PLANNING 1:
SITE PLANNING AND
LANDSCAPE
ARCHITECTURE
RESEARCH 1
SUBMITTED BY: TRISHIA MAE G. SEÑORON
SUBMITTED TO: AR. RUSSEL N. BULAO
HISTORY OF
LANDSCAPE
ARCHITECTURE
IN THE
PHILIPPINES
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN IN THE PHILIPPINES
The early 2000s marked a period of mixed fortunes for landscape architecture in the Philippines. Initially,
the sector faced challenges due to the Asian financial crisis, which stagnated property development. In the recent decade, the landscape architecture
However, by the end of the decade, there was a resurgence, buoyed by robust recovery efforts despite the educational landscape has expanded significantly,
global economic downturn of 2006-2008. While local practitioners remain hopeful, they acknowledge the with the number of universities offering relevant
need to address significant issues to sustain this positive momentum. courses growing from one to three. Previously,
only the University of the Philippines provided
such programs. Now, degree programs in
Over the past decade, the Philippine Association of Landscape
landscape architecture are available beyond
Architects has witnessed a notable rise in membership, with
Manila, specifically at Bulacan State University in
numbers climbing from 125 to 225 individuals. Moreover, there
the north and the University of San Carlos in Cebu
has been significant advancement in the regulation of the
province to the south. These newly established
profession, exemplified by the strengthening of Republic Act
programs are led and staffed by graduates of the
9053. This legislation mandates that landscape architecture
University of the Philippines, alongside a Filipino
professionals must be Filipino citizens and are required to obtain
graduate of the Harvard Graduate School of
and uphold a valid license for practice.
Design, in the case of Cebu.
WHEN DID LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
STARTED IN THE PHILIPPINES?
• Landscape architecture got a major boost in 2006 with the naming of veteran
landscape architect I.P. Santos (a former IFLA official) as a National Artist in
Architecture and Allied Arts. This is the highest honor bestowed on the country’s
creative geniuses. Santos’ award put landscape architecture in the spotlight and has
reaped benefits for the profession and its practitioners.
The heightened recognition of the profession has resulted in a surge of project
opportunities for Filipino landscape architects and firms.
Throughout the decade, development surged in Manila and various regions, notwithstanding a
minor deceleration during the period of 2006-2008. Both greenfield and brownfield developments
proliferated, with inner city redevelopment initiatives emerging as prominent sources of work for
many practitioners. These projects typically involved higher density mixed-use complexes, often
featuring landscaped podiums or amenity floors.
Government too, at the local and regional levels, has been receptive to the need for
landscape architecture in the design of infrastructure and civic spaces.
Despite the favorable conditions described, Filipino landscape architects have
not experienced entirely positive outcomes. Despite possessing competent
education and extensive experience, many local clients opted to engage foreign
landscape architecture firms for their significant projects.
Many of these foreign firms offer planning, urban design and
landscape architecture up to design development stage. Locals are
often called in late in the process and given directives to ‘just
follow’ the schemes prepared by these foreign firms. What is
discovered in a good number of these designs is that the local
cultural use of spaces is unknown or misunderstood, token nods to
local aesthetics are made, usually by lifting patterns from local
sourcebooks but without understanding the context of the
Philippines and its multi-cultural ethnicity. Manila and many other
regional centers of growth are seeing copies of landscapes
imported almost wholly from abroad. The results are borrowed
landscapes with no cultural specificity or real sense of place.
The landscape architecture field in the Philippines and Filipino landscape
architects are open to embracing ideas from international sources.
Collaborative endeavors, permitted by local regulations, are encouraged.
However, Filipino practitioners emphasize the importance of mutual
professional respect when working with colleagues from other countries,
particularly those whose associations are members of IFLA.
Filipino landscape architects frequently pursue opportunities in legal and
professional firms overseas, drawn by their inventive spirit and
unwavering dedication. Upon returning to their homeland, they aim to
enrich the local landscape architecture scene. Their goal is to craft
environments uniquely suited to Filipino lifestyles—blending global
perspectives with sustainable practices while celebrating the rich cultural
heritage of the Philippines.
WHO IS THE FATHER OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE IN THE PHILIPPINES?
• In the last forty years or so, the art of
landscape architecture, through its
practitioners, have labored to offer correctives
to the blight of our modern urban and rural
realities. Grand gardens for the elite and the
privileged were the first products of modern
landscape architectural design but the art of
molding the landscape to enhance lives and
lifestyles soon moved to address more public
needs. The refreshing gardens of a revived Paco
Park, the varied views of the Nayong Pilipino,
special gardens at the Luneta and sculpture- Ildefonso P. Santos Jr., recognized by
filled outdoor malls at the Ayala commercial
his peers as the "Father Of Modern
ILDEFONSO P. SANTOS center were all welcome amenities that set a
new standard for designed outdoor space in the Philippine Landscape Architecture," is
country. the visionary behind these
If architecture can be likened to frozen music, transformative endeavors. Over the
then landscape architecture serves as the past forty-five years, Santos, known
dynamic stage upon which it unfolds. as IP within the design community,
Understanding and appreciating architecture—
has devoted his creative energies to
its graceful structures and the ambiance of
bridging the gap between modern
spaces within—requires a harmonious external
lifestyles and nature. Through his
context. This is particularly relevant in our
island nation, where there is a deep-rooted pioneering work, he has crafted
cultural appreciation for the tropical outdoors. numerous parks, gardens, plazas,
The absence of cohesive physical environments courtyards, and other outdoor spaces,
has long been a significant hindrance, enriching the lives of Filipinos and
preventing Filipinos from fully embracing mitigating the disconnect from nature
Philippine architecture and impeding its prevalent in contemporary urban
complete evolution. However, there are signs environments.
of this situation gradually improving. PACO PARK
WHO IS THE FATHER OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE IN THE PHILIPPINES?
Santos played a pivotal role in founding the
initial university programs dedicated to
landscape architecture, along with the
Philippine Association of Landscape Architects.
His designs have been enjoyed by individuals
from diverse nations, including Malaysians,
Singaporeans, Chinese, Vietnamese, Saudi
Santos initially gained recognition through
Arabians, Indonesians, and Americans. With
his work on the Makati Commercial Center.
his body of acknowledged work spanning
Here, he introduced an innovative concept of
various key cities and destinations globally,
outdoor shopping, incorporating landscaped
he stands out as one of the few Filipino
pathways, fountains, and sculptures as
designers to have made a mark
decorative elements. While malls of that time
ILDEFONSO internationally.
still embraced open-air designs (a trend
P. experiencing a resurgence today), traditional
Santos completed his undergraduate studies
downtown shopping areas faced challenges
at the University of Santo Tomas in 1954,
SANTOS earning a degree in architecture.
such as noise and pollution.
Subsequently, he pursued further education, Another groundbreaking landscape concept
obtaining a second degree in Architecture, introduced by IP was the picturesque
followed by a Master of Architecture degree at memorial parks. Commissioned by the
the University of Southern California School Puyats, the resulting Loyola Memorial
of Architecture. Gardens and Parks became a renowned chain
of memorial gardens, setting a lasting
standard in the industry.
In the inaugural decade of modern Filipino landscape architecture, IP
Santos made significant contributions beyond private residences and
developments. One of his notable public projects was Paco Park. By the
mid-1960s, Paco Cemetery, a heritage site from the Spanish era, had
fallen into disrepair, becoming a neglected, flood-prone area in old
Manila.
Santos' landscape designs adorned the premises of several contemporary hotels in Manila, starting from
the Hotel Intercontinental Manila in Makati in 1969, extending to the iconic Manila Hotel, and further to
an additional five hotels constructed for the 1975 IMF-World Bank meeting. These included prominent
establishments like the Manila Peninsula Hotel, Manila Mandarin Hotel, and Hotel Nikko Manila, all
situated in Makati, as well as the Sheraton Manila and the Westin Philippine Plaza. Santos' design for
the expansive free-form Westin Plaza became emblematic of the hotel for the following decade,
encapsulating the optimism of the "smiling Philippines" era.
Back in Manila the 80s brought a slight slowdown in work but IP
Santos kept busy with teaching. He had helped set up the first
undergraduate program in Landscape Architecture at the University
of the Philippines in 1975. He kept this going while expanding the
program to a Masters program in Tropical Landscape Architecture.
In this decade he continues his overseas work with the Gulf Hotel in
Bahrain, the Taiwan Golf & Country Club in Taipei and the Chung
Kiaw Bank HQ in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
During the 1990s, there was a revival in the real estate sector, leading to increased
opportunities for unique landscape design projects. Throughout this decade, Santos undertook
various endeavors, including the interior plantscaping of the Asia World Hyatt Taipei, the
elevated gardens of the New World Hotel in Makati, the creation of the Artists Village and the
Light & Sound Tableau depicting Rizal’s Execution at Rizal Park, the Taicheung Housing
Complex in Taiwan, the NAIA Centennial Terminal II, and the New World Hotel in Ho Chi Minh,
Vietnam in 1996.
In this decade Santos also tackled even larger leisure
projects exemplified by the immensely popular
Tagaytay Highlands Resort, the well-laid out and
picturesque Mt. Malarayat Golf and Country Club in
Lipa, Batangas and the colourful Orchard Golf and
Country Club in Imus, Cavite.
Even as the years passed and reached the three-
decade mark, Santos remained committed to his
goal of crafting suitable environments for
contemporary living. He undertook projects such
as the Dumaguete Golf and Country Club in
Negros Oriental, the Makiling Hills project in
Laguna, the Pioneer Highlands Complex in Pasig,
and the Metropolis Green complex in Cavite. He
continues to work on these and numerous other
projects to this day.
IP pioneered a tropical landscape architecture approach characterized by the utilization of native
plant species, indigenous stone, local arts and crafts, and metalwork, all infused with a deliberate
sense of ease and informality that set it apart from the rigid and impersonal Western design.
Moreover, IP infused his creations with soul by providing poetic settings for the sculptural
masterpieces of National Artists Napoleon Abueva and Arturo Luz, as well as a distinguished array
of Philippine sculptors including Castrillo, Orlina, Caedo, Saprid, Fernandez, and many more.
Ildefonso P. Santos, a consummate artist himself, deserves a long overdue
salute. The artistry of a man is made more notable because he works in the
most difficult medium—nature: God’s earth, plants, shrubs and trees. Santos
has moulded organic material, man-made concrete and steel, as well as
shaped the land itself, to create special places—settings for myriad uses and a
source of unending enjoyment for countless users.
Beauty has the power to bring harmony to disorder. Our disorganized cities and chaotic lives can be improved by
recognizing the significance of parks, trees, and landscaped environments. However, such amenities can only be
developed and preserved if we reassess our priorities in shaping our surroundings and managing both our
natural and cultural resources.
IP Santos has not only guided the land but also nurtured a profession and two successive generations of landscape
architects. It would be beneficial for all to follow his example of passion and contribute to his ongoing efforts. If we
heed Santos' teachings and learn to live, work, and construct in harmony with nature, our collective physical, mental,
and creative well-being would greatly prosper.
“A beautiful environment is necessary if only to buoy up the sagging spirits and offer hope for the
future. The alternative is to invite irreparable destruction of mind and spirit and a complete loss of
morale. For it is …accepted that ugliness and discord of any sort disturbs …creates tension, and leaves
an uncontrollable depressing effect on an individual, usually without his being aware of it. This is why I
feel that it is so important to surround people with beauty.” - Ildefonso P. Santos
PARAMETERS
OF SITE
ANALYSIS
Parameter of Site Analysis
Selecting an appropriate site for establishing a new residence is a complex undertaking that demands
meticulous consideration of myriad factors encompassing natural, man-made, social, and economic aspects. The
decision regarding where and how to construct not only impacts local and global environments but also influences
ongoing expenses such as utility bills and maintenance, as well as our physical and psychological well-being.
Given the current rapid pace of urban development, dwindling resources, and escalating pollution threats, there is
a heightened concern for both human and environmental health, prompting a thorough reevaluation of our
building practices, commencing with the selection of the building site. Whether it entails identifying a new
location or working with an existing one, whether urban, suburban, or rural, there exists a plethora of
considerations to assess the environmental sustainability and health implications of the dwelling on that site.
1. LOCATION
Opting for a building site in close proximity to workplaces,
educational institutions, shopping centers, and other amenities can
significantly reduce travel distances and time. Short distances, along
with the availability of sidewalks, bike paths, and bus stops, facilitate
healthier modes of transportation and mitigate the need for excessive,
costly, and polluting automobile trips. Choosing a lot in an
established neighborhood situated near town proves to be an
advantageous choice for many individuals. Such land has already
been designated for residential development, eliminating the
necessity to encroach upon more natural landscapes, while also
benefiting from existing infrastructure such as roads and utilities.
Avoiding environmentally sensitive areas is essential for preserving
the unique features that contribute to the distinctiveness of many
regions, including creeks, lakes, aquifers, tree-covered hills, wildlife
habitats, and native flora. Flat to moderately sloped sites are
preferable over steeply sloped lots, as they reduce the risk of soil
erosion, loss of hillside vegetation, and damage to waterways
associated with construction on steep terrain.
2. Design for the Climate, Flora, Fauna, & Soils
The selection of a building site profoundly impacts the comfort and energy efficiency of the resulting home. Optimal
orientation, such as a south-facing slope or ample southern exposure, allows for the advantageous utilization of
prevailing summer breezes and desirable winter solar heat gain.
Thorough assessment of the unique attributes of a specific site is imperative. For instance, while a hilltop location may
offer panoramic views, it might also be excessively windy, dry, and exposed to intense sunlight. Conversely, a valley
setting may be characterized by excessive dampness, stillness, fog, or susceptibility to flooding. Careful consideration of
the location and species of trees is essential to harness their potential for providing summer shade, channeling or
obstructing summer breezes, blocking winter winds, and facilitating winter solar heat gain penetration.
Selecting a lot that permits the placement of the house on a relatively level area within a natural clearing minimizes
disturbance to the existing vegetation. This approach mitigates erosion, discourages the proliferation of invasive exotic
species, and proves to be more cost-effective than extensive reconstruction efforts. Preserving the natural drainage
patterns entails lower initial costs and avoids the need for expensive maintenance of complex engineered drainage
systems. Additionally, when native trees and vegetation must be removed, they can often be relocated elsewhere on or
off the site. Furthermore, respecting existing wildlife trails and habitat enhances the enjoyment of observing wildlife.
3. Minimizing Raw Material Usage
A highly effective strategy for reducing the consumption of raw materials is to opt for a site that already hosts a
dwelling, and renovate it as needed. In certain circumstances, relocating an existing home to a new site may also
prove to be a viable option. Additionally, some sites may offer accessible sources of usable building materials such
as wood, stone, clay, and sand, which, if carefully considered and utilized, can serve as a sustainable alternative to
importing materials.
Furthermore, maintaining a reasonable size for the home is crucial in minimizing the quantity (and associated costs)
of building materials required. Through thoughtful design, a modestly sized home can offer excellent comfort,
functionality, and privacy. It is important not to overlook smaller, more affordable lots as they present valuable
opportunities for sustainable development.
4. Social/Psychological/Functional
Considerations
Optimizing the utilization of patios, decks, natural clearings, or other outdoor
areas can lead to a reduced need for indoor square footage, thereby minimizing the
construction, heating, and cooling requirements of the home. Moreover, the
psychological and physical advantages of spending time outdoors are
considerable. Hence, it is essential to assess a potential building site for existing
tree groupings, landforms, or structures that can contribute to the creation of
pleasant and functional outdoor spaces.
Furthermore, it is crucial to take into account off-site conditions that may impact
outdoor livability or indoor comfort when windows are open, such as traffic noise,
odors, or pollution, before finalizing the site selection.
Many decisions related to site selection and home design that are environmentally
beneficial also yield direct positive effects on the health, well-being, and financial
situation of the occupants. Contributing to the preservation of our environment
through thoughtful site selection and home design constitutes a significant step
toward maintaining a consistently high quality of life.
5. CLIMATOLOGY FACTOR
Climate can be subdivided into two major divisions:
a. Micro climate
b. Macro climate
It is essential to analyze both the microclimate and macroclimate of the location to
develop a bio-climatic structure effectively. Prior discussion on bio-climatic
architecture has taken place, and it is strongly recommended to review this material
before proceeding further. Doing so will provide a comprehensive understanding of
the bio-climatic considerations necessary for the design process.
Site Analysis for Construction
Site Analysis is very important before we initiate our construction. Detailed
study of site and its surroundings will help justify our design proposal.
Detailed study of the site and surrounding areas of the site helps in designing
the project efficiently.
3 MAJOR SITE SERVICES
WATER SUPPLY
ELECTRIC LINE
DRAINAGE LINE
SITE ANALYSIS
Site Visit: Locate any of the above information not
Collect existing information found on plans
Building/ Site Plans: Architectural - locate: Note Site Features:
building on the site sun orientation
doors & windows prevailing wind
building/ site selections or elevations - height / scale of presence of water
buildings presence of wildlife
building materials presence of people
existing uses of the site & its surroundings
think of all the senses and record observations
Landscape Architecture / Civil - locate: sound / sight / smell / touch / taste + spirit
contours / significant grade change
existing vegetation - species & size Site Practicalities
existing paths / structures / fences - materials
access - pedestrian / vehicular / maintenance equipment
existing irrigation, storm water lines or other plumbing lines open access for neighbors?
existing electrical considerations for vandalism?
property lines soil quality
North availability of water
size / cale of available to fit the program needs
Measurements
measure enough existing features to verify the scale of your
drawings
overall length and height of building faces
location and width paths
location & size (trunk, camopy, and height) of trees & shrub
GROUND
FORMS
What is GROUNDFORM?
It is the “form” of the ground or site, and is usually
referred to as the topography.
TOPOGRAPHY refers to any natural
landscape/form or man-made (artificial) feature or
element on a particular site or location.
Topographic Map
A detailed and accurate graphic representation of
cultural and natural features on the ground.
CONTOUR LINE CHARACTERISTICS
Spacing of teh lines indicate general steepness:
Closely spaced lines mean smoother slope
Irregular contour means rough or rugged form.
Equally spaced lines mean uniform slope.
Forms as depicted by COUNTOUR LINES
TOPOGRAPHIC MAP
This fastidiously rendered topographic
representation gives a nitty gritty understanding
into the geological highlights of Able Slope and
Bread cook Slope as watched from a sidelong point
of view. Shown with accuracy, the form lines on the
outline portray the undulating geography of the
scene, advertising a comprehensive portrayal of rise
changes.
Able Slope, situated noticeably on the cleared out
side of the outline, presents a quiet, tenderly
slanting profile coming full circle in a adjusted
summit. The concentric form lines encompassing
Able Slope outline focuses of rise to rise, with each
progressive line showing a slow increment in height.
Complemented by specked lines expanding from key
rise focuses, exact estimations of stature are given,
improving the map's utility for explanatory and
navigational purposes.
In juxtaposition, Dough puncher Slope develops adjoining to Able Slope, characterized by its more articulated slants and
rough landscape. The form lines encompassing Dough puncher Slope depict its topographic forms with devotion,
capturing the subtleties of its rise changes. Through the key arrangement of dabbed lines comparing to particular rise
markers, the outline assist illustrates the vertical alleviation of Pastry specialist Slope, advertising profitable bits of
knowledge into its stature varieties.
FORMS AS DEPICTED BY CONTOUR LINES
Ridge - lines directed downward into a side or Valley - lines directed inward from 2 sides.
both sides.
FORMS AS DEPICTED BY CONTOUR LINES
Hill - lines in a a circular manner, directed Depression - lines in a circular manner, directed
downwar on all sides. downward in the interior.
SLOPE and SLOPE ANALYSIS
SLOPE shows the relative inclination SLOPE and LAND USE
of a given area or Earth form.
<1% - do not drain well
<4% usable for all kinds of activites
It is a function of contour intervals
4% - 10% - suitable for movement and informal activity
and between two contour intervals >10% - can be actively used only for hill sports or free play
and between two contour lines. 17% - approaches the limit that an ordinary loaded vehicle can climb,
for any sustained period.
It is can be expressed in: 20% - 25% - normal limit of climb for pedestrians without resorting
PERCENT = 10% to stairs.
>50% - may require terracing or cribbing.
RATIO = 4:1
DEGREE = 20 deg.
SLOPE ANALYSIS is useful for
making decision about the
distribution of land use.
Formula:
% Slope = Vertical / Horizontal
Distance
CUT and FILL
LAYING - OUT BUILDINGS RELATIVE TO
CUT AREA - refers to area where soil is removed CONTOUR
FILL AREA - refers to area where soil is added
EXCAVATION - removal of soil
EMBANKMENT - addition of soil The essence of land planning for any project:
Modifications should try to attain balanced cut and
fill. 1. Seek the most suitable site
2. Let the site suggestion plan forms
This can be attained when facilities try to blend 3. Extract the full site potential
with natural setting.
Building are sited parallel to contour and/or LAYING - OUT BUILDINGS RELATIVE TO
match existing and adjacent properties.
CONTOUR
Driveways and roads are designed to be
parallel or at slight angle only if required (8% 4 Alternatives ina adevelopment of a
max. if perpendicular)
hill
a. Preservation
b. Alteration
c. Accentuation
d. Destruction
(Illustrations are in next page)
Preservation Alteration
Accentuation Destruction
A better way is building with nature and in compression, which provides the
human scale and charm we find so appealing in the older cultures where economy
of materials and space dictated a close relationship of structure and landscape
forms.
If we must use Earthmovers to create a new landscaoe, let us use them to create a
landscape of topographical interest and pleasant and useful forms.
LEVEL SITE
It offers the planner the best and easiest solution to site development.
Advantages:
Economical in site development
Adaptable to a great variety of ppanning forms (grouping of buildings)
Adequate to all types of street patterns.
Disadvantages:
Grouping of buildings should be carefully studied to create a discharging water to surface inlets
SLOPING TERRAIN
Next to a level site, this provides a planner witha a variety of building types and groupings.
Different street patterns could be employed.
Advantages:
Variety of building types and building groups.
Drainage problems are simpler. Water flows to lowest level
Adaptable to a great variety of street patterns
ROLLING TERRAIN
More difficult to manage but creates a far more interesting land development.
Advantages:
More interesting land develpment could attract high-end buyers
Economies of first cost in sewer and drainage lines
the practice of building parallel to contours will reduce costly construction, gradinf and filling
On very steep sites, the bldg itself could serve as the retaining wall
Disadvantages
Very steep sites could cost excessive development cost
Adaptability to terrain is imperative
Drainage problems through posing difficulties may require a workable system of channeling from
one are to another.
less variety of street pattern
Less variety of building type.
REFERENCES
Jfobalgos. (2010b, July 15). Philippine Landscape Architecture for 2000-2010. The Green Architect.
https://joeybalgos.wordpress.com/2010/07/02/philippine-landscape-architecture-for-2000-2010/
Agting, I. (2014, January 30). Nat’l Artist Ildefonso Santos Jr dies; 84. RAPPLER. http://www.rappler.com/life-and-
style/arts-and-culture/49277-national-artist-ildefonso-santos-jr-passes-away
Wikipedia contributors. (2023, December 19). Ildefonso P. Santos Jr. Wikipedia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ildefonso_P._Santos_Jr.
Jfobalgos. (2010c, September 19). Designer Green Issue – the green architect. The Green Architect.
https://joeybalgos.wordpress.com/tag/designer-green-issue/
McMahon, M. (2024, February 25). What is an Architecture Firm? Smart Capital Mind. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-
an-architecture-firm.htm
Christensen, B. (2011, June 4). Site Selection and Analysis – Sustainable Sources LLC. https://sustainablesources.com/site-selection-
and-analysis/
Big idea’s. (2021, March 11). GROUND FORMS [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGrBQA9MgUI
THANK YOU
