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Republic of the Philippines

BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Engineering, Architecture and Fine Arts
Pablo Borbon Main II, Alangilan, Batangas City

HABITAT:
A Proposed Mixed-Use Commercial and Residential Development
Sustainable Tropical Design Incorporating Nature and Opportunities

Barangay Pallocan East. Batangas City, Batangas

A Thesis Proposal Presented to the

Faculty of Architecture, Interior Design and Fine Arts
College of Engineering, Architecture and Fine Arts

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the

Degree of Bachelor of Science in Architecture

Submitted by:

Fule, Veronica Jhae E.

Sandoval, Joseph Renz Z.
Sollorano, Abigael R.

December 2021
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter I – The Problem and Its Background

1.1 Introduction 1

1.2 Background of the Study 1

1.3 Statement of the Problem 2

1.4 Objectives of the Study 3

1.5 SITE ANALYSIS 4

1.6 USER’S ANALYSIS 6

1.7 CASE STUDY 7

 THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

As the time passes, the lifestyle of the people abruptly changes. Although the world is gifted with an enormous number
of natural resources, it can be seen that it severely declined in the past years. Compared to the past, there has been a surge in
economic development in the world. This economic growth is also accompanied by demand in construction of different facilities.
This also means increasing demand for construction materials that severely affect the environmental resources.

The world became eagerly concerned in solving these issues and working together in planning necessary action. Even
way back in the early years, issues concerning the environment are one of the main crises faced by the world. Particularly,
several organizations attempt to solve them by laying pressings solutions throughout the years. Particularly, the United Nations
also included solving these environmental issues in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Infrastructure is a vital ingredient for
economic development but it also imposes a negative effect on our natural resources. The United Nations reiterated the
importance of promotion of new technologies, facilitation of international trade, and most importantly, efficient use of our natural
resources.

Furthermore, another goal set by the United Nation is responsible consumption and production. Despite the abundance
of natural resources provided by the planet, we continue to consume more than it can provide. In line with this, it urges us to
maintain a sustainable lifestyle and consumption most especially in non-renewable resources.

The architecture profession is one of the receiving ends of these issues as this profession is also concerned with
procurement of construction materials. To confront this issue, sustainability is one of the leading solutions to these environmental
issues. Each field should take into consideration the effect of their practices on the environment.

As the places in the country continue to be overpopulated, there is a need to provide a space where people can access
easily. These development projects also provide interconnected establishments in only one setting. Aside from its use in the
consumer's perspective, it is also a good solution for demand in construction spaces.

Background of the Study

Sustainable ecotourism is one of Batangas's vision which implies its plan to take part in solving the rising problem
concerning environmental issues. Also known as the "Green City", Batangas City continues to find ways in improving its
economic growth which is reflected on its Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP). Environment and natural resources are also
included in the same plan, which covers the protection of environment and natural resources from the changing lifestyle of the
people.

Change is a necessary ingredient for success. Mixed-Use Development area is unfamiliar for Batangas City but it can
be a solution in the emerging environment and construction problem. The formation of the Mixed-use Commercial and
Residential area in Batangas City is also a way to attract more investors in the municipality. More establishments can be
constructed in the city because they will only be placed on one building. Although the unfamiliarity of businessmen in these types
of establishments can be a disadvantage, it is a risk we have to make for economic growth and the environment. It will not be
soon enough when even the urban areas will be overpopulated like metro cities. In a city thriving for economic growth and
investment, this type of project will help the local government to increase investment but will lessen the impact of this investment
to the environment.

The study aims to enumerate the different purposes of the Mixed-use Development, an area where the consumers and
tourists can find all the things they need in one go. It will be a unique experience for them as Mixed-use Development areas are
a rare sight for urban areas. Starting this project will also help the municipality to attract more investors. Furthermore, the most
important purpose of these developments is to provide a sustainable solution to demand for construction materials that have a
significant effect on the environment.

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Statement of the Problem

Planning has been an integral part of any design and a key influence on the shift towards sustainable development.
Moreover, the term sustainability has been overused and become a trite in the past decades yet has been applied to a wide
range of disciplines. Sustainable development requires a number of fundamental principles including the need to follow
complimentary, social, economic and environmental policies and the need to provide for the upcoming generations. This will
entail improvement in the quality of human life and at the same time conserve the vitality and diversity of the earth. Hence,
Sustainable Tropical Design uses all the natural resources available on the site through the volume of the construction in passive
ways, using reduced amounts of energy.

Nowadays, the buildings are becoming an increased presence in the natural landscape. Due to the rising number of
the population, the construction sector is increasing at a rapid rate. The globalization effect manifested in construction by a
worldwide uniformity of building techniques and materials which led to a high level of waste and pollution due to the fabrication
and building process. Almost 50% of the global waste comes from construction sites. Besides the amount of energy used in the
whole building process, additional energy is required for running the equipment needed for running the finalized buildings. For
taking control over this high level of energy consumption and pollution produced in the building process, new methods of
designing and planning the cities at all scales is required. Many researches have been made in the new field with a lot of new
discoveries of methods of environmental determination, methods and strategies of designing a building and systems were
developed to assure thermal comfort and to produce energy for a building using on-site resources.

The most successful examples of sustainable tropical buildings have been developed in warm and hot climates,
perfectly adapted to their environment. Having to protect the building against the high temperatures during the day and to
maintain a constant temperature during the night, the buildings managed to rely exclusively on the passive methods. Hence, the
overall aim of the study is to propose a design that will incorporate sustainable tropical architecture through mixed-use
developments to achieve a community and a sense of place.

Specifically, the research seeks to answer the following questions:

1. How do the practice of mixed use perform economic vitality (intensity of land use and tenures of housing ) , social equity
(diversity of use) and environmental quality(overcoming regulatory barriers?

2. Having employed mix-use, what needs of the community and local residents were fulfilled?

3. What are the factors to be considered in the mixed-use and development of sustainable tropical design in terms of?

3.1 Energy and emissions

3.2 Water and wastewater

3.3 Indoor environment quality

3.4 Leverage wind and sunlight patterns

3.5 Locally sourced building materials

3.6 Low-impact construction techniques

3.7 Energy consumption for heating, cooling, lighting, and equipment and

3.8 Energy balance

4. What issues and challenges may be encountered in the implementation of sustainable tropical design?

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5. Based on the study, what strategies may be proposed to generate sustainable tropical design methods and develop nature
and opportunities for Barangay Pallocan East?

Objectives of the Study

1. PROJECT OBJECTIVES
The project’s primary objective is to propose a mixed-use commercial and residential utilizing sustainable tropical design in
Pallocan East Batangas city. The project aims to help in the implementation of sustainability measures and practice sustainable
habits in the municipality.
Specific Objectives:
1.1 To integrate environmental awareness in the development and enlighten people about the importance of
keeping waste minimal.
1.2 To provide job opportunities for those who are unemployed and for them to earn a living
1.3 To uphold the image of Batangas city as a “green city” by integrating sustainable development goals in the
development of the project.
1.4 To contribute to the socio-economic progress of Batangas city, particularly in Pallocan East
1.5 To educate people about the importance of having a healthy lifestyle and healthy environment.
1.6 To administer solutions to the plans of the municipality concerning the energy consumption and heat tolerance
1.7 To strengthen the economy through community engagement

2. Design Objectives
2.1 To incorporate sustainable tropical design solutions through innovative approaches that will help reduce the
ecological consequence of the proposal.
2.2 To formulate and design complete and fully functional plans following the highest facilities, amenities, and
equipment standards.
2.3 To create a site resilient to natural disasters such as earthquakes, flash floods, and storms.
2.4 To design a complex that incorporates the usage of natural energy sources such as natural ventilation and sunlight
to promote sustainability and minimize carbon emission.
2.5 To develop a site with maximum consideration of the interest of the public as well as the environment with the
application of sustainable tropical design.

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 SITE ANALYSIS

Macro Site

Batangas City, or the City of Batangas, is a first-class city in the Philippine province of Batangas. It has a population of
329,874 inhabitants, according to the 2015 census. Batangas City, often known as the "Industrial Port City of Calabarzon," is one
of the Philippines' fastest urbanizing cities. The Batangas International Port, one of the Philippines' busiest passenger and
container facilities, is located here. It also houses one of the country's largest oil refineries, three natural gas power plants, and a
number of other big businesses. In addition, the city acts as the province's educational, industrial, and transportation hub.

Batangas City is located in the southernmost section of Batangas province, bordering Batangas Bay. It is bounded on
the north by San Jose, on the south by Verde Island Passage, on the east by Ibaan, Taysan, and Lobo, and on the west by San
Pascual. From northeast to southwest, the Calumpang River runs through the city. The plains are to the west of the Calumpang
River, while the foothills and mountains lie to the east.

The city of Batangas is divided into 105 barangays. Pagkilatan was previously a Matoco sitio. The "southern half of the
barrio of Sirang Lupa, the northern half of the barrio Mahabang Dahilig, and the eastern half of San Isidro" "along with the sitio of
Malalim" became a barrio (barangay) in 1954; this land became a barrio (barangay) in 1954. In the same year, sitio Malitam,
which had previously been a part of barrio Libjo, was promoted to the status of a barrio. San Antonio was formed from the barrio
of San Agapito's sitios of Ilaya, Labac, Matalisay, Pajo, and Cacawan. Talumpok was separated into two barrios in 1957.
Talumpok Silangan was formed from the villages of Romano, Poyesan, Bondeo, and Latag, while Talumpok Kanluran was
formed from the villages of Ginto, Duhatan, Kulingkang, Piit, and Cuaba. Kumintang Ilaya was formerly known as Sambat Ilaya,
and Kumintang Ibaba was originally known as Sambat Ibaba.

Macro SWOT Analysis

STRENGTH

- One of the fastest growing municipalities in CALABARZON

- Climate is optimal for business ventures

- Made continuous effort towards a sustainable future.

WEAKNESS

- Waste management is a problem due to urbanization

- Poor traffic flow in the municipality during rush hours

- Lack of livelihood opportunities for low income earners

OPPORTUNITIES

- The municipality is rich in culture and creates an opportunity for eco-tourism.

- The growing economy of Batangas will provide more job opportunities for the citizens.

- Since Batangas is working on becoming a green city, this serves as a chance to also develop eco- products used to
further its cause for a sustainable Future.

THREATS

- Traffic congestion in the municipality of batangas

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 - Natural calamities such as storms and earthquakes affect the Municipality’s economy as well as the citizens.

- Growing plastic consumption of the city due to the current pandemic.

- Growing number of informal settlers due to unemployment

Micro Site

Micro SWOT Analysis

STRENGTH

-The site is generally plain and slope will not be a major problem for the proposed mixed-use development.

-The location of the site is a good market because it is surrounded by a lot of institutions like universities, hospitals,
government institutions, malls and residential compounds.

-The site is considered as one of the focal points of Batangas City.

WEAKNESS

- There are already existing commercial establishments and complexes around the site. Competition is seen for the
proposed development.

OPPORTUNITIES

- The site will house the first state of the art and iconic building of Batangas City.

- Improvements on the site will take place as soon as the construction of the proposed development commences.

- Heavy traffic flow exists on the front road of the site.

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 THREAT

- Population density around the site is increasing. Security and safety is a must concern.

USER’S ANALYSIS

The proposed EcoHub Commercial Complex development targets to cater the problem in self-sufficiency, and to
empower the community as a whole. Through partnerships with several NGOs whose values and projects are in line with the
goal of sustainability for all, the development aims to provide them a place for collaboration and further enhance the capability to
connect both NGO’s and the community. As per promoting the tourism and helping suffice the demand for accommodation in
CALABARZON region, a commercial development will be included that will focus on promoting eco-products as well as giving
locals a chance to showcase their products inside the project. Furthermore, to strengthen the community as a whole, a livelihood
center as well as a community center will be provided to satisfy the goal of the proposed project.

The target market of the development does not have fixed geographic borders. Target market means the people who
will be the future users of the project. It is essential to establish a means of determining the users of the development in order to
monitor the types of people entering and accessing the services within the site.

Primary Users

The primary target market in the area are the residents of the city. This includes those who live within and without the boundaries
of the city.

Secondary Users

The secondary target area are the migrants and long term visitors. This includes tourists and workers.

Tertiary Users

The tertiary target market area are the tourists and short term visitors. This includes delegates of government, foreigners,
travelers, etc.

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 CASE STUDY

Oasis Eco Resort Dubai

An architectural marvel and a sustainable complex in the middle of the desert in the United Arab Emirates. The Oasis
Eco Resort features one such natural spring at its heart which provides a tranquilizing experience. It features 84 interconnecting
suites of various types providing stunning views and an outdoor terrace. All the resort's energy needs are provided by a
continuous solar roof which offers great environmental and economic benefits. Other sustainable features of the resort include an
on-site waste water recycling process.

Shanghai Greenland Center

Shanghai’s largest urban park belongs to a shopping center The 20,000-square-meter green slope, dubbed Urban
Farm, is created so that the lines between inside and outside are blurred, producing a lush and vast arena not just for shoppers
but also for visitors. for the local population, allowing them to be more in touch with nature, and assisting in the improvement of
their health and well-being. Through the innovative roof geometry, the 20,000 m2 green valley complex, created with the URBAN
FARM concept of blending nature and human space, threads its way into the daily lives of city people. The ‘roof' is divided into
several scales and connected at varying heights, with intriguing outdoor terraces and slopes integrated in a 3D manner,
responding to architectural functions below and human activities within it.

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 Ayala Land Nuvali

A 2,400-hectare mixed-use development project of Ayala Land that straddles the city of Sta. Rosa Laguna, Nuvali is
built with sustainability in mind. A community harmoniously evolving with nature and an approach to balanced living with the
environment. It incorporates energy efficient measures to generate savings and reduce carbon monoxide emission. It is the first
and largest eco-city in the country. A home to a vast gathering of residential communities, shopping centers, prestigious schools
and nature amenities such as its mountain bike trail, a wildlife and bird sanctuary and camping grounds.

Asian Development Bank Headquarters

Asian Development Bank (ADB) is also a Gold LEED certificate awardee. It uses mostly eco-friendly and locally
bought materials. Full and partial shielding help keep out outside light pollution. Aside from having water-efficient landscaping,
the property also has a rainwater-harvesting facility. Stormwater management and sewage treatment plans result in 100-percent
utilization of non-potable water.

The building itself has a cooling tower management, which detects bio-fouling problems in ACs and ensures safe
cooling. Solar panels provide approximately 3.5 percent of ADB’s power needs, reducing the building’s greenhouse gas
emissions. The 3Rs—reduce, reuse, and recycle—are heavily implemented as part of its Green Cleaning Program. ADB extends

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the green lifestyle to every day commuting. Trees shade open car parks, while sensors in parking garages monitor and control
the lights and regulate the exhaust systems. The paved roadway around the building has a high solar reflectance index.
Management also encourages carpooling and use of public transportation

Brooklyn Grange Rooftop Farming

Community gardens are the latest trend for sustainable living in urban areas due to rising health issues in the cities. It
helps promote farming as an activity where locals can also get involved in the activities and encourage them to use gardens as
recreational spaces. The gardens assist in the sustainable development of urban areas.

One of the examples is the Brooklyn Grange has introduced the world’s largest rooftop soil farms, totaling over 2.5
acres. Living on two rooftops in NYC, one in Brooklyn and the other on Long Island, the project grows over 50,000 lbs of organic
produce per annum. Since its inception, it has provided over 500,000 lbs of fruits and vegetables to local eateries, CSA
(community supported agriculture) members, and directly to the public via farmer’s markets. Their mission is to create a fiscally
sustainable model for urban agriculture and to produce healthy, delicious vegetables for the local community while doing the
ecosystem a few favors as well.

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 Media Library Wild South

The Media Library of Saint-Joseph (Reunion Island) is a passive building without air-conditioning operating through
ventilation with the addition of a vacuum chimney. Protection from solar radiation and over-insulation. Lightweight wooden
facades to reduce the inertia of the walls. Water management by maximum permeability, installation of green roofs and recovery
of rain waters for sanitary facilities.

Establishing a constant dialogue with the environment, amid sugar cane carte, vetiver bundles, and basalt rocks, it is
clad in wood and rises on a stone base. Opening out to a piazza intended as a venue for a variety of events, the design is a
contemporary reinterpretation of traditional domestic architecture on the island, with a succession of spaces that differentiates
public exterior from private interior. For greater clarity, the complex is fragmented in accordance with uses, while limits are diluted
by means of open-air verandas, terraces, and courtyards.

Council House 2 (CH2), Melbourne

The Council House 2 (CH2) building provides office accommodation for the City of Melbourne. The City of Melbourne
constructed a Green Star rated office building because they are committed to promoting the health and well being of staff and to

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meeting the key performance indicator of zero net emissions by 2020. They also aim to influence the market and act as a leader
in sustainable development.

The following sustainable technologies are incorporated into this 10-storey development:
• a water-mining plant in the basement;
• phase-change materials for cooling;
• automatic night-purge windows;
• wavy concrete ceilings; and
• a façade of louvres (powered by photovoltaic cells) that track the sun.

The building is estimated to have:

• reduced electricity consumption by 85%;
• reduced gas consumption by 87%;
• produced only 13% of the emissions; and
• reduced water mains supply by 72%.

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 BIBLIOGRAPHY

L, (2019) How Mixed-Use Developments Are Helping Decentralize Metro Manila.

https://www.lamudi.com.ph/journal/how-mixed-use-developments-are-helping-decentralize-metro-manila/

Blazhevska, M. (n.d) Infrastructure and Industrialization.

https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/infrastructure-industrialization/

(2020) Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

https://www.globalgoals.org/12-responsible-consumption-and-production

Veselinovic, P,(2018) The Impact of Architecture on the Environment.

https://www.energetskiportal.rs/en/the-impact-of-architecture-on-the-environment/

Viva, A. (2020) Saint-Joseph Media Library on Reunion Island - Co-Architectes.

https://arquitecturaviva.com/works/co-architectes-mediateca-de-saint-joseph-en-reunion-francia-gdzsc-0

Rondina, J. (n.d) Nuvali Envolving, Sta.Rosa, Calamba. https://www.rlb.com/asia/projects/nuvali-evoliving-sta-rosa-calamba/

Tapia, D. (2021) Shanghai Greenland Center / Nikken Sekkei.

https://www.archdaily.com/905876/shanghai-greenland-center-nikken-sekkei

(2020) Greenroof. Brooklyn Grange Rooftop Farm #2 at Brooklyn Navy Yard, Building No. 3.
https://www.greenroofs.com/projects/brooklyn-grange-rooftop-farm-2-at-brooklyn-navy-yard-building-no-3/

On, H.(2018) Oasis Eco Resort: a sustainable hotel concept in the desert.
https://hospitality-on.com/en/developpement-durable-rse/oasis-eco-resort-sustainable-hotel-concept-desert

(2012) Asian Development Bank. Asian Development Bank Headquarters Certified Gold for Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED). https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/29755/adb-leed.pdf

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