OPTIMIZING SUSTAINABLE URBAN

DEVELOPMENT: INTEGRATING GREEN

ARCHITECTURE PRINCIPLES INTO SITE
PLANNING AND LANDSCAPING
CS-FN-02

04-15-24
04-26-24
04-26-24

MYKA JOANNA AMBROCE

ARCHI 3A

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. ABSTRACT 1
II. RESEARCH QUESTIONS 1
III. BACKGROUND 1
IV. OBJECTIVE 2
V. METHODOLOGY 2
VI. LITERATURE 4
VII. REFERENCE 14

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I. ABSTRACT

This case study will discuss the exploring Optimizing Sustainable Urban Development:
Integrating Green Architecture Principles into Site Planning and Landscaping. How can
site planning and landscaping principles be leveraged to create sustainable, inclusive,
and resilient urban spaces that meet the diverse needs of communities while enhancing
environmental quality.

This case study will serve as a guide for those who want to learn about Integrating
Green Architecture Principles into Site Planning and Landscaping. and about the two
existing green architecture.

II.RESEARCH QUESTION

1.How do green architecture principles influence site planning decisions in urban

development projects?

2.What are the key challenges and barriers faced in integrating green architecture
principles into site planning and landscaping?

III. BACKGROUND

As the sustainable development concept has received increasing attention in global

policy, urban planners and policymakers are actively integrating nature into cities
through green infrastructure. However, the rapid growth of cities necessitates a new
approach to ecological and urban planning for these infrastructures (Zipperer et al.,
2000). Additionally, in response to the climate emergency and in support of the Global
Green New Deal, several cities worldwide have presented re-naturalization strategies.
These strategies typically take the form of green infrastructure projects, including
initiatives such as creating a green belt around the city. However, it is crucial to
recognize that the effectiveness of such large-scale planning efforts does not
consistently improve urban connectivity within the city's core. During the silencing
period experienced in cities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we observe the free
movement and presence of wildlife, resulting in a high biodiversity (Marinelli, 2021,
Tucker et al., 2023). That suggests that the challenge of ecological effectiveness in
urban planning lies not only in the land-use of cities but also in their distribution and
the disruptions that hinder landscape connectivity (McHarg, 1969). Therefore, it is
crucial to establish connections that can address habitat fragmentation.

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SThe concept of green infrastructure inherently incorporates the idea of connectivity,
which involves a network system (Benedict and McMahon, 2006). Therefore, for green
infrastructure to function effectively, it is necessary to have a network of connections
linking natural spaces. In the case of an urban ecosystem, the design of these networks
must penetrate the city to avoid such disruptions. It is also relevant to consider how to
integrate the urban dimension with its use as a habitat for species and ensure that the
design of integrative corridors that combine the social and "natural" components does
not negatively affect its ecological effectiveness (Cadenasso et al., 2006, Ahern, 2007,
Vos et al., 2007, Snep and Opdam, 2010). Landscape science seeks to understand the
relationship between people and their environment, with a focus on a scale wide
enough to include the surroundings in which people habitually operate. It can
contribute to spatial planning in general, and strategic spatial planning in particular, by
providing an overarching perspective that accounts not only for natural-ecological
characteristics of a landscape, but also its socio-cultural identity and sense of place
(Hersperger et al., (2020)).

The design of an integrative ecological network, where the recreational and ecological
functions can interact, is currently a challenge. The recreational function of corridors
can be a source of disturbance for species, but in the urban context, this network
should be understood as the landscape-city relationship, integrating the natural with
the artificial (Higgs, 1997, Hellmund and Somers, 2006, Vos et al., 2007). Accordingly,
the planning of these infrastructures should consider three spatial scales: At the
neighborhood level, which corresponds to a specific type of ecosystem interacting with
the urban environment (i.e., local scale or within-district approach); at the district level,
which integrates various ecosystems within the city. The ecosystems can interact with
each other to form a network of ecosystems (i.e., a district and its surroundings); at the
city level, this network can interact with ecosystems beyond the urban context (i.e., the
whole metropolitan area) (Snep and Opdam, 2010).

IV. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES:

1.To analyze the role of green architecture principles in shaping site planning and
landscaping strategies for sustainable urban development
2.To identify and assess the challenges hindering the effective integration of green
architecture principles into site planning and landscaping processes.

V. METHODOLOGY

.Literature Review: Comprehensive review of existing literature on green architecture,

site planning, and landscaping, focusing on relevant theories, principles, case studies,
and best practices.
2.Case Studies: In-depth analysis of selected urban development projects that have
successfully implemented green architecture principles in their site planning and
landscaping designs.

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VI. LITERATURE

1. The Net Lima Tower

Leading international “green” architect Chad Oppenheim of Oppenheim Architecture +

Design was selected by top Philippine developer, The Net Group, to design the nation’s
first certified green project in Taguig City, Philippines. The Net Metropolis is the flagship
pilot development of the recently created Philippine Green Building Council (PHILGBC)
to answer to the local environment’s specific needs.
Oppenheim, who has a growing reputation for his green design work, participated with
the PHILGBC in the actual creation of the nation’s new rating system BERDE (Building
for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence) to apply to the design of the first tower
in the project, The Net Lima.

The First Design Under BERDE Rating System

Oppenheim’s masterplan concept for The Net Metropolis, 5th Ave. is composed of
three towers that span a 3-acre block and range from 24 to 40 stories resting on six
levels of above-grade parking. The project has a clear environmental (and economical)
purpose and will further balance nature and architecture by integrating two
recreational parks that serve as both amenity spaces and soothing, intricately
landscaped focal points. Oppenheim seeks to marry beauty and sustainability; thus, his
overall design is derived from a study of solar conditions and outward views. The
towers are oriented, so each is rotating off the other’s axis, with each subsequent
structure fanning out in a dynamic and cascading direction.

Because it’s a pilot project, Net Lima will showcase several green “firsts” in the local
market. Given the intense heat of the tropical environment, the most pioneering green
feature is the combination of sun shading and a high-performance glass curtain wall to
minimize incident solar heat gain and optimize natural light while preserving the scenic
views. The tower is wrapped with leading edge diagonal aluminum solar screen
overlays. These screens form oversails that define the form of the towers, all of which
sharply point to the sky above. The double glazed curtain wall glass features a low-
emissivity coating that rejects heat.

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Situated over a 1.5 million square foot block in the Fort Bonifacio business district of
Manila, Net Metropolis comprises three office towers set upon a six-level podium of
retail and parking, enhanced by two landscaped parks. Occupying 24 to 40 stories, each
tower is oriented to respond to the solar conditions and features an advanced solar
skin, combining high-performance glass and external aluminum screens to minimize
incidental solar heat gain, optimize natural light, and preserve scenic views.
Net Metropolis is the World Green Building Council’s pilot project for the Philippines
and features the country’s first certified “green” buildings. Oppenheim Architecture
consulted with the country’s Green Building Council to establish the nation’s new rating
system. At the frontier of sustainability, we have created an ecological and socially
responsible project that advances green building practices in this rapidly industrializing
country.
Due to the intense tropical climate, air conditioning is the largest and costliest
consumer of energy in commercial buildings in the Philippines, so reducing energy
consumption was paramount for the design team. Condensate water is harvested from
the air conditioning and used for landscaping, cleaning, and other needs, while other
green features include roof-mounted wind turbines that generate electricity and a
greywater reuse system that irrigates the planting.
Noted for its distinctive ribbon-like wrapped facade, the Net Lima building is an iconic
tower within the project, rising 24 levels with an additional four stories that give the
form an angular appearance, creating a new dynamic skyline for the city of Manila

THE PHILIPPINES’ NEW GREEN STANDARD

Compared to the LEED system, based in the US, BERDE answers to the ecological needs
of Filipinos in their own environment. As such, The New Metropolis project leads the
way in translating internationally
accepted green building practices into a national set of standards adapted to the local
conditions and environment.

“As the rating systems from other countries didn’t apply to our tropical weather, laws,
best practice, or realities, local industry clamored for our own green building rating
system.

The PHILGBC responded by facilitating a consultative and consensus driven process to

create the Philippine Green Building Rating System (BERDE). This was the best way to
transform the market,” says
Christopher De la Cruz, Chairman of the PHILGBC.

“The powerful role that Net Lima plays is proof of concept for Green Building and
BERDE in the Philippines. We set very high standards in the design and specification for
this green office tower,” says Raymond Rufino, Executive Vice President for The Net
Group.

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GREEN FIRSTS FOR PHILIPPINES WITH THE NET LIMA
– Building Envelope consisting of Sun Shading and a Full Glass Curtain Wall featuring
double glazed low-emissivity glass: Reduces costs and energy use associated with A/C
– (GRP) Fiberglass fuel storage tanks with built-in leak detection for generators used
during power outages: Compared to industry standard steel tanks, these tanks reduce
the risk of leaks and contamination.
They also have a life span twice as long and can easily be repaired and serviced.
– Harvesting of Condensate Water from A/C: Instead of wasting the condensate water,
this is collected into a separate tank to be used for landscaping, cleaning, and other
needs for the building
– Cold Air Recycling: A portion of cool exhaust air is ducted to provide comfort cooling
to arcade area in front of lobby
– Required all members of the Project Team to be members of the PHILGBC

Sustainability Features
Green Certification: The Net Lima Tower is the first office building in the Philippines
to receive a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold
certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Energy Efficiency: The tower incorporates numerous energy-saving features such as
low-emissivity glass, efficient HVAC systems, and energy-efficient lighting. These
elements work together to significantly reduce the building's overall energy
consumption.
Water Conservation: The building employs a water recycling system that captures
and reuses greywater for irrigation and other non-potable uses, contributing to
substantial water savings.
Indoor Environmental Quality: The design prioritizes indoor air quality through the
use of low-VOC materials and a sophisticated air filtration system. The incorporation
of natural lighting and ventilation also enhances the indoor environment for
occupants.

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2. Robinson Tower (Singapore)

18 Robinson, or the Robinson Tower, is a 180-metre-tall mixed-use tower located in the

modern city of Singapore. Designed by renowned architecture firm, Kohn Pedersen Fox
Associates, the recently constructed building has been recognised with a variety of
awards, including the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat’s 2021 Award of
Excellence in the categories of Best Tall Building (100m-199m) and Urban Habitat
(Single Site Scale).

What’s more, the Robinson Tower was bestowed with the Gold Plus Universal Design
award in the Non-Residential category by the Building and Construction Authority.
Featuring abundant open-plan Grade-A office space alongside retail tenants, the unique
building was recognised for visitor-friendly design features including Singapore’s first
automated car parking system, expansive open-air sky gardens, and smart app for
visitors with an indoor way-finding system.

A facade access system able to accommodate the buildings triangular shape and
irregular building openings was required to ensure its longterm maintenance. With the
buildings crown specifically designed with a trellis opening to house a building
maintenance unit, CoxGomyl were required to deliver a facade access solution that fit
within the required dimensions of this space.

As a result, CoxGomyl provided a twin track-mounted building maintenance unit

featuring a telescopic mast and luffing jib for superior access to the facade below the
sloping crown. The CoxGomyl 5000 Series BMU can achieve total facade access of the
building with an outreach of 22.5 metres. What’s more, the system is installed with a soft
rope restraint system for when the cradle is working at inward sloping facade elevations.

Throughout the design of this facade access solution, CoxGomyl were required to
overcome challenges related to the parking of the unit. With the lower part of the
telescopic mast protruding below the track level, the process of operating and returning
the specialised BMU to its storage location requires specialised safety features,
provided by the CoxGomyl engineering team.

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• A defining design feature of the mixed-use tower is the series of garden terraces
which serve to split the tower into two sections and contributes to creating a striking
visual termination to the Robinson Road vista. Other green spaces in Robinson Tower
include an atrium garden, which is accessed by an escalator from the ground floor and
overlooks the street below with full-height windows.
A garden also tops the tower’s upper section and features a garden walk that runs
around the perimeter of the tower, providing dramatic views out to the city below. This
garden and the stepped roof terraced are open to the public as well as building users.

At the ground level an existing heritage tree, a mature Peltophorum pterocarpum, has
been carefully retained and forms a focus to the public realm within a new raised
square to protect the tree and its roots, while allowing generous spaces for new seating
and circulation.

In part, the tower’s landscape strategy is a response to Singapore’s 2014 Landscape

Replacement Policy which requires that any greenery lost due to development is
replaced with publicly accessible greenery in equal area. The landscape strategy was
also driven by the constrained, V-shaped site and the desire from the project team to
enhance the building’s user experience and well-being through connecting with nature.
“The idea behind Robinson Tower was to make a virtue of its constrained, V-shaped site,
and introduce publicly accessible, green space in an exciting way. The tower’s core was
offset from the lower podium creating an opportunity to slot in a striking garden
terrace.

We also sought to exploit the building’s height with a roof top garden above the offices,
with the atrium garden also making use of the site’s views over the CBD and Marina Bay.
The result is an innovative addition to Singapore’s downtown that allows office workers
and visitors to connect with nature despite being in a high-rise building.” Keith French,
Director at Grant Associates
Sustainability Features
Green Certification: Robinson Tower has been awarded the Green Mark Platinum
certification by Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA), the highest
accolade for sustainable buildings in Singapore.
Energy Efficiency: The building incorporates advanced energy-efficient systems,
including high-performance glazing, energy-efficient lighting, and HVAC systems.
These features significantly reduce the building's energy consumption.
Natural Ventilation and Lighting: The design emphasizes natural ventilation and
lighting, reducing the reliance on artificial climate control and lighting systems. This
not only enhances energy efficiency but also improves indoor environmental quality
for occupants.
Green Spaces: The tower includes landscaped terraces and green roofs, contributing
to urban biodiversity and providing recreational spaces for occupants.

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VII. CONCLUTION

The Net Lima Tower stands as a testament to the viability and benefits of sustainable
architecture in a rapidly developing urban context. Its LEED Gold certification,
innovative design, and advanced technologies exemplify how commercial buildings can
achieve high levels of environmental performance while providing excellent spaces for
businesses and their employees. The tower not only contributes to the economic
dynamism of Bonifacio Global City but also serves as an inspiration for future
sustainable developments in the region.

Robinson Tower is a benchmark for sustainable and innovative high-rise buildings in

urban environments. Its architectural excellence, combined with advanced
sustainability features, demonstrates how modern buildings can contribute to
environmental goals while providing high-quality spaces for business and leisure. The
tower’s positive impact on the economic and social fabric of Singapore’s CBD highlights
its importance as a landmark development in the city-state.

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VIII. REFERENCES

Vilanova, C., Ferran, J. S., & Concepción, E. D. (2024, April 1). Integrating landscape
ecology in urban green infrastructure planning: A multi-scale approach for sustainable
development. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2024.128248

Gangal, S. (2011, February 25). The Net Metropolis, 5th Ave in Philippines by OPPENHEIM
ARCHITECTURE+DESIGN. ArchShowcase. https://www10.aeccafe.com/blogs/arch-
showcase/2011/02/25/the-net-metropolis-5th-ave-in-philippines-by-oppenheim-
architecturedesign/

KPF-designed tower in singapore promotes ‘sustainable urbanism’ (2019,

August 1). Designboom | Architecture & Design Magazine.
https://www.designboom.com/architecture/kpf-robinson-tower-singapore-sustainable-
urbanism-07-31-2019/

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