NATIONAL UNIVERSITY MANILA

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ARCHITECTURE

SECOND TERM SY. 2023-2024

APLANN01: SITE
PLANNING AND
LANDSCAPE
ARCHITECTURE

ASSIGNMENT NO. 1

ORLINO, JOSHUA S.
ARC216

Ar. Russel N. Bulao, UAP, MsCM

Professor

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 I. HISTORY OF LANDSCAPING ARCHITECTURE IN THE
PHILIPPINES

WHAT IS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE?

• In learning the History of Landscape Architecture in the Philippines, we

must start off with defining what is “Landscape Architecture”.

• According to what I’ve researched, Landscape Architecture is the study

of designing and planning environments within structures that create a
sense of balance and harmony between them. It is very similar to how
a site development plan is created but on a much more detailed and
larger scale.

• It focuses on the all the details found within a site such as its
environmental sustainability, human needs, and aesthetics. It considers
the relationship between structures and nature.

INTRODUCTION OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE IN THE PHILIPPINES

• In 2006, landscape architecture received a big honor when veteran

landscape architect I.P. Santos was named a National Artist in
Architecture and Allied Arts. This prestigious recognition shines a light
on the creativity of our country's talented individuals. Santos' award
brought attention to landscape architecture and has benefited the
profession and its practitioners.

• This increased recognition has led to more job opportunities for Filipino
landscape architects and firms.

• Throughout the decade, development has been booming in Manila and

other regions, with a brief slowdown from 2006 to 2008. There has
been a lot of new construction happening, both on greenfield
(undeveloped) and brownfield (previously developed) sites. Many
projects involve redeveloping inner-city areas into higher-density
mixed-use complexes, often featuring landscaped podiums or amenity
floors.
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 • Local and regional governments have also been open to incorporating
landscape architecture into the design of infrastructure and public
spaces.

ILDEFONSO P. SANTOS

Ildefonso P. Santos, Jr. (September 5, 1929 – January 29, 2014) photographed by Ed Simon

• The Paco Park is one of Architect Ildefonso’s Famous Works that

showcases the characteristics of Landscape Architecture and how it can be
applied to our country.

Paco Park taken by CarlyZel via Shutterstock

• Ildefonso P. Santos is known as the “Father of Modern Philippine

Landscape Architecture.

• He has helped establish the first university programs in Landscape

Architecture, in addition to the Philippine Association of Landscape
Architects.

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 • He graduated in the University of Santo Tomas in 1954 with a bachelor’s
degree in architecture. Soon he took another degree and his masters in the
University of Southern California School of Architecture.

II. PARAMETERS OF SITE ANALYSIS

WHAT IS SITE ANALYSIS?
- In architecture, site analysis means studying different aspects of a location
like its history, climate, geography, laws, and infrastructure. We use this
information to create visual diagrams, which help us plan buildings. These
diagrams help architects and designers make smart decisions based on
the site's features and limitations.

SUN PATH DIAGRAM SITE ANALYSIS DIAGRAM

PARAMETERS OF SITE ANALYSIS

- Where we build and how we build affect local and global environments,
ongoing costs, and our well-being. With rapid growth, limited resources,
and pollution, we're paying more attention to building practices, starting
with the site. Whether it's urban, suburban, or rural, existing or new, many
aspects can determine how environmentally friendly and healthy the home
can be.

- Choosing a location for a new home is complex. Many factors, like nature,
man-made elements, social factors, and economics, must be considered.

A. LOCATION
A.1 Select a building site close to work, schools, shopping, etc.

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- Minimizes travel distances and time.

A.2 Short distances, sidewalks, bike paths, and bus stops enable healthier
modes of transportation.
- Avoids excessive costly, polluting automobile trips.

A.3 Lots in established neighborhoods close to town are advantageous.

- Already dedicated to residential development.
- Reduces the need to destroy natural land.
- Costly roads and utilities are already in place.

A.4 Avoid environmentally sensitive areas to protect special features such

as creeks, lakes, aquifers, tree-covered hills, wildlife, native wildflowers &
plants.

A.5 Flat to moderately sloped sites are preferable over steeply sloped lots.
- Minimizes soil erosion, loss of hillside vegetation, and damage to waterways.

B. LOCATION

- Designing a home with consideration for the climate, local plants, animals,
and soil is essential for comfort and energy efficiency. For example,
positioning the building to face south can maximize natural breezes in
summer and capture sunlight in winter.

- When choosing a site, it's crucial to examine its unique features. A hilltop
might be windy and exposed, while a valley could be too damp or prone to
flooding. Assessing tree locations is also important for providing shade in
summer and blocking wind in winter.

- Selecting a site with minimal disruption to natural vegetation helps prevent

erosion and invasive plants. It's also cost-effective compared to extensive
reconstruction. Preserving natural drainage patterns saves money on
elaborate drainage systems and benefits the environment.

- If native trees and plants need to be removed, they can often be replanted
elsewhere. Respecting wildlife trails and habitats enhances the enjoyment
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 of observing wildlife.

C. MINIMIZATION OF RAW MATERIALS

- Minimizing the use of raw materials is crucial for sustainable building

practices. One effective approach is to choose a site with an existing home
and remodel it as needed. Alternatively, relocating an existing home to a
new site can also be practical. Some sites may even provide natural
building materials like wood, stone, clay, and sand, which can be used
instead of importing materials.

- Another strategy is to design homes that are appropriately sized, as this

reduces the amount and cost of building materials required. Thoughtful
design can make small homes comfortable, functional, and respectful of
privacy. Additionally, smaller and more affordable lots should be
considered to further reduce material usage and costs.

D. SOCIAL, FUNCTIONAL AND PYSCHOLOGICAL FACTORS

- Making the most of outdoor spaces like patios, decks, or natural clearings
can reduce the need for indoor space that needs heating and cooling. This
not only saves energy but also brings psychological and physical benefits
of being outdoors. When choosing a building site, look for existing trees,
natural features, or structures that can create pleasant outdoor areas.
Consider off-site factors like noise and pollution that might affect outdoor or
indoor living with open windows.

- Many decisions that benefit the environment also improve health, well-
being, and budget for occupants. Thoughtful site selection and home
design contribute to preserving the environment and maintaining a high
quality of life.

E. CLIMATE
- This is the most important parameter to consider when doing Site Analysis
as it is crucial in site analysis because it helps architects make decisions
that improve building performance, save resources, enhance comfort, and
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 promote sustainability. By using climate data in the design process,
architects can create buildings that fit well with their surroundings and meet
the needs of people and the environment.

WHAT IS MICROCLIMATE?
- The climatic aspects of the specific site or areas on the site are called the
microclimate. The specific characteristics of the site are analyzed only after
one has a good understanding of the macroclimate and general climatic
characteristics which give an overview of the climate for your region. The
microclimate must be studied not only for the natural elements, but for how
any man-made elements, such as buildings and landscaping are affecting
and/or will affect the site.

III. GROUND FORMS

- Ground forms refer to the physical shapes, contours, and features of the
land itself, particularly as they are manipulated or designed to serve
functional, aesthetic, or environmental purposes within a landscape design.

- Ground forms play a crucial role in landscape architecture, shaping the

overall character, function, and usability of outdoor spaces. They are
manipulated by landscape architects to achieve design objectives such as
creating visually appealing compositions, enhancing accessibility,
promoting environmental sustainability, and mitigating the effects of natural
processes like erosion and runoff.

TOPOGRAPHIC MAP
- is a type of map that represents the physical features and contours of a
specific area of land in detail. It is a graphical representation of the three-
dimensional surface of the Earth, showing the elevation and shape of the
terrain through contour lines and other symbols.

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CONTOUR LINE CHARACTERISTICS
- Line distances indicate its slope and steepness.

GENTLE SLOPE
- Spaces in between lines are further apart.

STEEP SLOPE
- Spaces in between lines are close together compared to a gentle slope.

ROUGH / RUGGED FORM

- Irregular pattern of lines means a rough or rugged form.

UNIFORM SLOPE
- Straight or equally spaced lines means a uniform slope.

RIDGE
- A ridge is a raised area of land with a peaked top that slopes down on
either side. On maps, ridges are indicated by lines shaped like "V" or "U,"
with the point of the "V" or "U" facing downhill towards lower elevations.

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VALLEY
- A valley is a long low area between hills or mountains. It's like a trench with
high sides and a wider bottom. Valleys can have a "V" or "U" shape and
are often opposite to ridges, looking like a dent in the landscape.

HILLS
- Hills on topographic maps are depicted as areas of higher elevation
compared to the surrounding terrain. They typically appear as concentric
circles with smaller circles inside larger ones, indicating increasing
elevation towards the center. Hills are represented by contour lines that
encircle the peak of the hill, forming a series of closed loops. These
contour lines help to visualize the shape and steepness of the hill's slopes.

DEPRESSION
- a depression on a topographic map refers to an area of land that is lower in
elevation compared to the surrounding terrain. These depressions can take
various forms, such as valleys, gullies, basins, or hollows. They are
represented on topographic maps using contour lines, typically forming
closed loops with hatch marks pointing towards the center of the

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depression. Depressions play a crucial role in site analysis and design,
helping architects understand the natural topography of a site and
informing decisions about grading, drainage, and site layout.

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REFERENCES:
- https://joeybalgos.wordpress.com/2010/07/02/philippine-landscape-
architecture-for-2000-2010/

- https://archimash.com/articles/topography-contours-
levels/#:~:text=Topography%20informs%20critical%20design%20deci
sions,and%20anticipate%20potential%20site%20constraints.

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGrBQA9MgUI

- https://varsitarian.net/circle/20090318/father_of_landscape_architectu
re

- https://archimash.com/articles/architectural-site-analysis-guide/

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