Riverside Community Center and Redevelopment of

the Marikina River Park

Tomilloso, Jan Paul

RMA

4 AR-11

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TABLE OF CONTENT

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Introduction P.3-5

1.2 Project background P. 5-7

1.3 Statement of the problem P.7-9

1.4 Significance of the project P.9-11

1.5 Project objective P. 11-12

1.6 Scope and limitation P. 12-14

Chapter 2: Review of related literature

2.1 Chapter Review P. 15

2.2 Introduction P. 15-21

Chapter 3: Research Methodology

2.1 Chapter Review P. 21

2.2 Research Phase P. 21-23

Chapter 4: Site Analysis

4.1 Chapter Review P.24

4.2 Description of the Site P.24

4.3 Site Selection P.25-26

4.4 Site Justification P. 26-28

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CHAPTER 1: Introduction

1.1 Introduction

With the continuous expansion of human presence within a city and

the expansion of urban density, so does the cities growth and

development, Because of such activity, Social relation within the

local community is being hindered so does the connection between

the city and its people. It is visible that the cities evolution is

affected by its population, as a result, a city which provides its

citizen with City and Civic Identity can expect to have a population

who has an idea of community responsibility.

Parks and Activity space gives the public various benefits such as

improving ones health, reducing stress, and creating a local social

connection within individuals. In relation to a city development, it

provides its citizen with varying amenities which will makes the

population happier, with a return in Economic advantage, directly

proportional to the increase in land value within the vicinity and the

possibility of attracting commercial establishment.

A Community Center will then provide the locals with a place for

group activities, social support, public information and other

services for the development of the local community. The facility

shall then reflect the Social and Cultural preference of the users

which in return, are the link between individual users. The facility

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shall house Government, Commercial, and Public activities. The

Facility programs will focus of both on the city and the individual’s

development so they themselves can be a part of the community

growth. It will also provide the government an opportunity to show

their local plans for the people of Marikina to use, such as

promoting Marikina as a clean and green city.

One of the most Iconic seascape within Marikina is the Marikina

River which is located in the eastern part of Metro Manila, A

tributary of Pasig River with headwaters located in the Sierra Madre

Mountains in Rodriguez, Rizal province. It is originally used as a

transportation route during the Spanish era and is the cause for the

growth of the city. As a result the Marikina River has an important

city value and the presence of Marikina River Park is to pay tribute

to the River, It is also one of the places where Marikeño can relax

and exercise. Within the river parks are significant place and

monument such as the Roman Garden/ Gazebo, Chinese Garden/

Gazebo, Kawayanan Picnic Area, Pontoon Bridges, MV Rosa

Maria, and Women’s Park. Within the vicinity are 2 Major shopping

center, Farming Lot and local commercial establishment. The

proposed community center, it hopes to be the jumpstart for the

local government to focus on developing this local treasure, in

which local tourism growth shall provide significance to the area,

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which in return provides funding to once again revitalize the River

bank.

1.2 Project Background

The proposed project will also provide a direct link with the

government program to save the Marikina River.

During 1987, the then Ministry of public road and highway cited the

need to improve the condition of the Marikina riverbank to allow

better discharge of water of the city, its purpose was to reduce

flooding and secure the river area

During the reign of former mayor, Bayani Fernando, during 1993,

Great changes were made for the rehabilitation of the Marikina

River as opposed to the river condition 4 decades ago. The

Marikina River Park was born. and it’s considered as the first sign

of the site improvement of the then again dirty river bank.

Continuous Improvement may be expected so once again, The

People of Marikina can once again interact with the river. Several

improvement done by the Former mayor was to add an access

road so that men with equipment can go to the river and do

cleaning and clearing operation, He then cleared the vicinity of

Informal settler and other intrusion. After that was forcing industries

to take responsibility of the water they discharge to the river, then

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Constructing Sport facilities, Historical and Cultural structure of the

stretch, Finally, Adding a landscape for the aesthetic purpose of the

park. Up until now, the visibility of people within the sight which

includes both the old and the children shows the success of the

project.

During the Typhoon Ondoy, Several part of Marikina were severely

devastated with the loss of lives and property, Still Marikeño shows

unity and discipline so that they could carry on and rebuild. One of

the most overwhelmed areas lies within the Riverside Community

zone, the Provident Village whose flooding reach up to 6 meters,

probably because the area was originally meant to be as a

floodway and the lack of the site flood adaptive design. The

government response by telling the residence to rebuild a better

flood adaptive design which is costly or move out which some of

the residence did, with a little luck in finding buyers. The property

within the site is always in danger especially that climate condition

is still worsening.

Disaster Official has already advised the local community within the

site to move away from the river, but the officials have less luck in

convincing them. In case of such event, the now lot can be

converted to a Community center since it can house both public

facility and consumable spaces.

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As a response, a proposed Community Center within the area that

would integrate the existing Marikina River Park will be beneficial;

the facility shall comply and prepare for a flood adaptive design. As

an incentive, a new Residential facility will also be placed to provide

housing for the families within the reclaimed area. In addition, The

Community center will hope to further enhance the view and

importance of the Marikina river park and could compliment with the

ongoing rehabilitation of the Marikina River. The New Riverside

Structure could also serve as a basis for importance and probability

of applying flood adaptive design especially within the region.

In addition to the functioning community center, The facility will also

house the Marikina Park Development Authority, and can also be

used as a temporary evacuation center in case of extreme flooding.

1.3 Statement of the Problem

Since the development of the Marikina River Park, It has gain

popularity among locals within the area. To further increase the

park visitor’s population, Additional amenities would be beneficial

especially those that are community based oriented. In addition,

the proposed project shall solve the need of the community to shop,

relax and interact. The park should also provide feature that will

support the city ideal green city image, it should promote clean

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living within individual. With this includes creating a healthier

citizen. The lack of public interaction within the river is also a prime

concern, with much of the infrastructure and facility built away from

the Marikina River; the public are always oriented outside the

Marikina River. The Individual not only need to feel interacted with

the river, but he also need so socialize with other or have time for

himself, The facility should provide a space that should answer in

the Marikeño need for a space to shop, relax, and socialize. The

facility should also provide a way to further increase the beauty of

the Marikina riverbank which is the prime identity of the city image

and history.

The facility should also consider the major environmental hazard of

flooding of within the site, its primary purpose is to find and develop

a solution to create a flood resilient design to provide a symbol of

preservation during such calamities or others that might come.

Since the proposed sight is within the flood prone lot within the

provident village, it should provide housing space for the families.

The project located within the riverside will also provide an

excellent view within the site that is why development to cater

commercial space and government based project.

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And lastly, the facility should promote the locals identity and reflect

the one of its user for them to acquire Communal Identity and

Responsibility for the project.

1.4 Significance of the Project

The main purpose of the Community center is to provide a space

for social activities such as local event and as a meeting place. It

will provide individuals to meet up with people who share with their

variety of interest. In addition the Community center will cater to the

need of the local population of varying degree, from the rich to the

poor, and from the young to the old. The place will also provide

individual a place to relax and unwind, The Facility, Facing away

from Major roads and other building, while providing a direct view of

the Marikina River will allow Individuals to have a time for their own,

especially during the lazy afternoon. The place will be a retreat for

one to release stress and enjoy the natural landscape.

The facility will hope to give tribute to the provide the local

government with attention regarding the health of the Marikina

River, As the patron of this facility grows and appreciate the river,

so will their deep interest for the well being of this seascape, They

would then take a communal responsibility toward the river which

will improve and preserve the rivers historical and cultural identity.

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The Proposed facility shall be built to work with nature; reclaimed

land will be converted into floodways and not concrete landscape.

Additional trees and vegetation which is very important for the

success of the site shall fulfill the site aesthetic needs, while also

reducing flooding.

With the formulation of the Facility, Additional Commercial spaces

can be added to fund for the facility maintenance need. Its view

from the riverside and the amount of various users from different

source will allow flexible variety of business, from sports activities,

services, and food.

Since Marikina is formulated as a bicycle friendly zone, Access to

the site would be mainly thru walking and cycling, and if possible,

reintroducing the paddleboat transportation system. During these

method of traveling, you not only provide you body with much

needed exercise, it also exposed your body to the nature, from the

fresh air to interacting with nature. And as a Social-structure, you

are more likely to interact with people; The Establishment of the

community center will allow visible police presence throughout the

site unlike its current condition with a few a police patroller, the

rehabilitation of the site will provide better consideration on the

user’s safety and security.

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The Proposed Community Center will finalize the Vision of the

Former Mayor Bayani Fernando vision of the Rehabilitated Marikina

River Park.

1.5Project Objective

1.5.1 Provide a new use to the land within the Provident

village that will be disaster resilient, the facility should

apply a sustainable approach with the reclaimed land.

In addition, the facility should also provide housing for

the homeowner who will be evacuated from their

property.

1.5.2 Provide relative and adequate amenities to the would

be users, the facilities should be oriented toward to

community and will promote social interactions. This

will include the well-being of the individuals and the

park. The design should provide a flexible design

system to allow various activities such as city events

to public shows.

1.5.3 To promote the use of bicycle or other transportation

device (Paddleboat), Not only are they effective for

one to truly interact with nature, they also promote

social interaction since you are not locked on the

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confinement of your car, they are good for your health

and for the environment and they are also widely

available.

1.5.4 Incorporate nearby Existing design elements such as

Gardens, Fountains, and Structures to the design,

The facility should also compliment the Image of

Marikina City. The Community Center will be also the

link between the locals and Marikina River, and in

relation, The It will also allow the government to

provide much effort to further enhance the beauty of

the Marikina River for the satisfaction of the Marikeño.

1.5.5 Apply new technology for the benefit of its users; this

will answer to the users need for Safety and Security,

Communication, Information, and other for both the

benefit of the Individual and the Community center.

1.6 Scope and Limitation

Since the Marikina host hundreds of different community of varying

source and preference, The Design of the Riverside Community

center will mainly focus on individuals within close proximity and

with direct accessibility of the site, these includes nearby

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neighborhoods, particularly the Provident Village, up to the regular

Users which includes Jogger, Cyclist, or families. Since these

individuals’ lies near the River or those that benefit from it, they

would be in direct relation to the River and in return, they would

have it to their responsibility for the taking care of both the Park and

the river.

The Proposed Thesis Limitation includes:

1.6.1 The report will not focus on reflecting the overall

preference of the Marikeño, but mainly, those within

the nearby vicinities as they comprise of the would

be regular user, General Preference of the Marikeño

resident will be take into minor consideration for

casual users. None the less, the design will focus as

a community based facility.

1.6.2 The visual site observation will be limited to those

happened during March to December of the year

2013. Although Important Public Event both

proposed and from the past that would be beneficial

for the project would be take into consideration.

1.6.3 The design for Flood Resilience will mainly focus on

reports during the recent Typhoon Ondoy.

1.6.4 The site is an occupied Village, and not all

homeowner are willing to sell their property, the

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proposed project will provide an alternative use to

their lot.

1.6.5 The design focus on behavioral and social pattern

found within the site, while Academic research will

function as supportive statement.

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CHAPTER 2: Review of Related Literature

2.1 Chapter Overview

This chapter will focus on important point to be taking into

consideration, This will provide insight on Issues that need to be

solved and the various factor with direct relation to the project.

2.2 Introduction

The Marikina River Park provides nearby residence and various

user a place to relax and exercise, This park also symbolize the

successful rehabilitation of the Marikina River , A Community center

in response will be the link between the local with the river and to

each other. It will provide various Socio-Cultural benefits.

During the Typhoon Ondoy when extreme flooding came, the

residence of the provident village was extremely overwhelmed. A

Community center will replace those houses near the river bank; in

which, the facility should apply flood adaptive design.

Topics that should be concentrated include:

• Application of Flood Adaptive Design for the Facility

• Importance of the Community Center within a City.

• Opportunities within the Riverbank

• Designing of a Community Center

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2.2.1 Flood Adaptive Design

Flooding is the factor the design is truly concerned, the facility

therefore shall have both Active and passive solution in Managing

these issues.

Since little can be done to stop flooding, especially within the

riverbank side, The facility therefore will allow flooding, but shall be

resilient to high water. The urban design with open water bodies is

comparable easy in new development areas, but more difficult in

Existing cities. (Vrijthoff, 2008), In the Case of my site, There are

already prebuilt village within the vicinity, However, their lack of

flood adaptive design will only provide another negative result.

Since the new facility will be built from this lot, the design should be

immune to flooding. Suggestion was to use low lying areas

exclusively for non-residential purposes which are okay to get

submerged by flood waters. (Fernando, 2009)

A passive approach can be done by planning the site so that

minimal damage can be done during flooding, example of which is

done in Harbor City in Hamburg, its design concept was a 5 level of

public space where open spaces were placed on the lower level of

the city while important facilities such as buildings were place within

higher elevation. In addition to its water adaptive design strategies,

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HafenCity exemplifies many other sustainable urban planning

ideas. It is dense, walk able, bike able, served by public transit, and

full of multi-use buildings and public spaces. Much of the land was

formerly brown fields and has now been cleaned and developed.

Additionally, the historic character of the area is honored: many

buildings in the neighboring Speicherstadt area have been

refurbished (Reed, 2010). Both preservation and overall changes

can be applied for long term benefit. In addition flood resistant

material should also be used to reduce damage cost

An active approach can also be used by applying “Floating

Structures like the floating information centre, which is located in

Ijburg. Other design consideration includes stilt structure.

2.2.2 Importance of the Community Center

With the ever expansion of man to fulfill the need of growth, he has

forget to consider his Social wellbeing. Contemporary life has made

the concept of community untamable and it may see paradoxical

that we are proceeding to homogenize the public diagram of

architecture. (Yanagisawa, 1995), in relation, Individuals are being

separated from their environment, Individuals are being self

centered with little concern to the public. Public Building creates

public responsibility and help to consolidate the negotiating strength

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of the various organization and the committee that colonizes and

make use of the space (Slessor, 1995), A Community center is not

only oriented toward other but for the wellbeing of one selves, and

to its environment, The local vicinity in particular. Effective

maintenance of the public realm requires the creation and

preservation of a clean, healthy and safe environment. While the

public sector is the one that usually takes the ultimate responsibility

– either positive or negative – are likely to come from range of

public and private source. Indeed it is the diversity of interest and

the incremental changes for which they are responsible, which

makes the process of urban management difficult ( Carmona et al.,

2003), The distribution of varying patron, and thus interest will allow

a more dynamic development within the park. This will destroy the

social barrier that separates us with the rest of the community.

The government should consider Community centers and parks to

be an asset to develop their local community. As an urban planner,

Parks are the urban land issue of the 21st century. Revitalized city

needs revitalized park system. They help clean the air, reduce

stress, improve heath, diminish crime, increase tourism, and

property value, and provide an alternative to sprawl (Harnik, 2011).

As a city, Active citizen citizenship and vibrant urban life are

essential of a good city and civic identity. To restore these where

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they are lacking, citizens must be involved in the evolution for their

city, they must feel that the communal space is in their ownership

and responsibility (Rogers, 1997). A Civic identity within the region

will promote connections between individuals for they will develop

common interest and being a symbol of their community, they want

the community center to represent who they are.

Park and public open space need to be thought in terms of being

an integral part of the community; in fact, they should be

considered the primary organizing element in our community (Hall

and Portfield, 2001) With the problems that growth and

development are creating overtaxed infrastructure, lack of

community attachment, polarization of various socio-economic

group, and stress on the environment. It is evident that

conventional suburban development cannot sustain itself

indefinitely. Commercial activities should be embedded in our

neighborhood and district to create true town center (Abrams,

1995)

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2.2.3 Opportunities within the Riverbank

For nearby community, Facilities located near the river can provide

Social and cultural benefit. Rivers provide recreational, scenic, and

image making value for the people who live near them, and they

also provide recreation opportunities and aesthetic and scenic

value that can be enjoyed by everyone. (Jerke et al., 2008), It can

be the source to why the locals visit your facility and how much they

appreciate it.

Actions to improve the visual and environmental quality of river

address many concern, survey have found that people are willing to

pay for such action (Jerke et al., 2008) Being in a Urban landscape,

Vegetation and Scenery provides entertainment and leisure for the

Local population, and they would be willing to spend just to

maintain such environment.

Direct economic payback can be measured by taxable value of

property and development adjacent to good quality of river body

(Jerke et al., 2008). This Brings Opportunities of commercial

establishment to invest in your facility, It will also help to improve

tourism and local livelihood within the area.

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2.2.4 Designing of a Community Center

A review of current literature shows no specific way to build a

community center or what to include. However there were

useful insights gained through the research of others on helpful

methods when coming up with a community center plan. This is

known as a responsive design approach. It takes into account

both the social environment and physical environment and their

combined effect on the users. Three tools of inquiry established

the data for this research project, including surveys, interviews,

and a chart created of current available meeting spaces. Four

main themes emerged from the data and helped to answer both

the primary question and sub questions. The themes include:

existing groups’ demographics, a review of current meeting

places, needs and wants for current and future buildings, and

the local level of support. (Tubbs 2012)

Community centers should focus on Create a Homelike

Environment, Encourage Creativity, Encourage Autonomy,

Include Appropriate Space for Staff, and Maintain a Safe and

Healthy Environment (Mion, 2010).

CHAPTER 3: Research methodology

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3.1 Overview of the Chapter

This chapter will present the various data gathering method done to

fulfill the preparatory need to find information which will affect or be

used during the design phase.

3.2 Research Phase

3.2 1. Ocular Site investigation

An ocular site investigation will be done with the

month of March up until December. This month is where most of

the public events are held within the site. This would also

differentiate the amount the difference in demography of users

during the summer season, and during school days.

3.2 2. Literature Review

Notes and data from various article, particularly who

focus on public spaces and urban planning will be used for the

benefit of the project, Importance will be shows regarding the

articles relation to the Project details while minor information will be

used as a guideline. These will Include Innovations and technology

that can be applied to the architectural design of the project.

3.2 3. Data gathered by the Local Government

Data from the Local Park Development authority in particular,

Information such as future expansions or proposed activities can be

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incorporated within the project to serve as design considerations.

Other related information that might be of use will also be added in

the gathered data.

3.2 3. Interview

Interviews particularly to the Local community and the Regular user

of the site are to be the primary source of information to formulate

the activity that will be present to the new community center.

General information about the demography of the overall city

population will also be of minor consideration.

3.2 4. Case Study

Case study from both Local and International source will be used.

The local Case study will be useful because the concept can be link

to the local community in Marikina. The International Case study

will focus on successful riverside Community Center, and Facilities

which incorporate flood Resilient design, Which includes related

Innovations and Technologies regarding applying flood resilience in

architecture.

CHAPTER 4: Site Analysis

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4.1 Overview of the Chapter

This chapter will discuss the possible site for the project which

includes the reason for its selection and its analysis.

4.2 Description of the site

The site is located on both Barangay Jesus Dela Pena and

Barangay Tanong. With a Coordinate of 14°37'49"N ,121°5'19"E.

Historically, the Area the provident village currently is situated is

part of the Marikina River but dried up. The used to known as

“Patay na Ilog” was the reconstructed to create the Provident

Village, Located on the top Curve of an S, Meaning, During

Flooding, Flood Would rush directly to the site; the dike provided by

the village only provided minimal result during the typhoon

The site provide housing for Medium – High Class Residence, As a

Developed Village, Property will be of a high value, But since the

typhoon, Some homeowner sold their property to a very low price.

4.3 Site Selection

4.3.1 Land Availability

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Cosntructing for a flood adaptive design is much

costly on a developed land than finding an empty lot,

however, such lot who has little to no interest in improving

their design would normally lose their land value.

4.3.2 Land Use and Zoning

It is preferred that the property islocated within or

nearby a residential area for the posiblity of establishing a

commercial space.

4.3.3 Security

Nearby Police Station, Hospital, and Fire station

would be beneficial to especially that this is a public building

4.3.4 Utilities

Adequate Supplies of Water and Electricity is needed

4.3.5 Climate and Orientation

Being in a tropical country, it is wise that the facility would be

facing north or east, It should also provide an excellent view

of the Marikina river.

4.3.6 Soil Condition and Stability

Capable of supporting a structure located 8 meter high.

4.3.7 Transportation

Bicycle friendly zone, with link to major roads to be used bys

service vehicle or by person with disability.

4.3.8 Environment

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Nearby vegetated area

4.3.9 Topography

Low Lying area to be used as a public space

4.3.10 Adjacent Structure

Provide a complimenting view to the Marikina River

4.4 Justification of the Site

4.4.1 Land Availability

The Site is located in an existing village, however,

several homeowner decided to already sell their property,

unfortunately, Majority of the users still demand to stay in

their property.

4.4.2 Land Use and Zoning

The Current land lies inside the Provident Village, It is

being used as a residential property.

4.4.3 Security

Since the property will be directly perpendicular to the

Marikina River Park, the Park is being patrolled by the

Barangay Tanod, However, During my last visit, A few of the

street light were not working.

4.4.4 Utilities

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Being in an existing Subdivision, Adequate Electrical

and Water Utilities is expected, Opportunity for Solar Energy

is also feasible.

4.4.5 Climate and Orientation

Marikina features a tropical monsoon climate. Together with

the rest of the Philippines, Marikina lies entirely within the

tropics. The Site is oriented toward south east.

4.4.6 Soil Condition and Stability

The Marikina Riverbanks has a rich fertile soil, the Stability

of the soil is to be further researched but by the appearance

of the SM-Marikina on a nearby the site, and The Presence

of houses on the intended site provide an Insight of the

possibility of building from the site.

4.24.7 Transportation

The site is best visited through walking or cycling since

vehicle are not allowed within the sight, however, Motorist

can Park their vehicle on nearby areas such as the Marikina

Riverbank Mall and just walk toward the site, The Possibility

of using the village as an alternative entrance is might be

also possible.

4.4.8 Environment

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The site Is composed of various plant and trees, this

includes lots for farming purpose within the riverbanks.

4.4.9 Topography

The site is located in a low lying area of the Provident

village.

4.4.10 Adjacent Structure

Barangay Calumpang and San Roque, A mixture of both

Residential and Industrial property.

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