CONTENTS

PURPOSE/RATIONALE.....................................................................................................................1

BACKGROUND OF THE PARK:..........................................................................................................2

SITE CRITERIA FOR A PARK..............................................................................................................5

ECOLOGICAL FACTORS....................................................................................................................7

SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS.........................................................................................9

AESTHETIC AND PHYSICAL FACTORS.............................................................................................12

MOVEMENT SYSTEMS AND CIRCULATION FACTORS....................................................................15

UPKEEP AND MAINTENANCE OF THE PARK..................................................................................19

REFERENCES.................................................................................................................................20

PURPOSE/RATIONALE

The study aims to answer the following questions:

A. What are the criteria for selecting the site for a park?

B. What are the ecological factors considered in planning of the

Centennial Park?

C. What are the social and psychological factors considered in

the park?

D. What are the aesthetic and physical factors considered in the

park?

E. What are the movement systems and circulation factors

considered in the park?

F. Who or what government entity is responsible for the upkeep

and maintenance of the park?

BACKGROUND OF THE PARK:

THE CENTENNIAL PARK Also known as Igorot Village, Imelda Park & Baguio Botanical Garden

Baguio City probably has the most visitor attractions clustered

in a relatively small area compared to other tourist destinations in the

Philippines. The most popular tourist attractions are located near each

other, on the East and South sides, although there are a few near the

residential areas. One of the best known sites is a large park known as

the Centennial park more popularly Baguio Botanical Garden.

The Centennial Park is one of the green parks of the City of

Pines "where nothing much happens" - and this is precisely what is so

great about it! It is a huge piece of land that is owned by the Philippine

government, Centennial Park, like Burnham Park is one of those prime

pieces of real estate that provides priceless peace and tranquility to a

city that is in danger of becoming an urban jungle.

Said to have been at one time a zoo and actually named the

Botanical & Zoological Garden, The garden has a long history of

naming and renaming. It was originally named the Botanical Garden

during the pre-Martial Law times. It was then named the Imelda Park in

1970 by then-President Ferdinand Marcos when he declared Martial

Law on the country. The park was named after his wife, First Lady

Imelda Marcos. Years after the Marcos regime, it was renamed Baguio

Botanical Gardens up until year 2009. In celebration of the city’s 100th

year of founding, the garden was then officially named Centennial Park

in September 2009.

The Centennial Park is located just 1 kilometer from Session

Road, along beautiful Leonard Wood between Teachers Camp and

Wright Park. You will be welcomed by a bas relief sculpture made of

cement and stone depicting the different rituals of the Cordillera tribes,

with real live Igorots who will be more than willing to pose for photos

for a small fee.

The park is thickly forested, which makes it a prime place of

relaxation and tranquility for some. Visitors enjoy roaming around the

park to appreciate the many flowering plants which have become

prevalent in the city. Visitors are in for a treat for the eyes with a

variety of shrubberies displaying various colors of flowers and leaves.

Shady trees and winding paths snake along the park with the perfect

touch of a charming wooden bridge. The Centennial Park serves the

dual purpose of providing visitors and resident’s valuable breathing

space and re-greening a fast developing city with greenhouses and

nurseries designed to propagate the flora and fauna species that will

eventually find their way to parks and gardens around the Summer

Capital. Stone steps and paths will guests around the different areas of

the Garden, that include an Art Gallery (as the Centennial Park is the

home of the Baguio Arts Guild), pocket gardens developed and

maintained by Baguio's sister cities, areas where folks from elsewhere

have planted pine tree seedlings, a small row of souvenir stalls selling

native handicrafts. Then there are the different relics from Centennial

Park 's Igorot Village days with large statues depicting different

Cordillera tribesmen and symbols, Cordillera huts that have seen

better days that visitors used to be able to climb into to get a glimpse

of the different cooking implements and home fixtures.

Recently renamed Centennial Park a valuable addition to the

park are the Dap-ayan and a beautiful bronze sculpture by famous

Filipino artist Ben-Hur Villanueva depicting the original builders of the

city, composed of Cordillera natives, Americans, Chinese and Japanese

working together. Construction is also on-going, as of March 2012, for

an amphitheater, and a tourist bus parking.

With the increasingly crowded city of Baguio, it is but a

refreshing experience to stop at the Centennial Park and be enthralled

by the delight and bloom of its surroundings. Other garden tourist sites

may offer the same natural scenery, but this garden provides a unique

heritage and culture that adds to the distinct characteristics of this

enchanted location.

SITE CRITERIA FOR A PARK

“If we as planners are concerned with wedding a proposed

structure or use to a site, let us first be sure the parties are

compatible”

–Simonds/Starke

Site-an area or plot of ground with defined limits on which a

building, project, park etc., is located or proposed to be located

(Harris, 2006).

Criteria- standards or rules on which decision may be based,

forming a basis for the establishment of acceptable limits of

environmental conditions in buildings (Harris, 2006).

Park -defined as an area, usually of public land set aside for

recreation and leisure, usually owned and managed by a

municipality, a state, a nation, or held by royal grant or in some

cases by private organizations (Harris, 2006).

The following are the general site criteria that need to be

considered in selecting a site for parks:

LOCATION

According to Jane Jacobs parks should be located in areas where

people live and there are activities of daily life and culture. A park

should take advantage of its natural setting and supported by its

adjacent diversity to stay as public area.

Centrality. One of the most important factors in determining the

optimal location of a park is the equitable access of all people.

Compatibility with Adjacent Uses. All neighboring uses have

to coordinate and complete each other to provide better

function.

Accessibility. Each park should have access to the road

network to provide the possibility of to attract more people and

the possibility of social control and increase park security. Parks

has to connect to surrounding commuting networks, again, to

attract more people,

SIZE

A park, being a public area for recreation and leisure, should

have adequate and appropriate space to accommodate its facilities.

TOPOGRAPHY

Topography refers to the configuration of surface features of a

plot of land, which influences where and how to build and develop a

site (Ching, 2008). Approach on this factor varies depending on the

purpose of the park and the activities to be accommodated.

SITE CONDITIONS

If a central purpose of planning is to create for a person or group

of persons an environment suited for their needs, then climate must be

a consideration (Symonds/Starke, 2006). In selecting a site, the region

should be appropriate for the proposed activities.

*Criteria may vary depending on the type of park.

ECOLOGICAL FACTORS

Outlined here are the ecological factors the centennial park was

able to consider:

Ground Form

For ecological reasons, the general intent in developing a site

should be to minimize the disturbance of the existing landforms and

features while taking advantage of natural ground slopes and the

microclimate of the site (Ching, 2008). The topography of the site of

the Centennial Park was considered by the following ways:

Terracing. In

landscaping the site,

terraces and

retaining walls were

incorporated in the

design of the

planters.

Avoiding building structures on steep slopes. Most major

areas are located in level areas while other areas ate left to be

conserved as they were naturally.

Soil and Geology

PHOTOGRAPH SHOWING TERRACED PLANTERS

Since minimal disruption was done in the park, the soil remained

fertile for plants to grow.

Microclimate

The microclimate in the site is vey ideal for the parks purpose.

So, the challenge was not to improve it but to preserve it. According to

Ching, the microclimate of a site is influenced by the ground elevation,

the nature and the orientation of landforms and the presence of water

bodies. Among the aforementioned factors, two of them can be

affected by development, the nature and the presence of water bodies.

Fortunately, these two factors were preserved.

Water Resources

Not so popular feature of the park is the creek which is the main

water source of the Sagudin-Balili River that flows to La Trinidad,

Benguet. Recently, the efforts of the city to save its environment got a

boost from the Pines City Colleges (PCC) which adopted a seven-

hectare forest area of the park for plantation and maintenance for five

years starting 2011.

SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS

The following are the social and psychological factors the

Centennial Park was able to consider:

Historical Significance

The park itself has

played a part on Baguio

city’s history. Other than

that, one of the attractions

of the park is the tunnel

built way back during the

Japanese Era. Not to

mention, the old pine trees

all over the park which are considered as

one of the most valuable features of the

city itself. In addition, as of march 2012,

the park is under redevelopment and the

design would take on a "walk-through-

time" pattern that presents the various

periods in the city’s history - pre-American,

American, second World War, post-war,

earthquake and post-earthquake. 

THE PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT

THE JAPANESE TUNNEL

Unique Character

Botanical garden provides priceless

peace and tranquility to a city that is in

danger of becoming an urban jungle. This

characteristic of the site is the one that

makes the Centennial Park known as it is

now. The park is developed into a

complex of different structures but still

maintains its natural setting. Compared

to other parks, something great about it

is that there is nothing much happening

inside. Not only that it has this nature setting but it also has this

unique heritage and cultural aspect that makes it more unique

compared to other garden attractions.

Intangible Qualities

The Centennial Park

which is popularly known as

Botanical Garden is one of the

few things that come to mind

when someone hears the

words: Baguio City.

Undeniably, the park has this

emotional attachment to

people especially tourists. It is

also the most relaxing among

the attractions in the city (Cruz, 2006). In addition, some parts of the

SIGNAGES WITH THE NAMES OF SISTER CITIES OF BAGUIO

park are maintained by the sister cities of the city thus symbolizing its

ties with other places.

Cultural Significance

Formerly called the

Igorot Village, the

Centennial Park used to

feature native huts typical

of Cordillera architecture.

The park, before, captures

the ethnic spirit and cultural

legacy of the Igorot dweller.

Cultural presentations and

other tribal meetings also

used to take place in the

park. Today, the park is

under redevelopment

(March 2012) and shall

feature an amphitheater

and the “Dap-ayan “in

which cultural presentations shall take place, again.

THE DAP-AYAN

THE REMAINING NATIVE DWELLINGS

AESTHETIC AND PHYSICAL FACTORS

The following are the aesthetic and physical factors the

Centennial Park was able to consider:

Site Context

Buildings do not exist in isolation. They are conceived to house,

support and inspire a range of human activities in response to socio-

cultural, economic and political needs and are erected in natural and

built environments that constrain, as well as offer opportunities for the

development (Ching, 2008). In short, designers should carefully

consider the contextual forces that the site presents. In the case of the

Centennial Park, since it is originally a Botanical and Zoological garden,

the site is perfect for the project itself. Why? The microclimate and the

topography of the site are appropriate for growing plants and zoning

wise, its adjacent spaces coordinates and compatible with it. Even now

that it has been turned into a park, the same factors still apply

appropriately.

Image/symbols

The identity or image of a place is based on its shape, color, texture

and arrangement of sensory quality. According to Simonds and Starke,

image has been classified into five

elements:

Paths: the circulation routes or lines

on which people move. In the case of

the centennial park, the walks are

the main routes, characterized by

uneven, curvy and rocky walkways.

TYPICAL PATH TEXTURE

Nodes: the centers of activity. The

CP has several of these. First is the

amphitheater, which is under

redevelopment (March 2012) and

the dap-ayan area.

Edges: the boundaries. CP seems to

be an endless forest, but it has

boundaries, remarkable among them is the elevated roadway.

Districts: the large to medium parts. CP has been like dvided into

parts having distinguished characteristic, for example, the Japanese

park, the Taebek park, the terraced garden and many more.

Landmarks: the point

reference. Centennial Park’s

landmark is definitely the

beautiful bronze sculpture by

famous Filipino artist Ben-Hur

Villanueva depicting the

original builders of the city

composed of Cordillera natives,

Americans, Chinese and

Japanese working together.

Structures and Site Volumes

THE DAP-AYAN

BEN-HUR SCULPTURE

In two dimensional site planning, we are concerned with defining

use of areas and relationship to one another and to the total site. In

further developing the conceptual plan, attention is centered upon the

translation of the areas into functioning volumes (Symonds/Starke,

2006).

Spatial Impact. According to Garrett Eckbo,”The experience of

being within fine three-dimensional spatial volumes is one of the

greatest experiences of life”. The park itself was developed to yield an

experience of pleasure. It is free, undulating, expansive and enclosed

with foliage and has a spatial characteristic that induces “relaxation”.

Spatial Quality. As mentioned above, the park is undulating. It

is also flowing, suggestive of directional movement and developed as

an optimum environment for relaxation.

Spatial Size. It is well known that the size of a space in relation

to people has a strong effect on their feelings and behavior. This fact is

considered in the planning of the Centennial Park considering that it is

expansive but not overwhelming in size.

MOVEMENT SYSTEMS AND CIRCULATION

FACTORS

Circulation systems are vital linkages that relate uses on the

land. One of the major concerns of site planning is to develop the

vehicular and pedestrian circulation systems (Rubenstein, 1996). In the

Centennial Park, several movement systems can be found;

Roads were used to allow some vehicles to enter the site like

the employees’(NEDA and HLURB) and service vehicles but not

the private ones (visitors’)

Walks. definitely essential for a park; they are the main

movement systems which allow the visitors experience whatever

the Centennial Park has to offer. Generally, they are oriented to

follow the contours thus giving them a curvilinear form.

Steps and ramps. Since the site has an irregular contour,

ramps and steps could not be avoided. They were used to link

and help the walks adopt with the terrain.

Outlined here are the fundamental criteria on circulation and site

access the centennial park was able to consider along with some

observations:

Safe and convenient pedestrian access. Loading zones for

public transport. Loading zones were designated but rarely

utilized due to its location.

Service, vehicular and pedestrian traffic separation.

Provision of parking spaces.

Disregarding the development

proposal, the park does have

PERSPECTIVE VIEW OF THE PROPOSED BUS PARKING

parking spaces but lacks in number. The slots are only intended

for cars and visitors have difficulty of maneuvering on the road.

Considering that it is a tourist spot, parking for buses should

have been considered. The good thing is, the abovementioned

observations have already been addressed on the proposed

development of the park.

The following are the circulation factors considered in the

Centennial Park:

Sequence

Defined as the succession of perceptions having continuity, the

sequence was achieved in the park by organizing the elements by

using the mini parks and other attractions inside (e.g. The Japanese-

Filipino peace memorial park, Art Gallery etc.) as sub climaxes thus

providing a progressive order of perceptions.

Visual Approach

When in motion, we are

acted upon by the physical

environment through which we

pass (Rubenstein, 1996). Each

part of the park’s approaches was

designed with sensitivity. For

example, the Japanese part was

marked by a Torii and the pathway THE TORII

of Buddha statues, the Korean part having the two giant heads

representing Korean people and the Christian portion marked by the

giant chrome plated cross.

Space Modulation

One of the reasons why people move is for the experience of

space modulation because they seek harmony or unity. The park was

designed as an evolving complex of spaces each complete in itself. As

you enter a specific part of the park, for example, the part featuring

Japanese themed area where one is toured in a unified space.

Distance and Grade

Since the park is located on a sloping site, climbing a grade could

not be avoided. Also because of the site’s terrain, size and shape

caused some apparent distance between the parts. So, these negative

factors are reduced by providing walks and pathways aligned with the

contours and by space modulation.

Accessibility

Disabled persons should also be considered in the design of the

park, for it is a public space. Previously, the Centennial Park was not

that accessible for disabled persons due to the absence of a ramp at

the main entrance. Since the park is under redevelopment as of March

2012, the proposed redevelopment of the main entrance already

features a ramp instead of the old stepped entrance, which by the way

shall be turned into an amphitheater.

UPKEEP AND MAINTENANCE OF THE PARK

The Baguio Centennial Park is under the City Government of

Baguio’s management,

specifically, the City Parks

Management Office

(CEPMO). However, the city

is not shouldering all the

Taebaek City Park

maintenance for the park. Some parts were adopted by some

institutions for them to maintain. For example, in 2010, Philippine Mine

Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) adopted a 1,000-square

meter area inside the park to develop and nurture for five years

(philstar.com)and  Pines City Colleges (PCC)  which  adopted a seven  

hectare forest area of the Botanical Garden for plantation and

maintenance for five   years which started 2011(baguiocity.com).

Sister cities of Baguio also maintain some parts like the Japanese cities

that maintain the Japanese - Filipino Peace Memorial Park and made

the clearing of the Japanese tunnel, and the Taebek, South Korea’s

Taebaek City Park.

REFERENCES

Simonds, John Ormsbee, Barry, Starke(2006). Landscape Architecture.

A Manual of Environmental Planning And Design. 4th Edition.

New York:Mcgraw

Rubenstein, Harvey M. (1996). A Guide to Site Planning and

Landscape Construction. 4th Edition. New York: Wiley

Ching, F. D. K.(2005). Building Construction Illustrated. 4th Edition.

New York: Wiley

Pines City Colleges Help Save Dying River;

http://baguiocity.com/news_article/pines-city-colleges-help-save-

dying-river accessed Jan. 27, 2012

Looking beyond Burnham Park for Tourism;

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2971/looking-beyond-burnham-park-

for-tourism accessed Jan. 28, 2012

Finalizing Plan For Botanical garden;

http://www.baguionews.net/news/index.php?

option=com_content&view=article&id=3612:slu-finalizing-plan-

for-botanical-garden-&catid=1:baguio-news&Itemid=9 accessed

Jan. 25, 2011

Botanical Garden; http://www.gobaguio.com/botanical-garden-baguio-

city.html; accessed Nov. 27, 2011

Centennial Park (was Botanical Garden was Imelda Park);

http://www.baguio-city.net/2011/02/centennial-park-was-

botanical-garden.html; accessed Nov. 27, 2011

From Imelda Park to the Baguio Botanical Gardens to the Centennial-

Park; http://www.baguiohotels.net/baguio-attractions/from-

imelda-park-to-the-baguio-botanical-gardens-to-the-centennial-

park; accessed Nov. 27, 2011

Baguio Botanical Garden;

http://www.asiarooms.com/en/travel-guide/philippines/baguio/pa

rks-and-gardens-in-baguio/baguio-botanical-garden.html;

accessed Nov. 27, 2011