CUIZON, KYLA CASEY MARIE F.
ARCH496 - R1
HERAMIL, ROSE BERRY A.
ABARQUEZ, BER CHARLES
JUNGAO, MARK ERIC
ACTIVITY 5: VISUAL DIMENSION
LOCATION: EAST POBLACION NAGA
1. As part of your project 1 assessment of the place
A. Describe the visual aspects of your chosen locality by making/sketching serial visions of
places (showing the urban aesthetics) and make a narration of your kinesthetic experience on
those places
The church is proportionate to the road, and the
area boasts numerous open spaces with no tall
buildings nearby, which enhances the natural
light. This thoughtful design makes walking and
spending time in the area a more enjoyable
experience, as it feels comfortable and airy. The
ample natural light, combined with the open
spaces, creates an inviting atmosphere,
encouraging both movement and relaxation. The harmonious scale and unobstructed views
contribute to a sense of tranquility and openness, making the surroundings feel light and
pleasant. This design approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also promotes a
positive kinesthetic experience for all who visit.
The area features a circular water element that
significantly enhances the overall experience
by cooling the air, especially during the
summer. This water feature not only provides a
refreshing ambiance but also adds a soothing
auditory element with the gentle sound of
flowing water. The cool microclimate created by
the water feature makes the space more
comfortable and inviting, encouraging people to
linger and enjoy their surroundings. Additionally, the visual appeal of the water feature,
combined with the open spaces and natural light, contributes to a tranquil and aesthetically
pleasing environment. This thoughtful integration of natural and designed elements creates a
harmonious and engaging urban space that promotes relaxation and well-being.
The town boasts a beautifully designed park
that greatly enhances the community
experience. This green space serves as a
central hub for recreation and relaxation,
offering a refreshing escape from the urban
environment. With its well-maintained lawns,
diverse plantings, and shaded areas, the park
provides a tranquil setting for residents and
visitors alike.
Additionally, the park is designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating native plants and
water-efficient landscaping to create a vibrant and resilient ecosystem. The presence of the park
not only enhances the town’s natural beauty but also fosters a strong sense of community by
providing a shared space for social interaction, physical activity, and connection with nature.
B. Use an aerial map /view of your chosen locality and assess the arrangement of the building
blocks
Figure 1.2.1 Aerial view of East Poblacion Naga City, Cebu, Philippines
Figure 1.2.2 Building blocks Aerial view of East Poblacion Naga City, Cebu, Philippines
The locality is characterized by a grid pattern layout, a common feature in many urban areas
that facilitates navigation and organization.The grid pattern layout is a testament to the city’s
well-planned urban development. Streets intersect at right angles, creating blocks of buildings
that are easy to navigate. This layout not only simplifies navigation but also contributes to the
efficient use of space, allowing for a higher density of structures within the city..
The buildings in East Poblacion are arranged in a manner that can be described as “Common
ground/common enclosure”. This means that an enclosure or a ground defines a field or group1.
This arrangement is evident in the way buildings are grouped around shared spaces, such as
parks or squares. For instance, the park along Barangay East Poblacion, which used to be just
a canopy of acacia and narra trees, has been transformed into a world-class park, complete
with interlocking circles of elevated walkways, fountains, benches, and rest areas. The buildings
surrounding this park share a common ground, creating a sense of community and shared
space.
This common ground/common enclosure arrangement contributes to the visual dimensions of
urban design in several ways. Firstly, it creates a sense of unity and coherence among the
buildings, as they are grouped around shared spaces. Secondly, it enhances the aesthetic
appeal of the urban landscape, as the shared spaces often feature landscaping and
architectural elements that add visual interest. Lastly, it promotes social interaction and
community-building, as the shared spaces serve as gathering places for residents.
C. overlay and sketch the arrangement of the buildings and make an assessment if you can
recognize if there are similarity, proximity, orientation, closure & continuity as being discussed in
the patterns and aesthetic order.
Proximity
In Naga City, Cebu, elements such as houses are closely clustered, forming distinct residential
neighborhoods. This proximity creates a perception of these areas as unified groups, enhancing
the community feel. Conversely, larger structures like churches and commercial areas are more
spread out, forming separate clusters. This spatial arrangement affects how individuals perceive
these areas, grouping them based on the closeness of similar structures.
Common Ground/Enclosure
Certain open spaces in Naga City stand out due to their lack of structures, contrasting with the
densely built-up areas. These open spaces serve as common grounds, defining their identity
through openness and separation from other clustered zones. This distinction highlights the
importance of preserving such spaces to provide relief from urban density and to serve as
communal areas.
Orientation
The orientation of streets in Naga City often follows parallel lines, which significantly influences
the organization of buildings and the overall urban layout. This parallelism simplifies navigation
for residents and visitors, creating a structured and easily understandable cityscape. The
common orientation of elements contributes to a cohesive visual order and practical urban
design.
Closure
Despite the presence of unfinished houses with bare finishes alongside fully furnished modern
homes, the proximity of these structures in Naga City allows them to be perceived as a cohesive
unit. This phenomenon, known as closure, helps to visually and conceptually unify the
neighborhood, making it appear complete despite the varying stages of construction and design.
Continuity
The street layout in Naga City exhibits a near-grid pattern, contributing to a sense of continuity
throughout the urban landscape. Although the grid is not perfect, the visible pattern helps in
organizing the city and facilitating movement. This continuity is crucial for maintaining a
coherent and navigable urban environment, ensuring that the city functions efficiently and
aesthetically.
D. Look/asses if there are positive and negative spaces and discuss the use of the given space.
In Positive Spaces, residential areas thrive with densely packed houses forming vibrant
neighborhoods, nurturing a strong sense of community among residents. Commercial zones
bustle with activity as shops and businesses contribute to economic growth and cater to local
needs. Government and institutional buildings such as city halls, schools, and hospitals stand as
pillars of essential services, ensuring the well-being of the populace. Public amenities, including
parks and community centers, enrich the landscape, providing spaces for leisure activities and
fostering social connections through gatherings and events. Together, these elements create a
harmonious environment where people can live, work, and thrive.
In Negative Spaces, open fields and parks serve as vital green spaces, offering opportunities for
recreation and community events, thereby contributing to urban sustainability efforts. Streets
and pathways form essential arteries, facilitating movement and connectivity within the city,
crucial for efficient transportation systems. Water bodies, including rivers, lakes, and ponds, not
only enhance the city's aesthetic appeal but also provide invaluable ecological value, offering
visual breaks from the urban landscape and supporting diverse ecosystems. Despite their often
overlooked nature, these negative spaces play integral roles in shaping the livability and
resilience of the urban environment.
In the Use of Spaces, residential areas serve as hubs for social interaction and community
building, fostering bonds among neighbors and enhancing overall well-being. Commercial
spaces not only attract economic activity but also provide vital services, meeting the diverse
needs of residents and visitors alike. Open spaces, including parks and green areas, play a
pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life by offering opportunities for recreation and leisure
while also providing environmental benefits such as improved air quality and biodiversity
conservation. Transportation networks form the lifelines of the urban landscape, ensuring
efficient movement and connectivity, thereby facilitating navigation and access to various
destinations within the city. Together, these diverse spaces contribute to the vitality and
functionality of urban environments, catering to the multifaceted needs of the populace and
fostering a balanced and sustainable urban ecosystem.
2. Temporal dimension
A. Assess your locality and take pictures of spaces that you think experience the passage of
time and that which you believe have a particular value (aesthetic. Architectural diversity,
resource, heritage, or economic & commercial value)
The Saint Francis of Assisi
Parish Church in Naga,
Cebu, is a venerable and
historically significant
architectural structure dating
back to the Spanish era.
With its ancient walls
echoing centuries of
religious and cultural
heritage, this imposing
edifice stands as a
testament to the enduring
legacy of colonial
craftsmanship and spiritual
devotion. Amidst the lush landscapes of Cebu, the church serves as a beacon of faith and a
cherished landmark, drawing visitors from far and wide to marvel at its timeless beauty and rich
history.
B. What time management plan will you make with these public places/buildings to control these
changes due to the passage of time?
To manage the changes over time in public buildings like the Saint Francis of Assisi
Parish Church in Naga, Cebu, a time management plan should focus on preservation, adaptive
reuse, cultural programming, zoning regulations, and public engagement. Preservation efforts,
adaptive reuse strategies, and cultural programming will maintain its historical significance while
allowing for modern functions. Zoning regulations protect the surrounding area, and public
engagement fosters community support. This holistic approach ensures the church remains a
cherished landmark for future generations.
3. Individual
Given that preserving existing buildings for new functions has caused huge debates within the
architectural community. While some argue that replacing certain buildings with commercial
ones is a better approach since, they can generate money and thus benefit a country’s
economy. Others, however, claim that these heritage sites should be preserved, as they are part
of a country’s cultural identity. But how important is it to maintain old buildings? And should
history prevent artistic progress? Write an essay about your opinion on this.
Jungao - Commercial development brings economic prosperity and improved living standards,
but it’s crucial to balance this with heritage preservation for maintaining cultural identity. A
sustainable urban development approach considers both economic growth and cultural
heritage, achieved through policies that ensure new developments respect the existing cultural
landscape. This leads to cities that are economically vibrant and culturally rich. Sustainable and
inclusive urban development meets present needs without compromising future generations,
creating an environment that is economically prosperous, socially inclusive, and environmentally
sustainable. Therefore, while economic growth is important, it should not overshadow our
cultural and artistic heritage, contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Abarquez - It is essential to preserve historic structures in order to protect cultural assets and
promote sustainable urban development. These architectural gems add to the distinctive
character of metropolitan environments and act as concrete reminders of a country's rich past.
Repurposing historic structures for new uses, or adaptive reuse, enables the preservation of
cultural assets while addressing modern demands. Tradition-keeping is important, but artistic
creativity shouldn't be stifled by the past. Instead, it ought to encourage designers and architects
to imaginatively combine the old and the modern, making sure that our physical environment
develops in a way that honors the best aspects of the past. Societies can appreciate their
history while welcoming the chance for future artistic advancement and sustainable growth by
finding this careful balance.
Heramil - Preserving old buildings is important for maintaining a physical connection to our
historical and cultural heritage. It is like fostering a sense of identity and continuity. Replacing
these structures with commercial buildings has an economical advantage, but heritage tourism
can be just as profitable, driving local economies and encouraging cultural exchange.
Additionally, adaptive reuse of old buildings is often more environmentally sustainable than
demolition and new construction, helping to revitalize urban areas. The preservation of
architectural history also provides educational benefits, offering insights that inspire modern
architectural innovation. Achieving a balance between preservation and modernization progress
is important, as contemporary architecture can exist together with and an inspiration from
historical contexts, ensuring development respects cultural identity while embracing the future.
Cuizon - I believe we should preserve these historical buildings because they are an integral
part of our identity and define who we are. Respecting our history and traditions is crucial;
replacing these buildings with modern structures for profit would be a significant loss. There are
many ways to generate revenue without destroying these historical monuments.
These buildings tell the story of our community, showcasing the architectural styles, cultural
influences, and craftsmanship of past generations. They are not just structures but symbols of
our heritage, reminding us of where we come from and shaping our collective memory. When
we preserve them, we maintain a tangible connection to our history, something future
generations can see, touch, and learn from.
This doesn’t mean we can’t build something new or make progress, but we must find the right
place and way to do so without destroying what we already have. Modern development can
coexist with historical preservation, creating a rich, layered environment where the old and the
new enhance each other. Thoughtful urban planning can integrate contemporary needs with
historical conservation, ensuring that progress does not come at the cost of erasing our past.
By finding innovative ways to repurpose and adapt these historical buildings, we can breathe
new life into them while preserving their essence. This approach not only respects our heritage
but can also be economically beneficial, attracting tourism and creating unique spaces for
businesses and community activities. Thus, we can honor our past and build a future that
respects where we came from.
