EX1: Making the Invisible - Visible (CDO, Philippines)
FC-01x Future Cities (1st Run) - Exercise 1 : "Making the Invisible - Visible"
Uploaded on 2014-10-30 by TomcarIII
[1]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14146760964666414.jpg The Place: This is Divisoria, Downtown, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. This is one of the busiest parts of the city due to its location which is at the center of the city where almost all public transport systems (jeepneys and tricycle) pass by. However, the photo shows less traffic and activity since this photo was taken on a Sunday. When Cagayan de Oro (CDO) was created a settlement by the Spaniards during the 16th century, the settlement grew and Divisoria had been CDO's economic center and its grid type layout has been developed during the American Occupation or the early 20th century. Although most of the old buildings were replaced and many other economic centers have emerged, Divisoria had retained most of its layout, function and charm. The Photo: The photo shows contemporary or present Divisoria, Cagayan de Oro. This photo shows a park strip in the middle of shops and commercial stores. Historically, the park in the middle was created many years before to prevent fires when almost all buildings and structures around were made of wood. A classic Philippine mode of transportation the jeepney can be seen on the right side and a tricycle (or "rela" in local language) can be seen crossing the intersection on the left. INVISIBLE: 1. **The need for wider sidewalks.** Although there are sidewalks present in all sides of the section/cluster of the Divisoria, they are not enough. This problem is also reflective of most Philppine cities where there is not much attention given on sidewalks as most of the population do not have cars or could afford cars. I believe cities should be walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this photo and also with my experience, the sidewalks provided could accommodate only 2 people that is if they are not large people. Also, other stores tend to overlap their commercial space on the public alley/sidewalk which obstruct the flow of pedestrians. 2. **Strict Ordinance for Urban Planning and Development and Compliance on the part of the Stakeholders.** I believe that if we want to have a livable city or community, there should be specific guidelines on how to develop our cities especially to the city sections where many people use these spaces. I think this regulation is badly needed wherein urban design and development is not a popular government agenda like in the Philippines. This photo shows a progressive CDO. Old buildings have been retrofitted, renovated or demolished to give way to current demands. It is good that the City is opening more shops and more economic activity but there should also be control and regulation on how to develop these structures that will not impede pedestrian flow, will have good architectural design not only in itself but also in relation to other neighboring structures, respect for heritage and local culture, improved park development for the recreation especially for those who cannot afford to go to malls (which is the culture of this city), and that developers, government and non-government organizations would be one in making this city a more livable place. Invisible Information: **THE NEED FOR WIDER / ENOUGH/ COMFORTABLE SIDEWALKS IN THE CITY**. I believe that by deeply understanding this need, with the close coordination of all stakeholders involved and with commitment for pursuing this change in the urban system, this could actually lead to regulation on urban design of the city. I believe it always starts with strict regulation, especially in the Philippines. Some people may not be able to understand it but I believe that when they be able to experience this change (better sidewalks) in the urban system, the city will become more pedestrian-friendly, could cater more people and would make the city better for business and people especially the commuters and those who do not own cars which constitutes the major slice of the population.