"Revitalizing Balintawak Market"
"A Proposed Revitalizing of Balintawak Public Market"
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY:
As time went on the influence of the Spaniards, Chinese and American that conquered the Philippines then gave birth to the idea of having public markets or what they used to call tiangges or agora. As time progresses the idea of a public market also changed and became complex with a different area of its kinds. A public market is one of its kind which apparently the most popular. Agreeing to the statement made in article written by Pabico (2002) "Public market, once the heart of every town are dying because of neglect and the entry of more aggressive entrepreneurs." According to him Public markets were once the heart of every town but because of industrialization, business, competition and other components the role of public market in the society has rapidly changed. Private supermarkets are now more popular and the number of their customers are still increasing.
The Importance of public market are more than just a place for shopping. A marketplace is a venue of cultural exchange. It's the town center of commerce and trade. The exchange between and among diverse cultures implies that one or the other or both is changed or enriched by the other's culture, eventually enriching the culture of the community and ultimately the society. "The public market, because it is regulated by government, supports and shields micro and small entrepreneurs in the early stages of business when they are most vulnerable to displacement by industry giants". Agreeing to the statement made in an article written by Perspectives in Development and Evaluation (2012). Supermarkets are suddenly increasing in different places exceeding the trends in buying in the public markets. They are competing to public markets by offering services different from a public market offered. The facility has air conditioned environment which a public market does not have because of the foul smell coming from the wet goods which easily spreads in the facility. The public market, as compared to supermarkets is wet, dirty, and composed of people who are noisy because the vendors are calling the attention of the consumers. Unlike in a supermarket, the goods are placed in shelves with tag price which the consumers choose and get their desired products and just move to another section with the use of push carts. The width of the aisle in a super-market is wide enough to have two push carts side by side. Not like in a public market that the space in the aisle which can accommodate two to three persons' side by side. Since they function on a human scale, public market also provide a more spontaneous atmosphere than other retail environments."Nandiyan Yung tawaran, tumpok-tumpok. Yung suki system na wala sa isang airconditioned supermarket o mall (You have the bargaining, the mounds of produce, the frequent-client system, all of which are absent in an air conditioned supermarket or mall)."
Most people now are choosing to patronize local private supermarkets than the good old public markets probably because of the convenience, comfort and reliability that these supermarkets offer. People tend to patronize private supermarkets because they are cleaner, neater, and more reliable. Who would want to shop in an unmaintained, oddly, smelled market over an air conditioned and maintained one?
Most of these public markets in the Philippines are described bad perception by its very dirty environment with poor ventilated space that cause the foul odor. The current situations and conditions of public markets lead to the construction of modernized supermarkets and hypermarkets which are fully air conditioned promote convenience shopping that leads to its rapid popularity. However, public markets still support a fundamental role in promoting public health and local food systems. Many of the agricultural, fishery and forestry products are delivered into the public market by various traders from different parts of the country.
Balintawak Public Market in Quezon City was once a well- known market in its area long before it became the market that it is today. Now, the once known reliable public market is about to be closed for good. Certain allegation about the market's unsanitary ways may have cause diseases and sickness to both its vendors and customers. The market is presently facing waste management problems and because of this the local government of Quezon City proposed to close the market for good. Since the issue about the market's waste management disposal came out the sales of the vendor were affected perhaps because costumers already heard about the issue. And that is why they became affected and lost their trust in buying in the local public market.
There are three major public markets in Balintawak. Cloveleaf market established in 1966, River View Market in 1980 and MC Market in 1989 according to the City Assessor's Office report in Quezon City in their real property assessment record. It will measure the age of these markets issues regarding general environment occurred. And because of such issues people has started complaining of the local government of Quezon City. As a result the city hall ordered the "City Hall orders closure of QC's 'unsanitary' Balintawak Market" September 11, 2015 according in the GMA news. Almost 300 vendor affected the order of the city government, it fear loss of income. "Mawawalan po kame ng hanap buhay sympre kawawa rin kami mahihirap"said Andang a vendor in the market according in GMA news. In this statement. The vendors would really be affected because it's where they earn their money from. But this kind of situation would continue it could also still affect the quality of their products and thus affecting the market's reputation.
The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) is a public transport operator that is in charge of operating and maintaining the Manila Light Rail Transit System composed of the LRT-1 and the LRT-2. Founded by Philippine President Ferdinand E. Marcos on July 12, 1980, it is also responsible for monitoring the progress of construction of all LRTA lines. A state-owned railway company in the Philippines that ease most traffic problems in Metro Manila. Based on the date gathered, the train system serves 2.1 million passengers each day. Its 33.4 kilometers (20.8 mi) of mostly elevated route form two lines which serve 31 stations in total. LRT Line 1 (LRT-1), also called the Green Line (formerly Yellow Line), opened in 1984 and travels a north–south route. The original LRT-1 was built as a no-frills means of public transport and lacks some features and comforts. Many passengers who ride the system also take various forms of road-based public transport, such as buses, to and from a station to reach their intended destination. Although it aims to reduce traffic congestion and travel times in the metropolis, the transportation system has only been partially successful due to the rising number of motor vehicles and rapid urbanization. The network's expansion is set on tackling this problem.
In the recent years, development sprouts within the vicinity of Balintawak Public Market changing further the face and function of the market, adding up to the issue on congestion, sanitized, safety and sustainability environment. On the other hand, the impact of the LRT Balintawak Station in Balintawak Public Market is can be seen as a positive one the station can invite people to go to the market. Since its where passengers are, this means more people are going to notice the market thus would make them somehow explore and shop within the market. And also the new concept of the market would also give a new identity to the public market. Its design would give an impression that this is what a modern public market should look like with this it can also spark competition between its private markets competitors. Along with the improvement of the LRT Balintawak Station beside the Balintawak Public Market are also both negative and positive reactions. Negatively the LRT trains and stations now are most if not all un-sanitized and chaotic. LRT Balintawak Station is not an exemptions, but on lighter note the use of LRT's are considered positive to most because for a fact that the traffic situation in the Philippines is useless thus most chose to ride rail stations to save time, effort and accident. Having LRT station along Balintawak Public Market work because it helps the consumers to travel from north to south thus helping with the clearing of traffic congestion. LRT is a great help for Balintawak Market because it gives people access to the market. Balintawak Market and LRT Balintawak Station both have the same issues in terms with their sanitary, quality, safeness and reliability and age. Both structures are already old. This makes them vulnerable to certain issues such as smooth circulation, safety, sanitation and sustainability.
Several factors contribute to a growing middle class and rising of consumer demand in the market. While salaries remain low, the need of more affordable necessities became more apparent in making decision for the general public. Also with many Filipino household income areas which are encouraged by overseas allowances, help maintain positive economic growth. The majority of this income goes to retail. This makes the site location a strategically located can greatly benefit most of the recipients. It is located along one of the most important links from the Metro to the north, the Balintawak interchange or also known as North Luzon Expressway (NLEx). The Expressway and interchange help the buyers and entrepreneurs to go to Balintawak Market from the metro in the north. Also the LRT Balintawak Station just across the road made it more beneficial for the buyer. Which these, the study aims to analyze the source of problem and to provide a solution to the increasing unrest concerning to the study area.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM:
Main Problem:
What will be the conflict of developing a public market that is parallel to the LRT station?
Sub Problem:
How to improve the decorating of Public Market considering smooth circulation, sanitation, safety, and sustainability?
How to improve the ambiance of the public market that is parallel to the LRT station?
How they used of consumer on maximizing of LRT and Public market?
Will the new identity of public market approach help sustain a healthy environment for the consumers?
What would be the benefits of the revitalizing Balintawak Public Market for Quezon City?
GOALS:
Revitalizing Identity of Public Market through the design of its built environment.
OBJECTIVES:
To determine the safest and effective potential routes for both pedestrian and vehicular;
To devise a plan in preventing major accident in level crossing and vehicular interchange and use it to the advantage when handling both the station and public market;
To develop opportunities that are profitable for both the community and the establishment by placing the LRT station adjacent to the market.
To provide the public with convenient and accessible market, and;
To provide eco-friendly as an advantage though proper planning and strategies in making a market.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY:
The significance of this research is to change the image of public market from a dirty environment and also bad perception of people to a green and sustainable structure. The study will revive and allow the thinking of architecture that architectural solutions can elevate the unpleasant situations and conditions of public market in the Philippines. This research is a stepping stone in the redevelop of a train station into a standardized and user friendly station for Metro commuters. Implementations of its concept and the advancement of technology may provide new opportunities, not only for the society, but also in the country.
Society- Basis of implementation for gathering knowledge and information and Connecting Existing Balintawak Public Market to LRT Station.
Government- City Government of Quezon City will be provided with a smooth vehicular traffic flow and safety in pedestrian when crossing and riding the LRT Train. By providing an upgrade and systematic space programming, it will help them to easily adapt with the basic needs of a standardized train station for Metro commuters.
Architects - This study is an initial step that will contribute new innovations and ideas for redevelopment, planning and designing recommendations for the government owned stations and privately owned wet and dry markets that can help the country and economy.
SCOPE AND LIMITATION:
The study project will cover only in Connecting Existing Balintawak Public Market to LRT Station is situated. Terminal station and commercial space are the specified topics to be discuss in this research. The study will focus on the movement and interaction of passengers regarding the public transportation and consumers in its surrounding area. The study also considers a design and planning process for a project that could address a possible design solution for a social interactive terminal with the market.
Equally important in the study is the observation of the existing Balintawak Public Market, its public area, informal settler and their general condition that can be developed and improved. To develop and achieve this proposal project, it would include related activities, amenities and facilities that could possibly bring new horizon of public market experience.
This study will mainly focus on the effectiveness of transport system to the growth of public railways transportation. Further studies about the railways, trains and its rolling stock are excluding in this research. Building technology detailed, Utilities detailed and mechanical detailed studies are also excluded in this research. Both unfortunately I wasn't able to conduct a survey and or interact to the master market or owner because they have an ongoing case with the local government of Quezon City.
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES:
Identity of Public Market
Death of Palengke
"Public markets, once the heart of every town, are dying because of neglect and the entry of more aggressive mall entrepreneurs" (Pabico, 2002).
Based on the article the government has no option but to yield to economic, social, and other pressures to privatize public services and facilities. Public markets have topped the list of public facilities undergoing privatization, and based on the research, stall owners are decreasing by numbers as time goes by. However, there are still public markets able to survive the destruction of supermarkets and malls which can be traced largely to the enduring popularity of the wet-market section which continues to draw people who cannot afford to buy from air-conditioned stores.
Thus, the usual proposed program in converting a public market to a more efficient setup of commercial stalls which involves a token concession of a wet market that is less strategically located and the upper floors or the main building are keen entirely to enterprises by private retailers or franchisees.
The Public Market and the City: Significance of the Public Market
Economic significance "The public market, because it is regulated by government, supports and shields micro and small entrepreneurs in the early stages of business when they are most vulnerable to displacement by industry giants" (Perspectives in Development and Evaluation, 2012).
Regional competitive advantage in the public market is not an abstract concept but is played out before the buyer. In the public market, producers receive more or less their asking price while supermarkets, with their financial clout, press their supplier/ producer down to the lowest possible selling price (which is why only the big producers transact with supermarkets as they could make profit even with the low asking price by mass producing). Unfortunately, this is also one reason end-consumers prefer to buy from supermarkets than in public markets, because of the low prices.
Food is produced a long way off from urban consumers. The public market provisions for the city by connecting remote producers to urban end-consumers. In the process of securing food for the city, the public market supports producer-entrepreneurs such as, in farmers' market which directly connect producers to end-consumers and in trading centers which directly connect producers and retailer.
Because the public market is government-owned, prices there should be so priced that the common tool could access the goods. Fresh produce should be accessible especially to the urban poor, for nutritional needs.
Wet markets and the forces of change
Community opposition to the conversion of wet markets to air-conditioned supermarkets in places as far apart as Bukit Batok and Serangoon is a surprise. In a society raised on rapid change, the attitude seems counter-progressive. Wet markets are a relic of a raucous, insanitary pasar era. Supermarkets are a change process in daily food-shopping habits that has been evident from the 1970s. "As untidy hawker pitches of old had given way to clean, well-lit food courts, so might wet markets eventually become obsolete"(The Straits Times, 2009). But while they still serve a community purpose, must they be rushed into oblivion? This is the core of the defenders' case.
Equal account needs to be taken of societal progress that is desirable and the needs and habits of heartland communities. On balance it may be wiser to leave it to the forces of change. Over time, it is likely wet markets will atrophy simply because they will find it harder to compete on price and variety. They do not distinguish themselves sufficiently from the chains, which have the advantage of bulk buying. They are steadily losing sales. There are signs they are already a diminishing feature of community commerce.
What will be left are wholesale markets and stalls in more remote locations which heartland shoppers' value for their personalized service and for stocking uncommon items not found in chain stores. One way wet markets can put off the day of reckoning is to upgrade in the manner that a subsidiary of the food court chain. It plans to open a wet market that will have an air filtration system to expel fish and meat odors. Smells are a feature of 'wets' which market shoppers of the next generation are unlikely to tolerate. As much as the wets are emblematic of a way of life, like hawker food and neighborhood Pools betting shops, operators owe it to their customers to adapt to changing wants.
Kinds of Public Market
Based on a study "Guidelines for creating Great Public Market", Verel (2011) made a list of different kinds of public market which was categorize based on their structure and services they offer. They are:
Open Air Markets- temporary, operating one or a few times a week;
Covered Markets- sheds or flexible indoor space, including winter markets- a trend that is growing in the northeast;
Market Hall- indoor building with permanent stalls for vendors, and;
Market districts - multi acre hubs of market-related activity including an indoor market, mix of wholesale and retail usually- usually lots of food related businesses, such as restaurants.
Holistically, markets are landmarks in an area and a good setting as a meeting place. They are the center of a community which make it the busiest area. Ideally, markets are places where people want to spend time together.
With this evolution of spaces, markets are efficient and strategically profitable if the clustering of public spaces and activities are placed conveniently beside a commercial zone. The stores can also introduce on what type of activity it should cater. Fruit and vegetable stands beside a food court can actually contribute to the community through eating healthy habits. These are sometimes called as Healthy Food Hubs.
"Healthy Food Hubs offer many benefits, especially in lower-income or disenfranchised communities without grocery stores where there is little or no access to fresh food. Healthy Food Hubs are markets where one might also find cooking demonstrations, health information, a shared-use commercial kitchen, job training, health care, community space, community gardens, and a restaurant or cafe, etc" (Verel, 2011).
How Our New Buying Habits are Changing Design Approaches in Public Markets
"A new market experience and the convergence of trends" Larry Lund (June 2015)
If we look closely at each these trends changes in eating habits and preferences, increasing concern over where our food comes from, the decline of big-box grocery store sales in favor of farmers markets and specialty shops, for example we might see that the driving force behind them all is a growing desire for connectivity.
As Larry Lund pointed out, "It's all about the sense of place." People are looking for a place to gather, to connect and participate, and they are "searching out places where they can do this—even in the grocery store." Even mainstream supermarkets are evolving to create a more multidimensional shopping experience. Along with expanding their prepared-food options, a growing number of these retail spaces now include amenities like on-site cafés, restaurants, and dining areas.
As evidenced so clearly during these discussions and throughout the entire 2015 Public Markets Conference as a whole today's markets are more and more becoming community hubs where visitors can gather, shop, eat, socialize, and learn. Many of these new hybrid spaces are "changing the way we define a market," as Larry Lund concluded, and they will continue to appeal to a public that is searching as much for place and connection as they are for quality and freshness.
Public Transport
Intermodal Concept in Railway Station Design
Based on the article written by Kandee (2004) "This article presents perspectives in transport facilities and the design of railway stations influenced by the intermodal concept."
This concept has gradually been applied to existing transportation terminals that connects related transportation modes. It integrates railways with other transportation modes effectively. The tendency has recently become evident in several railway stations, affecting their architecture and interior design. Accordingly, the new forms of railway stations were designed to change the conventional image of the stations. The architecture of the stations has gone beyond the design of main functions, which include core, transition, peripheral, and administrative. Depending on the needs of the station, the design of these spaces has to also include supplementary functions; for instance, integration of light and structure, access for disabled people, and commercial development. It is possible to also see them as an expression of modern technology reflected in their daring structure and use of new materials.
The development of integrated railway gives a significance to the communities that gave good relationship on both part. This development encourages commercial approach and economic growth. These will bring together transportation facilities, commercial development, and local activities that allow the congregation of all classes of people.
Transition Spaces in the Community
Building transition spaces consist of entrance areas, foyers, atriums, corridors, lift lobbies and other areas. These are the parts of a building through which occupants move either between outdoors and the interior useable spaces or between separately located interior spaces. Such spaces are very important both from a design aesthetic point of view, and from an environmental standpoint. These are the spaces often first encountered by someone entering a building and so the quality of design, appearance and lighting levels create significant impressions on building users. These are also parts of a building that often have close links to the exterior because of the use of larger windows, ventilation openings and entrance doors. These factors mean heat, light, air, and noise, can all be transmitted more easily between interior and exterior than other parts of the building. The ways in which such transition spaces are used, are also clearly different: occupants will normally be walking or moving (rather than seated) and may experience conditions different to those found during occupation of more enclosed interior rooms associated with work or other activities.
According to a book (Building transition Spaces, Comfort and Energy Use), "Transition spaces are necessary components of building design as they form both ingress and means of movement around a building. They have both abstract and functional qualities and are perhaps some of the most important design components from an architectural point of view (Pitts, Saleh, & Sharples, 2008)" No building, except for the most basic shell, can exist without such spaces. They play important roles in guiding and impressing those within such areas: some are designed to create stunning visual impacts; some to create social and circulation areas; others to perform more mundane functional requirements, but in all cases they are likely to occupy significant areas and volumes of a building.
Public Transport may Boost Our Well Being
"People who take the bus or train to work could be happier than their counterparts who go by car" (University of East Anglia, 2014)
Based on their research, people who drove were 13 per cent more likely to report strain and an inability to concentrate than those who did not, while public transport users were typically happier and better able to sleep at night. It also include the extra exercise in walking to bus stop and trains stations, as well as the additional time to reflect that commuters have when they do not need to concentrate on the roads.
This view complements existing evidence of a negative association between driving and physical health and is consistent with the proposition that car driving, a non-passive travel mode, can give rise to boredom, social isolation and stress. Overall, using public transportation may and can boost the wellbeing of the user making a healthier community that could induce product performance on their daily lives.
Sanitation
Sanitation in Food
"There are three main types of hazards or contaminants that can cause unsafe food: Biological, chemical, and physical. Biological includes microorganisms; chemical includes cleaning solvents and pest control; and physical means hair, dirt, or other matter." (Lori Valigra, 2013)
In our research, we've come up with five frequently mentioned sanitation tips to prevent foodborne illnesses in food service and retail businesses. They are:
Proper personal hygiene, including frequent hand and arm washing and covering cuts;
Proper cleaning and sanitizing of all food contact surfaces and utensils;
Proper cleaning and sanitizing of food equipment;
Good basic housekeeping and maintenance; and
Food storage for the proper time and at safe temperatures.
Regardless of how great your service is, how appetizing your food may be and how creative dishes are, consumers won't want visit the establishment if it's not clean. If have (or get) a reputation for being dirty, it will be extremely challenging to recover from that. It's much smarter to invest the time and energy to keeping your establishment clean in the first place.
Keep It Clean
"Your location's cleanliness and sanitation may be one of the most important factors in attracting new customers—and in keeping the ones you've already got." (Nick DiUlio, 2010)
Cleanliness, so the expression goes, is next to godliness, and while no expert would elevate the need for a tidy restaurant to the realm of spiritual enlightenment, many are passionate about one point: Now is not the time to slack on the suds.
The customer is not only savvier these days. They also only have a limited amount of money they're willing to spend. So they will pick the place they think is clean and neat, and will provide them with good service. They are going to spend their money where they don't have to worry about health issues, clutter, and all the rest that goes into making sure a location is clean.
Waste disposal
"A primary objective of waste management today is to protect the public and the environment from potentially harmful effects of waste." (World of Earth Science, 2003)
Some waste materials are normally safe, but can become hazardous if not managed properly. Every individual, business, or organization must make decisions and take some responsibility regarding the management of his or her waste. On a larger scale, government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels enact and enforce regulations governing waste management. These agencies also educate the public about proper waste management. In addition, local government agencies may provide disposal or recycling services, or they may hire or authorize private companies to perform those functions.
Throughout history, there have been four basic methods of managing waste: dumping it, burning it, finding another use for it (reuse and recycling), and not creating the waste in the first place (waste prevention). How those four methods are utilized depends on the wastes being managed. Municipal solid waste is different from industrial, agricultural, or mining waste. Hazardous waste is a category that should be handled separately, although it sometimes is generated with the other types.
Public Market vs Supermarket
Wet markets face survival battle
"Modern families are being driven to the supermarket and, over a period of time, as the older people disappear, younger families will probably only patronize the supermarkets."(Hutchison Whampoa, 1999)
The atmosphere of a wet market is different from a supermarket, they have charm and, if they could raise some of their hygiene standards, perhaps it could work. Supermarkets capitalizing on shoppers' growing concerns over food hygiene are promoting clean and fresh meat and vegetables, and rapidly stealing business from family stalls. Retailers say markets cannot survive in their current form, and must modernize or die out within a decade.
"There's a fundamental change in the way people shop" Increasingly, consumers want more convenient foods because of time constraints. Going to a wet market and picking and choosing takes time. The people most loyal to their local markets are the elderly. The challenge for us in a way is to be as much fun to shop in as a market.
Supermarket chains are killing palengkes – DTI
"That public markets are struggling in the face of competition with large supermarket chains that offer cheaper products in a clean and sanitary environment." (Cathy Rose A. Garcia, 2011)
The current state of palengkes are a far cry from the past years when they were considered as flourishing commercial centers in towns and barangays throughout the country.
Many consumers prefer going to supermarkets because they offer better consumer protection, unlike public markets where some unscrupulous vendors fail to use properly calibrated weighing scales.
To encourage the improvement of public markets, the DTI is mulling the possibility of giving Bagwis Awards to palengkes. The Bagwis Award is the DTI seal of approval in recognition of business establishments selling products and services with great value, durability and safety.
"We want to make sure that the weighing scales are calibrated and ensure that there are no 'double dead' meats being sold and that the market is clean," Maglaya said.
Street markets more powerful than supermarkets
"The irony is that planning decisions are being taken which are undermining the small enterprises that can prevent us from becoming a nation of clone towns, as well as impoverishing local communities and economies and reducing consumer choice. They may even be resulting in net job losses." (Maxine Frith, Social Affairs Correspondent, 2006)
Local street markets generate twice as many jobs as big supermarkets and sell goods at half the price of the supposedly cut-price retail giants. Planning decisions that favors the building of huge outlets over established smaller markets could result in fewer jobs and less choice for local communities, a report by the think-tank the New Economics Foundation (NEF) warned. The report adds to the growing backlash against retail giants concerns that independent traders are being forced out of business by unethical practices.
