GOVERNMENT CENTER &

PLAZA COMPLEX
 What is Plaza Complex?

o It is an open space designed for public use and

defined by surrounding buildings and/or
streets.

PLAZA o Its primary functions are to encourage a

COMPLEX
diversity of opportunities for social interaction
and activities, to provide relief and relaxation,
to expand and reinforce the public realm
and to contribute to the livability and general
amenity of the downtown and other
developing parts of the city.

o Plazas have been central to the development

of urban centers.
 How Plaza Complex introduced?
From the beginnings of Spanish Manila may already be discerned the patterns which were to
characterize much of colonial town planning throughout the country. Streets were built at right
angles to each other, with the resulting layout appearing like a huge chessboard. There was a
huge, open square, called the plaza, around which were situated the most important buildings of
the city: the cathedral, the governor general’s palace, the tribunal, and the city council.
Secondary plazas were later constructed in different parts of the city. Since the city was located
by the sea, an additional ordinance was followed: the main plaza was located close to the
waterfront. For pueblos or towns located inland, the plaza was ordinarily placed in the center.
Although the plaza evolved in Spain and other European countries during the Renaissance, it was
in the Spanish colonies in America that the plaza complex was fully developed and exploited. The
Philippines was, therefore, the recipient of much of the town-planning experience gained in the
New World.
 Its Use and Concept

o A plaza requires a program of use and a strong

concept. Therefore, careful thought should be
given to a plaza's principal functions and to its
relationship with the adjacent public realm (i.e.
streets, pedestrian routes, other open spaces),
activities and architecture.

o A plaza should also reflect and reinforce the

character of its location.
Figure 1.
A Plaza's Proposed Uses, Functions and Linkages Should Be
Determined as Part of the Overall Project Design Process
 What are its Design Consideration?
 Visibility and Views
o Good street-to-plaza visibility announces the plaza's internal attractions. It signifies that it is a
public space, it permits users to watch street activity and it makes the space safer.

Good visibility can be achieved by the following:

• arranging any walls and planting to not screen or block off the plaza from the street;
• locating the plaza at or as close as possible to street level, preferably no more than 1.0 m above
or below street level.
A plaza should also take advantage of distant
views to the mountains, ocean and other
landmarks wherever possible.
 Linkages
A plaza should be linked to other surrounding open spaces, as well as interior spaces such as
lobbies, to create a dynamic pedestrian network. Such links will make the plaza more useful
and provide a more dynamic, coherent urban environment.

Linkages can be achieved or reinforced using the following

devices:
• passages;
• bridges;
• steps/ramps;
• paving patterns;
• planting.

Figure 2
Plaza Linkages Should Be Created to Achieve a
Coherent Pedestrian Network
How to be safe?
 Design
o The design of a plaza should provide for safety.
Regard should be given to principles of designing
for safety such as defensible space, clear sightlines,
good lighting and provision of alternate "escape"
paths.

o The differences in usage, ownership and

responsibilities among commercial,
commercial/residential and residential plazas
should be recognized, so that the different
approaches to their design relative to urban safety
is addressed at the initial planning stages.
 Accessibility

o A plaza should provide easy and direct access

particularly for the elderly, disabled and young
children. Ramp slopes should not exceed 8.3
percent and handrails should be incorporated.

o Selection of surface materials should result in easy

access for the elderly and disabled, and also
discourage incompatible plaza activities such as
skateboarders.

o Placement of planters, non moveable seating and

handrails should further encourage easy wheelchair
and pedestrian access, and seek to discourage the
use of skateboards.
 Defensible Space

o A plaza should afford good visual surveillance

opportunities both from within the space and along
the edges. People need to feel secure and will
usually avoid dark hidden corners and vacant
places.

o A plaza should be designed to maximize

opportunities for casual monitoring from its
perimeter and abutting developments. Surveillance
and overview from adjacent sidewalks, windows and
decks are necessary components that contribute to
the safety of a plaza.
 Lighting and Public Features
o Good night time generalized lighting is important to
enhance safety of a plaza, particularly if it functions as
a short cut or as a through route for pedestrians.
Appropriately located and designed lighting may also
discourage loitering.

o In autumn and winter, darkness occurs in late

afternoon, coinciding with rush hours. This is generally
a time of maximum plaza pedestrian flow, generated
from office and retail buildings so lighting should be on
timers to account for seasonal changes.

o A plaza should also provide easy and direct access to

public telephones and information signs.
Its environment
 Sunlight
Sun paths, sun altitudes and shadow patterns in the plaza
should be examined for all seasons, particularly the spring
and autumn. Sunlight is particularly valued at lunch time in
commercial business areas.

Sunlight can be maximized by:

• locating seating in areas of maximum sunlight;
• creating sun traps - areas surrounded by walls with an
orientation toward the south (walls should not block
plaza/street visibility);
• utilizing reflective light surfaces (if no direct sunlight is
available).
 Wind

Downdrafts from surrounding high-rise buildings can

cause user discomfort and should be prevented or
reduced through specific design measures. Wherever
possible, protection should be offered from strong
northwest winds and from harsh easterly winds which
can accompany fall and winter rainstorms.

Wind reduction can be achieved by the following

measures:
• avoid large, open, unprotected areas;
• avoid wind funnels: narrow openings between
buildings with easterly or northwest alignment;
• utilize planting, low walls and canopies for wind
deflection.
 Noise
o High levels of traffic, industrial and other ambient noises detract from the enjoyment of a
plaza.

o Noise can be partially mitigated by detracting attention from the noise source through the
introduction of such elements as fountains or waterfalls.

 Weather Protection
Protection can be achieved with the following devices:
• canopies;
• awnings;
• shelters;
• glazed trellises.
 Environmentally Sensitive Design

o Use of drought resistant plants may lessen

dependency on automatic irrigation. Selection of
plant materials should be done with a mind to
reduce use of chemical laden maintenance. Perhaps
plantings can be more productive by providing a
habitat for birds.

o A revised aesthetic may be in order: seasonal

change can be achieved by selecting a variety of
flowering or colourful shrubs and perennials instead
of largely relying on annuals which are put to waste
several times during the year.
What are user-attractions?

 Seating

There are four major points to remember when

planning seating:
a) Plentiful Seating
• maximize opportunities for sitting: walls, steps,
planters, pool edges, lawns.

b) Choice of Sitting Location

• locate seating toward street, oriented to a view, near
building entrances, next to attractions/amenities, in
shade, in sun.
c) Variety of Seating Types

• in groups/couples/alone;
• fixed and moveable;
• disabled accessible.

d) Comfortable Seating
• provide warmth: generally wood is
preferable to stone, concrete or metal;
• provide contoured seating,
preferably with a back and armrest.
 Activity Generator

o Successful plazas are generally characterized by

several activity generators. Examples of such
activity generators include food and retail outlets,
as well as entertainment, which attract users and
encourage socializing, relaxation and festivities.

o Good plaza management can include soliciting

groups to activate the space, such as folk dancers,
street theatre musicians and exhibitors Providing
the infrastructure for events (e.g. electrical outlets,
water supply and lighting) will facilitate such
activity.
 Amenities
A plaza which is furnished with a variety of amenity
features encourages general public usage and creates
a sense of liveliness and excitement.

Art work should provide a focal point for the plaza or

become an integral component of the overall design
of the plaza. Bike racks, drinking fountains and waste
receptacles are practical, essential amenities.

Some others are:

• game tables;
• kiosks for information and posters;
• open air cafes;
• children's play equipment (where appropriate).
 Natural Elements

Natural elements which reflect seasonal change

should be provided, such as water and trees,
shrubs, ground covers, vines and flowers in a variety
of colours and textures.

Whenever appropriate, lawn areas should be

provided to visually "soften" the urban environment
and as an effective dry weather seating area.

Vegetation should never create substantial

enclosures from the street.
 Detailing and Materials

Plazas which are built of high quality durable materials, which reflect thoughtful detailing
consistent or compatible with the development's architectural language, and which
acknowledge the practical considerations of drainage, non-slip paving, disabled access and
easy maintenance have a good chance of being successful. Quality detailing implies
attention to jointing, building and street edges, and technically correct construction
techniques.

Plants used should be of the highest quality and in sufficient quantity and of sufficient
scale to make an impact. Plantings should be selected and located so that their functional
and aesthetic qualities can be maximized. Incorporation of irrigation and adequate
drainage will help to assure their survival and best possible appearance over time.
 Spatial Variety

These smaller areas facilitate orientation and

territory definition. People commonly gather at
articulated edges in or around a plaza.

A distinct sense of place can be achieved, in part,

by defining edges and establishing a sense of
enclosure through the use of canopies, trees,
arcades and trellises which must be balanced
with issues of visibility and defensibility.
 Good Management

Good plaza management should be provided,

with emphasis on maintenance, operation and
activity programming. This not only affects
how a plaza looks but also how well it can
attract users.

By keeping the grounds clean, maintaining

the lighting, seating and surface areas,
providing seasonal planting and by operating
a food service, the management will create a
safe, lively and attractive space.
 Local Related Projects

Plaza San Luis Complex

Casa Manila is a reconstructed house now showcasing the lifestyle of

upper-class members of society during the Spanish Era.
In place of the modern day’s electric fan, punkah, which was a large,
manual, overhead fan made of textile, had to be imported from India
and installed in dining areas.

An old school kasilyas or toilet, would be separate from the banyo or

the shower room. In the Spanish era, these rooms came with wooden
chairs that seated 2 people while doing number 2. The kasilyas not only
served as a place to relieve oneself: chit-chats accompanied the time
spent inside. As a matter of fact, board games (such as dama) were also
brought along for recreation.
 Plaza Salcedo

In Salcedo Plaza, visitors will find the Salcedo Obelisk which was placed in the elevated plaza during the
17th century as the plaza’s centerpiece. It is literally the focal point of the city’s Spanish urban design.

Visitors will also find in Plaza Salcedo a garden where one will see a diorama of the world’s man-made
wonders like London’s Big Ben, Moscow’s St. Basil Basilica and Paris’ Eiffel Tower. A miniature of Vigan’s
heritage site was also included by Governor Deogracias Savellano in the world diorama to stress upon the
viewers the importance of the Heritage Village and its valuable contribution to the cultural heritage of the
world.

Salcedo Plaza is best visited early morning or late afternoon to avoid the hot sun at its strongest and to
fully enjoy the quieter atmosphere of this elliptical plaza with its cooling fountain display. The plaza’s lagoon
was added in the seventies to store water. The city saw this as a creative solution to the need for water
during times when fire occurs in the city. Vigan has suffered destructive fires many times in its history.
Plaza
Salcedo
 International Related Projects
Piazza Del Campo
Piazza del Campo is the principal public
space of the historic center of Siena, Tuscany,
italy and is regarded as one of Europe's greatest
medieval squares. It is renowned worldwide for
its beauty and architectural integrity.

The Palazzo Publico and its Torre del Mangja, as

well as various palazzi signorili surround the
shell-shaped piazza. At the northwest edge is
the Fonte Gaia.

The twice-a-year horse-race, Palio de Sienna, is

held around the edges of the piazza.
Boston City Hall Plaza

City Hall Plaza in Boston Massachussets, is a

large, open, unadorned public space in
the Government center area of the city. The
architectural firm K.M & Knowles designed the
plaza in 1962 to accompany Boston's new City
hall building. The multi-level, irregularly
shaped plaza consists of red brick and
concrete.
 What is Government Center?

o Area devoted to national and regional

GOVERNMENT
government office, structures and institutions.

o Provinces, cities, and municipalities shall

CENTER endeavour to establish a government center

where offices, agencies, or branches of the
national government, local government units,
or government-owned or -controlled
corporations may, as far as practicable, be
located.
What are its Design Objectives?
 Circulation
o Provide a comprehensive system which
serves the individual building activities
within the government center and links
the activity area, provides connections
to surrounding development and
minimizes pedestrian and vehicular
conflicts.
 Vista
o Preserve the view through use of
easements, site plan review and
covenants.
 Open Space
o Provide a system of connecting plazas
and small parks throughout the
government center and surrounding
high density redevelopment core
which provides continuity and link the
major activity areas.

 Character
o Provide architectural compatibility
and balance through the placement of
facilities, use of materials and color,
attention to detail and the consistent
application of a design theme.
Implementing Rules of the Local Government Code of
the Philippines

4 (c) In selecting the site, factors relating to geographical centrality, accessibility, availability oftransportation
and communication facilities, drainage and sanitation, development and economicprogress, and other
relevant considerations shall be taken into account.

(d) When subsequent to the establishment of the government site conditions and developments in theLGU
have significantly changed, the sanggunian may, after public hearing and by a vote of two-thirds(2/3) of all its
members, transfer the government site to a location best suited to present needs andanticipated future
development and progress. No transfer shall be made outside the territorial boundariesof the LGU
concerned. The old site, together with the improvements thereon, may be disposed of by saleor lease or
converted to such other use as the sanggunian may deem beneficial to the LGU and itsinhabitants.

(e) Local government offices and facilities shall not be transferred, relocated, or converted to other
usesunless public hearings are first conducted for the purpose and the concurrence of a majority of all
themembers of the sanggunian is obtained.
Article 8. Government Centres

(a) Every province, city, and municipality shall endeavor to establish a government center where
offices, agencies, or branches of the National Government, LGUs or GOCC smay, as far as
practicable, be located.

(b) The LGU shall take into account its existing facilities and those of NGAs in designating
suchgovernment center.

(c) Construction of buildings in the government center shall conform with the overall physical
andarchitectural plans and motif of the government center, as approved by the sanggunian
concerned.

(d) The National Government, LGU, or GOCC concerned shall bear the expenses for the construction
ofits own buildings and facilities in the government center.
 Local Related Project
Bacolod Government Center
The New Government Center (NGC) is located in
Circumferential Road, Brgy. Villamonte, Bacolod
City, Negros Occidental,Philippines. This newly built
government center costs more or less four hundred
million pesos which is a symbol of strong civic
service, good governance and firm direction of the
present administration. The design and structure was very
modest, elegant, functional and beautiful. Yet, outside the
New Government Center has a beautiful landscape and an
astounding and brilliantly masterpiece pool. The
site wherein the government center was put up is not
highly polluted and it is the only building proudly standing
on this site thus, this land was donated by the Gonzaga's
Family. The structure seems inspired by neo-Classical
Renaissance structure and I could say that this building is
a White House of Negros Occidental.
 International Related Projects
Government Center, Boston
The dominant feature of Government Center is the
enormous, imposing, and brutalist, Boston City
Hall built in the 1960s as part of Boston's first
large Urban Renewal scheme. While considered by
some to have architectural merit, the building is
not universally admired, and is sharply unpopular
among locals. Furthermore, it is resented for
having replaced the Victorian architecture of
Boston's Scollay Square, a lively commercial district
that lapsed into squalor in the Twentieth Century.
Government Center, Downtown Miami, Florida

Government Center is a district in Downtown, Miami

Florida Bounded roughly by I-95 and NW 3rd Avenue to the
west, SW 1st Street to the south, NW 5th Street to the
north, and NE 1st Avenue to the east, Government Center is
located on the western edge of downtown. The area
includes several courthouses, including the historic Miami
Dade Country Courthouse and a US district court, the City of
Miam, Policeheadquarters, city, county, and state offices.
The eponymous and most used county transit
station, Government Center serving Metrorail, Metromover,
and Metrobus, is located in the bottom of the S.R. building.
 Group 7
Landicho, Via Jane M.
Olino, Samantha Patria T.
Pacquing, Chelsea Valerie V.
Velarde, Jessa Dyn A.

AR401 / PLNING 241

Thank You!!!!
References
http://www.townblip.com/vista.html
file:///C:/Users/Desktop/Downloads/148179314-Government-Center.pdf
http://www.msulocalgov.org/
https://www.scribd.com/document/148179314/Government-Center