Enhanced Guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Development in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (DRAFT)

- DRAFT -

ENHANCED GUIDELINES ON RESILIENT URBAN DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT IN

THE COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN
(PlanSmart for Sustainable Human Settlements Project)

Ar./EnP. Mark Anthony M. Morales

Consultant

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Enhanced Guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Development in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (DRAFT)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Background and Rationale ................................................................................................. 1

Guidelines Enhancement Strategy .................................................................................... 2
Principles and Concepts .................................................................................................. 18
Climate, Disaster Resiliency and Infrastructure ....................................................... 18
Placemaking ............................................................................................................ 19
Culture, Art and its Symbolical Contribution to Urban Design .................................. 20
Urban Design .......................................................................................................... 22
Open Space Network .............................................................................................. 26
Urban Mobility ......................................................................................................... 29
Transit Oriented Development ................................................................................. 30
General Objectives and Outputs ...................................................................................... 32
Thematic Area Assessment Steps ................................................................................... 35

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Enhanced Guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Development in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (DRAFT)

I. BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE

The impact of climate change, population growth vis-a-vis spatial development

allocations in land usage, coupled with the lessons learned from the global pandemic
have highlighted the need to revisit currently accepted mindsets and requirements on
settlements growth; particular emphasis being through the lens of urban design as
manifested in Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUP) and Zoning Ordinance (ZO)
guidebooks. From setbacks, built structure densities and zonal restrictions, to
improved green open space network utilization, to a shift towards a more regional
mindset in how we wish to improve our city inter-connections and resilience
opportunities, the need to improve institutional capabilities is as important now as it
has ever been.

As an example, intensifying hazards and risks necessitate the development,

implementation and replication of compact, green and resilient mixed-use and transit-
oriented developments (among other possible solutions). To maximize potentials for
program and project success, equal attention may be considered in localizing the
Green Building code; all the while promoting a shift to low-carbon transport modes as
they harmonize with built settlements. Adopting nature-based solutions and green
space multi-functionalities are envisioned to create more flexible and adaptive urban
areas capable of mitigating and responding to disaster, climate, and pandemic risks.

Interestingly, it is also observed that urban design guidelines meant at sustainably

developing spaces not only manifests preferred land usage and zoning strategies, but
it likewise embodies sectoral development aspirations longed by both citizens and
leaders alike. Moreover, even project ideas in its could be quantified and considered
in an LGUs multi-year investment plan; ensuring that urban designs will not be just that
- designs - but closer towards project implementation as well.

To this end, the DHSUD is undertaking this initiative to develop, update and refine
urban design frameworks and guidelines that, while seeking to strengthen its role in
the land use planning process to reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience, seeks to
go farther and help explore ways of harnessing urban design as a tangible binding
agent that better amplifies CLUP thrusts and better connect with other key planning
programs and mandates.

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Enhanced Guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Development in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (DRAFT)

Figure 1: Climate and Disaster Risk Informed Development: A Path to

Resiliency (UNDRR)

At the same time, there is an observed opportunity in using urban design as a tangible
development catalyst that harmonizes and bridges CLUP thrusts with other local
planning and governance documents such as the Comprehensive Development Plan
(CDP), the Local Development Investment Program (LDIP), to as far as the Executive
Legislative Agenda (ELA). It is hoped that this guideline enhancement initiative may
help improve technical capacities and plan-program-project implementation success
amongst frontliners in national and local government, as well as aid standardize
methodologies that explore collaborative opportunities among the Department, Local
Governments, its partners and stakeholders.

II. GUIDELINE ENHANCEMENT STRATEGY

Based on reviewed documents1 it should be clarified early on that in terms of resilient

urban design guidelines, there is already substantial good literature used by the
Department about “what” and “how” to go about Urban Design and Development
(UD&D). When we ask the question ‘What is urban design’, definitions are abundant
in the current body of literature that the Department has successfully advanced in
terms of establishing the role of urban design as a spatial development tool; only its
integrative role within the Philippine CLUP framework is left to be addressed head on.
When the question ‘How to go about urban design’ is raised, the same body of
literature likewise discusses adeptly the various principles and processes that teach
how to operationalize this particular technical discipline.

With this guideline enhancement initiative meant to better integrate urban design within
the Comprehensive Land Use Plan process, it is under these conditions that

1
Examples of reviewed documents are the Urban Design and Development (UDD) Chapter
Updates and Improvements of September 2022, its annex on Urban Design Strategies, as well
as Urban Planning and Design For Climate Resilience as provided by the Department. More details of
this review can be found on an Assessment Report prepared prior to this Guideline.

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Enhanced Guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Development in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (DRAFT)

discussions will focus on “Why”, “Where” and the “When” aspects of urban design as
it contributes to urban-regional planning and development, and effective governance.

To be specific, when people ask why there is a need to pursue urban design amidst
land use planning and current zoning regulatory practices in place, the prospect of
establishing spatial interventions that embody Disaster Resiliency as project anchor is
a viable answer. Increasing vulnerabilities amongst local cities and municipalities over
the years justifies this tract of action. However, since the value of disaster resiliency is
usually best appreciated by regular folk mostly during, and post-disaster (i.e., disaster
thankfully as not being a daily occurrence), it is recommended that another justification
be considered - one that is felt and appreciated daily especially by sectoral groups in
need of most support - to fully let the value of UD&D be absorbed among all
stakeholders of a city/province/region.

It is under these lines that urban design guidelines as aligned with the CLUP,
as well as project ideas pushed forth as well form the main thrust of this
document. Other relevant themes such as Health and Wellness, inclusive
Entrepreneurial Opportunities especially for the poor and marginalized, among
others are likewise proposed to be used as project anchor themes as well (to
be discussed further in succeeding sections).

It is likewise of essence in the “Enhancement of guidelines regarding resilient

Urban Design and Development (UD&D) in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan
(CLUP)” to ask where in the current CLUP framework (i.e., 12-step process)
would urban design guidelines and project development be inserted.
Lastly, result of this assessment put forth a 3rd question as to when would be
the best time to revisit established methods and processes in zoning ordinance
preparation, to take advantage of the unique features that urban design and
development brings to the table (especially under the ream of land use
potentialities and settlements growth).

1. Why pursue Urban Design and Development (UD&D) guideline

enhancement alongside CLUP Processes and Requirements?

To begin with, it would be beneficial to begin discussion themes with

the potential inter-municipality or city role that urban designs can
provide CLUPs as on-ground applications of spatial development
strategies manifesting in and between adjacent towns/cities, provinces
and regions.
The reason being is that, current institutional mechanisms and legal
mandates highlight the primacy - and autonomy - of local government
independence. The Philippine Local Government Code (LGC) no less

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Enhanced Guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Development in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (DRAFT)

establishes this and is ingrained in local governance mechanisms and

processes. However, it is observed that left as is, there is a risk of
creating urban fabrics that - especially from a inter-city perspective -
tend to be disjointed in both role and purpose; projects conveying
uncertainty in what it seeks to achieve from a collective design
standpoint.

As such, for steps 3, 5, and 6 of the CLUP Process2, local CLUP

preparers may consider adopting the following themes stated below for
inclusion - and refining them as needed to best suit their city or
municipality - to better align the role of UD&D strategies with those in
the land use plan. Among which are the following proposed discussion
points:

A) Urban Design as a CLUP Spatial Development Conduit

towards Inter-City / Regional Resiliency via CCA + DRRM
■ Promotion of inter-connected, compact, mix-use built
developments whose coherent function and character
cross multiple city boundaries, and highlights the
complementary role of green open space networks as
conduits for resilience and risk mitigation.
■ Sub themes on Individual - as well as communal -
stormwater catchment/retention design strategies,
easements meant as buffer strips to protect water bodies
from unnecessary contamination, community urban
gardens, energy efficiency, building orientation,
renewable energy.
■ Other themes such as Preservation of waterways and
riparian zones, blue-green infrastructure among others.

B) Inclusive Urban Mobility in Land Usage and Urban

Design
■ Pertains to the rationalized use, development of
available (and as needed, re-acquired and/or
readjusted), publicly accessible land assets to
accommodate a variety of mobility platforms of both
passive and active in nature;
■ Green open space networks (such as linear parks)
serving as mobility corridors (e.g., bikelanes, jogging trail
connecting multiple cities)

2
More detailed narratives may be found on the next discussion point, namely #2, “Where in the CLUP
Framework could UD&D be considered for insertion?”.

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Enhanced Guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Development in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (DRAFT)

■ Networks complementing rail, water-based, road-based

mobility platforms (e.g., PWD-friendly sidewalks)
■ Includes communal parking facilities (to promote inter-
modal transfer)

C) Finding a Catalyst to Integrate needs of Citizens -

especially the Poor and Marginalized - in the Development
and Use of Urban Structures and Spaces
Narrative begins with a need to determine supplemental
justification/s - a socio-economic glue for spatial development
initiatives - hinged on broadening opportunities especially for the
poor and marginalized who need support the most;
■ Envisioned to serve as a conduit to get stakeholders
together into a common goal that facilitates UD&D
interventions that connects cities and municipalities into
a spatially cohesive regional unit
■ Aside from environmental and socio-cultural concerns,
having economic benefits to justify land usage with
UD&D strategies will collectively bridge its role in the
development of the CLUP (as well as public
acceptability)
■ The role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
(MSMEs) is envisioned to serve as a glue and spatial
conduit meriting UD&D integration into CLUPs
■ This is to make a stronger case for stakeholders to warm
up to the idea of developing/preserving/reacquiring
communal green open spaces, (complementing
compact, mix-use developments mentioned in previous
themes;
■ Further broadening a city’s Tax revenue/base by
supporting growth of an entrepreneurial mindset that is
not dependent on shopping mall growth model
■ Potential of lessening dependence of a significant sector
of the population in government for their survival

D) Integrate Character Coherence, Social Inclusivity and

Community Development
■ UD&D project interventions should not be done just for
the process of beautification or improved accessibility; it
is proposed that a higher purpose be used to galvanized
stakeholders into action;
■ Aside from the themes mentioned above, community
relations and development may be used to increase

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Enhanced Guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Development in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (DRAFT)

functionality of communal spaces (of which UD&D play

a major role)
■ Shared street, Natural surveillance (crime prevention),
Community centers and mixed-use neighborhoods
■ Character of place (historical and cultural contexts that
help express key identity values in a place; manifested
through development platforms such as art, sports,
religion, among others).

As initially alluded to above, this document likewise seeks to

recognize the interlinked role of the Comprehensive
Development Plan (CDP) in the success of the CLUP and
Zoning Ordinance formulation; it is further proposed that CLUP
aligned urban design guidelines (and its subsequent project
ideas, conceptual tempates) could well be the binding agent
searched for to improve governance mandate interoperability.

2. Where in the CLUP Framework could urban design guideline

enhancement be considered for insertion?
In reviewing the CLUP Guidebook (Volume 1 The Planning Process), it
was realized that a potential missing link may be considered for
refinement so as to best realize on-ground spatial development
implementation of this UD&D guideline enhancement initiative.

If one is to review the 12-step CLUP process (Fig. 3), key outputs on
Setting the Vision (step 3), Setting the Goals and Objectives (step 5),
and Establishing Development Thrusts and Strategies (step 6) can
already be used as a jump-off point in identifying possible Urban Design
and Development strategies in a city.

In this regard, submitted for consideration is that for the purpose of

creating enhanced UD&D guidelines, we may consider possible the
following:

1. Have an urban design Technical Working Group join and

witness the generation of workshop outputs for Steps 3, 5, and
6 of the CLUP Process. Not only will this allow said group to
craft UD&D Guidelines that are aligned with outputs of the CLUP
workshop participants, this will also pave the way of generating
possible urban design project ideas that helps illustrate and
embody key themes earlier mentioned such as that of resiliency,
connectivity, cohesion and inclusivity.

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Enhanced Guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Development in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (DRAFT)

a. To be specific, the same key words used in the crafting

the vision statement (step 3), as well as the themes
established in the setting of goals and strategies (step
5), alongside the establishment of development thrusts
and spatial strategies (step 6) can be used to determine
possible urban design guideline themes which
represented by potential urban design project ideas.
■ Translating a city or municipality’s urban design
guidelines towards project ideas are deemed of
value in terms for LGUs using these project ideas
as inputs to their respective Local Development
Investment Plans (LDIP), as well as for inclusion
in the Executive-Legislative Agenda (ELA) that
Chief Local Executives may use not only for
submission purposes, but for directly presenting
to the local citizenry his/her plans for the city or
municipality for the next 3 years at least.
b. To translate these guideline themes into specific project
proposals, among the data needed (but not limited to)
are:
■ Resources made available on CLUP workshops
for its Steps 3, 4, 5, & 6 (e.g., city base maps,
land use, topography, utility maps (water,
electrical, sewage among others), open space
map, solar orientation and wind patterns; other
information that are likewise found in the
Ecological Profile (EP), which are useful in the
translation of policy themes into design
strategies.
2. these ideas may culminate in a Step 7A in the CLUP process
entitled “Creation of Urban Design Projects with Indicative
Costing” (Fig. 2, 3).

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Enhanced Guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Development in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (DRAFT)

Figure 2 - Inclusion of “Creation of Urban Design Projects” in the CLUP process

To be specific, once the urban design guidelines are set, one may
consider including the creation of a number “big ticket projects”
representing each of the land use policy streams discussed in the CLUP
(Step 7 shown in Fig. 3); each project being showcased via an initial
urban design study ideally with indicative costing attached.

It should be clarified that if there is urgency for CLUP and ZO

completion and submission, it is recommended that initial iterations of
urban design project ideas (i.,e., Step 7A or Fig. 3) be borne out of a
rapid assessment of the technical team assigned based on available
data sets discussed and analyzed on the above mentioned workshops
for Steps 3,4,5 & 6 of the CLUP Process.
Actual detailed urban design exercises (consistent with the steps
enumerated in the Departments’ UDD Guidelines as of September
2022, and discussed on part III of this document) may be done in
earnest separately to verify initial project idea iteration.

These key project ideas that exemplify the themes discussed in their
corresponding guidelines (ideally, each major land use is represented
at least with one project each) may then serve as a key input for
detailing in the next step in the CLUP process, which is “Drafting of the
Zoning Ordinance” (Step 8 shown in Fig. 3).

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Enhanced Guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Development in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (DRAFT)

Figure 3 - A Step 7A as possible inclusion in the enhanced UD&D gudeline

preparation?

In hindsight, this may perhaps make it easier to physically represent the

spatial attributes of the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program
(4PH); integrated housing, human settlements, climate-resilient urban
development
● Conceptual design of major projects culled out from the CLUP
○ may be detailed to help achieve the sectoral Goals and
Objectives in the CDP
● These conceptual design/s will be basis for the relevant Form-
based Codal influences and details which will be part of the
Zoning Ordinance.

3. When is the best time to revisit Zoning Ordinance (ZO) methods to

take better advantage of UD&D features and potential in CLUP
preparation and implementation?

As a quick review, drafting of the Zoning Ordinance (step 8) of the CLUP

process (Fig. 3) emanates from the prepared Comprehensive Land Use
Plan (step 7), which in turn is anchored on the crafted vision statement
(step 3), themes established in the setting of goals and strategies (step
5) and development thrusts and spatial strategies (step 6). These steps
3, 5, and 6 are usually culled-out through the conduct of participatory

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Enhanced Guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Development in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (DRAFT)

workshops. The themes mentioned above3 likewise set the tone for how
the Vision statement can be manifested not only in land use policy, but
also through spatial design of spaces and structures in the
municipality/city as well.
However, to fully implement said policies and design themes, a Zoning
Ordinance (step 8) is and should be crafted to maximize the potential
of the CLUP and in this case, urban design project ideas (i.e., proposed
Step 7A).

Currently, it is observed that many Zoning Ordinances (ZOs) prepared

in the country have a tendency to be Euclidean in content and
character; focused on regulatory restrictions per purpose and on
segregated land areas, tending to have less consideration on physical
form correlation & design relationship among buildings and the
spaces between, around, and along them. In the process, the process
of ZO preparation becomes one (1) dimensional.

By having urban design project ideas available prior to Zoning

Ordinance drafting, there is merit in considering the spatial
relationships, built form cohesion and collective spatial correlation
embodied in urban design in said zoning regulatory documents.

Firstly, one may start by recognizing in the ZO relevant Site

Characteristics, Development Opportunities and Constraints
among areas identified to host said urban design themes as mentioned
above (but not limited to), namely:

a. Urban Design Project Ideas as a CLUP Spatial Development Conduit

towards Inter-City / Regional Resiliency via CCA + DRRM
Listing down of how said area can potentially address Disaster type
vulnerabilities (natural or man made), many of which do not recognize
jurisdictional boundaries (hence, the value of inter-city connectivity)
i. Current built up features needs to be compliant with the National
Building Code, for stronger resistance to earthquakes
ii. Value of multi-storey structures as an escape and evacuation route
to help during times of flooding and tsunami threats
iii. Importance of open spaces and porous surfaces as flood ponding
and absorption areas, or depending on location and elevation, as
temporary evacuation sites

3
Refer to previous discussion point,#1 “Why pursue Urban Design and Development (UD&D)
enhancement alongside CLUP Process and Requirements?”, where possible narratives that pave the
way of integrating Urban Design into the CLUP process may be considered and refined as needed.

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Enhanced Guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Development in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (DRAFT)

b. Inclusive Urban Mobility in Land Usage and Urban Design

i. Listing down of how said area/s are seen to potentially support urban
mobility initiatives
● As an alternative mobility corridors that on regular days may
augment Health and Wellness spatial assets of a
city/municipality
● During times of emergency may be a valuable mobility
corridor in the transportation of food, supplies and medicine
(especially if major roads are impassable e.g., landslide)

ii. Listing down of said area/s current limitations and constraints,

which can be addressed by zoning.
Examples of such limitations and constraints are:
• Current state of sidewalks that may be improved to fully
promote mobility, especially in service of marginalized
populations (e.g., PWDs); network connectivity,
consistent sidewalk width for both pedestrians and
cyclists, and space to plant trees for shade and comfort
• Current status of built and open space/s available for
development (pave the way to exploring land
readjustment possibilities alongside mutually beneficial
public-private partnerships made possible via urban
design)

c. Finding a Catalyst to Integrate needs of Citizens - especially the Poor and

Marginalized - in the Development and Use of Urban Structures and
Spaces

i. Recognizing the current state of poor and marginalized groups,

especially how built and open space assets emanating from the CLUP
facilitate or hinder their daily needs in earning a decent manner of
living.
ii. Identifying how current built and open space assets - from a collective
standpoint (e.g, neighborhood block seen as a whole, rather than
singular lots) facilitate movement and socio-economic development
opportunities (e.g., MSME support, higher foot traffic concentrations to
benefit businesses and consumers alike)

As such, it may be of value to augment ZOs (and visually present spatial

attributes of a city/ municipality in a collective rather than singular

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Enhanced Guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Development in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (DRAFT)

manner) with Form-Based Codal strategies as opposed to the

traditional Euclidean zoning (Fig. 4).

Figure 4 - Form-based zoning strategy as augmentative feature streamlined in

ZO preparation

Form-based codes address the spatial relationship of building

characteristics, forms, and their role/s in facilitating development,
comfort and support for citizens interacting with said spaces; emphasis
on scale, street type and building massing of built and open spaces
appreciated collectively (rather than singular developments) are
likewise highlighted.
Moreover, instead of confining zoning to narratives on regulations and
standards, ordinances are presented in both words and conceptual
diagrams and other visuals; setting the stage for regulations that
establish appropriate form and scale (thereby capturing character),
rather than simply land use type distinctions.

Citing the Form-Based Codes Institute at Smart Growth America or

simply FBCI4, “Form-based Codes contrasts with conventional
zoning’s focus on micromanagement and segregation of land
uses, and the control of development intensity through abstract
and uncoordinated parameters (e.g., FAR, dwellings per acre,
setbacks, parking ratios, traffic LOS), to the neglect of an
integrated built form.

4
Based on Washington DC, the Form-Based Codes Institute at Smart Growth America’s
literature on Form-based Codes provide concise, easy-to-read understanding of the subject.
https://formbasedcodes.org/definition/ (accessed June 2024).

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Enhanced Guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Development in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (DRAFT)

Not to be confused with design guidelines or general statements

of policy, form-based codes are regulatory, not advisory. They are
drafted to achieve a community vision based on forms of
urbanism” (FBCI, n.d.).

Ideally, a separate document may be developed focusing solely

with the development of Form-based Codes; an initiative that the
Department may consider moving forward. These discussions are
meant to establish CLUP and ZO relationships that emanate from
resilient Urban Design and Development guidelines; hence, more
detailed narratives and policy developments may be be
developed later.

There are Five (5) Main Elements of Form-Based Codes, namely:

1. Regulating Plan - A map of the regulated area (e.g., a

district or neighborhood) designating the locations where
different building form standards apply.

Figure 4A (L.Gan, & M. Morales, 2016)

2. Public Standards - Specifies elements in the public realm:

sidewalk, travel lanes (e.g. for active mobility platforms
such as bicycles), on-street parking, street trees and
furniture among others.

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Enhanced Guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Development in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (DRAFT)

Figure 4B (L.Gan, & M. Morales, 2016)

3. Building Standards - Regulations controlling the features,

configurations, and functions of buildings that define and
shape the public realm.

4. Administration - A clearly defined application and project

review process.

5. Definitions - A Glossary to ensure the precise use of

technical terms.

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Enhanced Guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Development in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (DRAFT)

Figure 4C (L.Gan, & M. Morales, 2016)

Additional Elements that are also important are:

1. Architectural Standards - Regulations controlling

external architectural materials and quality.

2. Landscaping Standards - Regulations controlling

landscape design and plant materials on private property
as they impact public spaces.

3. Signage Standards - Regulations controlling allowable

signage sizes, materials, illumination, and placement.

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Enhanced Guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Development in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (DRAFT)

Figure 4D - image is credited to the Form-Based Codes

Institute at Smart Growth America. Source link:
https://formbasedcodes.org/definition/ (FBCI, n.d.)

4. Environmental Resource Standards - Regulations

controlling issues such as storm water drainage and
infiltration, development on slopes, tree protection, solar
access, among others.

5. Annotation - Text illustrations explaining the intentions of

specific code provisions.

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Enhanced Guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Development in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (DRAFT)

Figure 4E - image is credited to the Form-Based Codes

Institute at Smart Growth America. Source link:
https://formbasedcodes.org/definition/ (FBCI, n.d.)

With a Zoning Ordinance drafted to take advantage of the above listed key points,
subsequent steps in the CLUP process (i.e., Conduct of Public Hearings - Step 9;
Review, Adopt and Approve the CLUP and ZO - Step 10; Implementation and
Monitoring, Evaluation of the CLUP and ZO - Steps 11 & 12) may now be anchored
on the advantages presented by this form-based regulatory tool; facilitating ease of
understanding and fostering a more cohesive and collective view of key attributes
affecting the development of a municipality or city’s built and open spaces (and how it
will connect with its neighbors for an improved overall sensorial and functional
experience for its citizens and visitors alike).

At this juncture, we now move towards discussing the different principles and concepts
that influence the above-mentioned Guideline Enhancement strategy. It is targeted that

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Enhanced Guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Development in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (DRAFT)

after integrating the learnings from both sections will lead to a more responsive
template that may better guide decision makers on potential urban design solution/s
for their particular set of disaster-related challenges.

III. PRINCIPLES & CONCEPTS

A. Climate, Disaster Resilience and Infrastructure

The capacity of communities, cities and regions to address, adapt or mitigate the
impact of disasters instigated by nature or human activity collectively impacts one’s
ability to have a sustained development trajectory that will not only spur social and
economic benefits for multiple generations, but also preserve the natural and built
environment painstakingly cultivated by generations of placemaking and collective
nation building. According to the book entitled Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure :
Unlocking Opportunities for Asia and the Pacific5 , from 2012 to 2021 infrastructure
failure due to insufficient resilience contributed a little over 80,000 disaster related
fatalities (ADB, 2022); homes and businesses were damaged, with indirect economic
and social consequences translating in disrupted jobs, productivity and service
provision (e.g., transport of goods and services, mobility of people among others) in
affected urban settlements.

Figure 5: diagrammatic examples of Natural Disasters (Dissertation Help UK, 2024)

5
https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/791151/disaster-resilient-infrastructure-
opportunities-asia-pacific.pdf (accessed June 2024)

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Infrastructure resilience is the ability of infrastructure systems to resist, absorb,

accommodate, and recover from hazards to which they are exposed while mitigating
the impact of such events on users served (UNDRR, n.d.). Regardless of scale or
project magnitude, a well-planned, efficiently operated and financed infrastructure
project - albet amidst limited resources - can save much in terms of lives lost or
affected, businesses disrupted, and continued government service hampered due to
the impact of disasters.

Figure 6: Comparing Natural and Man-made Disasters (Differencebetween.net,

2024)

B. Placemaking

Any effort at achieving resilience in the built environment would require a better
understanding of current and emerging vulnerability risks in a town/city,
province or region. Once due diligence is accorded to understanding these
natural or man-made risks, a series of adaptive and/or mitigating solutions are
usually put together to comprehensively address challenge/s faced by a
particular locale in a planning area, with the end result earmarked at protecting
the community/ies made most vulnerable by said risks.

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Enhanced Guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Development in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (DRAFT)

However, in the pursuit of protecting and improving resilience amongst said

communities, ideally entwined with these adaptive and/or mitigating solutions
is a key component meant at developing a town/city, province or region: equal
emphasis should be given at ‘creating quality spaces that people want to
live, work, play and learn in’ (Wyckoff, 2014). Commonly known as
Placemaking, the above-mentioned definition derived from the work of Wyckoff
highlights a creative process that seeks to establish ‘Quality Places’, and has
the following elements:

● Mixed-uses
● Quality public spaces
● Broadband enabled
● Multiple transportation options
● Multiple housing options
● Preservation of historic structures
● Community Heritage
● Arts, culture and creativity
● Recreation
● Green spaces

C. Culture, Art and its Symbolical Contribution to Urban Design

I. Introduction
Identity coherence in urban spaces is a key component of place-
making, and translates into one’s “memory of place” of a city. Lorraine
Farrely, in her book The Fundamentals of Architecture, explains that
“the concept of memory of place is based on the premise that
impressionable places are strongly remembered; having significant
characteristics, sounds, textures, and events that make them
memorable (Farrelly, 2007). Memories emanating from these places
are dependent on the coherence - or incoherence - of the character
embodied within these built environments, influencing collective
impressions of people who visit, live, or work inside and around these
locations. It is through this concept that one recognizes the importance
by which built environments - buildings, streets, and spaces - mirror the
collective identity of its inhabitants as expressed, experienced and
celebrated by locals and visitors alike.

II. Rationale
Many developing cities around the world experience a disorientation of
the core identity features that should drive their vision of who they are

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as a city; identity features that embody the values, traditions and beliefs
of its inhabitants: the collective identity that makes them unique as a
people. It is this uniqueness that should be strived for in the
development of our urban spaces; to celebrate what makes our city
unique, and not simply a copy of other great urban centers around the
world.

In a city’s path to development, It is easy to be swayed by the

continuous influx of trends and fads in design that if left unchecked,
would lead to a disjointed, incoherent urban fabric.
In this regard, it is important to search and establish medium/s in which
local identity will be established, and inspiration can be derived from,
in the design and development of our cities and municipalities.

Figure 7A - Philippine art as symbolic custodians of Filipino identity

III. Culture and Art as Mediums that can Establish Local Identity
Features
Culture is defined as that of tangible and intangible expressions that
people use to manifest their respective cultures (Cochrane, 2006;
Throsby, 1999). Moreover, these cultural expressions are qualities that
define people’s common values and beliefs; embodied in mediums
wherein these values and beliefs are promoted, celebrated, and
expressed. Reviewed literature states that these mediums are called
‘cultural services’; development platforms that allow people to express
the cultural values and beliefs that bind them as a community or society
(Throsby, 1999). Obtained through cognitive development, recreation,

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spiritual enrichment, and aesthetic experiences (Church, A., Burgess,

J., Ravenscroft, N., 2011), these values and beliefs are both developed
and expressed through education, sports, religion, and art (Cochrane,
2006; United Nations, 2005).

Review of these platforms show that most celebrate global identity

features (e.g., cultural values of hard work and fair play, may it be for
educational or sports excellence; or of personal faith to a higher being
and purpose, as inspiration to one’s existence). However, of these
cultural development platforms, it is the medium of art that enables one
to capture identity features unique to a place; may it be through the
symbols conveyed in a sculpture in a public plaza, a painting highlighted
in a building’s façade, or values and beliefs encapsulated through song,
dance, or poetry. These identity features unique to a particular
community, a city is something that is of value to capture, and celebrate
as we seek to reimagine our cities and municipalities through urban
design.

At the basic level, the value of putting up art installations in key areas
of our cities is meant to remind and inspire - especially the young
generation - of the values, beliefs, and traditions that make us who we
are as a people. It is important in this regard, that the art installations
set up in our public squares do just that - celebrate who we are as a
people. This way, public art goes beyond aesthetics; it now seeks to
pull our heartsrings and remind us of what is important to us, and how
our cities should collectively benefit from the values that make us
unique and inspire us to be better.

D. Urban Design
i. Definition
Urban design over the years has had multiple definitions coined by
different practitioners and academics, each with its own unique take
which collectively enriches understanding about it. For one, the UK-
based Urban Design Group defines it as ‘the design of towns and cities,
streets and spaces; a collaborative and multi-disciplinary process of
shaping the physical setting for life - the art of making places’ (UBG,
n.d.).

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Figure 8: Comparing Urban Planning and Urban Design (Urban Design Lab, 2022)

Another definition is that it is concerned with collective aesthetics,

coherent functionalities and a positive sensorial experience within
specific urban areas; focusing on the arrangement and design of
streets, public spaces, buildings and landscapes that are pleasing to
the senses, user-friendly, coherent, and culturally relevant
(Universidaad Europea, 2023). A simpler definition is that Urban design
involves the design of buildings as a group alongside the spaces
and landscapes enveloping them’ (UBG, n.d.)6. These definitions are
seen in other sources as well (Owen, 2020; ASBEC, 2015; UDL Pvt.
Ltd., 2022); presented differently with the words used, but relatively
embodying a same intent overall.

For years, urban design has been a grey area discipline7, with
theoretical underpinnings and practical applications bleeding between
the realms of planning and architecture (Krieger & Saunders, 2009); a
recipient of various opinions as to its role and contribution over the
development of one’s built environment. In a quest of further
understanding its role, more definitions came into fore, namely:

● The shaping of parts of settlements such as the relationship

between multiple built-forms, building typologies, public space,
streets and other infrastructure (Childs, 2010).

6
for details on this particular definition, one may go this link: https://www.udg.org.uk/about/what-is-
urban-design (accessed June 2024).
7
for details, please refer to this link:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338516268_What_is_urban_design_A_proposal_for_a_com
mon_understanding (accessed June 2024).

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Enhanced Guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Development in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (DRAFT)

● A practical and creative activity deailing with built form qualities

(Biddilph, 2012)
● Art of city building; focusing on the creation of built forms that
express social and collective values (Moughtin, 1999).

It becomes apparent that urban design defines itself as a discipline

meant to organize and make sense of patterns in and among built
developments; anchored on concepts that is beyond singular buildings
and with vital inputs and learnings critical to the development of
planning policies important in the city, provincial, and regional level.

ii. Benefits
Anchored on its collective value as inspired from Architectural
background, Urban Design helps local decision makers and
communities reimagine their built surroundings in a way to improve their
daily experience with a space; in the process forging memories and
unique sensorial experiences that are the foundation of a good place-
making initiative.

However, if we are to move into its policy leanings (i.e., planning

background) as basis for its designed spatial manifestations, urban
design likewise improves the economic, environmental, social and
cultural impacts of particular place (Urban Design Lab, 2022). In the
2022 article made by the Urban Design Lab8 be more precise, some of
the benefits of urban design are:

● Encourages local businesses and entreprenuership

● Attracts people to live in the area/s reimagined or revitalized
through urban design
● Influences health and socio-cultural impacts of a place;
namely how people interact with each other, how they move
around, and how spaces is used
● Creation of unique characteristics and identities, starting
from the creation of building and open space correlations
through neighborhood scales, to the eventual layering of how
inhabitants of the said place ‘making it their own’ (as governed
by relevant regulations, of course).

8
for details, please refer to this link: https://urbandesignlab.in/what-is-urban-design/ (accessed June
2024).

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Figure 9: Entrepreneurship aided by urban design, place-making (L. Gan, M.

Morales, 2016)

iii. Elements9
The following elements listed below provide an understanding of
concepts that drive the urban design process. They are:

a) Urban Structure - Arrangement of land use in urban areas; how

a city’s land use policies are laid-out and interpreted via
designed amenities and spaces from a collective neighborhood
perspective

b) Urban Grain - Pertains to the balance of open space to built

form as laid out within a particular geographic, planning area;
the nature and extent of subdividing an area into smaller lot
parcelations as consistent with governing planning policy/ies
and development thrusts.

c) Density + Mix - The intensity of development and the range of

different uses manifested in a particular planning area (e.g.,
residential, commercial, institutional or recreational uses)

9
The following enumerated information are derived from the Urban Design Lab article with the following
link: https://urbandesignlab.in/what-is-urban-design/ (accessed June 2024); the reason being is due to
its siimple and direct-to-the-oint narratives which makes is easier to digest, especially for readers that
are not specializing in architecture and urban design who wish to be oriented to basic nuances as they
are meant to address urbanization issue/s in a particular planning area.

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d) Height + Massing - The scale of buildings in relation to height

and floor area; how they relate alongside surrounding land
forms, buildings and streets. Also includes analysis/discussion
of building envelope, site coverage and solar orientation.
○ The reason being is that a building’s height and massing
create a sense of openness or enclosure; it affects how
streets, adjacent open spaces and other buildings relate
with each other.

e) Streetscape and Landscape - Pertains to the design of public

spaces such as streets, open spaces and pathways, and
includes landscaping, microclimate, shading and planting.

f) Building Façade Interface - Relationship of buildings to the

site, the street, and neighboring buildings (i.e., building
alignments, setbacks, boundary treatment), as well as design
expression of their façades (e.g., projection massings,
openings, emergent patterns and materials).

g) Materials and Texture - Appearance, color, level of

craftsmanship, durability used not only on building/s within the
project site, but on street furniture, paving, lighting and signage
as well.

iv. Urban Form and Character

Refers to the totality of physical and non-physical features of the project;
from size, shape, scale and density, land use and building type, urban
blocking layout and green space distribution. Also pertains to areas in
a particular planning area that has special and unique features which
people identify with and encapsulates the character of the place
(Basingstoke & Deane, 2008).

E. Open Space Networks10

i. Introduction
In a 2017 article made by UP Professor and Environmental Planner Dr.
Meliton Juanico, the increasing abnormalities on climate and weather
conditions which we collectively experience are a portent of things to

10
Primary source for this section is from Making Connections : Planning parks and open space
networks in urban neighborhoods by Jake Tobin Garret. Link:
https://parkpeople.ca/cms/custom/uploads/2019/05/Making-Connections_web-2.pdf (accessed June
2024)

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come in the Philippines, with the increasingly high temperatures in our

cities attributed to among others, the unregulated conversion of green
spaces like parks, playgrounds, forests and grasslands to urban spaces
in the process of urbanization, leading to a heightening of urban heat
island effect. These add to the exacerbation of air pollution problems
mainly due to increased energy requirements to address increased heat
in our cities and regions.

Figure 10: Urban Heat Island Effect (S. Babu, 2017)

It is no secret that the inventory of urban green spaces in our urban

areas are becoming less. To this end, it is of paramount concern that
effort be exerted to better observe the land use planning standard
required by then HLURB (now DHSUD) of 0.5 hectares per 1,000
people for play fields or athletic fields; not only meant to provide a place
where our young (as well as not so young) to have accessible open
spaces to conduct recreational sports activities, these spaces can also
help address the increasing UHI faced by urban dwellers and visitors
alike (Juanico, 2017).

As our cities grow, there should be a proportionate expansion and

improvement of our parks and open spaces meant to serve old and new
residents, and as possible acquiring new land for parks; this is easier
said than done due to high growth, expensive land and limited space.
In this regard, the quest to protect our open space networks needs to

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Enhanced Guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Development in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (DRAFT)

be planned and justified better to align long term requirements of our

cities, with that of immediate needs of both citizens and decision makers
alike.

Open Space Network Planning and the City

The conceptualization, planning and design of this system of open

spaces, commonly known as Open Space Network Planning, is about
building connections between existing parks and understanding how
the spaces in between act as a connective, binding agent (Garret, J.T.,
n.d).

This development strategy extends park reach, broadens its functional

value in the city and among its inhabitants. Moreover, It is important to
emphasize the necessity of understanding how this wider open space
system11 complements the parks situated in a city; this does not
relegate parks into a lesser role; it is about placing these green spaces
within a larger system that enhances its collective impact at improving
quality of life in cities.

11
comprised of streets, sidewalks, privately-owned public spaces, cemeteries, schoolyards, trails, and
other pedestrian spaces

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Enhanced Guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Development in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (DRAFT)

Figure 12: Towards an Integrated Open Space Network in Detroit

(detroitfuturecity.com, 2024)

F. Urban Mobility
Urban mobility is defined as the ‘dynamics of the movement of people and
goods in cities from a strategic perspective; encompassing different transport
modes from walking, cycling, public transportation to driving and logistics’.
(Ramos, 2023; Puttkamer, n.d.).

Promoting urban mobility broadens inclusivity in terms of people not

dependent on one mobility platform (e.g., cars) to get to their destination. Once
need just to go out their house, and their sidewalk opens up to a networked
loop of parkways (i.e., roads lined with greenery connecting neighborhoods and
districts, with public parks serving as nodes and rest areas). Through this park
system loop, mobility is enhanced and made available to a wider sector of the
population (i.e., PWDs, people without cars no longer need to cram themselves
in tricycles, jeepneys, UV Express vans, and buses; they have other mobility
choices available for their consideration).

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Enhanced Guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Development in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (DRAFT)

Figure 14: A Diagrammatic Representation of Urban Mobility (A.

Chitturi, P. Schneider, 2024)

Enhancing urban mobility likewise are better for the environment (i.e., walking
and cycling), as well as public health (i.e. an active, healthier population vis-a-
vis one that is obese due to sitting all day), as well as mental health (e.g., more
chances to “slow down”, appreciate nature and the simpler things in life that we
take for granted due to the fast paced, traffic laced, deadline hugging rigors of
daily urban life).

G. Transit Oriented Development

i. Definition
Defined as a “mix of residential, retail and office uses and a supporting
network of roads, bicycle and pedestrian ways focused on a major
transit stop designed to support a high level of transit use. The key
features of TOD includes:

a) A mixed-use center at the transit stop, oriented principally to

transit riders, pedestrian, and bicycle travel from the
surrounding area;
b) High density of residential development proximate to the transit
stop sufficient to support transit operations and neighborhood
commercial uses within the TOD; and
c) A network of roads, bicycle and pedestrian paths to support high
levels of pedestrian access within the TOD and high levels of
transit use.” (Oregon Revised Statutes, Section 307-600-1:

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www.leg.state.or.us/95reg/measures/hb3100.dir/hb3133.en.ht
ml).

ii. Institutional Issues

a) Need for Collaboration - successful TOD involves
collaboration among developers, lenders (e.g., banks), transit
agencies, local and regional planning organizations, and public
interest groups (Knight and Trygg, 1977; Porter 1997; Cervero,
1998)
b) Community Outreach - Many TOD projects are stopped due to
unforeseen community opposition. Participatory and
consultative workshops are warranted to document
stakeholders’ positions and inputs, which will be used in refining
spatial features and intents of said TOD proposal (National
Council for Urban Economic Development, 1989)

iii. Urban Design Manifestations of TOD

a) Community Service Integration - Many urban and suburban
projects tend to be haphazard developments with uninspiring
streetscapes and poor inter-connectivity among residential
neighborhoods and transit corridors (Calthorpe, 1993;
Loukaitou-Sideris, 1993; Duaney et.al. 2001).
TODs strengthen the bond between a transit service and the
community it directly serves. Putting a child-care service center
near a rail station may induce parents to patronize transit
especially if they are able to do more errands as compared with
driving their own vehicle.

b) Design Principles and Characteristics - In Europe, a transit

station often represents more than a collection/drop-off point. It
also functions as a centerpiece for community building.
Common features include the following:
○ Stations as community hubs, functionally and
symbolically;
○ Tapering of densities with distance from a station;
○ Presence of a major public amenity (e.g., a civic square)
that functions as a community congregation area that
can serve as a farmers market, open-air concert venue,
or an evacuation area;
○ mixed land uses that provide all day/all week trip
generators and promote travel efficiencies

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○ Intermodalism; allowing efficient, seamless connectivity

between transit and access modes (e.g., cars, buses,
bicycles, walking)
○ Accent on liveability, showcased by attractive
landscaping, public amenities (e.g., street furniture,
shade trees), and pleasant walking and socializing
environments
○ Parking management (e.g, specified bike parking area at
the transit station, also parking for cars).

IV. GENERAL OBJECTIVES & OUTPUTS

The enhanced guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Development, through an

improved integration in the development of Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs)
is envisioned to collectively equip both national and local governments - along with
partner stakeholders - with the needed tools that will improve strategy implementation
and better manage cities’ respective climate action, disaster resilience and liveability
targets. This project, funded by the World Bank’s Philippine Disaster Risk Management
and Climate Development Policy Loan with a Catastrophe Deferred-Drawdown Option
(P180585), will have the following objectives:

1) Strengthen the Philippine government’s proactive capacity to manage

disaster and climate risks affecting human settlements;

● To this end, the said guidelines to be enhanced, while focused on

harnessing effective urban design to attain disaster resiliency thereby
improving liveability, effort will also be made to exemplify a focal
purpose of urban design which is to exemplify place making to improve
liveability and competitiveness.

2) Improve operational tools that undertake resilience-focused and low-

carbon urban design as reflected, integrated and strengthened in the CLUP
to facilitate stronger institutional cooperation and collaboration between
national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs), and
partner stakeholders;

● In this regard, a key component of this project engagement - the

introduction of conceptual design templates meant at addressing
specific resiliency challenges - will allow effective cascading of technical
narratives by easily absorbable

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Enhanced Guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Development in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (DRAFT)

3) Enhance the existing guidelines on Urban Design and Development in

the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) and Zoning Ordinance (ZO)
Guidebook.
● The idea is to create an enhanced guideline that can stand on its own
(either as a written report or manifested in through drop-down menus in
a website), but also establishes how this guideline fits overall in the
CLUP and ZO guidebooks; particularly how urban design fits in the well-
established CLUP framework, and how it is supposed to a strong and
direct influence the creation of ZOs.

With that said, the above-mentioned objectives are proposed to be applied not only
towards enhancement of guideline narratives on climate change and disaster resilient
urban design as they relate (or fit into) the Comprehensive Land Use Plan; effort will
likewise be made to introduce conceptual templates or urban design project ideas that
seek to address different disaster types and scenarios, while applying the concepts
that are discussed in these enhanced guidelines.

It should be reiterated that this document does not seek to replace the current lineup
and body of work of established policy documents, reports, literature on Urban Design
available both locally and internationally12.

What this document focuses on is to clarify why is there a need to pursue urban design
alongside current CLUP processes and zoning requirements in place (the answer being
is that of a spatial design conduit that can help achieve inter-city coherence in both character
and function, climate change and disaster resiliency, sectoral development as well. ), where in
the 12-step CLUP process can urban design be integrated on (the answer being that of
a loose inclusion of a “Step 7A entitled, “creation of urban design projects with indicative
costing” is proposed), and when would be the best opportunity to enhance zoning
regulation strategies to best take advantage of urban design as a spatial conduit
bridging land use planning with spatial design and sectoral development planning (the
answer is now, via the promotion of Form-based codes to augment established Euclidean
zoning formats). Discussions on Principles and Concepts were likewise made to further
establish themed narratives that will be the cornerstone of this guidelines’ next
component (i.e. conceptual templates).

To complement the above-mentioned themes, effort will be made to create conceptual

templates - or urban design project ideas - that may be used by local decision makers
and elected officials as inspiration for potential implementation via key projects
highlighted in the CLUP and its corresponding zoning policy (as well as perhaps,

12
Some of these references are found in the Assessment Report made in connection to this
Guideline Enhancement initiative; for convenience this report is to be found on the Annexes of this
report.

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Enhanced Guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Development in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (DRAFT)

reflected in the sectoral planning narratives of the LGUs Development Plan or CDP),
as interpreted through urban design. To achieve this, we begin by introducing a series
of
a) Urban Design project ideas (i.e., rationale, project details, land use type, then
conceptual rendering or design templates on Resilient Urban Design and
Development) that will be attached to corresponding Disaster type/s. Supplementary
place-making strategy narrative/s will be included as necessary. More importantly,
effort will be made to identify the
b) Disaster Type/s that said urban design project may address - may it be natural
(e.g., earthquake) as well as human induced (e.g., fire, stampede) - as enumerated
earlier in this Guideline13. If project idea can be quantified in terms of developmental
cost,
c) Indicative costing (PhP) will also be attached, as deemed possible. This way, not
only will the guideline narratives leading to urban design solution/s be anchored with
concepts that are very familiar to the reader/audience of this guideline, but includes
rough estimates that can be used for investment programming consideration (subject
to financial verification in latter stages of the UD&D process).

.
Figure 15: Role of Urban Design Ideas / Conceptual Templates in the CLUP and ZO
(Morales, 2024)

This formatting style will likewise be made simple and straight to the point to facilitate
ease of absorption among readers regardless of technical capacity or know-how. At

13
Please refer to pages 2-3 in this Guideline.

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Enhanced Guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Development in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (DRAFT)

the same time, an effort is made to facilitate ease of information transfer from a written
report into an interactive website with pulldown menus as deemed viable should there
be an opportunity to pursue it. It is in this reason that disaster type/s will be included in
each urban design idea; this way, should a website visitor (e.g., representing an LGU)
is not a technical person such as an engineer, architect, or urban planner, but is very
much familiar to the type/s of disaster prevailing in his/her LGU, clicking on a particular
disaster type, with drop down menus showing possible urban design interventions
(permanent or temporary in scale)14 with corresponding cost estimates will make it
easier for said individual to factor in these potential solutions with their resilience and
budgetary programmes.

V. THEMATIC AREA ASSESSMENT STEPS

At this juncture, effort will now be made to enumerate steps related to the development
of a city or municipalities’ urban design guidelines - and potential project ideas - which,
aside from being a spatial conduit bridging CLUP discussion themes and a more form-
based zoning ordinance framework, will also serve to enhance themes and ideas to
be integrated in the CLUP made via the proposed Step 7A of the 12-Step CLUP
Process, as earlier discussed in this document (Fig. 3).

The listed steps below are based on the UDD Guidelines as of September 2022, as
adopted by the Department; it is highly recommended that details comprising the steps
listed below be referred from this document as well.

What will be noticed is that minor enhancements were made to these steps to better
accommodate mentioned UD&D - CLUP integration themes and narratives in this
report. It is recommended that this guideline be read and appreciated with a previous
understanding and coinciding with important urban design and development policy
documents as espoused by the Department.

STEP 1: Review, alignment with vision, challenges and concerns, as well

as goals and objectives from the CLUP (Participate in CLUP Planning
Workshop/s)

While participatory workshop/s are being conducted to set the Vision (CLUP step 3)
as aided by an Analysis the Situation (CLUP step 4), leading to the setting of Goals
and Objectives (CLUP step 5) and establishment of Development Thrusts and Spatial
Strategies (CLUP step 6), it is recommended that urban design narrative
inspirations area be likewise formulated alongside these workshop/s. Thus, a
Technical Working Group (TWG) is proposed to be included in the above-mentioned
workshop/s; the reason being is that it is vital to align the vision, goals and objectives

14
singular intervention infrastructure that are engineering (e.g., dikes, floodway system), as well as
architectural in nature were not factored in due to the focus being on urban design interventions.

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identified in the CLUP to urban design guidelines to be drafted later on; they are key
inputs to project design ideas that will enable change and improvement to the built
environment.
It is highly recommended that urban design guidelines match these CLUP goals with
the required resources for implementation (such as through specific UDD projects).
Should there be limitations to available resources (e.g. LDIP) for UDD implementation,
said guidelines may also specify alternative modes of financing and collaboration (e.g.,
public-private partnerships or PPP; Build-Operate-Transfer models or BOT).
Also, all adjectives derived in the workshop/s should be carefully translated initially as
keywords according to elements of urban design; these are seen as a guide to urban
design development in latter stages of this exercise.

Lastly, there is value in identifying urban design strategy/ies in response to particular

disaster risks, may it ba natural or man-made. To this end, project ideas are included
in latter sections of this report as an aid or inspiration to LGUs on crafting urban design
projects that are best suited to their municipality or city’s vision, goals & objectives.

STEP 2: Integrate Urban Design and Development into the CLUP

Urban Design as a development theme may be implemented in either of the two

scenarios: a) Land uses and zonal areas already implemented and simoly enhanced,
reinforced in the new CLUP and b) Areas within the CLUP which is taking a new
direction in land usage and thus current development strategies are up for revision.
Before proceeding to Step 3 (i.e., Assessing environmental context), the need to
identify in which scenario the area to be designed will fall into is vital; the reason being
is that this will tell what kind of approaches and tools may be used (e.g., Adaptive
reuse; Land readjustment; or PPP; BOT) during the formulation of guideline narratives
and choosing of project ideas at to-be organized Design Workshops (or Charettes).

● Scenario 1: Land uses and zonal areas that are already being
implemented as narrated in the new CLUP. Areas implementing land usage
as stated in the new CLUP can implement urban design projects to further
enhance and revitalize said land use zone/s as areas for redevelopment.

● Scenario 2: Areas within the CLUP which is up for revision. In this

scenario, urban design may be used to reinforce the new direction that the new
CLUP is taking; further assessing the viability, effectiveness and efficiency of
the new CLUP. This way, new design guidelines will likewise be developed
which will aid zonal, form-based code regulation according to the needs and
collective aspirations of its stakeholders.

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STEP 3: Asses environmental context of the area or community

Context is seen in this process as an area’s prevailing character and setting. Natural
as well as human, it forms the settlements, buildings and spaces, ecology and heritage,
location, as well as routes passing through it. Simply put, a thorough appreciation of
the overall site context is the starting point for designing a distinct place. At the same
time, appreciation on climate change and disaster vulnerability is likewise a key factor
in the assessment of the area/s to be designed.

It is important to conduct a detailed technical assessment of the site - such as surveys

and actual photo documentation - before developing detailed urban design/s which
may be used as primary inspiration or a means to enhance form-based zonal codes
as aligned with its governing CLUP. As an example, if the identified challenge is that
of unwalkable sidewalks as it relates to material, lack of compliance to local and
international standards, physical attributes, level of comfortability, among others, it is
vital to assess the level sidewalk that forces pedestrians to walk along the carriageway.
Conducting interviews that verify and/or quantify people's experiences may also assist
before proceeding to more intensive on- and off-site surveys as explained in step 5
below.

STEP 4: Conduct Stakeholders meeting

While the UD&D TWG were participants in the earlier mentioned CLUP workshop/s
that is set out at a) Setting the Vision, and b) Analyzing the situation; also in the c)
Setting of Goals and Objectives and d) Establishing Development Thrusts and Spatial
Strategies, it may be expected that afterwards a preliminary draft of potential urban
design narratives (as they relate with the city or municipality updating their CLUP)
may already be developed, subject to verification and refinement in latter steps stated
in this section.
The reason being is that, there is a need to ensure that relevant narratives on urban
design as well as its contribution to disaster resiliency are reflected on the CLUP’s
earliest drafts so that enhancements later on will already have a cohesive stance with
both document and its writers; ensuring that the totality of the CLUP’s narratives aptly
represents the value of urban design to a city’s land use and zoning aspirations.
As such, it is recommended that a Stakeholder’s Meeting be organized so that these
initial UDD guideline and project idea drafts can be presented to stakeholders and their
inputs obtained to refine said guidelines and project ideas.

Once Urban Design policy and narrative thrusts has been refined as a result of this
meeting, inputs can also be made into Step 7 of the CLUP process (Fig. 3), namely,
“Preparation of the Land Use Plan”.

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Enhanced Guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Development in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (DRAFT)

STEP 5: Develop detailed Transect Zone Map with Access Sheds

As soon as inputs from stakeholders are gathered, a detailed Transect Zone Map with
Access Sheds can now be created by the UD&D Technical Working Group alongside
initial efforts to draft the corresponding Land Use Plan document by the CLUP team.
It is noted that this will be done while the CLUP team is commencing preparation of
the Land Use Plan; this way, once. this Transect Map is done, the learnings from this
exercise can be added in the CLUP draft as deemed necessary.

A transect map is a useful tool that can be used to create an observation-based

community improvement plan as interpreted via urban design interventions. During this
exercise, the TWG will consider aspects of the community (e.g., patterns of movement,
traditions, needs and aspiratiotions) that were discussed in the just concluded
Stakeholders’ Meeting (UDD Step 4), and validated on-ground. These aspects may
include any f the following:
● Housing conditions
● Public transit access points
● Street commerce
● Non-governmental organizations, churches, and neighborhood institutions
● Public spaces
● Commercial areas (e.g. pharmacies, grocery stores, open air markets)
● Sanitation (e.g., water, sewage, garbage collection and blockage points)
● Location of health. facilities
● Contaminated spaces

The Transect identifies a range of habitats from the most natural to the most urban. Its
continuum, when subdivided, lends itself to the creation of zoning categories. These.
categories include standards that encourage diversity like that of organically. evolved
settlements. Transects integrate environmental and zoning methodologies, enabling
environmentalists to assess the design of social habitats and urbanists to support the
viability of natural ones (Center for Applied Transect Studies, 2009).

As mentioned in earlier parts of this document, a key contribution of creating urban

design guidelines and project ideas alongside CLUP initiatives are obtaining narrative
inputs that enable local governments to create a more form-based zoning15 ordinance
framework. As such, this D&D exercise (i.e., the proposed Step 7A in the CLUP
Process) is indeed of value to CLUP Step 8 (Drafting of the Zoning Ordinance).

15
Please refer to narratives on Form-based codes found on pp. 11-16 of this document.

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Enhanced Guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Development in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (DRAFT)

STEP 6: Conduct On-Site and Off-Site Survey

After the Stakeholders’ meeting discussed above (UDD Step 4), it is expected that the
refined UDD guideline and project ideas narratives will now be integrated in initial
efforts at preparing the Land Use Plan (CLUP Step 7).
However, these guideline and project idea narratives were developed based on
sources used in the CLUP workshops (e.g., Ecological Profile, data sets from related
government agencies).
Hence, the next step is to enhance these guideline and project idea narratives via more
detailed site verification exercises as espoused by this particular Step. These survey/s
are in-depth and detailed conduct of activities such as:

● Key-Informant Interview - Qualitative in-depth. interviews with people who

know what is going on in the community. The purpose of this is to collect
information from a wide range of people (community leaders, professionals, or
residents who have first hand knowledge about the community in which
UDDguidelines and project ideas fall-in.

● On-Site Survey - A survey to detail-out zones and boundaries in the area/s

being discussed in the UDD guidelines, which may be used in determining
which type of strategies can be done given the current landform and built
structures in the area/surveyed.

● Character Mapping - in this mapping type, the TWG will seek to identify which
category the community based in said area falls-in. The following character
types are:
○ Dominant Character - Dominant or consistent urban form in terms of
overall impression, including land use, building mass/scale, and style.
○ Marginally Dominant Character - Unifying character exists but is not
immediately apparent to the observer.
○ Mixed Character - No dominant character is apparent; a wide variety of
styles, scales, uses, etc. prohibit a distinct impression.

In this manner, the team can identify which design guidelines in terms of
pedestrianization, setbacks, public spaces and building massing will be
considered.

● Visual windshield survey - Said survey entails rapid visual assessment and
are usually done by creating a linear track that will be followed by vehicle and
kilometer readings noted as team establishes reference points along the route

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Enhanced Guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Development in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (DRAFT)

and to-be identified key features, collectively providing the team a

comprehensive survey of the area.

● Character building - A more specific type of on-stie survey that deals with the
buildings or structures in the community. Aspects to check include the number
of storeys per building in the community, approximate widths and façades.

● Satellite imagery and digital map view - accessing street and aerial view of
the community.

Overall, sets of photographs of buildings, streets, sidewalks, shopping centers, parks,

and other examples of a regions’ built and natural environment will be documented
and are to be shown to residents during the public workshops and stakeholder
meetings for their inputs.
Details on how to obtain said inputs from the collated images are found on the UDD
Guidelines as of September 202216 as included in the annexes of this document.

STEP 7: Conduct Design Workshop

In this step, the result of UDD Step 4 (Conduct of Stakeholders Meeting) and UDD
Step 5 (Develop detailed transect zone map with Access Shed) will be consolidated in
order to create more detailed urban design strategy options (and possible project
design ideas) for the community/ies involved.
It is noted that preliminary design ideas determined in Step 4 - done in order to
augment initial urban design narratives into the CLUP is borne out of a need to ensure
narratives on urban design as well as its contribution to disaster resiliency are reflected
on the CLUP’s earliest drafts so that enhancements later on will already have a
cohesive stance with both document and among its writers; ensuring that the totality
of the CLUP’s narratives aptly represents the value of urban design to a city’s land use
and zoning aspirations.

A successful workshop should follow the following steps, namely:

● Identify the people involved in the workshop; joining the Technical Working
Groups in charge of the UDD integration into the CLUP, are Stakeholders (e.g.,
decision makers, local community leaders) whose ideas are to be interpreted
by the TWG into a design perspective.
● Identify the Goal: The team must identify what is the goal of doing an urban
design for the community. They must know what the problem is, based from
the workshops and review of existing plans. This way, the team can identify the
most fit strategy in addressing these issues.

16
Please refer to Part III, Thematic Area Assessment Guide of the UDD Guidelines as of
September 2022, as included in the Annex section of this report.

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Enhanced Guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Development in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (DRAFT)

● Gather ideas: the TWG will seek to identify and collate all information to have
a unified idea on the design solution/s that they will be doing.
● Making the design: Applying the learnings collated, the TWG along with
stakeholders will now proceed in doing the design solution for eventual
presentation to the decision-making body supervising the group.

More tools for design workshops to assist in decision-making and prioritization is

provided in Part 2-IV B and D of “Urban Planning and Design for Climate Resilience:
A Guide for Local Governments and Planning Actors in the Philippines”.

STEP 8: Draft revised Transect Zoning and Urban Design Guidelines

(Alongside Preparation of Project Ideas)

Collated learnings from the Design Workshop will now be integrated in the revision or
refinement of the Transect zones and urban design guidelines previously drafted.
The modified transect zoning map will be used to show the changes before and after
the implementation of the Urban Design strategies.

More tools for implementing urban design through development control and
management is provided in Part 2-C of “Urban Planning and Design for Climate
Resilience: A Guide for Local Governments and Planning Actors in the Philippines”.

STEP 9: Public Presentation of final urban design guidelines and policies

A public presentation of the proposed urban design guidelines and policies will be
done. The proposed design must have incorporated comments and suggestions given
by the stakeholders to the TWG.
This step could be done via Public Hearing if the scenario is that the municipality or
city is in the process of revising its CLUP.

STEP 10: Implementation of Urban Design Guidelines and Projects

Urban Design can be transformed into programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) which
can be included into the Comprehensive Development Plans of the city or municipality
engaged in this endeavor. Each of the PPAs are then put into annual programs in the
form of Annual Investment Programs for local governments.

Tools for implementing urban design through development control and management
is provided in Part 2-IV-E of “Urban Planning and Design for Climate Resilience: A
Guide for Local Governments and Planning Actors in the Philippines”.

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Enhanced Guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Development in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (DRAFT)

STEP 11: Review and Assessment

Monitoring is a periodically recurring task which begins in the planning stage of a

project or program; it allows results, processes and experiences to be documented
and used as a basis to steer decision-making and learning processes. The data
acquired through monitoring is used for evaluation.
Meanwhile, Evaluation is assessing as systematically and objectively as possible, a
completed project or program. Evaluations help in improving the project or program by
using information gathered at the end of a urban design project’s implementation.

Information gathered in relation to these aspects. during the monitoring process

provides the basis for the evaluative analysis. After doing so, the proponent/s can
either revise the urban design principle or continue to go with it. This step is vital for
the review and analysis of the program or projects’ effectiveness and efficiency of the
urban design as applied to the area.

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