TONY GARNIER’S "CITÉ INDUSTRIELLE" AND

ITS RELEVANCE TO PHILIPPINE URBAN

PLANNING: THE CASE OF NEW CLARK CITY
(Maria Ana M. Pulido Civil Engineer & Urban Planner)

Tony Garnier’s visionary concept of the "Cité

Industrielle" or Industrial City presents a unique
blueprint for urban development, emphasizing a
harmonious integration of residential, industrial, and
recreational areas within a landscaped environment.
Designed to house about 35,000 inhabitants, Garnier's
utopian city aimed to create a self-sufficient community
that promotes social and economic well-being, free
from rigid social controls such as police and churches.
This innovative approach to urban planning has
profound implications for the development of cities in
the Philippines, where rapid urbanization presents
both opportunities and challenges.

The Concept of the "Cité Industrielle"

Tony Garnier's "Cité Industrielle" was a groundbreaking
concept that envisioned a city where industrial activity
coexists harmoniously with a high quality of life. Key
features included self-sufficiency, with integrated
residential, industrial, and recreational zones, no social
control mechanisms like police or churches, an
emphasis on green spaces and landscaped homes to
enhance the living environment, and comprehensive
infrastructure including factories, trade schools,
Tony Garnier
transportation systems, and leisure facilities to support
(13 August 1869 - 19 January 1948)
the community's needs.
Tony Garnier was a pioneering French
Relevance to Philippine Urban Planning: The Case of
architect and city planner, most active in his
New Clark City
home city of Lyon. Renowned for designing
The Philippines faces significant urban planning
the Halle Tony Garnier and Stade de Gerland,
challenges, including congestion, inadequate
Garnier is considered a forerunner of 20th-
infrastructure, and environmental degradation.
century French architecture. His visionary
Garnier's "Cité Industrielle" offers valuable insights for
"Cité Industrielle" concept emphasized self-
addressing these issues, particularly as seen in the
sufficient, harmonious urban development
development of New Clark City. This planned
integrating residential, industrial, and
community, located in the Province of Tarlac, is
recreational areas.
designed to decongest Metro Manila and spur economic
development in Central Luzon. It embodies many of
Garnier's principles, aiming to create a self-sufficient,
sustainable urban area.
Integrated Zoning and Mixed-Use Development
New Clark City exemplifies the integration of
residential, commercial, and industrial zones, reducing
the need for long commutes and decreasing traffic
congestion and pollution. The city’s master plan
includes residential areas designed to house a diverse
population, with housing options ranging from
affordable units to high-end residences. Commercial
hubs feature retail centers, office spaces, and business
parks, fostering economic activity within the city. Eco-
industrial parks adhere to sustainable practices,
ensuring that industrial activities do not compromise
the environment or residents' health.

Emphasis on Green Spaces

Garnier’s emphasis on landscaped environments
resonates with the increasing focus on green spaces in
Philippine urban planning. New Clark City incorporates
extensive parks and greenways that provide residents
with spaces for leisure and recreation. Natural features
such as rivers and forests are conserved and integrated
into the urban fabric to maintain ecological balance.
Sustainable infrastructure is also a key component,
with buildings and infrastructure designed with green
technologies to reduce carbon footprint and promote
sustainability.

Self-Sufficient Communities
The idea of self-sufficient communities is particularly
relevant in the context of the Philippines' archipelagic
geography. New Clark City aims to be a self-contained
urban hub with educational institutions, healthcare
facilities, and government and civic centers. Schools
and universities cater to the educational needs of
residents, reducing the need to travel long distances for
quality education. Hospitals and clinics provide
comprehensive healthcare services within the city.
Administrative buildings and civic centers facilitate
local governance and community engagement.

Photo Credit: BCDA

 De-emphasizing Social Control
While the complete absence of police and churches may
not be feasible, New Clark City emphasizes community
self-governance and civic engagement. Local councils
involve residents in decision-making processes,
fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.
Designated public spaces for community gatherings,
cultural events, and public discourse encourage social
cohesion and participation.

Sustainable Industrial Development

New Clark City integrates industrial areas within the
urban fabric, adhering to modern sustainable practices.
Eco-industrial parks are designed to minimize
environmental impact through sustainable practices
and technologies. Industries focus on green
manufacturing processes, reducing waste and Photo Credit: jopetsy from Metro Manila
promoting resource efficiency. Economic hubs attract
investment and generate employment, supporting the
city's economic growth while maintaining
environmental integrity.

Towards a New Vision of Urban Planning

Tony Garnier’s "Cité Industrielle" offers a visionary
model that holds valuable lessons for Philippine urban
planning. By integrating residential, industrial, and
recreational areas within a landscaped environment,
and emphasizing self-sufficiency and community
governance, Garnier's principles can help address the
contemporary challenges of urbanization in the
Philippines. The development of New Clark City serves
as a prime example of how these concepts can be
adapted to the local context, leading to more balanced,
sustainable, and resilient urban communities.
Embracing such innovative urban planning strategies
can pave the way for a future where social and
economic well-being are harmoniously intertwined
with sustainable development.

Photo Credit: BCDA

Photo Credit: BCDA