Understanding Movement Systems: Enhancing Mobility and Accessibility in

Urban Environments

Fulfillment of Requirements
In Planning - 1

To be submitted to
Ar./Enp. Gerelson Ray R. Bernardino, uap, piep, mscm, cipm

Submitted by
Gonzales, Quintin Cyrus B.
2024
 II. Table of Contents

I. Title Page
II. Table of Contents
III. Introduction

Background of the Study

The Purpose of the Study

The Scope of the Study

Goals.

IV. Body
V. Conclusion
VI. Recommendations
VII. References
VIII. Appendix or Appendices
 III. Introduction

Background of the Study

In urban settings, the movement of people and goods is vital for driving economic
growth, fostering social interaction, and enhancing overall quality of life. The concept
of movement systems encompasses the interconnected network of transportation
routes, modes, and infrastructure that facilitate the movement of individuals, vehicles,
and goods within and between urban areas. Understanding and optimizing these
movement systems are crucial for establishing sustainable, inclusive, and livable
cities.

In recent decades, rapid urbanization and population growth have presented

increasingly complex challenges related to transportation and mobility in cities
worldwide. Issues such as traffic congestion, air pollution, inadequate public transit,
and unequal access to transportation options have become pressing concerns for
urban planners, policymakers, and residents alike. Consequently, there is a growing
imperative to study and enhance movement systems to effectively address these
challenges and develop urban transportation systems that are more efficient,
equitable, and environmentally friendly.

The study of movement systems involves analyzing various factors influencing

mobility and accessibility in urban environments:

 Transportation Infrastructure: This encompasses physical elements such as

roads, highways, bridges, railways, bike lanes, and sidewalks that support
different modes of transportation. Evaluating the condition, capacity, and
connectivity of transportation infrastructure is essential for identifying areas
requiring improvement and investment.

 Transportation Modes: Understanding the usage patterns, preferences, and

needs of different transportation modes such as walking, cycling, public
transit, and private vehicles is crucial for designing multimodal transportation
systems that cater to diverse user needs and preferences.

 Urban Form and Land Use: The layout, density, and land use patterns of
urban areas significantly influence transportation demand and travel behavior.
Analyzing the relationship between urban form, land use, and transportation
can reveal strategies for promoting transit-oriented development, mixed land
uses, and compact urban design to reduce reliance on cars and encourage
alternative modes of transportation.
  Accessibility and Equity: Ensuring fair access to transportation options and
essential services for all residents, including marginalized and underserved
communities, is a fundamental consideration in transportation planning.
Examining spatial patterns of accessibility and addressing disparities in
transportation access can foster social equity and inclusion in cities.

 Sustainability and Resilience: Advancing sustainable transportation practices

—such as active transportation, public transit, and electric vehicles—is crucial
for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, combatting climate change, and
enhancing air quality. Strengthening the resilience of transportation
infrastructure to climate change impacts, natural disasters, and other
disruptions is also critical for ensuring the reliability and continuity of urban
mobility systems.

Purpose of the Study

The objective of this study is to explore and comprehend movement systems

within urban settings, aiming to improve both mobility and accessibility. In urban
areas, smooth transportation of people and goods is essential for fostering economic
growth, social cohesion, and overall welfare. Movement systems, encompassing the
interconnected network of transportation routes, modes, and infrastructure, serve as
critical facilitators of movement within and between urban locales.

This research seeks to tackle challenges stemming from rapid urbanization and
population growth, such as traffic congestion, air pollution, inadequate public transit,
and disparities in transportation access. By analyzing factors like transportation
infrastructure, modes, urban layout, accessibility, equity, sustainability, and resilience,
the study endeavors to identify strategies for enhancing urban transportation
systems.

Key objectives include evaluating the condition, capacity, and connectivity of

transportation infrastructure, comprehending usage patterns and requirements of
different transportation modes, exploring the correlation between urban design, land
use, and transportation dynamics, ensuring fair access to transportation options and
essential services for all residents, advocating for sustainable transportation
practices, and fortifying transportation infrastructure against climate change and
natural disasters.

Ultimately, this study aims to provide insights for urban planners, policymakers,
and stakeholders to develop innovative solutions that address transportation
challenges and foster more efficient, equitable, and environmentally sustainable
urban transportation systems. By optimizing movement systems, cities can enhance
mobility, accessibility, and the overall quality of life for residents, while also
contributing to the long-term sustainability and resilience of urban environments.

Scope of the Study

The scope of the study aims to comprehensively analyze and address the
challenges and opportunities associated with movement systems in urban
environments, with the goal of enhancing mobility, accessibility, and quality of life for
residents while promoting long-term sustainability and resilience.

IV. Body

Movement System

Irrespective of whether land is situated in urban, suburban, or rural environments,

its usability and worth are significantly shaped by the presence of sufficient roads and
utilities. These crucial elements of infrastructure play a vital role in enabling
transportation, bolstering economic endeavors, delivering essential services, and
improving the general well-being of residents and businesses alike. Consequently,
the accessibility and adequacy of roads and utilities stand as pivotal considerations
impacting land use planning, development choices, and the enduring viability of
communities.

Ensuring that a site is readily accessible is essential for maximizing its usability,
economic potential, social inclusivity, and resilience to emergencies. Accessible sites
contribute to vibrant, livable communities where people can thrive and interact with
their surroundings effectively.

When planning the use of a site, it's essential to ensure that both circulation
access (how people move within and around the site) and utility services (such as
water, electricity, sewage, etc.) are adequate. Circulation access ensures that people
can move smoothly and efficiently within the site, while utility services provide the
necessary infrastructure for supporting various activities and functions. Both factors
are critical for determining the usability, functionality, and overall success of the site's
development.

In architecture, circulation pertains to how individuals move within and engage

with a structure. Particularly in public buildings, circulation is crucial. Components
such as elevators, escalators, and staircases are known as circulation elements,
strategically placed and designed to enhance the flow of people through a building,
often utilizing a central core. In certain cases, one-way circulation is preferred.
Circulation encompasses pedestrian, vehicular, and public transit movement
systems. Sustainable design principles aim to harmonize infrastructure with the
natural ecosystem, considering factors like local topography, climate, and vegetation.

There are five key principles guiding mobility-friendly circulation:

1. Connectivity:
Establish interconnected street networks with well-spaced intersections and
linked pedestrian pathways and bike lanes.
2. Multi-use Streets:
Design streets and intersections accommodating pedestrians, individuals with
disabilities, cyclists, public transit, and motor vehicles.
3. Legibility:
Create an environment that aids users in orienting themselves, navigating, and
comprehending their surroundings.

4. Safety by Design:
Promote safe and predictable behavior among all road users by implementing
features that encourage desired speeds, accommodate senior drivers, and
facilitate shared use by motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
5. Sensitivity to Surroundings:
Develop roads and bridges that integrate with their surroundings, respecting the
surrounding environment.

CIRCULATION SYSTEMS
• Vehicular circulation systems are the primary structuring element of a land
use plan, often determining the location of utilities and communication
networks and pedestrian circulation systems.
• In land planning and site planning, it is standard to begin laying out the site
with the surface roads. This most often determines the patterns of land use
and utility systems.
• Roads systems must be carefully adapted to the topography.
• Utility services are generally located above/ or below the road system.
• Surface drainage channels are usually located along side the roadways
connecting to underground storm water conduits.
• As the amount of vehicular/ pedestrian flow increases, the need to organize
and define the channels of flow also increases. (ex. Which streets will channel
the heaviest traffic).
• As a result, those channels that carry large volumes over greater distances
are often physically separated from the region served. (ex. expressways,
freeways, and railroads).
Forms of Circulation (types):
1. grid
2. radial
3. linear
4. curvilinear
5. or a combination of these

A Grid System:
Consists of equally spaced streets or roads which are perpendicular to each
other.
• Often used for its regularity, simplicity, and convenience.
• It simplifies the subdivision of land for both agriculture and urban use, along
with providing a sense of orientation if not extended (vast) and sufficient
landmarks are present.
• Grids can be used on sloped sites if carefully configured.
• Traffic flows can be controlled by increasing capacity in certain channels while
decreasing them in others. This can direct heavier through-traffic to those
channels that are capable of handling them.
• A grid system can lose its effectiveness with regard to circulation when its
channels become congested. Usually before this point is reached, a freeway
or expressway is introduced.

A Radial System:
Directs flow to or from a common center, with straight channels of circulation
radiating from this center point.
• This is the typical pattern created by traditional city growth outward (radially)
from the original settlement.
• This usually causes the center point, where all channels converge, to become
congested. This can be alleviated by creating “by-passes” that connect
outlying hubs/radials thus allowing through traffic to avoid the congested area.
 As a result, a radio-centric pattern is created. This can also sometimes create
concentric rings around the center.

A Linear System:
Circulation connects flow between two points, either along a single line or
along a series of parallel lines.
• Activities can be situated along the route or be routed into loops or branches
on either side. Excessive traffic along the route could ultimately cause
congestion.
• A drawback to this system is a lack of focal point and the on-and-off
movements from the branches or activities can impede the flow of traffic. This
can cause inefficiency and be hazardous to oncoming traffic. PMD-SPD 2012
3
• This type of system is useful for restricted sites such as a narrow valley
between hills, or when parallel to existing infrastructure like a railroad, canal
or freeway.
• Such routes lined with business are often called “strip commercial”
developments. These businesses are often visually chaotic, very inefficient in
terms of land use. They serve as good “incubator spaces”, Places for new
businesses.

A Curvilinear system:
Responds to the topography of the land and aligns with natural contours.
• This system works best at small scales because the curving of the path
reduces speeds. • A network of curvilinear systems can conform to the natural
topography of the landscape as well as be arbitrary. Most common to
residential neighborhoods/suburbs.
• (PUD’s) employ this system for more interesting street layouts, better views,
and site adaptability (topographic changes).

Vehicular Circulation and Types of Streets

• The development potential of land is largely determined by the system of

traffic access to the land.
• Vehicular traffic flows in sequential order from low intensity to high intensity.
• Local access streets collector to distributor streets to arterial streets to
freeways

Basic categories of traffic arteries are:

1. Freeways/ expressways/ motorways
 2. Arterial streets/ highways
3. Collector/ distributor streets
4. And Local access streets

Freeways/ expressways/ motorways

Freeways are designed to provide efficient and uninterrupted movement of

traffic, allowing vehicles to travel quickly and safely between destinations without the
constraints of traffic lights or intersections. This makes them essential components of
urban transportation networks, facilitating both local and long-distance travel for
commuters and freight alike.

Arterial streets/ highways

Arterial streets or highways serve as continuous channels for vehicular traffic,

linking expressways through carefully positioned on-and-off ramps. They typically
feature two or three lanes in each direction and are designed to facilitate the flow of
traffic. On-street parking is usually prohibited to ensure smooth traffic movement.
While access to adjacent commercial properties may be restricted to maintain traffic
flow, access to residential streets is allowed. Traffic signals control all crossings along
arterial streets, and the typical speed limit is around 35 mph. Major intersections are
spaced at least 800 feet apart to minimize congestion and ensure efficient traffic flow.

Collector/ distributor streets

Collector-Distributor Streets act as a link between arterial streets and local

access streets within neighborhoods. They provide access to nearby residential
properties. Typically, these streets are not continuous, which limits through-traffic and
helps reduce vehicle speeds. Curb-side parking may be allowed, but usually only at
specific times of the day and may have restrictions. At intersections with arterial
streets, traffic signals are commonly used to manage traffic flow. Control on local and
collector streets is typically through stop signs.

Local access streets

 Local access streets primarily serve to provide access to low-intensity uses
that are adjacent to them. These streets typically experience low traffic volumes.
They often comprise loops, cul-de-sacs, or a combination of both, allowing for easy
navigation within residential neighborhoods. Curbside parking is typically unrestricted
on these streets. Additionally, pedestrians have unrestricted use of these streets,
making them pedestrian-friendly environments within residential areas.

BP 344 Accessibility Law – Site Planning and Parking Consideration

According to The Department of Public Works and Highways. The Rules and
Regulations set forth herein provide for minimum requirements and standards to
make buildings, facilities and utilities for public use accessible to disabled persons,
pursuant to the objectives of Batas Pambansa Bilang 344, "An Act To Enhance the
Mobility of Disabled Persons by Requiring Certain Buildings, Institutions,
Establishments and Public Utilities to Install Facilities and Other Devices

Site Assessment and Analysis:

 Begin by conducting a thorough assessment of the site to identify existing
conditions and potential barriers to accessibility.
Analyze topography, existing infrastructure, and surrounding context to inform
site planning decisions.
Consider the needs of diverse user groups, including persons with disabilities
(PWDs), elderly individuals, parents with strollers, and individuals with temporary
mobility limitations.
Universal Design Principles:
Incorporate universal design principles into site planning to ensure that the
environment is usable by all people, regardless of their abilities.
Design pathways, entrances, and amenities to be accessible and inclusive,
accommodating individuals with various mobility, sensory, and cognitive impairments.
Ensure that design elements are intuitive, flexible, and easy to navigate for all
users.
Accessible Pathways and Circulation:
Plan accessible pathways that provide clear routes of travel throughout the
site, connecting key destinations such as entrances, parking areas, amenities, and
public transportation stops.
Ensure that pathways have appropriate width, slope, and surface materials to
accommodate wheelchair users, individuals with mobility aids, and those with visual
impairments.
Incorporate tactile paving, textured surfaces, and audible signals to assist
individuals with visual impairments in wayfinding and navigation.
Entrances and Exits:
Design entrances and exits to be accessible to individuals with disabilities,
with features such as ramp access, automatic doors, and sufficient clearance widths.
Provide level landings at entrances to facilitate safe and easy entry and exit
for wheelchair users and individuals with mobility aids.

Parking Facilities:
Allocate designated accessible parking spaces in close proximity to building
entrances, ensuring that they meet the size and layout requirements specified in BP
344.
Install proper signage, including the international symbol of accessibility, to
clearly identify accessible parking spaces.
Ensure that accessible parking spaces have adjacent access aisles to allow
for safe transfer between vehicles and mobility devices.
Amenities and Facilities:
 Design amenities and facilities, such as seating areas, restrooms, and
recreational spaces, to be accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Provide accessible features such as wheelchair-accessible seating, grab bars
in restrooms, and height-adjustable counters to accommodate diverse user needs.
Emergency Evacuation and Safety:
Develop emergency evacuation plans that consider the needs of individuals
with disabilities, providing accessible routes of egress and refuge areas as
necessary.
Install emergency communication systems and signage that are accessible to
individuals with sensory impairments.
Maintenance and Management:
Implement regular maintenance and inspection protocols to ensure that
accessibility features remain functional and compliant with BP 344.
Provide staff training on accessibility awareness and customer service to
ensure that all users are welcomed and accommodated on the site.

Parking Consideration

In applying BP 344, or the Accessibility Law, in parking considerations

involves careful planning and design to ensure that parking facilities are accessible
and inclusive for persons with disabilities (PWDs). Here's a cases that can be applied
in parking considerations:

Accessible Parking Spaces:

Quantity:
Determine the required number of accessible parking spaces based on the
total number of parking spaces provided, in compliance with BP 344 standards.
Location:
Allocate accessible parking spaces in convenient and prominent locations,
closest to building entrances and amenities, to minimize travel distances for PWDs.
Spacing:
Ensure that accessible parking spaces are adequately spaced to allow for
maneuvering and transfer of mobility devices, with adjacent access aisles that
provide sufficient width.
Dimensions:
Design accessible parking spaces to meet the size requirements specified in
BP 344, including dimensions for width, length, and clearance space.
Signage:
Install proper signage for accessible parking spaces, including the
international symbol of accessibility, to clearly designate these spaces and
discourage unauthorized use.
Pavement Markings:
Use contrasting pavement markings and colors to delineate accessible
parking spaces and access aisles, enhancing visibility for users with visual
impairments.

Accessible Routes:
Pathways:
Provide clear and accessible routes of travel from accessible parking spaces
to building entrances and amenities, free from obstacles and barriers.
Ramps and Walkways:
Install ramps with appropriate slope gradients and handrails to facilitate
access for wheelchair users and individuals with mobility aids.
Sidewalks:
Ensure that sidewalks connecting parking areas to buildings are wide,
smooth, and free from obstructions, with tactile paving and detectable warnings for
individuals with visual impairments.
Curbs and Crossings:
Install curb ramps and crosswalks at designated locations to facilitate safe
and convenient passage for pedestrians, including those with mobility limitations.

Signage and Wayfinding:

Accessibility Signs:
Install signage throughout the parking facility to provide directions,
information, and guidance in accessible formats, including braille, large print, and
tactile signage.

Directional Signs:
Use clear and visible directional signage to guide users to accessible parking
areas, building entrances, and amenities.
Informational Signs:
Display information about parking regulations, fees, and accessibility features
prominently at entrances and key locations within the parking facility.
 Safety and Security:
Lighting:
Ensure that parking areas are well-lit with adequate lighting, especially during
nighttime, to enhance visibility and safety for all users.
Surveillance:
Install security cameras and emergency call stations in parking facilities to
enhance security and provide assistance in case of emergencies.
Emergency Response:
Develop and implement emergency response plans that address the needs of
PWDs, including evacuation procedures and accessible routes of egress.

PD 1096 NBCP – Site Planning and Parking Consideration

Applying principles from PD 1096, or the National Building Code of the

Philippines (NBCP), to parking considerations and site planning entails adhering to
the regulations and guidelines set forth in the code to ensure the creation of safe,
efficient, and compliant parking facilities and site layouts.
Zoning and Land Use Classification:
Determine the suitable zoning and land use classification for the site as
stipulated in PD 1096 to ensure alignment between parking requirements and the
intended purpose of the development.
Assess the necessary number of parking spaces based on the land use
classification and occupancy type outlined in the code.
Parking Space Requirements:
Consult the parking space requirements specified in PD 1096 to ascertain the
minimum number of parking spaces required for the development, considering
factors such as land use, occupancy, and floor area.
Ensure that parking spaces are designed and sized according to the
standards provided in the code to accommodate various types of vehicles and
facilitate safe maneuvering and parking.
Accessibility and Inclusivity:
Integrate accessibility features into parking facilities and site layouts to cater
to persons with disabilities (PWDs), complying with PD 1096 and relevant
accessibility standards like BP 344.
 Allocate designated accessible parking spaces in accordance with the
requirements of PD 1096, positioning them close to building entrances and amenities
and incorporating appropriate signage and markings.
Design accessible pathways, ramps, and curb ramps to enable safe and
convenient access for PWDs, adhering to the accessibility guidelines outlined in PD
1096.

Site Layout and Circulation:

Optimize the site layout to ensure smooth traffic flow and circulation patterns,
taking into account access points, driveways, and pedestrian pathways in
accordance with PD 1096 standards.
Provide adequate space and turning radii within the parking facility and at
entry and exit points, as specified in the code.
Install clear signage and wayfinding elements to direct users to parking areas
and building entrances, as mandated by PD 1096.
Safety and Security:
Implement safety features to enhance the security and functionality of parking
facilities, including sufficient lighting, surveillance cameras, and emergency
assistance points, adhering to PD 1096 regulations.
Incorporate landscaping and site amenities to create a safe and welcoming
environment for users while meeting setback and open space requirements outlined
in the code.
Environmental Considerations:
Integrate sustainable design principles and environmental considerations into
parking and site planning efforts in alignment with PD 1096 provisions promoting
energy efficiency, water conservation, and green building practices.
Implement measures to mitigate the environmental impact of parking facilities,
such as stormwater management strategies and the inclusion of green spaces and
landscaping elements, as specified in the code.

V. Conclusion

The study of movement systems is crucial for developing sustainable, inclusive,

and livable urban environments. By analyzing factors like transportation
infrastructure, modes, urban form, accessibility, equity, sustainability, and resilience, it
becomes clear that optimizing movement systems is essential to tackle challenges
brought by rapid urbanization and population growth. Movement systems consist of
interconnected networks of transportation routes, modes, and infrastructure,
facilitating the movement of people and goods within and between urban areas.
Through understanding and improving these systems, cities can boost economic
growth, social interaction, and overall quality of life for residents and visitors.
However, achieving efficient and fair movement systems requires collaboration
among urban planners, policymakers, stakeholders, and communities. By integrating
principles like connectivity, multi-use streets, legibility, safety, and sensitivity to
surroundings into urban planning and design, cities can devise innovative solutions to
transportation challenges and create more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient urban
environments.

VI. Recommendation

Encouraging an integrated planning approach involves fostering interdisciplinary

collaboration among urban planners, architects, transportation engineers,
environmentalists, and community stakeholders. This collaboration aims to develop
comprehensive strategies for optimizing movement systems. Furthermore, allocating
resources for the development and maintenance of transportation infrastructure such
as roads, bridges, public transit systems, bicycle lanes, and pedestrian pathways is
essential to enhance connectivity and accessibility.
Prioritizing sustainable transportation practices, including active transportation,
public transit, and electric vehicles, is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions,
mitigating climate change, and improving air quality. Ensuring equitable access to
transportation options and essential services for all residents, particularly
marginalized and underserved communities, is imperative.

VII. References

https://www.design.upenn.edu/pennpraxis/movement-systems
http://philarchitecturenotes.weebly.com/rule-8-light-and-ventilation.html
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1735&context=theses
https://www.dpwh.gov.ph/DPWH/files/nbc/PD.pdf
https://pdfcoffee.com/movement-systems-4-pdf-free.html
https://www.dinf.ne.jp/doc/english/intl/z15/z15007le/
z1500712.html#:~:text=(Accessibility%20Law),Install%20Facilities%20and%20Other
%20Devices.%22
https://www.scribd.com/presentation/364855953/Movement-Systems

VIII. Appendix or Appendices

Case Studies

Case Study 1: City A's Implementation of Transit-Oriented Development

 Overview of the city's approach to transit-oriented development

 Impact on transportation mode share and urban mobility
 Lessons learned and best practices for other cities
Case Study 2: City B's Sustainable Transportation Initiatives

 Description of city-wide sustainable transportation projects and policies

 Evaluation of environmental and social impacts
 Challenges faced and strategies for overcoming them
Case Study 3: City C's Equity-Focused Transportation Planning

 Analysis of efforts to ensure equitable access to transportation options

 Engagement with marginalized communities in transportation decision-
making
 Outcomes and recommendations for promoting transportation equity in other
cities