Experiencing Fun, Entertainment and Leisure through Freeform Architecture

A Proposed Hotel + Shopping Mall and Amusement Park in City of San Fernando, Pampanga
CHAPTER I The Problem and Its Background | Rosales, C.J.R.M.

CHAPTER I

The Problem and Its Background

1.1 Introduction

Recreation is an essential part of human life and finds many different forms which

are shaped naturally by individual interests but also by the surrounding social construction.

Recreational activities can be communal or solitary, active or passive, outdoors or indoors,

healthy or harmful, and useful for society or detrimental. A significant section of

recreational activities are designated as hobbies which are activities done for pleasure on

a regular basis. A list of typical activities could be almost endless including most human

activities, a few examples being reading, playing or listening to music, watching movies or

TV, gardening, hunting, sports, studies, and travel.

Humans spend their time in activities of daily living, work, sleep, social duties, and

leisure, the latter time being free from prior commitments to physiologic or social needs, a

prerequisite of recreation.

Everybody seeks for a place where they can enjoy a quality time through various

recreational activities in an environment designed especially to satisfy one’s pursuit for a

different kind of leisure and of course, relax comfortably in a home away from their home,

a getaway with so much to offer for complete entertaining experience.

Transforming the city into a playground and using its unique locations and spaces

for recreation and movement has long since ceased to be a mere youthful dream of

freedom. Increasing numbers of people desire convertible public spaces for movement

and architectures that harbor more than just one function.

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 Experiencing Fun, Entertainment and Leisure through Freeform Architecture
A Proposed Hotel + Shopping Mall and Amusement Park in City of San Fernando, Pampanga
CHAPTER I The Problem and Its Background | Rosales, C.J.R.M.

Manila, as the country’s capital, the city brims with competitive business and

employment opportunities. No wonder, many Filipinos choose to work and sometimes

even live here. However, just like any other busy and populous capitals in the world, living

in Manila has a lot of disadvantages, especially if you will compare it with the peace, quiet

and booming economies of the cities in Pampanga. Although the City of San Fernando

Pampanga has undergone a development, the area is mostly surrounded by trees and

mountains.

That is why the proponent proposed the hotel with shopping mall and amusement

park, a recreation complex. The proposal project is entitled, “UME CABALEN: Experience

Fun, Entertainment and Leisure through Freeform Architecture – A Proposed Hotel +

Shopping mall and Amusement Park in City of San Fernando, Pampanga”. It is intended

to boost economic development, tourism and administer a development that is innovated,

yet considers the environmental impact of the technology of today.

1.2 Background of the Study

The country’s capital, Manila is sometimes synonymously connected with traffic.

There have been attempts to solve this lifelong problem. But problems continue to arise

instead of solutions. We all know that traffic brings a lot of hassle in our work and daily

life. But as much as we want to avoid it, we can’t, especially if you are in a vehicle-

populated city.

Traffic accompanies air pollution. This made worse with the limited number of trees

in the area. Whilst Manila is a good place for employment opportunities, it may not be an

ideal place for raising a child. Aside from air pollution, the city is also known to have overly

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 Experiencing Fun, Entertainment and Leisure through Freeform Architecture
A Proposed Hotel + Shopping Mall and Amusement Park in City of San Fernando, Pampanga
CHAPTER I The Problem and Its Background | Rosales, C.J.R.M.

populated streets, and high crime rate as compared to other places in the country.

Pampanga, on the other hand, has cities that have a low crime rate. Locals and tourists

often seen walking in the streets during the night.

The pre-war history of San Fernando can be retraced starting from the Spanish

era and short-lived revolutionary government period to the American government period.

On July 17, 1754, Don Josef Bersosa, on behalf of the Augustinian cura parrocos of

Bacolor and Mexico, presented a petition to Governor-General Pedro Manuel de Arandia

for the creation of a new pueblo from the aid towns. In his petition, Bersosa said that the

towns had grown so much in size that the former had 1,300 taxpayers while the latter had

1,600 taxpayers. As a result of this, the said priests could barely attend to the spiritual

needs of such a great number of parishioners. This was also due to the great distance

between the churches of Bacolor and Mexico which was three leagues away from each

other through a street lined by a continuous row of houses leading from one church to the

other.

The province of Pampanga is said to be a place where celebration is a way of life.

It has festivals year-round to attend to like Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in February, the world-

renown Cutud Lenten Rites in March or April, the colorful Apung Iru Fluvial Festival in

June, Fiestang Kuliat in October, and the longest Christmas celebration culminating with

the Giant Lantern Festival of San Fernando.

Being the capital city of the Province of Pampanga, the City of San Fernando hosts

the seat of the provincial government. As such, it plays a significant role in the movement

of people from all over the province. The natural tendency of the people from all

component municipalities to regularly visit the City has made it into a bustling commercial

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 Experiencing Fun, Entertainment and Leisure through Freeform Architecture
A Proposed Hotel + Shopping Mall and Amusement Park in City of San Fernando, Pampanga
CHAPTER I The Problem and Its Background | Rosales, C.J.R.M.

area and service provider. It has also become a government service center for the whole

province.

The natural concentration of people in the city which we may conclude to happen

during daytimes of workdays, may have become the key factor in the establishment of

secondary and tertiary economic activities in the city.

Such growth in economic activities also resulted to expansion of built-up areas that

is apparent in the land use maps in three different times shown overleaf. The eruption of

Mt. Pinatubo in 1991 did not diminish the attractiveness of the City to people.

Commercial developments in San Fernando define no impossibilities as it

accommodates numerous industrial parks and furnishes small and medium scale

industries. The government has increased national funds for the city’s transportation and

infrastructure given its linkages. Innumerable private institutions and universities make the

city more convenient for families to settle in. Also, the city characterizes its hierarchy of

commercial centers attracting different investors.

1.3 Theoretical Framework

“To provide meaningful architecture is not to parody history, but to articulate it.”

- Daniel Libeskind

Architecture plays a big role in the environment. As the people developed lands

for economic ventures and human use, risks for environmental dilapidation rises.

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 Experiencing Fun, Entertainment and Leisure through Freeform Architecture
A Proposed Hotel + Shopping Mall and Amusement Park in City of San Fernando, Pampanga
CHAPTER I The Problem and Its Background | Rosales, C.J.R.M.

Being the master planner of the community, architects must consider the effects

and consequences of the built environment they design. While designing for present,

lessons of the past must also be anticipated to minimize the negative impacts in the future.

In relation to the concepts, Freeform Architecture is the liberation of formal

expression and organization in architecture to reflect the heterogeneous nature of our

current cultures and contexts.

1.4 Conceptual Framework

Problems Encountered EXPERIENCING FUN,

Minor Problems:
1. Design and
Planning Design Concept: UME CABALEN:
techniques Experiencing Fun,
2. Consideration and Freeform Entertainment and
Space Architecture Leisure - A Proposed
Requirements (Sustainable Hotel + Shopping Mall
and Amusement Park
3. Benefits and approach)
in City of San
Consequences of Fernando, Pampanga
the Project

Input Process Output

Figure 1.0 Design Paradigm

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 Experiencing Fun, Entertainment and Leisure through Freeform Architecture
A Proposed Hotel + Shopping Mall and Amusement Park in City of San Fernando, Pampanga
CHAPTER I The Problem and Its Background | Rosales, C.J.R.M.

The paradigm in figure 1 shows dependent and independent variables in the

conceptualization of the design of the Proposed Hotel + Shopping Mall and Amusement

Park. The dependent variables are the Design Concept as well the as the Design solution

and the “Proposed Hotel + Shopping Mall and Amusement Park in San Fernando,

Pampanga” as the output. The independent variables are the Major and Minor Problems

and the site of the proposed project.

1.5 Statement of the Problem

This paper is entitled UME CABALEN: Experiencing Fun, Entertainment and

Leisure – A Proposed Hotel + Shopping Mall and Amusement Park in City of San

Fernando, Pampanga. Specifically, it shall answer the following questions.

1.5.1 Major Problems

1. What is the best and suitable design concept for the proposed

entertainment complex?

2. In pursuing the study, what are the factors that can affect the design

and development of the proposed project?

3. What planning strategies are in minimizing energy, cost and adverse

impacts of the proposed project?

4. What will be the effect of the proposal to the community?

1.5.2 Minor Problems

1. What will be the benefits and consequences in constructing this project?

2. Does the utilities such as electricity, water and the likes can

accommodate the demand of the proposed project?

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 Experiencing Fun, Entertainment and Leisure through Freeform Architecture
A Proposed Hotel + Shopping Mall and Amusement Park in City of San Fernando, Pampanga
CHAPTER I The Problem and Its Background | Rosales, C.J.R.M.

3. The competition of the development with its neighbouring city is greatly

affecting the proposed project. How will the proposed project stand out from

the rest?

1.6 Significance of the Study

Through this study, the proposed recreational complex will boost and improve the

City of San Fernando. It will also benefit the following:

To the city Government of San Fernando, the outcome of this study can help

utilize the findings to make new ordinances that can be implemented not only on the

selected site, but also to the related future developments in the city. These developments

can make the city an eye for future tourists and other urbanites.

To the people of San Fernando, the proposed commercial recreational complex

will provide more job opportunities. Improving their way of life and prospering their

economic growth will be endowed to the locality. The study will deliberately use principles

and approaches that will also improve the environment and prevent natural phenomena.

To the future occupants of the proposed recreational complex, the study will

provide a complex for where all the necessities are present. Investors from different

business industries will be attracted to the proposed site as it offers a design approach in

which the business operations will be lively and continuous.

To the future researchers, may use the data and information for their related

studies. This study will contribute to share important details pertaining to mixed-use

developments and application to the design proper. This study can be a tool for

researchers to improve the city of San Fernando.

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 Experiencing Fun, Entertainment and Leisure through Freeform Architecture
A Proposed Hotel + Shopping Mall and Amusement Park in City of San Fernando, Pampanga
CHAPTER I The Problem and Its Background | Rosales, C.J.R.M.

1.7 Objectives of the Study

The objectives of the study are sectioned into two parts such as the project

objectives and the design objectives. This matter is presented for readers to perceive why

the study is conducted.

1.7.1 Project Objectives

The aim of the work construed in this paper is to establish a beneficial recreational

complex that will not only attain economic and dynamic structures as well as the

improvement of the surrounding area and the people around the vicinity.

General Objective

The proposed project aims to establish a functional, environment-friendly and well-

designed recreational complex.

Specific Objective

1.7.1.1 To create a complex consisting of a hotel, shopping mall and

amusement park.

1.7.1.2 To provide a place where people can greatly enjoy the relaxation

offered by the project.

1.7.1.3 To attract more foreign investors in the economic zone and create

more jobs for the community.

1.7.2 Design Objectives

The study is intended to provide an advanced approach in implementing design

applications that will result to an efficient commercial hub. The following objectives include

provident considerations and goals to be accomplished:

General Objective

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 Experiencing Fun, Entertainment and Leisure through Freeform Architecture
A Proposed Hotel + Shopping Mall and Amusement Park in City of San Fernando, Pampanga
CHAPTER I The Problem and Its Background | Rosales, C.J.R.M.

The proposed design of the project targets to become an architectural symbol of

economic development and sustainable planning and be one of the main attractions in

San Fernando, Pampanga.

Specific Objectives

1.7.2.1 To establish a recreation complex that introduces freeform

architecture in City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

1.7.2.2 To provide an effective design that adapts, explores and introduces

modern and architectural trends yet relates to its environment.

1.7.2.3 To provide a design that is accessible to all and can accommodate

all types of guests.

1.8 Scope and Limitation of the Study

Scope

This focuses on physical, social, environmental, cultural and economic aspects of

the project. The study covers the following:

1. Designing and Planning

2. Building

3. Conceptualization

The studies and researches on different aspects will be discussed in this study

through:

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 Experiencing Fun, Entertainment and Leisure through Freeform Architecture
A Proposed Hotel + Shopping Mall and Amusement Park in City of San Fernando, Pampanga
CHAPTER I The Problem and Its Background | Rosales, C.J.R.M.

1. Feasibility Study of the Project

2. Project Justification

3. Site Justification

4. Site Development Plans

5. Floor Plans

6. Elevations

7. Sections

8. Space Programming

9. Exterior and Interior Perspectives

Limitations

The study will focus on architectural aspects and will be limited in terms of

structural engineering, although some necessary details that will support the project shall

be provided. The study will provide detailed drawings for clarity of the project’s design.

1.9 Definition of Terms

For better understanding, the following terms are defined contextual and

operationally as used in this study to avoid misinterpretation.

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 Experiencing Fun, Entertainment and Leisure through Freeform Architecture
A Proposed Hotel + Shopping Mall and Amusement Park in City of San Fernando, Pampanga
CHAPTER I The Problem and Its Background | Rosales, C.J.R.M.

Contextual

Conceptualization. It is the process of development and clarification of concepts. In other

words, clarifying one’s concepts with words and examples and arriving at precise verbal

definitions.

Elevation. A drawing of the front, side, or rear of the building drawn to scale.

Exterior. It refers to the outside elevation of the whole structure.

Feasibility. It is the state or degree of being easily or conveniently done.

Freeform Architecture. A free-flowing expression that seeks to simultaneously reflect

and reconcile the inevitability of a diversity of forces influencing any architectural design.

Interior. It pertains to the inside appearance of the structure.

Section. A representation of a portion of a building or object exposed when cut by an

imaginary vertical plane so as to show its construction and interior.

Sustainable Architecture. Architecture that seeks to minimize the negative

environmental impact of buildings by efficiency and moderation in the use of materials,

energy, and development space and the ecosystem at large.

Operational

Accessibility. It is defined as easily reached or entered physically, refers to the public

transformation.

Availability. This term deals with presence of important utilities such as water supply,

power and community lines, telephones and drainage.

Flexibility. It is described with sufficient space and can adapt changes for future

expansion.

Officetel. In South Korea, an officetel (portmanteau of 'office' and 'hotel'), is a multi-

purpose building with residential and commercial units.

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 Experiencing Fun, Entertainment and Leisure through Freeform Architecture
A Proposed Hotel + Shopping Mall and Amusement Park in City of San Fernando, Pampanga
CHAPTER I The Problem and Its Background | Rosales, C.J.R.M.

1.10 Abbreviation

CBD – Central Business District

CLUDP – Comprehensive Land Use and Development Plan

DOTC – Department of Transportation and Communication

MPDC – Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator

MPDO – Municipal Planning Development Office

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