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CRUZ, AUBREY D.

5X2
Theme: Beyond Typologies: Introducing New Typologies to Current Building and Urban
Environments


A Proposed Redevelopment of Urban Parks in Davao City
A Study on the Impact of Active Design and Harmony of Urban Parks to the Users

Filipinos has adapted the products and lifestyle of the Americans that affected their physical form
and health. As of 2008, a survey conducted by the National Statistics Coordination Board (NSCB) proved
that 26.6% of the Filipino adults are overweight. It raised from the figure of 16.3% during 1993. Being
overweight is more harmful for Asians compared to other nationalities for every 11 pounds of gained weight
results to an increase of 84% chance in the risk of type 2 diabetes. Even with the same Body Mass Index
value comparing Asians and Europeans, Asians have higher risks of hypertension and cardiovascular
diseases.
1
This may gradually increase and be a problem in the Philippines if no intervention is made to
address the information.

With the given information, the proponent would like to propose a redevelopment of the public parks
of Davao City with the introduction of Active Design. Since not all of the people have the time to go to gyms
or engage in sports for exercise, active design will encourage the users to engage in physical activities
through the design of the environment. The users will be doing their daily tasks and at the same time lessen
the risk of health impairments. The design elements that encourage frequent walking through the circulation
of the site, influence movement through patterns and recreational areas, and increase access to healthier
nutrition will create an alternate transportation method for the community. The proposal will not only
positively affect the users but also the citys socio-economic status. It creates a link by harmonizing the
theme of the parks therefore diminishing the idea of social classes making it a new trademark of Davao City.
Consequently, the consumers will have a healthier lifestyle that brings an intervention to the growing rate of
overweight Filipinos and revitalize the historical parks in the core of Davao City.

The study aims to provide analysis on the effect of active design and redefining harmony of the
Davao public parks to the society. It intends to use elements that are suitable to the traits and culture of the
users. The data are gathered from interviews with the public mass, consultations with facilitators and
experts, and readings about health impact assessment under the active design. It will be limited to the public
parks mainly situated in the central business district, with a diameter of 600m starting from Peoples Park.
The collected and analyzed data will be used to compare the innovated spaces and the existing buildings.

1
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/ethnic-differences-in-bmi-and-disease-risk/
CRUZ, AUBREY D. 5X2
Theme: Beyond Typologies: Introducing New Typologies to Current Building and Urban
Environments

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