Mapua Institute of Technology

School of Architecture, Industrial Design, and the Built Environment

Research on Espaa Boulevard

Rotonda to Maceda St.
AR178P Urban Design Studio

Submitted by:
Guevarra, Jose Miguel

Salon, Jhackilyn

Hernandez, Mark Jayson

Seculles, France Marie

Lorea, Martin

Submitted to:
Arch. Sheila V. Elardo

I.

Background of the Study

Espaa Boulevard is the main thoroughfare of Sampaloc district, Manila and the
extreme western section of Quezon City. It is an 8-lane divided arterial road separated by
islands. Espaa's name is taken after the Spanish name of Spain, the Philippines' colonial power
for 333 years. True to its name, several Spanish names abound the street.
Espaa Boulevard houses various establishments that caters to the needs of the city of
Manila. It is the major road connecting Quezon City (QC) and Manila. The boulevard starts from
Rotonda, which is the boundary of QC, and ends at Morayta, which leads to Quezon Boulevard.
The notable establishments and infrastructures along the road are the Philippine Long Distance
Telephone Company (PLDT), Meralco, Espaa Station of the Philippine National Railways (PNR),
Trabajo Market, Ramon Magsaysay High School, University of Santo Tomas (UST), Far Eastern
University (FEU), Philippine Regulatory Commission (PRC).

II.

Statement of the Problem

Espaa Boulevard is notoriously known for its heavy traffic, air pollution, and criminal
activities which makes it an unsafe area for pedestrians traversing the road. The main problem
for pedestrians are the public vehicles, especially jeepneys, which recklessly drives along the
boulevard. This problem is due to the inefficiency of public vehicle stops. Waiting sheds are
provided along the sidewalks but due to its limited quantity, many pedestrians opt to wait
anywhere at the sidewalks.
The composition of the area, mainly the sidewalks, are not frequently maintained and as
such became damaged due to the daily use of pedestrians and motorists. Two wheeled vehicles
occasionally use the sidewalk as a path because of the traffic occurring at the road.

III.

Definition of Terms
Boulevard a wide city road having trees and foliage at the center or side
Establishment - public or private structures, building or equipments
Infrastructure the basic equipment and structures that are needed for a country,
region, or organization to function properly
Jeepney public utility vehicle present in the Philippines
Pedestrian people walking along the road
Pedestrianization designed according to the needs of the pedestrians
Sidewalk pathway for people at the side of the road
Waiting Shed small structure for waiting public vehicles
Walkability designed to accommodate walking as means of traversing

IV.

V.

VI.

VII.

VIII.

Objectives of the Study

To identify the common occurrences of problems within the stretch of the
designated area
To classify the various urban design elements and their situation
To produce data that is essential in correcting the different faults of the urban
design of the area
To establish the proper ideas in solving the aforementioned problems
To provide recommendations for improving the current state of the area
Scope and Limitation
The scope of the study is the standards of the elements of urban design, its physical
feature, circulation of pedestrian and vehicles, pedestrian safety, and accessibility. The research
is limited to the stretch of Espaa Boulevard from Rotonda to Maceda Street.
Research Methodology
The proponents formulated a checklist as guidelines in preparation for the ocular visit of
the designated area. The study will use observational method in attaining the data needed to
provide solutions and recommendations to achieve a pedestrian-safe and walkable community.
The proponents will use different urban design principles and planning policies to design the
improvement of the vicinity.
Research Framework

Identification of
Problems

Preparation of
Checklist

Analysis of Data

Synthesis of
Design Strategies
and Solutions

Walk-Audit and
Ocular Inspection

Study Area
The focus of the research is walkability as a collective reality. This underscores the idea
of pedestrianization which understands how walkable a community is. The factors such as
accessibility, pleasurability, perceived safety from traffic and perceived safety from crime are
considered. These factors will be observed in the vicinity along Espaa Boulevard Rotonda to
Maceda Street.

IX.

X.

Existing Laws & Policies

The proponents used the following laws & policies as guidelines in the redevelopment of
the Espaa Boulevard Rotonda to Maceda St. stretch.
RA 4136 Land Transportation & Traffic Rules
House Bill 4850 Pedestrian Safety Guidelines
Senate Bill 1195 Ensure Pedestrian Safety & Convenience
House Bill 315 Transportation Policy Act of the Philippines
BP 344 Accessibility Law
Findings
The researchers have found the following problems that occurs at the area:

Public vehicles stop at intersections to pick up passengers even during the traffic on go signal

Jeepney and UV Express stopping for passengers

Sidewalk vendors populate some parts of the sidewalk which causes congestion

Manholes are unsafe and obsolete due to wear and tear of the concrete covering, some of
which has
Sidewalk Vendor
no
warning
signs for the equipment used in cleaning the sewer

Manhole Covers

Sewer Declogging Equipment

The ramps do not conform to the standard due to the constant raising of the road

Accessibility Ramp

Not all drainage have grilles for separating

liquid and solid

Storm Drain with Grilles

Storm Drain without Grilles

Footbridge

Steps are not covered for women's dignity

Electrical Wires are within reach of the users at the footbridge