A Comparative Analysis on Pedestrian Experience in Metro Manila Mixed-Use Developments

Pamela Sarunya Pagana; Jamila Jane De Mesa

doi:10.21834/e-bpj.v11i36.7802

Authors

Pamela Sarunya Pagana College of Architecture, University of the Philippines Diliman
Jamila Jane De Mesa College of Architecture, University of the Philippines Diliman

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v11i36.7802

Keywords:

Walkability, Streetscapes, Pedestrian, Mixed- Use Developments

Abstract

The role of walkability in shaping city living has received considerable global research attention, yet remains underexplored in Philippine city centers. This study evaluated streetscape walkability in Taguig, Makati, and Ortigas using the Global Walkability Index and the Perceived Walkability Framework. Field observations and participant surveys identified pedestrian priorities, revealing that convenience and time are primary considerations, while intersection design strongly influences mobility choices. Intersections perceived as preferable were associated with greater safety, accessibility, and comfort. The findings stress the need to transition from vehicle-centered to pedestrian-oriented streetscapes and offer actionable recommendations for inclusive, sustainable, and resilient urban planning.

Author Biographies

Pamela Sarunya Pagana, College of Architecture, University of the Philippines Diliman

Pamela Sarunya J. Pagana is a licensed landscape architect and a teaching associate at the U.P. College of Architecture. She is also pursuing her Master of Tropical Landscape Architecture at the same institution. She is also the Chair of the Professional Practice and Policy Committee of the International Federation of Landscape Architects Asia Pacific Region and the founder and Principal Landscape Architect of the firm Reverte Manila.

Jamila Jane De Mesa, College of Architecture, University of the Philippines Diliman

Jamila Jane D.G. De Mesa is a registered and licensed architect, currently engaged in professional practice with Rockwell Land Corporation. She is concurrently pursuing a Master’s degree in Tropical Landscape Architecture at the University of the Philippines, Diliman.

References

Arranz IV, M. M. G. (2024, November 14). Guide to Metro Manila's Business Districts. Federal Land. Retrieved December 24, 2024, from https://federalland.ph/articles/a-guide-to-metro-manilas-business-districts/.

Asian Development Bank (ADB). (2014). Urbanization in the Philippines: Challenges and Opportunities. Asian Development Bank. Retrieved December 24, 2024, from https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/linked-documents/52181-001-ssa.pdf.

Baobeid, A., Koç, M., & Al-Ghamdi, S. G. (2021). Walkability and its relationships with health, sustainability, and livability: Elements of physical environment and evaluation frameworks. Frontiers in Built Environment, 7, 721218. https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2021.721218. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2021.721218

Esteban, T. O., & Lindfield, M. (2017, June). 9. Metro Manila, Philippines. Partnerships for the Sustainable Development of Cities in the APEC Region, 227. https://www.apec.org/docs/default-source/publications/2017/6/partnerships-for-the-sustainable-development-of-cities-in-the-apec-region/217_psu_apec-partnership-study_final.pdf?sfvrsn=bbe1eef1_1.

Gómez, J., & López, R. (2021). Reasons to pedestrianise urban centres: Impact analysis on health, environment, and mobility. Sustainability, 13(15), 8452. MDPI. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13158452. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su13158452

The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (ITDP) of the World Bank Group. (n.d.). Pedestrian Mobility for Urban Growth: Walking and Its Links to Transportation. 9. https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/157521557142749465/pdf/Practical-Guidance-and-Good-Practice-Examples.pdf.

Kim, Y., Choi, B., Choi, M., Ahn, S., & Hwang, S. (2023). Enhancing pedestrian perceived safety through walking environment modification considering traffic and walking infrastructure. Frontiers in Public Health, 11, 1326468. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1326468. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1326468

Krambeck, H. (2006, February). The Global Walkability Index: Talk the Walk and Walk the Talk. https://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/34409.

Kumari, P., & Mohanty, R. N. (2024, December 10). Pedestrian Behaviour and its Influence on Walkability in Urban Contexts: A Systematic Literature Review. SSRN. https://ssrn.com/abstract=5050753 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5050753. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5050753

Liow, M. L. S., & Sam, C.-Y. (2023). Walkability in Singapore. In Sustainable Urban Development in Singapore (pp. 31–52). Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-1234-5_2. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-5451-3_3

Litman, T. (2025). Economic value of walkability. Victoria Transport Policy Institute.https://www.vtpi.org/walkability.pdf.

Philippines Daily Inquirer. (2019, July 20196). Ortigas Center: From a barren land to a thriving business district. Philippines Daily Inquirer. https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Ortigas+Center%3a+From+a+barren+land+to+a+thriving+business+district.-a0592565564.

Regmi, R. K. (2017). Urbanization and related Environmental Issues of Metro Manila. Journal of Advanced College of Engineering and Management, 3, 80. https://doi.org/10.3126/jacem.v3i0.18906. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3126/jacem.v3i0.18906

Remo, A. R. (2023, July 15). Makati CBD: A People-centric Masterplanned District. Philippine Daily Inquirer. https://business.inquirer.net/410299/makati-cbd-a-people-centric-masterplanned-district.

Reyes, T. (2016, May 16). No Way to Go but UP: A Look Into Metro Manila's CBDs. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/features/brandrap/finance-and-industries/130277-metro-manila-cbds/index.html.

Sorensen, A. (2001). Building suburbs in Japan: Continuous unplanned change on the urban fringe. Town Planning Review, 72(3), 247–273. https://doi.org/10.3828/tpr.72.3.2. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3828/tpr.2001.72.3.247

Speck, J. (2012). Walkable City: How downtown can save America, one step at a time. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Ye, Y., Jia, C., & Winter, S. (2024, February 19). Measuring Perceived Walkability at the City Scale Using Open Data. Land, 13(2), 261. https://doi.org/10.3390/land13020261. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/land13020261