THE STUDIO
The "Architectural Design 2" course at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde focuses on equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed for comprehensive site analysis and contextual architectural design. Students are trained to deliver key outputs such as site study reports, stakeholder consultations, SWOT analyses, site mapping, environmental assessments, zoning considerations, and urban fabric studies. These analytical tools are complemented by the production of basic architectural drawings, including floor plans, elevations, sections, and perspectives, enabling students to address real-world design challenges effectively.
The studio is led by Architect Gino Bjorn Abrebra, a professional known for his strong theoretical foundation and practical expertise in architecture. Under his guidance, students delve into site theories and strategic approaches, which are integrated into the studio framework. This holistic pedagogy encourages critical thinking, contextual awareness, and innovative problem-solving, essential traits for addressing complex urban issues.
Students' progress is monitored and assessed weekly through individual presentations, where they are ranked based on the quality of their deliverables and adherence to Architect Abrebra's instructions. This fosters a results-driven and dynamic learning environment that challenges students to consistently refine their skills.
Throughout the term, the studio engages students with real-world scenarios by focusing on specific areas of Manila. Students are tasked with identifying and analyzing the unique challenges faced by these communities and pitching design solutions that respond to the contextual needs of each site. By balancing theoretical knowledge with practical application, this course prepares students to become effective problem-solvers in the field of architecture.
THE PROJECT
Adriatico, one of Manila's most iconic destinations, offers a vivid blend of culture, history, and nightlife. Known for its neon lights, bustling joints, and artistic bohemian character, it has long been a haven for artists, performers, travelers, and those seeking adventure. From hip coffee shops to lively gay bars and family gatherings at Remedios Circle or Manila Zoo, Adriatico has something for everyone.
However, the area's once-vibrant energy is fading. Many restaurants, clubs, and convenience stores have shut down, signaling a slow decline in its creative and cultural essence. Among its many landmarks, Paraiso ng Batang Maynila stands out—not for its charm, but for its neglect.
CHALLENGES IN ZONE 78
Paraiso ng Batang Maynila, located in the heart of Adriatico, has become a symbol of the area's deterioration. What was intended to be a safe haven for children has turned into a hotspot for criminal activity, homelessness, and neglect. The park is now plagued by:
- Juvenile delinquency: Children in the area are exposed to unwholesome influences, including public drinking and illegal activities.
- Homeless settlements: Badjao communities have set up makeshift homes in the park, contributing to sanitation issues.
- Crime and neglect: Gangs, drug use, and a lack of supervision have made the park unsafe for visitors.
Despite these challenges, the park holds potential due to its strategic location near key landmarks such as Harrison Plaza, Rizal Sports Complex, Manila Zoo, and Roxas Boulevard. Its proximity to Manila’s tourist belt makes it an ideal candidate for revitalization.
Restorative Learning Space for Juvenile Learners
To restore Paraiso ng Batang Maynila and uplift Zone 78, the proposed project aims to create a restorative learning park that addresses the area's pressing issues while fostering community growth. The key components of the project include:
- Juvenile Support and Rehabilitation:
- A program based on Restorative learning practices framework to help individuals overcome vices.
- Counseling and therapeutic gardens for emotional and spiritual growth.
- Sports facilities like basketball courts and elevated leisure spaces for physical development.
- Community Empowerment:
- A marketplace offering vocational opportunities for out-of-school youth and income for local residents.
- Mural spaces to support local artists and promote a sense of ownership.
- Vegetable gardens to encourage sustainability and foster neighborly relationships.
- Tourist-Friendly Design:
- Improved site legibility with diverse architecture, clear zoning, and vibrant hues.
- Pedestrian-friendly layouts and permeable spaces that connect key park features.
- A rich variety of activities, including games, educational programs, and leisure areas, appealing to residents and visitors alike.
A CALL TO ACTION
Revitalizing Paraiso ng Batang Maynila is not just about transforming a neglected space; it’s about rekindling the spirit of Adriatico and ensuring Manila’s cultural and historical legacy thrives. Millennials are at the forefront of this change. By supporting local businesses, participating in cultural events, and re-engaging with the city’s iconic spaces—be it Adriatico’s restaurants, the National Museum, or art fairs in Escolta—we can collectively contribute to a brighter future for Manila.
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There’s this one well-known place in Manila that addresses a memorable experience life has to present. The scene sparked into life with the neons, and glitz; as it suggests spontaneity and adventure through the night. A walk along joints after hip coffee shops after joints signals robust contextual character. It is why artists, personalities, performers, travelers, and many of those after the bohemian scene are spending their time along the infamous Adriatico.
Adriatico is the leisure hotspot in Manila. Third sex attend gay bars, writers launch their books in cafes, and family-oriented haps done at Remedios Circle or on a Sunday at Manila zoo. Though with countless activities Adriatico has to offer, the glory of the place seems to deteriorate through time. A visit in one afternoon supported that Adriatico is losing its former glory. Some restaurants, clubs, and even convenience stores managed to end their business. The receding establishments could be the end of the creative heart of Adriatico.
In one area along Adriatico; Paraiso ng Batang Maynila, is having the same case. What should be a place for children to play without precaution is a blur. The park is now a territory of hooligans, a settlement area for the homeless Badjaos, and a parking space for clunkers. Yet, the location has potential due to its promising site.
The park in the vicinity of key buildings of Manila; the Harisson Plaza, the country’s first shopping mall, Rizal sports complex which houses our national athletes, the Manila Zoo, and a walking distance to Roxas Boulevard. Paraiso ng Batang Maynila is within Manila’s tourist belt, regrettably, the park has been neglected.
Mending Paraiso ng Batang Maynila by independent authority will bring back the area’s life.
Zone 78 faces several issues that have to be addressed. Juvenile crime is widespread in the area as a consequence of its unwholesome environment. With interaction with the children, it reports that the place has an extensive assortment of influences. Public drinking is already a norm in residential areas. It's alarming that the action is apparent during the day mostly on tambays. The Badjaos who settled at the park outlined its neighbor with improperly disposed waste. Akyat Bahay gangs who are those with no means of living urged to do an illegal acts. Paraiso ng Batang Maynila is being infested with stoners, and the park has been neglected with supervision. Zone 78 has a number of concerns and re-gentrification is recommended.
A park will gentrify zone 78 by being responsive to the environment; a sense of robustness, the ability of personalization, great variety, legible spaces, permeable site, and a rich relationship to the park. Robustness will be taken into action by providing a small marketplace in which it provides income for the youth being off from education. Hence, it would entice tourists from Manila zoo to take some time at the park. Personalization takes place by encouraging artists to create murals on the wall; supporting the local art scene. The residents are also given the opportunity to create a vegetable garden which will provide food as well as gain a sense of neighborliness. A variety of activities are offered at the park from different games to play by the youth, providing modes of living and vocational education for the off-track, and a visitor pleasant place. Legibility is tackled by having a diverse outer shell and definite hue of given buildings. These buildings are accessible from one another where the pedestrian-friendly park is designed by being permeable. In total, Paraiso ng Batang Maynila yields a rich experience for the residents and tourists.
Manila could be a better place only if we play a part in its life. We, the millennials, are tasked to revitalize the declining life of a place rich in history. Supporting Adriatico’s fashionable restaurants, listening to the local music scene, art fairs in Escolta, A walk along the Roxas boulevard, Modest dates in Luneta, a visit to National Museum, and much more help to make a change.