffed beds, 24,000
annual admissions and 80,000 emergencies annually, the facility offers as one of
its key services - a Heart Center of Excellence, which features advanced
techniques in diagnosis, catheterization, surgery and intensive care. However,
these cardiac services are currently scattered throughout the facility, as Broward
General – the tertiary centre of a four-hospital system, the North Broward
Hospital District – has not completed a significant addition since the 1970s.
Broward General provides a full continuum of services, including women’s and
children’s services, a comprehensive diabetes outreach, education and
treatment program, and a cancer centre. Broward General plans the addition of
a dedicated Heart Center of Excellence, where cardiac services will be
consolidated and integrated with rehabilitation services. The Heart Center of
Excellence will be constructed in conjunction with a new Emergency department
that will double the hospital's Emergency capacity; a new Surgery/Outpatient
Surgery department, which will include dedicated cardiac surgery suites; and
new critical care departments, including two dedicated cardiac units – for
coronary and cardiovascular patients – as well as separate medical and surgical
critical care units. (www.healthleadersmedia.com/.../116373.pdf,November
2012)
Urban Landscaping:Proposed Retrofitting of Horizontal Structures in
Central Business District of Asingan,Pangasinan

Figure 4
Broward General Medical Center
Urban Landscaping:Proposed Retrofitting of Horizontal Structures in
Central Business District of Asingan,Pangasinan

Figure 5 Figure 6
Broward General Medical Center Broward General Medical Center
Second Floor Plan Third Floor Plan

2.2.1 Psychological Implications of Nature

Within the environment of care, where life-challenging and life-

threatening events are amplified, the pronounced focus on individual situations
at hand necessitates diversions or distractions to allow those within to manage
stress. Providing access to nature within healthcare facilities supports these
evidence-based design concepts and offers opportunities for positive distractions
(Ulrich, 1992).
Cooper-Marcus & Barnes (1995) attested that a well designed
hospital gardens not only provide calming and pleasant nature views, but can
also reduce stress and improve clinical outcomes through other mechanisms, for
instance, fostering access to social support and privacy, and providing
opportunities for escape from stressful clinical settings.

2.2.2 Integration of Natural Elements

Within the healthcare campus, Berry (2001) cited that there should
be numerous opportunities for the various user groups to encounter nature.
Areas may be interior or exterior and encountered physically or by sensory
perception. Any contact with nature, from looking at a picture to lying in the
grass, has a wide range of positive psychological effects and subsequent benefits.
Interior environments are enhanced when views or elements of the outside
world are brought into the interior design. Indoor plantings or pictures of nature
should be incorporated into the context of the
interior design. Aquariums and terrariums are also sources of life that bring
nature within reach. Light wells and skylights bring natural light into an interior
Urban Landscaping:Proposed Retrofitting of Horizontal Structures in
Central Business District of Asingan,Pangasinan
space that may not be adjacent to an exterior wall. Also, fountains and water
features provide natural movement and sound to an otherwise sterile
institutional environment. Wherever possible, views of nature from patient
rooms and public spaces should be considered throughout the design process of
healthcare facilities. The interior design should also incorporate nature into the
environment through interior courtyards and atria. These spaces are often
landmark design elements and wayfinding queues in the public spaces. They
provide a year-round benefit to visitors by bringing natural daylight to the major
gathering spaces of the facility. Visual connections to such spaces along corridors
or upper floors can provide interest and relief to the viewers. Upper-level floors
can benefit from roof gardens and terraces that are normally occupied by
mechanical equipment and expanses of void. Green roof technology—
incorporating systems into the roof design to support organic environments - is
being implemented for environmental reasons and supports therapeutic garden
design concepts for healthcare facilities as well
(greenplantsforgreenbuilding.org.,November 2012).

2.3 Local Literature

The Philippine Heart Center (PHC) as reported by its Administration

1994 is seated on a 2.7 hectare lot at the corner of East Avenue and Matalino
Street in the Diliman District of Quezon City. It is bounded by the East Avenue
Medical Center on its side. Other landmarks within the vicinity are: Bangko
Sentral ng Pilipinas (Printing and Mint Plant), National Kidney and Transplant
Institute, Social Security System, Quezon City Hall, Sulo Hotel, among others. It
has four (4) buildings composed of a five-storey Hospital building, a nine-storey
Medical Arts building with a two-storey Annex, and the two-storey Nuclear
Medicine building. Also, government offices like the Development Bank of the
Philippines (1st floor) and Tariff Commission (5th floor) have their respective
offices.

The PHC hospital proper is a 354-bed tertiary care center. There are
twenty-one nursing units, including 53 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds, 24 suites,
56 private rooms, a presidential suite, 74 semi-private rooms, 3 adult service
wards, and a pediatric service ward. Its design of having 4 petals in each floor
represents the 4 chambers of the human heart, (www.phc.gov.ph/about-
 Urban Landscaping:Proposed Retrofitting of Horizontal Structures in
Central Business District of Asingan,Pangasinan
phc/index.php,October 2012).

Figure 6
Philippine Heart Center floor Plan

2.4 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

 Urban Landscaping:Proposed Retrofitting of Horizontal Structures in
Central Business District of Asingan,Pangasinan
Biophilic design approach is an innovative way in designing places where
occupants live and work. In addition, this is a new trend of design wherein built-in
environments reconnects the natural world.
Architectural building as defined in architecture is a relatively permanent
enclosed structure constructed over a plot of land for habitable use.
The framework shows that the design of the building should also be based
upon the approach of Biophilic design too enhance and eliminate the problems
regarding to the building design encountered by the users.

ARCHITECTURAL
BUILDING

USERS

BIOPHILIC DESIGN
APPROACH

Figure 7
Theoretical Framework

2.5 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

The features of the natural environment that will be integrated in the

proposed Heart Center Hospital in Sison, Pangasinan will psychologically enhance and
contribute to the recovery of the patients form health disorder.
This study give the idea that the design of the proposed Heart Center
Hospital should also consider the features of the natural environment that would be
integrated in the healing garden of the hospital which will be benefited to the patients.

HEART CENTER
HOSPITAL
PATIENTS
 Urban Landscaping:Proposed Retrofitting of Horizontal Structures in
Central Business District of Asingan,Pangasinan

NATURALISTIC
ENVIRONMENT

Figure 8
Conceptual Framework

2.6 OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORK

Health-Promoting Environment
Heart Center Hospital
In-paient and
out-patient
with
cardiovascular
HEALING GARDEN disease

Natural features of healing garden

 Plants
 Trees
 Grass
 Natural daylight
 Natural ventilation
Figure 9
Operational Framework

2.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS

The terms are classified according to medical and architectural terms. They are
defined lexically and operationally.

2.7.1 Medical Terms

Angiogram – it refers to an X-ray image of blood vessels. The vessels can be seen
because a contrast dye within them blocks the X-rays from developing an imaging film.

Angioplasty – it refers to a procedure used to widen vessels narrowed by stenoses or

occlusions.

Cardiac Catheterization – it refers to a diagnostic procedure which does a

comprehensive examination of how the heart and its blood vessels function (also called
heart catheterization).

Coronary Bypass – it refers to surgical procedure performed to improve blood supply to

the heart by creating new routes for blood flow when one or more of the coronary
arteries become obstructed.

Electrocardiogram (ECG) – it refers to a graphic tracing of the variations in electrical

 Urban Landscaping:Proposed Retrofitting of Horizontal Structures in
Central Business District of Asingan,Pangasinan
potential caused by the excitation of the heart muscle and detected at the body surface.

Healthcare Services – it refers to a procedure performed on a person for diagnosing or

treating a disease.

Heart disease or Cardiovascular disease – it refers to a a class of diseases that involve

the heart or blood vessels (arteries, capillaries and veins).Cardiovascular disease refers
to any disease that affects the cardiovascular system, principally cardiac disease,
vascular diseases of the brain and kidney, and peripheral arterial disease.

2.7.2 Architectural Terms

Biophilic Design/Approach – it refers to the theory of ‘biophilia’ which contends that

human health and well-being has a biologically based need to affiliate with nature.

Built-in environment (Architecture) – it refers to the human-made surroundings that

provide the setting for human activity, ranging in scale from buildings and parks or green
space to neighbourhoods. 

Courtyard – it refers to a court adjacent to or within the building especially one

enclosed in all four sides.

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) – it refers to a hospital unit in which is concentrated special

equipment and specially trained personnel for the care of seriously ill patients requiring
immediate and continuous attention

Healing garden – it refers to outdoor or indoor garden spaces in hospitals that are
specifically designated as healing gardens.

Heart Center Hospital – it refers to a specialized hospital that offers health care services
to the people with health problems related to heart or cardiovascular disease.

Nature – it refers to the physical world and everything in it (such as plants, animals,
mountains, oceans, stars, etc.) that is not made by people

Patients – it refers to the one who receives medical attention, care, or treatment. They
are classified according to:

 Outpatient – it refers to a patient who is not hospitalized, but instead comes

to a physician’s office, clinic, or day surgery office for treatment.

 Inpatient – it refers to a patient whose care requires a stay in a hospital. As

opposed to an outpatient.