REVITALIZATION OF ESTERO DE BINONDO

THROUGH BIOPHILIC DESIGNED CIVIC SPACE

CHAPTER 6

ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

EMMANUEL E. EGERON

MIGGUI A. ESPANOL

IVAN LOUIS B. REYNO

SITE SELECTION ANALYSIS

SITE CRITERIA

A. DEMOGRAPHICS AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT STATUS

The demand for the civic space development is one of the
criteria in site selection. Population or Demographics is one
factor that drives the demand especially for a green space.
The more population or the denser the area is, the higher the
demand for a civic space, and Urban development is
connected to population. In an Urban area, Economy is one of the key factors for it
to sustain itself and so, Urban development is one of the criteria to support the
development of a civic space.

B. ACCESSIBILITY & CONNECTIVITY

The accessibility & connectivity of the site is one of the most
important criteria in selection. It affects the desirability of the
general public to use a civic space. The site needs to be
accessible through existing public transport network like
jeepneys, accessible by private vehicle through public roads, and
most important of all, it needs to have an adjacent road which can be access by
pedestrians. The connectivity of the site to other landmarks, establishments,
residential bldgs., etc. through road network also need to be asses for it to become
interconnected in the vicinity.

C. TOPOGRAPHY, VISTA, & ORIENTATION

Topography includes the physical characteristic of the site,
shape, length, size and area, elevation, depth of water, etc. The
creek that will be selected for this kind of development need
to have an adequate length, size, and area for it to
 accommodate a quantity of commercial vendors and green space.
Aside from this, the selection is also affected by the elevation of street in relation
to water, depth of water, shape of the creek as well as orientation & vista which can
affect the planning and design of the proposed Elevated Plaza.

D. EXISTING CONDITION & DEVELOPMENT

Existing condition needs to be asses for it to be selected
as the site for the proposal. This is to determine the
problems and issues and understand the situation of
the site. Development includes existing and future
programs and plans by various government and non-
government organizations. These factors affect the
feasibility of the project in that particular site.

E. LAND-USE AND ZONING

Land-use and zoning is also a criterion to analyze to the
immediate vicinity of the site. This is to determine what
activities are present or prevalent in the surroundings
which could affect or could be affected by the civic space
development. Determining Commercial and Residential
zones is one of the most important process in this criterion.

F. PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICES

Availability of Public Utility services like Water line,
Electrical line, and Sewage line affects the planning and
operation of the Elevated Plaza Complex since it servicing
both general public and commercial vendors. For it to
become operable, it needs to have a basic utility service.
SELECTION & JUSTIFICATION
A. DEMOGRAPHICS AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT STATUS
Binondo along with Sta.cruz & Quiapo, is one of the old downtowns of the city of
Manila. It has been the center of commerce and trade for many years and become
populated in the course of time which increases the demand for a green space.
Because of these the researchers saw the potential of Elevated Plaza Complex in
the creeks of these districts namely, Estero de Binondo, Estero de la Reina, and
Estero de San Miguel. These three districts along with their respective esteros
satisfy the requirements for population demand and urban development status.

BINONDO STA. CRUZ QUIAPO

Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Stephanie Azarias & Photo Credit:

https://www.dotproperty.com.ph/blog Alexander Olpindo (Wikipedia Takes Patrick Roque
/charm-of-binondo Manila) (https://en.wikipedia.org/)

B. ACCESSIBILITY & CONNECTIVITY

Within the three esteros: Estero de Binondo; Estero de la reina; & Estero de San
Miguel, the most accessible and interconnected of them is the Estero de Binondo
which is one of the reasons it was selected as the site of the proposal. The three of
them is accessible to transport network and connected to roads but the Estero de
Binondo has a continuous riverside road in both side of the creek which the 2
esteros lack. The presence of riverside road increases its accessibility especially to
pedestrians.
In the north, The Estero de Binondo can be access through Juan Luna St., Tabora
St. Comercio st. and Millinium Bridge. The middle part can be access through San
Fernando st. and South can be access through Dasmariñas st. Muelle dela Industria
 and Pasig River. Aside from this, there is also Muelle de Binondo which runs
parallel in both side of the estero from end to end.
As for Public transportation, the site can be reached through 2 jeepney routes
namely, Divisoria-Baclaran and Divisoria Sta.cruz and 1 ferry namely, Pasig river
ferry through Escolta Station.

C. TOPOGRAPHY, VISTA, & ORIENTATION

Estero de Binondo was also selected because of its appropriate topography. It has
the widest section of the three esteros and also has an almost straight shape. The
Estero de Binondo is situated in the middle of urbanized city of manila and
surrounded by various types of building. The Length is approximately 800 meters
and width of approximately 14-25 meters.
In terms of Orientation, the Estero faces the Pasig river in the south and Manila bay
is on the west side. The vista in the south has a nice view of the Pasig River,
Intramuros, and Post office and the remaining sides has a view of low rise
residential to high-rise mixed-use building.
D. EXISTING CONDITION & DEVELOPMENT
As of now, the Estero is cleaned and maintained by PRRC which was recognized
by various sectors for their effort. The Water is blackish in color but cleaner
compared to previous condition. Vegetation is also introduced in the estero. For
now, the DPWH is installing sheet piles at the bank of esteros so as of now there is
no seen development aside from cleaning and vegetation. The city of Manila also
showed interest in developing the creek. Because of these Developments, the
feasibility of the project is higher in Estero de Binondo than the other two.

Photo Credit: https://flyingketchup.ph/estero-de-binondo-now-waste-free-due-to-

prrcs-river-warriors/
E. LAND-USE AND ZONING
The Estero de Binondo is situated in the middle of High Intensity Commercial
Mixed-use zone. In the actual settings, the southern to middle part is comprise
mostly of Residential mixed-use buildings and northern part is mostly comprise of
commercial trade and residential mixed-use buildings which has more foot traffic
and busier area.
SITE INVENTORY

(Dasmarinas St. cor. Muelle de Binondo)

(San Fernando St. to Divisoria)
Description Type Qty. Unit Exisiting Conditions
Alleys Alley/Street 10 pieces Most of the alleys near Estero de
Binondo do not have sufficient
lightings which may be a nest for
crime doers.
Bridges Infrastructure 3 pieces The said bridges are Dasmarinas
St., San Fernando Bridge and
Millenium Bridge. These bridges
are the nodes of the site due to
heavy vehicular traffic occuring
Road Plumbing 42 pieces Most of the drainage beside the
drainage estero are clogged by a bag of sand
culvert Plumbing 3 pieces Old and rusty, It is claimed by
nearby residents that culverts
present in the estero are already
dry pipes and do not use anymore.
Plant Recreational 103 Mts. Approximately 25% of the plant
strips(PRR strips are completed and well-
C) maintained by the PRRC River
Warriors
Sheet piling Infrastructure 310 Mts ¼ of the sheet piling project by
(completed) DPWH for Estero de Binondo are
completed, the rest are still on
going
Unpaved Alley/street 20 Mts Unpaved roads become a parking
roads lot of business people residing
beside the estero
Backhoe Asset 3 pieces Operates sheet Piling in the area
Barangay Institutional 1 piece Situated at the edge of Estero de
hall Facility Binondo. (DIvisoria area
particularly Taborra St.)
SWOT ANALYSIS

Binondo, Manila

Strengths

1. Has a land area of 613.67 hectares

2. Home of the Central Business District of Manila due to the high
presence of Commercial Establishments
3. Historical Buildings, Structures and Landmarks
4. Oldest Chinatown in the world
5. Has a large number of commercial banks
6. Improved transportation condition

Weakness

1. Densely Populated resulting to area congestion

2. Lack of lighted roads and streets
3. Stressful atmosphere due to Lack of Green Spaces, Open Spaces
4. Air pollution

Opportunities

1. Development as a progressive business and commercial capital

2. Redevelopment of busy areas(china towns and Divisoria) to add
aesthetic features
3. Having a people-friendly environment through developing communal
spaces
4. Reviving its rich heritage to promote tourism in the area

Threats

1. Air and noise pollution

2. Solid Waste Management problems (Divisoria, Ongpin St.)
3. Poor Drainage System
Estero de Binondo

Bio-Physical Characteristics

Strengths

1. Surrounded by alleys and main city road

networks (dasmarinas St., San Fernando
St.) including the on-going Binondo
Bridge which will directly link Binondo
and Intramuros.
2. Surrounded mainly by High intensity
mixed use commercial establishments (C-2/MXD)
3. Besides Historal Structures and Landmarks (El hogar building,
Jones Bridge) Plaza Lorernzo Ruiz and Binondo Church).
4. A total area of 1.82 ha
5. Has a length of 825meters and width of 14-25 meters(One of the
widest and longest estuaries in the city)
6. Directly connected to Pasig River
7. The site is partially developed with the Pasig River Rehabilitation
Commission’s creek cleaning and rehabilitation programs and
Department of Public Works and Highways’ Sheet Piling.

Weaknesses

1. Poor lighting distribution resulting to dark

alleys during night time.
2. There are portions of unpaved roads
(near Divisoria/Taborra St.)
3. A pumping station loacated near
Dasmarinas St.
4. Far from protective services such as Police station and Fire Station
5. Unorganized Parking Space beside the area
 6. A barangay Hall situated along the easement of Estero near
Divisoria area

Opportunities

1. A candidate for riverine development (parks

and recreational centers)
2. Waterfront development (Dasmarinas St.
Area)
3. Ferry terminals and other water transport
through the site traversing to Pasig River and other estero
networks.

Threats

1. Surrounded with densely populated areas

2. Air pollution problem due to insufficient
green spaces
3. Heavy Traffic along Dasmarinas St. and
San Fernando St.
4. Poor Drainage System
5. Solid Waste disposal problem (near Divisoria area/ Taborra St.)

Socio-Cultural Characteristics

Strengths

1. The people residing the area are

continuously maintaining the cleanliness
of the Estero
2. River Warriors of PRRC are the primary
initiators of cleaning and greening the
estero
Weaknesses

1. Ineffective public safety in terms of protective

services
2. Low health services.
3. Alleys and easements does not comply
with BP344 (Accessibility Law).
4. Lack of activity venues for the people residing it.
5. Located near Taborra Street in Divisoria where street vendors and
few informal settlers are situated

Opportunities

1. Developing a public open space for the

demand of the community residing
beside the site
2. Developing a walkable and people
friendly space in the area
3. Addition of protective services in the
area for an effective safety (street lightings, police/barangay
outpost, C.C. T.V. cameras, etc.)

Threats

1. High number of street children, scavengers

and child laborers in the area.
2. Dark areas and alleys can be a shell for
crime doersPolitico-Economic
Characteristics

Strengths

1. Surrounded mainly by High intensity

mixed use commercial establishments (C-2/MXD)
 2. Located near Divisoria (shopping centers and
fruits and vegetables markets)
3. Near historical structures

Weaknesses

1. There are still street vendors who are situated along sidewalks
present near the area
2. Underground economy is still present near
the area.
3. Streets beside the site become a haven for
delivery trucks instead of a walkable space
for the people due to the activities being conducted by
mixed use commercial establishments.

Opportunities

1. Development of a space to promote

tourism in the area
2. Development of space which can be
linked or reflected to other tourist
destinations near the area
3. Placement of support facilities for business (parking spaces,
rendezvous areas)
4. Placement of facilities to organize street vendors

Threats

1. Sprawl of Delivery trucks along the alley

2. Poor infrastructure facilities
Problems and Issues on the Site

It is hard to believe that the once filled trash Estero de Binondo is now almost a
trash free. But although the creek improved its current condition, there are still some
problems and issues that we can encounter. There are still garbage that can be found on the
Estero. But compared to the situation of the creek in the past few years, we can proudly
say that Estero de Binondo is now free from wastes and garbage, thanks to the rehabilitation
and cleaning efforts of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission River Warriors and
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. The part of the Estero de Binondo near the
Divisoria is still surrounded by garbages compared to the other part of Estero de Binondo
which is now almost a trash free. The problem here is that, according to Mr. Dexter Opiana,
they continuously clean and maintain the Estero but once it was turned over to the Barangay
on that area, the wastes and garbage will once again appear in the creeks. That barangay
who supposed to be the one to maintain the cleanliness of the creeks are not doing their job
right. According to Mr. Obyana, the street vendors residing in that place are the major
reason for the volume of the garbage in that area.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/04/19/manila-city-govt-to-organize-street-vendors-isko
 The researchers don’t have any problems and issues about the Estero de Binondo
itself. Compared to the situation of the creek in the past years, the offensive smell released
by the Estero de Binondo is now reduced. And the researchers are hoping that the
unpleasant smell emitted by the Estero de Binondo will be removed. Since the Pasig River
Rehabilitation Commission and River Warriors are continuously clean the creeks and
because of that the Estero de Binondo improved a lot.

Another issues that the researchers encountered in the site is discovering that the
Department of Public Works and Highways is now putting file sheets for reinforcement on
the creeks. The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission and River Warriors cannot fully
develop the creeks such as putting plants because of the DPWH program. According to Mr.
Dexter Obyana, the Estero de Binondo used to have a walkways accompanied with plants

https://flyingketchup.ph/estero-de-binondo-now-waste-free-due-to-prrcs-river-warriors/

on each side. But it was destroyed/dismantled because of the DPWH putting file sheets and
reinforcements to make the Estero structurally durable.
ARCHITECTURAL PROGRAMMING

Project Type

The proposal is an Elevated Plaza Complex with a Classification of Mixed-use

Recreational development that is comprise of both Commercial + Recreational Green
Space that is going to be built above the waters of Estero de Binondo. The project is a
multi-level structure and interlaced in form with a length of approximately 800 meters.

Establish Design Goals and Objectives

The Design Goal of the project is to provide as much recreational & green space
possible for the people around the vicinity where they could socialize, interact to one
another, and have a relaxing space where they could have a break from the urban jungle of
the city. Another goal is to have an organized commercial space for the street vendors
which was once an obstruction in the streets of Manila.

The Design Objective is to not fully cover the estero for the existing vegetation
and life forms in the water can still be penetrated by sunlight. Another objective is to
integrate Biophilic design in green spaces to connect the user more closely to nature. As
For the commercial spaces, the objective is to maintain the cleanliness and mitigate the
negative effects of these spaces to estero particularly with the waste problem.
Additional Design Info

Behavioral Analysis

Behavioral Analysis is divided into 3 parts.

Binondo is known for the Oldest Chinatown in the world. Established at the turn of the
16th century being as one of the Philippines’ biggest centers for commerce. A home for
many of Manila’s Chinese and Chinese mestizo families (people ‘of mixed race’) and
their businesses.

Surrounded by long-standing restaurants, cafes and street foods, beloved by locals

for their delicious Chinese-Filipino foods. Many of us know that Chinese people are
business minded. Every minutes of their lives, businesses and how to generate money are
the things that runs through their minds. And it is not a bad thing, we should also apply it
to our daily lives. Therefore, it is a great potential for them to develop a place for them
that will become a platform for interaction and to start conversation about their deals and
businesses. And at the same time, we Filipinos are known for its strong connection
towards green spaces. However, as the time goes by, along with the rapid economic
growth and sprawl of skyscrapers.
For Behavioral Analysis, the Estero de Binondo is divided into 3 parts.

The Blue part of the Estero is mostly residential. That area of the Estero de Binondo is
the most peaceful and quiet part of the creek. Much of the people living residing in that
area of tend to stay in their homes.

The yellow part of the Estero de Binondo is composed of residential and commercial
establishments. Mixed-use developments are mostly inhabited in this part. A planning
strategy that seeks to foster community design and development that serves the economy,
community, public health, and the environment. A multi-storey development that
incorporates the commercial use on the ground floors with residential uses on the upper
floors. Mostly the commercial establishments located on the ground floors of the
buildings are the typical food stalls (karinderya).
This part of the Estero can be called as the neutral part of the creek. It consists of workers
and the ones that manage the food stalls.

The last part of the Estero de Binondo is the busiest part of the creek. This is where the
large numbers of activities occurs. It is surrounded by street vendors, said to be the main
reasons or contributors of the wastes located along the Estero. This is where different
kinds of people are located, compared to the 2 other parts of the estero where workers
and common people are resided.

Interrelationship Diagram
SITE ANALYSIS
Space Analysis

Recreation Spaces – Knowing that

the City of Manila lacks green
spaces. It is ideally best to provide
and create more green spaces inside
the city. The Estero de Binondo will
be surrounded by recreational
spaces and greeneries. Urban green
spaces such as domestic gardens,
https://www.cambridgecrossing.com/category/open-space/
parks and woodlands provide a
multitude of benefits to urban populations. By improving physical fitness and reducing
depression, the presence of green spaces can enhance the health and wellbeing of people
living and working in cities. Green spaces also indirectly impact our health by improving
air quality and limiting the impact of heatwaves by reducing urban temperatures. In
addition, urban vegetation stores carbon, helping to mitigate climate change, and reduces
the likelihood of flooding by storing excess rain water.

Commercial Spaces – One of the

main goals of this project is to
provide commercial spaces. To
provide location for the street
vendors in the City of Manila.
Street vendors are one of the main
source of income in the city. Street
vendors are an integral part of
https://www.shutterstock.com/search/indian+vendors?image_type=illustration
urban economies around the world, &ref_context=keyword

offering easy access to a wide range of goods and services in public spaces. They sell
everything from fresh vegetables to prepared foods, from building materials to garments
and crafts and many more. Providing spaces for street vendors will surely help the city of
Manila about them occupying the streets and sidewalks.
Central Plaza/ Assembly
Area -

This area is provided for the

people to interact with each
other. A place where the people
with gather and start a
conversation.

https://www.vmwp.com/projects/milpitas-square/milpitas-sq-2/

Viewing/Observation Deck – It is
a platform in a high point of the
structure provided for the people
with a broad view of the
surrounding area. Surrounded by
railings or fencing that which
provides a panoramic view for the
people using the project.

https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/524387950337158153/?lp=true

Playground/ Play Area -

A playground, playpark, or
play area is a place
specifically designed to
enable children to play there.
For this project, play area also
includes table with chess
boards and such for the adults.
https://www.playlsi.com/en/commercial-playground-equipment/playgrounds/wabun-
picnic-area-minnehaha-regional-park/
Multi-Purpose Courts –

A space dedicated for

conducting public activities
such as Zumba or fitness
activities. It can also be an
area for conducting
barangay meetings,
https://www.shutterstock.com/search/physical+activity
workshops and seminars.

Walkways – walkways with

pavements incorporated with
greeneries/plants on each side
are also provided to have a
satisfying experience for the
people while walking.

https://mymodernmet.com/seoul-skygarden-elevated-walkway/

Additional Spaces:

Security Outposts – a space dedicated for securities, barangay tanods, and police or the
people that will maintain the order and the safety of everyone using the project.

Electrical Rooms - An electrical room is a room or space in a building dedicated to

electrical equipment. Electrical equipment may be for power distribution equipment, or for
communications equipment.

Public Toilet - is a room or provided with toilets (or urinals) and sinks. The public toilet
is available for use by the general public, customers, travelers, and employees of a business,
school pupils, and many more. Typically separated into male and female sections, toilets
for PWD (Persons with Disabilities) are also included.
Pump Room – Since the project is an elevated multi-level plaza complex, it is necessary
to provide pumping rooms for the water services.

Materials Recovery Facility or Materials Recycling Facility - is a specialized space that

receives, stores, separates and prepares recyclable materials.

Management Offices – an office for the people who is responsible for managing the
project, for the engineering, security and admin officers.

Design Strategies

Elevated Plaza Construction

The primary constraint of constructing an elevated structure at the top of Estero

de Binondo is the existing plant strip floating at the side of the creek. Therefore,
in order to ensure that the existing development will not get compromise in terms
of the plants’ exposure to sunlight, the form will be inspired by an interlaced,
multi-level pattern.

Biophilic Design Implementation

Aside from plants and other components of nature that may include to any design
intervention, Biophilic design also provides Passive Design principles which is
why deciduous plants will be used to provide shade in the area. Sheds/ pergolas
will be also included to become an auxiliary to deciduous plants.

Accessibility Considerations

All spaces (stairs, ramps, lifts and any form of clearances) in the development
should comply BP344 (Accessibility Law) to ensure the safety and convenience
of people with disabilities (PWDs) and Senior Citizens
SUMMARY OF THE PROGRAM

Summary Concepts

The concept is inspired by an interlaced pattern consisting of

multi-level mixed-use recreational spaces. Both softscape and hardscape elements
in the proposal will be patterned in a free form to establish the artificial way of
intervening biophilic design. Sheds will be mimicking trees in a form of dome
with triangular patterns. Color schemes will be more on earth colors (green,
brown, cream and grey)

6.2.6.3 Conceptual Schemes and Sketches

References:

Manila City Planning and Development Office’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan and
Zoning Ordinance (MCLUPZO).