35th UAP National Convention
The Power of Architecture
DREAM • C REAT E • T RANS FO RM
most e key elements- its physical characteristics, significant events and
structures- that are vital to the preservation of Malolos’ unique historical
and cultural past.
2. To enhance existing physical elements- spatial and architecturalthrough the formulation of a development plan that will represent the
town’s character and create a means of effectively preserving it as a
heritage town.
3. To formulate guidelines and policies towards a realistic and feasible
physical development plan through the inputs of community
participation.
SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
The study focuses on the formulation of a physical development plan
of a heritage district on the town center of Malolos where most historical
sites and ancestral houses are located. Assessment and recommendations
with regards to its present land use, traffic, etc. will be considered.
The historic town center identified by the National Historical Institute
will be the coverage of the proposed development plan. The study shall
be limited to solutions regarding land-use, zoning and transportation that
will directly affect the historical center and proposed heritage district.
For ancestral houses needing restoration that are within the proposed
heritage district, a detailed study must be conducted separately. All
identified heritage sites and structures of the National Historical Institute
will be evaluated on its attributes and how it can affect the proposed
development plan.
CONCEPT OF STUDY
The following concepts are the basis of this study:
1. The notion of “genius loci” will be used in the formulation of the
proposed physical plan of the historical center of Malolos. This notion
is based upon the belief that each town has its own individual special
uniqueness, character, identity and spirit which differ from all other
places –a spiri t which has value and meaning to a town’s inhabitants
and without which their quality of life would be diminished.
2. Adoption of continuity in planning through the inclusion of a heritage
district in the town’s urban fabric.
3. Urban conservation in the built environment can enhance the unique
character of Malolos balancing it with its contemporary activities and
developments.
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
Despite the enormous changes occurring caused by the rapid pace
and enormous scale of the modernization process, there still remains a
place for historical identity in a modern society.
Even before recognized as a component city, the town’s built
environment have been silently causing fragmentation and discontinuity
to the unique identity of Malolos. Its commercialization gave a dramatic
impact on the physical fabric of Malolos, and if not controlled, it might
deter the quality of life still enjoyed by the residents.
What is important is to maintain the identity of Malolos through the
preservation of its architectural legacy and spatial characteristics and the
community must recognize and understood its unique character and work
within its constraints. The presence of the historical structures is the starting
point of the enhancement strategies proposed in this study focusing on the
on the identification of a historic district on Sto Niño and F.T. Reyes Streets.
83