Anatomy of a Park

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CONTENTS

PURPOSE/RATIONALE ...................................................................................................................... 0 BACKGROUND OF THE PARK:........................................................................................................... 1 SITE CRITERIA FOR A PARK ............................................................................................................... 4 ECOLOGICAL FACTORS ..................................................................................................................... 6 SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS .......................................................................................... 8 AESTHETIC AND PHYSICAL FACTORS.............................................................................................. 12 MOVEMENT SYSTEMS AND CIRCULATION FACTORS..................................................................... 15 UPKEEP AND MAINTENANCE OF THE PARK ................................................................................... 19 REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................... 20

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PURPOSE/RATIONALE The study aims to answer the following questions: A. What are the criteria for selecting the site for a park? B. What are the ecological factors considered in planning of the Centennial Park? C. What are the social and psychological factors considered in the park? D. What are the aesthetic and physical factors considered in the park? E. What are the movement systems and circulation factors considered in the park? F. Who or what government entity is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the park?

BACKGROUND OF THE PARK:

THE CENTENNIAL PARK

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Also known as Igorot Village, Imelda Park & Baguio Botanical Garden

Baguio City probably has the most visitor attractions clustered in a relatively small area compared to other tourist destinations in the Philippines. The most popular tourist attractions are located near each other, on the East and South sides, although there are a few near the residential areas. One of the best known sites is a large park known as the Centennial park more popularly Baguio Botanical Garden. The Centennial Park is one of the green parks of the City of Pines "where nothing much happens" - and this is precisely what is so great about it! It is a huge piece of land that is owned by the Philippine government, Centennial Park, like Burnham Park is one of those prime pieces of real estate that provides priceless peace and tranquility to a city that is in danger of becoming an urban jungle. Said to have been at one time a zoo and actually named the Botanical & Zoological Garden, The garden has a long history of naming and renaming. It was originally named the Botanical Garden during the pre-Martial Law times. It was then named the Imelda Park in 1970 by thenPresident Ferdinand Marcos when he declared Martial Law on the country. The park was named after his wife, First Lady Imelda Marcos. Years after the Marcos regime, it was renamed Baguio Botanical Gardens up until year 2009. In celebration of the city’s 100th year of founding, the garden was then officially named Centennial Park in September 2009. The Centennial Park is located just 1 kilometer from Session Road, along beautiful Leonard Wood between Teachers Camp and Wright Park.

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You will be welcomed by a bas relief sculpture made of cement and stone depicting the different rituals of the Cordillera tribes, with real live Igorots who will be more than willing to pose for photos for a small fee. The park is thickly forested, which makes it a prime place of relaxation and tranquility for some. Visitors enjoy roaming around the park to appreciate the many flowering plants which have become prevalent in the city. Visitors are in for a treat for the eyes with a variety of shrubberies displaying various colors of flowers and leaves. Shady trees and winding paths snake along the park with the perfect touch of a charming wooden bridge. The Centennial Park serves the dual purpose of providing visitors and resident’s valuable breathing space and regreening a fast developing city with greenhouses and nurseries designed to propagate the flora and fauna species that will eventually find their way to parks and gardens around the Summer Capital. Stone steps and paths will guests around the different areas of the Garden, that include an Art Gallery (as the Centennial Park is the home of the Baguio Arts Guild), pocket gardens developed and maintained by Baguio's sister cities, areas where folks from elsewhere have planted pine tree seedlings, a small row of souvenir stalls selling native handicrafts. Then there are the different relics from Centennial Park 's Igorot Village days with large statues depicting different Cordillera tribesmen and symbols, Cordillera huts that have seen better days that visitors used to be able to climb into to get a glimpse of the different cooking implements and home fixtures. Recently renamed Centennial Park a valuable addition to the park are the Dap-ayan and a beautiful bronze sculpture by famous Filipino artist Ben-Hur Villanueva depicting the original builders of the city,

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composed of Cordillera natives, Americans, Chinese and Japanese working together. Construction is also on-going, as of March 2012, for an amphitheater, and a tourist bus parking. With the increasingly crowded city of Baguio, it is but a refreshing experience to stop at the Centennial Park and be enthralled by the delight and bloom of its surroundings. Other garden tourist sites may offer the same natural scenery, but this garden provides a unique heritage and culture that adds to the distinct characteristics of this enchanted location.

SITE CRITERIA FOR A PARK “If we as planners are concerned with wedding a proposed structure or use to a site, let us first be sure the parties are compatible”

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–Simonds/Starke 

Site-an area or plot of ground with defined limits on which a building, project, park etc., is located or proposed to be located (Harris, 2006).



Criteria- standards or rules on which decision may be based, forming a basis for the establishment of acceptable limits of environmental conditions in buildings (Harris, 2006).



Park -defined as an area, usually of public land set aside for recreation and leisure, usually owned and managed by a municipality, a state, a nation, or held by royal grant or in some cases by private organizations (Harris, 2006).

The following are the general site criteria that need to be considered in selecting a site for parks: LOCATION According to Jane Jacobs parks should be located in areas where people live and there are activities of daily life and culture. A park should take advantage of its natural setting and supported by its adjacent diversity to stay as public area. 

Centrality. One of the most important factors in determining the optimal location of a park is the equitable access of all people.



Compatibility with Adjacent Uses. All neighboring uses have to coordinate and complete each other to provide better function.



Accessibility. Each park should have access to the road network to provide the possibility of to attract more people and the possibility

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of social control and increase park security. Parks has to connect to surrounding commuting networks, again, to attract more people, SIZE A park, being a public area for recreation and leisure, should have adequate and appropriate space to accommodate its facilities. TOPOGRAPHY Topography refers to the configuration of surface features of a plot of land, which influences where and how to build and develop a site (Ching, 2008). Approach on this factor varies depending on the purpose of the park and the activities to be accommodated. SITE CONDITIONS If a central purpose of planning is to create for a person or group of persons an environment suited for their needs, then climate must be a consideration (Symonds/Starke, 2006). In selecting a site, the region should be appropriate for the proposed activities. *Criteria may vary depending on the type of park.

ECOLOGICAL FACTORS Outlined here are the ecological factors the centennial park was able to consider: Ground Form

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For ecological reasons, the general intent in developing a site should be to minimize the disturbance of the existing landforms and features while taking advantage of natural ground slopes and the microclimate of the site (Ching, 2008). The topography of the site of the Centennial Park was considered by the following ways:

Terracing. In landscaping the site, terraces and retaining walls were incorporated in the design of the planters. PHOTOGRAPH SHOWING TERRACED PLANTERS

Avoiding building structures on steep slopes. Most major areas are located in level areas while other areas ate left to be conserved as they were naturally.

Soil and Geology Since minimal disruption was done in the park, the soil remained fertile for plants to grow. Microclimate

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The microclimate in the site is vey ideal for the parks purpose. So, the challenge was not to improve it but to preserve it. According to Ching, the microclimate of a site is influenced by the ground elevation, the nature and the orientation of landforms and the presence of water bodies. Among the aforementioned factors, two of them can be affected by development, the nature and the presence of water bodies. Fortunately, these two factors were preserved. Water Resources Not so popular feature of the park is the creek which is the main water source of the Sagudin-Balili River that flows to La Trinidad, Benguet. Recently, the efforts of the city to save its environment got a boost from the Pines City Colleges (PCC) which adopted a seven-hectare forest area of the park for plantation and maintenance for five years starting 2011.

SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS The following are the social and psychological factors the Centennial Park was able to consider:

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Historical Significance The

park

itself

has

played a part on Baguio city’s history. Other than that, one of the attractions of the park is the tunnel built way back during the Japanese Era. Not to mention, the old pine trees all over the park

THE PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT

which are considered as one of the most valuable features of the city itself. In addition, as

of

march

2012,

the

park

is

under

redevelopment and the design would take on

a

"walk-through-time"

pattern

that

presents the various periods in the city’s history - pre-American, American, second World War, post-war, earthquake and postearthquake. THE JAPANESE TUNNEL

Unique Character

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Botanical garden provides priceless peace and tranquility to a city that is in danger of becoming an urban jungle. This characteristic of the site is the one that makes the Centennial Park known as it is now. The park is developed into a complex of different structures but still maintains its natural setting. Compared to other parks, something great about it is that there is nothing much happening inside. Not only that it has this nature setting but it also has this unique heritage and cultural aspect that makes it more unique compared to other garden attractions.

Intangible Qualities The

Centennial

Park

which is popularly known as Botanical Garden is one of the few things that come to mind when

someone

hears

the

words: Baguio City. Undeniably, the park has this emotional attachment

to

people

especially tourists. It is also the most

relaxing

among

the

SIGNAGES WITH THE NAMES OF SISTER CITIES OF BAGUIO

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attractions in the city (Cruz, 2006). In addition, some parts of the park are maintained by the sister cities of the city thus symbolizing its ties with other places.

Cultural Significance Formerly called the Igorot Village, the Centennial Park used to feature native huts typical of Cordillera architecture. The park, before, captures the ethnic spirit and cultural

THE DAP-AYAN

legacy of the Igorot dweller. Cultural presentations and other tribal meetings also used to take place in the park. Today, the park is under redevelopment (March 2012) and shall feature an amphitheater

THE REMAINING NATIVE DWELLINGS

and the “Dap-ayan “in which cultural presentations shall take place, again.

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AESTHETIC AND PHYSICAL FACTORS The following are the aesthetic and physical factors the Centennial Park was able to consider:

Site Context Buildings do not exist in isolation. They are conceived to house, support and inspire a range of human activities in response to sociocultural, economic and political needs and are erected in natural and built environments that constrain, as well as offer opportunities for the development (Ching, 2008). In short, designers should carefully consider the contextual forces that the site presents. In the case of the Centennial Park, since it is originally a Botanical and Zoological garden, the site is perfect for the project itself. Why? The microclimate and the topography of the site are appropriate for growing plants and zoning wise, its adjacent spaces coordinates and compatible with it. Even now that it has been turned into a park, the same factors still apply appropriately. Image/symbols The identity or image of a place is based on its shape, color, texture and arrangement of sensory quality. According to Simonds and Starke, image has been classified into five elements: Paths: the circulation routes or lines on which people move. In the case of the centennial park, the walks are the main

routes,

characterized

by

uneven, curvy and rocky walkways. TYPICAL PATH TEXTURE

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Nodes: the centers of activity. The CP has several of these. First is the amphitheater,

which

is

under

redevelopment (March 2012) and the dap-ayan area. Edges: the boundaries. CP seems to

THE DAP-AYAN

be an endless forest, but it has boundaries, remarkable among them is the elevated roadway. Districts: the large to medium parts. CP has been like dvided into parts having distinguished characteristic, for example, the Japanese park, the Taebek park, the terraced garden and many more. Landmarks: the point reference. Centennial Park’s landmark is definitely the beautiful bronze sculpture by famous Filipino artist Ben-Hur Villanueva depicting the original builders of the city composed of Cordillera natives, Americans, Chinese and Japanese working together.

BEN-HUR SCULPTURE

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Structures and Site Volumes In two dimensional site planning, we are concerned with defining use of areas and relationship to one another and to the total site. In further developing the conceptual plan, attention is centered upon the translation of the areas into functioning volumes (Symonds/Starke, 2006). Spatial Impact. According to Garrett Eckbo,”The experience of being within fine three-dimensional spatial volumes is one of the greatest experiences of life”. The park itself was developed to yield an experience of pleasure. It is free, undulating, expansive and enclosed with foliage and has a spatial characteristic that induces “relaxation”. Spatial Quality. As mentioned above, the park is undulating. It is also flowing, suggestive of directional movement and developed as an optimum environment for relaxation. Spatial Size. It is well known that the size of a space in relation to people has a strong effect on their feelings and behavior. This fact is considered in the planning of the Centennial Park considering that it is expansive but not overwhelming in size.

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MOVEMENT SYSTEMS AND CIRCULATION FACTORS Circulation systems are vital linkages that relate uses on the land. One of the major concerns of site planning is to develop the vehicular and pedestrian circulation systems (Rubenstein, 1996). In the Centennial Park, several movement systems can be found; 

Roads were used to allow some vehicles to enter the site like the employees’(NEDA and HLURB) and service vehicles but not the private ones (visitors’)



Walks. definitely essential for a park; they are the main movement systems which allow the visitors experience whatever the Centennial Park has to offer. Generally, they are oriented to follow the contours thus giving them a curvilinear form.



Steps and ramps. Since the site has an irregular contour, ramps and steps could not be avoided. They were used to link and help the walks adopt with the terrain.

Outlined here are the fundamental criteria on circulation and site access the centennial park was able to consider along with some observations: 

Safe and convenient pedestrian access. Loading zones for public transport. Loading zones were designated but rarely utilized due to its location.



Service, vehicular and pedestrian traffic separation.

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

Provision of parking spaces. Disregarding the development proposal, the park does have parking spaces but lacks in number. The slots are only intended for cars and visitors have difficulty of maneuvering on the road. Considering that it is a tourist spot, parking for buses should have been considered. The good thing is, the abovementioned observations have already been addressed on the proposed development of the park. PERSPECTIVE VIEW OF THE PROPOSED BUS PARKING

The following are the circulation factors considered in the Centennial Park: Sequence Defined as the succession of perceptions having continuity, the sequence was achieved in the park by organizing the elements by using the mini parks and other attractions inside (e.g. The Japanese-Filipino peace memorial park, Art Gallery etc.) as sub climaxes thus providing a progressive order of perceptions.

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Visual Approach When in motion, we are acted upon by the physical environment through which we pass (Rubenstein, 1996). Each part of the park’s approaches was designed with sensitivity. For example, the Japanese part was marked by a Torii and the pathway

THE TORII

of Buddha statues, the Korean part having the two giant heads representing Korean people and the Christian portion marked by the giant chrome plated cross. Space Modulation One of the reasons why people move is for the experience of space modulation because they seek harmony or unity. The park was designed as an evolving complex of spaces each complete in itself. As you enter a specific part of the park, for example, the part featuring Japanese themed area where one is toured in a unified space. Distance and Grade Since the park is located on a sloping site, climbing a grade could not be avoided. Also because of the site’s terrain, size and shape caused some apparent distance between the parts. So, these negative factors are reduced by providing walks and pathways aligned with the contours and by space modulation.

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Accessibility Disabled persons should also be considered in the design of the park, for it is a public space. Previously, the Centennial Park was not that accessible for disabled persons due to the absence of a ramp at the main entrance. Since the park is under redevelopment as of March 2012, the proposed redevelopment of the main entrance already features a ramp instead of the old stepped entrance, which by the way shall be turned into an amphitheater.

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UPKEEP AND MAINTENANCE OF THE PARK

The Baguio Centennial Park is under the City Government of Baguio’s management, specifically, the City Parks Management Office (CEPMO). However, the city is not shouldering all the maintenance for the park. Some parts were adopted by some institutions for them to maintain. For example, in 2010, Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) adopted a 1,000-square meter area inside the park to develop and nurture for five years (philstar.com)and Pines City Colleges (PCC) which adopted a seven hectare forest area of the Botanical Garden for plantation and maintenance for five years which started 2011(baguiocity.com). Sister cities of Baguio also maintain some parts like the Japanese cities that maintain the Japanese - Filipino Peace Memorial Park and made the clearing of the Japanese tunnel, and the Taebek, South Korea’s Taebaek City Park.

Taebaek City Park

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REFERENCES Simonds, John Ormsbee, Barry, Starke(2006). Landscape Architecture. A Manual of Environmental Planning And Design. 4th Edition. New York:Mcgraw Rubenstein, Harvey M. (1996). A Guide to Site Planning and Landscape Construction. 4th Edition. New York: Wiley Ching, F. D. K.(2005). Building Construction Illustrated. 4th Edition. New York: Wiley Pines City Colleges Help Save Dying River; http://baguiocity.com/news_article/pines-city-colleges-help-savedying-river accessed Jan. 27, 2012 Looking beyond Burnham Park for Tourism; http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2971/looking-beyond-burnham-parkfor-tourism accessed Jan. 28, 2012 Finalizing Plan For Botanical garden; http://www.baguionews.net/news/index.php?option=com_conten t&view=article&id=3612:slu-finalizing-plan-for-botanical-garden&catid=1:baguio-news&Itemid=9 accessed Jan. 25, 2011 Botanical Garden; http://www.gobaguio.com/botanical-gardenbaguio-city.html; accessed Nov. 27, 2011 Centennial Park (was Botanical Garden was Imelda Park); http://www.baguio-city.net/2011/02/centennial-park-wasbotanical-garden.html; accessed Nov. 27, 2011

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From Imelda Park to the Baguio Botanical Gardens to the CentennialPark; http://www.baguiohotels.net/baguio-attractions/fromimelda-park-to-the-baguio-botanical-gardens-to-the-centennialpark; accessed Nov. 27, 2011 Baguio Botanical Garden; http://www.asiarooms.com/en/travelguide/philippines/baguio/parks-and-gardens-in-baguio/baguiobotanical-garden.html; accessed Nov. 27, 2011