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AGUAVERDE: An Eco-Village Destination Resort and Permaculture Development Center

Chapter 5
5. PROJECT PROFILE AND ANALYSIS
This chapter shall guide the reader on the nature of the project and will further be informed with
the client of the project.
5.1. Project Description
The Aguaverde Eco-village Destination Resort and Permaculture Development Center will offer
recreation, wellness and livelihood to the locals within the vicinity. It aims to be a self-sufficient
structure, relying on natures gifts like the sun and wind, and utilizing them wisely through
passive cooling design.

It will be designed to promote interaction with, not only nature, but also with the locals.
The Eco-village Destination Resort and Permaculture Development Center is open for everyone.
The project hopes to be the first prototype to encourage future resorts to be designed this way, in
not just how it considered nature, but also the community, in its design.

5.2. Benefits of the Project


The resort has the potential to contribute to the social and economic development to the site, and
to an extent, the city of Puerto Princesa. For the community, it can be an alternative source of
income and livelihood diversification, the permaculture area will be a strategy to contribute to
their development. For the municipality, the resort will attract tourists that will put boost ecotourism. For the tourists, the resort will be the medium in which they can experience the culture
and natural beauty of the site which is located in Camia bay. The resort promotes the image and
vision of the bay and the province.

AGUAVERDE: An Eco-Village Destination Resort and Permaculture Development Center

5.3. Target Market

This project targets tourists seeking comfort and adventure in the last ecological frontier of the
Philippines. It also targets the residents in the site, as a place where they can have recreation and
relaxation. It targets people of varying social class, interests, and nationalities. It caters to people
of all ages, as it has relaxing activities for the seniors, and adventurous activities for the young
and the young at heart.

5.4. Organizational Structure of the Resort

Based on the Hexon Bay Resort

AGUAVERDE: An Eco-Village Destination Resort and Permaculture Development Center

Based on the Wallaroobie Waters Island Resort

5.5. Background and History of the Project

The Eco-Village Destination Resort and Permaculture development center is a facility that has
been funded by different private sectors as a sustainable facility that would help develop the ecotourism problems and agricultural potential of the vicinity. The purpose and function of the
project is to boost tourism, income and perhaps create a paradigm that other rural land owners
may follow. It is also a response to the needs of the municipality's growing population and would
be a home of different organic crops.

AGUAVERDE: An Eco-Village Destination Resort and Permaculture Development Center

The researcher started researching on farming and came upon information on hobby farms,
which is a small, manageable farm-type which is very popular in Australia. Through
internet inquiry, the researcher found that many people shared this love of the land and were
sharing that intimacy by creating farm resorts. The researcher also found supporting information
on eco-tourism and agro-tourism, which complements the information on farm resorts.
Furthermore, it was during an interview with the DENR Planning Division that the researcher
was introduced to the ideas of the urban visionary, Doxiadis. He states that human settlements
in relation to urban areas may no longer be satisfactory for their inhabitants. if the urban areas
may no longer be enough, there is nowhere else to go except to the rural areas. And, that is how
the idea for the proposed farm resort was born.

5.6 Mission & Vision

Mission:

DEVELOP a strategic alliance with Luzviminda, Puerto Princesa to promote, educate, and
collaborate with agri-business and geotourism affiliates.

CREATE a resort that aligns with Palawan Council for Sustainable Development
sustainability goals that increases economic growth in 'eco-tourism' and cross-pollinated
green tourism industries.

DESIGN & CONSTRUCT Puerto Princesa's first self-sustaining, off-the grid eco-destination
resort

AGUAVERDE: An Eco-Village Destination Resort and Permaculture Development Center

Vision:

ESTABLISH the first of-its-kind eco-destination resort in Puerto Princesa that serves as an
international iconic eco-community flagship model for sustainable travel uniting
conservation, enriching personal experiences in environmental awareness and sustainable
living.

PIONEER new eco-resort geotourism recreational programs designed & built using the 12
Principles of Permaculture Design Systems to ensure responsible land stewardship.

5.7. User Profile

5.7.1 Identification of Users


There are two notable types of tourists: FITs (Free independent travelers) and Family Tourists.
The Eco-Village Destination Resort and Permaculture Development Center caters to both types,
however, gives more rooms for the FITs because according to the locals, FITs will be built in the
area. There will be a cottage type catering to the FITs, which can be converted depending on the
type of furniture used, and another caters to the Family tourists, those who seek more of
seclusion rather than interaction. The users of the resort would be divided into three groups: the
primary users, secondary users and tertiary users.

Primary Users
The primary users of the resort are the administrative staff and personnel. They are responsible
for the maintenance of the standards of work and are the primary workforce of the facility.

AGUAVERDE: An Eco-Village Destination Resort and Permaculture Development Center

Secondary Users
The secondary users are the guests who will avail of the services provided by the resort.

Tertiary Users
The tertiary users are the people in charge of the maintenance of the resort. They are the ones
who ensure that the structure is clean and secure.

Other users:
Department of Agriculture
They can use the permaculture development center to research on new technologies regarding
agriculture and would help develop the resort.

Palawan Council for Sustainable Development


The council can use the facility for research and training activities for their staff.

5.8. PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

The Eco-Village Destination Resort and Permaculture Development Center is creatively and
meticulously developed to showcase a one-of-a-kind self-sustained eco-community where
innovation, beauty, invention, state-of-the-art designs and sustainability lifestyle are
resourcefully integrated into many diverse recreational geo-tourism programs

AGUAVERDE: An Eco-Village Destination Resort and Permaculture Development Center

Welcoming Center
The clubhouse complex comprises of the reception, the restaurant, and two
function halls. Open from 8AM-8PM daily.

Activity Center
The indoor activity center comprises of the indoor sports facilities. Indoor
activities include billiards, table tennis, and karaoke. Open from 8AM-8PM daily.

Sports and Recreation


The resort offers a range of activities like basketball, beach volleyball, soccer,
badminton, biking, and tennis.

Swimming Pool
Guests can swim in the pool. Accessible from 6AM-12AM daily

Spa Center
A peaceful sanctuary, the spa center rejuvenates ones mind and body, using
Filipino-inspired treatments. Services offered are Body Massages, Body Scrubs, Body
Wraps, Foot Spas, and Facials, available from 10AM-12AM daily.

Kanyugan Trail
There is a manmade path into the forest of coconut trees with ripe niyog, leading
to a hut on by the beach, where people can stay and bide their time, experiencing the

AGUAVERDE: An Eco-Village Destination Resort and Permaculture Development Center

beach and the breeze, with a view of the sea and the migratory birds.

Snorkeling
Tourists can see the beauty of the corals around the island. Available by request
8AM-3PM daily

Souvenir Center
Tourists can buy pasalubong crafted by the local children and housewives. Open
from 8AM-8PM daily.

Eco-Center (Dolphin Watching)


Tourists can see the beauty of the island nature, showing the abundance of
Resources we have in the Philippines, and how what they could do to help with the
cause. Tour starts every hour from 8AM-5PM daily.

Sample Year Long Activities

MONTH

THEME

JANUARY

ECO-START

Organic Farm Workshops planting of new seeds for the New Year
Plant Propagation, Planting Seeds, Soil Preparation
Harvesting Algae oils to be turned into Bio-fuels c/o Department of Agriculture

AGUAVERDE: An Eco-Village Destination Resort and Permaculture Development Center

Start to apply Permaculture principle # 1: Creatively use and respond to change (envision
possibilities and intervene in effective ways)
FEBRUARY

The heART of planting

Deliver farm fresh organic food to your loved ones


Permaculture Research & Harvesting Algae oils to be turned into Bio-fuels
Start to apply Permaculture principle # 2: Catch and Store Energy
MARCH

INHALE THE FRESHNESS

Growing plants that inhales carbon dioxide and exhales oxygen


Permaculture Research & Harvesting Algae oils to be turned into Bio-fuels
Start to apply Permaculture principle # 3: Use small and slow solutions (local resources and
responses, manageable scale)
APRIL

Obtain a yield

Planting and farming the staffs own vegetable and fruit crops.
Permaculture Research & Harvesting Algae oils to be turned into Bio-fuels
Start to apply Permaculture principle # 4: Obtain a yield (make sure youre getting valuable
results
MAY

Eco-Summer

Seminars on Global Warming and Free tour on Agricultural labs


Permaculture Research & Harvesting Algae oils to be turned into Bio-fuels
All eco-tours are available
Start to apply Permaculture principle # 5: Use and Value renewables

AGUAVERDE: An Eco-Village Destination Resort and Permaculture Development Center

JUNE

Green Thumb

Seminars on Organic Farming and Free tour on Eco farms


Permaculture Research & Harvesting Algae oils to be turned into Bio-fuels
All eco-tours are available
Start to apply Permaculture principle # 6: Produce no waste
JULY

Natural Patterns

Permaculture Research & Harvesting Algae oils to be turned into Bio-fuels


All eco-tours are available
Start to apply Permaculture principle # 7: Design from Pattern to Detail
AUGUST

Rainy Green

Seminars on Greenhouse and Gardens


Permaculture Research & Harvesting Algae oils to be turned into Bio-fuels
Start to apply Permaculture principle # 8: Use and Value Diversity
SEPTEMBER

ber-y Green

Seminars on Biological Living Sewage System


Permaculture Research & Harvesting Algae oils to be turned into Bio-fuels
Start to apply Permaculture principle # 9: Integrate (capitalize on how things work together)
OCTOBER

Natural Patterns

Seminars on Integrated Smart Grid Hydro-Electric, Solar & Battery Power Renewable Energy
System
Permaculture Research & Harvesting Algae oils to be turned into Bio-fuels
Start to apply Permaculture principle # 10: Observe and Interact

AGUAVERDE: An Eco-Village Destination Resort and Permaculture Development Center

November

Regain the Earth

Replanting of seeds and soil preparations


Permaculture Research & Harvesting Algae oils to be turned into Bio-fuels
Start to apply Permaculture principle # 11: Self Regulate (be open to modify dysfunctional
behaviors)
DECEMBER

Give crops on Christmas Day

Deliver free crops to communities


Permaculture Research & Harvesting Algae oils to be turned into Bio-fuels
Start to apply Permaculture principle # 12: Use Edges: Value the Marginal (important things
happen at the intersections

Chapter 6 Technical Design Data Presentation


This chapter, will be the source of formal and informal information about the project.
This chapter also includes the gathered information through various methods as mentioned in
previous chapters.
6.1. Introduction
According to the researched data, comfort and energy-efficiency are the two most important
factors in designing resorts. The following data show the necessary guidelines in designing
aspects of a resort:
6.2. Archival Method
6.2.1. Design Guidelines from Eco-Resorts: Planning and Design for the
Tropics by Zbigniew Bromberek

AGUAVERDE: An Eco-Village Destination Resort and Permaculture Development Center

6.2.1.1. Sustainability in an Eco-Resort


Tourist facilities like resorts aim for valuable, and sometimes highly sensitive environments.
Architecture creates a lasting impact on the environment, and so it is our duty as designers to a
positive impact for all parties involvedhumans and nature. The challenge is to find a balance
between the aesthetic and environmental needs of a project, as well as between tangible and
intangible threats and opportunities, to secure increasingly scarce resources for future
generation (Bromberek, 2009). Good resort architecture all boils down to comfort and
efficiency, having the ability to maintain a high quality environment with costoptimal energy
efficiency at all stages of construction and use. The unity of the natural and built environment
creates the chance to conserve nature and build durable structures.

Sustainability is the huge step the world is taking towards that direction. Sustainability
represents a transition to a more humane and natural built environment. However, architecture,
by its very nature, uses energy, alters the existing fabric and imposes its structural forms upon
others. It will always have some detrimental impact on the environment. Negative impacts on
the environment through architecture are inevitable, however, sustainability is an approach that
limits the negative impact. The role of architecture can help with conserving our resources and
lessening the physical, social, and cultural impacts on the environment through appropriate
building design, and achieving the following five elements: (1) Environmental sustainability;
(2) technological sustainability; (3) financial sustainability; (4) organizational sustainability;
and (5) social sustainability. (Bromberek, 2009)

In practice, an ESD project is always the result of a compromise and trade-off between

AGUAVERDE: An Eco-Village Destination Resort and Permaculture Development Center

these characteristics since usually one may only be achieved at a slight detriment to the others.
The ultimate technological goal of sustainable architecture is to restrict the impact that the
buildings make on their surroundings to an unavoidable minimum, which is why its referred to
as low-impact architecture. Sustainability objectives in the technological area are the
following: (1) conservative management of the natural environment; (2) minimizing
nonrenewable resource consumption; (3) reducing embodied energy and total resource usage;
(4) reducing energy in use; (5) minimizing external pollution and environmental damage; (6)
eliminating or minimizing the use of toxins; and (7) minimizing internal pollution and damage
to the health. Low-impact architecture is about integrating the environment, building fabric,
and building technology in one package, which entails passively and actively harnessing
renewable energy and using materials which, in their manufacture, application and disposal,
do the least possible damage to the so-called free resources: water, ground, and air. However,
developing low-impact or sustainable buildings involves resolving many conflicting issues
and requirements as each design decision has environmental implications. (Bromberek, 2009)

AGUAVERDE: An Eco-Village Destination Resort and Permaculture Development Center

The individual and cumulative social, environmental and economic implications must be taken
into account. The short and long term as well as direct and indirect consequences must be
carefully considered.

Sustainability should go beyond the project phase, it is an approach to a development.


Its not just about how the building is designed, but also on its operation, if its functional,
efficient, long-lasting, and elegant relationship of various functions and circulation, building
form, mechanical systems, and construction technology. Symbolic relationships with
appropriate traditions and principles have to be searched for and expressed. Finished buildings
should be well-built, easy to use and maintain, durable and beautiful. (Bromberek, 2009)
There needs to be a greater understanding of the total nature of the built environment
for the designer to achieve good design, how the building envelope plays in response to local
conditions in creating the internal environment. One must design accordingly to human
responses to temporary changes of climate. The internal environment is the very core of the
much needed comfort factor for a tropical resort. What they say is indeed trueit is the inside
that counts.

6.2.1.2. Context-Specific and Localized Influences


A sustainable architecture approach is essentially context specific, and relates to the
resources that are locally available, to a specific environment setting, to local customs and
identifiable needs. What works well in one place cannot work perfectly well in another.
Despite its global connotations, sustainability is all about a very localized interplay of various
influences. If sustainable development is to become relevant, it has to evolve from local

AGUAVERDE: An Eco-Village Destination Resort and Permaculture Development Center

conditions, principles, traditions, factors, indicators, and actions.

6.2.1.3. Delineation of the Tropics


The tropics can be defined as areas within the zone where the mean daily temperature on a
warm design-day (a day representative of the prevalent conditions taken as the basis for the
design) in the warmest month of a year drops below 27 degrees C should be excluded.
These areas are more applicable to the term, sub-tropical. However, basing on human response
rather than just the climatic conditions, the widely accepted definition of the tropics is dependent
on two factors: (1) air temperature and (2) humidity. Based on these effects, tropical regions can
be divided into three major groups and their subgroups: (1) Warm-humid equatorial climate; (1a)
Warm-humid island/trade wind climate; (2) Hot-dry desert/semi-desert climate; (2a) Hot-dry
maritime desert climate; (3) Composite/monsoon climate a combination of Climate 1 and 2;
(3a) Tropical Upland Climate. (Bromberek, 2009)

6.2.1.4. Site Planning and its Influences


In general, site planning should be conducive to reducing unavoidable impacts.
Designers should: cluster buildings or build attached units to preserve open space, and wildlife
habitats, avoid especially sensitive areas including wetlands, and keep roads and service lines
short. Leave the pristine areas untouched and look for areas that have been previously damaged
to build on. Situate buildings to benefit from existing vegetation: trees on the east and west sides
of a building can dramatically reduce cooling loads. Hedgerows and shrubbery can help channel
cool breezes into the building.

AGUAVERDE: An Eco-Village Destination Resort and Permaculture Development Center

Hill Influence
Hills and other small differences in topography, whether natural or artificial, can create large
modifications in the microclimate. Many of them can be attributed to the cool air behaving
somewhat like a liquid. The topography of a site, plants and buildings can create pools where
air cooled at night can flow in (catabolic airflows) and gather, or dams impeding free flow of
the air through the site. Topography that would promote air movement is preferable because of
the importance that the breezes have for comfort restoration in hot and humid areas. Slopes can
generate air movement through uneven air temperature distribution.

Sea/Water Influence
In the absence of winds generated by macro-scale weather phenomena, large bodies of water can
remarkably influence local air movements. It is because water (having a higher specific heat than
land mass material) is usually cooler than land during the day and warmer at night.

Vegetation Influence
The natural vegetation cover of the land tends to stabilize temperatures and decrease extremes
(similarly to water) while artificial surfaces tend to exaggerate them. Plants are a natural
absorbent of heat, light and sound. Heat radiation is followed by much less radiation from
vegetation due to converting a large portion of the heat energy in several biochemical and
biophysical processes. Extreme care should be exercised when removing and/or planting trees.
The trees should offer shade for roofs and walls but should not obstruct air movements around
buildings. Varieties with high canopies and few or no branches below (for instance most palm
trees) are a good option. Dense shrubs and low growing trees can be used to create walls of

AGUAVERDE: An Eco-Village Destination Resort and Permaculture Development Center

wind funnels, i.e. formations increasing wind speeds and channelling them along the desired
paths. The speed increase actually achieved will depend on the size of the funnels walls
(length and height), their density, wind direction and other factors. This effect is disputable as it
is only effective for one wind direction. For others the funnel could become an obstacle to
effective site ventilation.

6.2.1.5. Spatial Organization


The development site should be as large as possible. It can be proven that damage to the natural
environment is directly linked to the density of the users population. Furthermore, a large size of
the resort site will allow for relatively unconstrained positioning of the resort buildings and
generous space left between them. This should allow for adequate exposure of the buildings
broad side to the winds prevailing in the area. Generally, in hot humid regions such as the coastal
tropics buildings should be fully exposed to cooling winds.

In order to ensure free movement of air through the site, resort buildings should be located a fair
distance from each other; this also avoids obstructing land-sea breezes. In the layout
organization, a parallel tendency is preferred. Generally, the long axis should be aligned in an
east-west direction. The preferred orientation is that of the long axis of the building pointed west
-5 in the southern and +5 in the northern hemisphere with a 10 tolerance (i.e. facing from 255275, or 265-285, direction). Longer walls would then face south and north, limiting their
exposure to low-angle solar radiation. Another important factor is the prevailing wind
direction. Orienting buildings so that their long facades are exactly perpendicular to the wind

AGUAVERDE: An Eco-Village Destination Resort and Permaculture Development Center

direction (i.e. facing the wind) is not required. It has been shown in some studies that a better and
more even distribution of air flowing through the building, without compromising air velocity, is
achieved when the wind is oblique to the inlet openings at approximately 45. Further
improvement can be observed when inlet and outlet openings are located in adjacent walls; better
cross-ventilation resulted from the inlet opening being perpendicular to the wind direction.
Furthermore, for the best ventilation effects, the area of openings serving as outlets should be
maximized.

Use of vegetation in redirecting airflows through the site.

Appropriate site planning can help reduce the problem of humidity build-ups. Preventing
excessive humidity on the site in naturally humid climates can be done by allowing for free air
movement through it and by locating humidity sources (swimming pools, decorative ponds, etc.)
far from resort buildings. Locating the buildings away from the larger masses of vegetation
would also probably be beneficial in this respect. One of the more important planning issues is
functional zoning of the resort. Its naturally noisy parts, such as dining rooms, playgrounds,
entertainment areas, the reception and roads, should be separated from guest units. Moving them
apart and/or introducing vegetation as sound and visual barriers can do this.

6.2.1.6. Construction Design


Key recommendations in brief:
Lightweight structural systems should be selected ahead of heavy ones for most eco-resort
applications;

AGUAVERDE: An Eco-Village Destination Resort and Permaculture Development Center

Heavyweight, well-insulated and sealed systems should be used in all airconditioned


buildings; Consider hybrid structure for guest units: lightweight for night-time use part and
heavy for the daytime one;
Provide good insulation for roofs with the parasol option as an alternative. There are three
competing views, regarding the most appropriate climate-responsive building structure in warm
and humid climatic regions. They champion the following structural types:
Low mass or lightweight structure;
Large mass or heavyweight structure;
A combination of both former types in a hybrid structure.

6.2.1.7. Building Design


The building envelope a system of roofs, walls with all openings, and floors both on the
ground and suspended is the ultimate barrier between the indoors and the world outside. The
barrier works like a filter, employing building fabric and various design features. In hot and
humid climate, there appear to be only two considerable ameliorating effects achievable with the
help of purely passive climate control. They are:
Reduction in the amount of total radiation; and
Increase of airflow.

6.2.1.8. Building Layout


Key recommendations in brief:
Promote air movement through narrow single bank layout;
Open the plan and design free of interior obstructions in both horizontal and vertical planes;

AGUAVERDE: An Eco-Village Destination Resort and Permaculture Development Center

Open the building up by providing ample openings;


Designate open-to-air (without walls) spaces for dining, entertainment and
(alternative) sleeping.
For all types of buildings within the resort, one of the most important design factors is provision
of considerable air movement. Air movement is considered the only effective way of
ameliorating thermal conditions in warm and humid climates. Hence, both the internal plan and
envelope characteristics should provide for numerous effective air paths through the interior

The Guidelines on Resort Design by Ariel Yu


1. Master Planning for Resorts
1.1 Resort Master Planning Procedure
For a resort master planning, planning designers should know the procedure below.
1.1.1 Preliminary Concept

First of all, planning designers should review the materials for side evaluation, which includes
aerial photographs, environment information, topographic base maps, certified land boundaries,
easements, local planning reports, structure placement, engineering materials and other involving
materials.
To get familiar with resort proprietor design requirements and minimum standards.
To attend a design team briefing with resort proprietor and to discuss with consultant team for
the development objectives and development programs.
To review other planned development of resort in the vicinity that may have an impact on the
resort in the future and pan future development potential.

AGUAVERDE: An Eco-Village Destination Resort and Permaculture Development Center

To prepare the feasibility report, including review of marketing and economic data.
To prepare for the master plan concept report with summary of important data and overall
project programs. The report includes side analysis and drawings, square measurement
requirements, area schematics of pedestrian, area schematics and study of vehicular parking and
circulation, the outline of utilities and operational functionality.
To prepare conceptual drawings, sketches, renderings, electronic visualization that can record
and illustrate the approved preliminary concept.
To coordinate the project delivery timetable.
If required, to prepare probable cost according to budget established with resort
proprietor for review, approval and modification.

1.1.2 Preliminary Resort Master Plan


To coordinate with resort proprietor requirements, resort master plan requirements, external
area planning and functional relationships.
To prepare master plan including all planning areas, circulation, access, grading, drainage,
architectural, structural and civil engineering requirements, as well as landscape features.
To estimate master planning cost according to approved probable cost.
To prepare master plan development timetable according to project delivery timetable.
To consult with architects and other consultants to ensure master plan in accordance with
common codes and permits.

If required, to present all the schematic documentation to the proprietor for review, approval and
modification.

AGUAVERDE: An Eco-Village Destination Resort and Permaculture Development Center

1.1.3 Final Resort Master Plan


To develop approved resort master plan and related study to establish the final scope, master
plan implementation requirements by plans, sections and details.
To coordinate the master plan and related documents with the proprietor and consultants to
accord with design development timetable and preliminary estimated cost.
To ensure any adjustments to the project delivery timetable and estimated cost.
If required, to present the phase documents to the proprietor for review, approval and
modification.

1.2 Master Planning for Resorts


1.2.1 Basic Requirements for Resort Master Planning
The design feature and quality of a resort are determined by its buildings and scenario planning
and form. The buildings on a resort can be arranged in groups, in ranks, or distributed in an open
area.
The residential areas of a resort should be set on the site where the natural landscape, the
landscape or scenic spots in the resort wouldnt be destroyed. For example, in a seaside resort,
the buildings can be set on the upslope, so that the water view and landscape can be mostly
highlighted.
The planning of the building clusters should produce a kind of regionalism by combining the
buildings in the resort with the natural scenery. All the open areas in the resort should provide a
kind of service facility which cant be found in other areas.
Resort design should provide a kind of different feeling through the highest quality scenario
planning; nature, landscape and the buildings should keep a kind of harmonious and intimate

AGUAVERDE: An Eco-Village Destination Resort and Permaculture Development Center

relationship. Resort planning aims to concentrate on the functional facilities while retaining this
kind of relationship.

1.2.2 Site Planning Strategies for Resort


The surroundings of a resort should be considered as the paramount element for the site
selection. Resorts by the sea or water area, near historic sites, shopping streets and entertainment
venues are more attractive to guests.
A research on the environmental protection should be done in order to formulate proper
protection measures if the resort site is close to sensitive areas that are under environmental
protection.
Resort sites should be selected in areas with convenient traffic, for example, places where there
are two-way roads and are easy for vehicles steering. If a resort is set in a place that is connected
to high-speed roads, the designers should take elements such as the width of roads, traffic signs,
and lighting conditions into consideration when they are selecting side for the resort.
Resort sites in environments that have strong sunlight, or that are noisy and polluted should be
avoided.

1.3 Architectural Planning for Resorts


The architectural planning for resorts should comply with the following requirements:
The same faade for all kinds of buildings should be avoided to the greatest extent. Different
facades should be designed to make a visual impact.
The positions of the garages in a separate building should be different, but garages should be
set in each building or building area.

AGUAVERDE: An Eco-Village Destination Resort and Permaculture Development Center

The density of the buildings should be defined according to the conditions of the resorts
geographic location and planning. Each region may have its own different standard for land ratio.
For example, the land ratio is relatively higher in prosperous areas while relatively lower in
residential areas.
The height and withdrawing distance of the buildings in a resort should be able to protect the
guests privacy and prevent invasion.

1.4 Planning and Design for the Commercial Districts in Resorts


The commercial districts in resorts provide high-quality products and services for the guests.
Commercial districts include retail districts, gas stations, grocery stores, resort administrative
facilities, and resort activity areas. Their planning and design requires:
The key buildings should be set in an important location in the resorts, which is easy for guests
access and entry.
Roads should be set between the commercial districts and parking lots. Some commercial
activities will be held in the commercial districts, so the connecting ways should mainly be used
by the pedestrians. Besides the connecting ways there should be retail stores and grocery stores,
which is convenient for the guests and increases the festival atmosphere. There should also be a
media center in this district, which can provide and expansive exhibition space for retailers or
vehicles.
Buildings in the commercial districts should be built along the streets one by one, which forms
a continuous faade of the buildings and enhances the visual impact on the pedestrians.
Pedestrian entrances should be set in a reasonable interval in this continuous building faade,
which allows people to penetrate from the front of the building to the back.

AGUAVERDE: An Eco-Village Destination Resort and Permaculture Development Center

The motor vehicle and other facilities set for a resorts commercial districts should be restricted
in the areas in front of the commercial districts.

1.5 Planning and Design for the Roads of Resorts


It is one of the key factors for a successful resort design that whether the design for the resorts
roads and garages is reasonable and whether it can meet the requirement for guests travel or not.
1.5.1 Planning for the Roads in Resorts
The requirements for resorts roads and garages as follows should be taken into consideration.
Providing convenience for car racing enthusiasts should be taken into consideration when
designing a resorts roads. A certain length of racing track can be designed special for this kind
of people in order to satisfy their desire for challenging time.
Garage area should include service rooms or storage rooms for cars, motorboats and other
similar vehicles and equipments. The garages in the garage area should be arranged in a flanking
sequence for the passage of the incoming vehicles.

Legal Issues

Zoning Ordinance
The researcher notes that the following terms from the Ordinance should be noted,
namely: Building, Built-up Area, Buffer Zone, Environmental Critical Areas, Innovative
Design, Mangrove Forest, Parks and Recreational Zone (PRZ), Rural Area, Seaport, Settlement
Zone, Tourist Zone (TZ), and Water Zone (WZ). See Appendix for more details.

AGUAVERDE: An Eco-Village Destination Resort and Permaculture Development Center

Zone Boundaries
In Section 12 Interpretation of Zone Boundaries, it is noted that when the boundary of a zone
follows bodies of water bodies, said boundary line shall be deemed to be at the limit of the
political jurisdiction of the community if it be located thereat, otherwise, the boundary shall be
located at the bank or shore of the stream, lake, or river.
The textual description of the zone boundaries shall prevail over that of the Official Zoning
Maps.

Patterns of Land Use

In Section 13, the principal kind of uses are specified and the corresponding permitted
uses per zone are identified. The pattern of development herein set forth shall conform with
national standards on radial circumferential development, growth center strategy, regional
integration, industrial dispersal, and hierarchy of settlement. The Built-up zone shall provide
for innovative flexibility in allowable uses and design to allow for greater and more efficient
interaction between the productive and consuming sectors of the community.

Protected Forest Zone shall be characterized by preservation and conservation activities;


Production Forest Zone shall be characterized by forest development, utilization, and
conservation activities; Forest Plantation Zone shall be characterized by the tree farming
activities; Agricultural Development Zone shall be characterized by the various agricultural
activities including those undertaken with mechanized operations and all or forming an intimate
relation therewith; Tourism Development Zone shall be characterized by tourist and tourism

AGUAVERDE: An Eco-Village Destination Resort and Permaculture Development Center

related / oriented activities; Mangrove Zones shall be characterized by mangrove preservation


and protection, rehabilitation, and conservational uses and activities; Protected
Marine Zones shall be characterized by protection and preservation activities for the marine
areas; Multiple-Use Marine Zone shall be characterized by utilization, conservation,
rehabilitation and fishery development activities; AquaMarine Culture Zone shall be
characterized by inland water utilization and development activities.

Zone Regulations
In Section 13, the principal kind of uses are specified and the corresponding permitted uses per
zone are identified. The pattern of development herein set forth shall conform with national
standards on radial circumferential development, growth center strategy, regional integration,
industrial dispersal, and hierarchy of settlement.

General District Regulations


In Section 25, it is specified that in all other zones, there is no fixed building height limit, with
the exception of those prescribed by the Air Transportation Office (ATO) and other government
regulations. Within these zones, building heights shall be based on the prescribed
Floor Area Ratio (FAR).

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