GREEN LUNG OF THE METROPOLIS: Quezon Memorial Circle as a Center of Community Engagement andEconomic Exchange through Urban Regeneration
Proponents: BAIRAN, CHERIE ANNE MAE C.; CRUZ, WRAIN WILMA M.; DELA CRUZ, NICOLAI
Thesis Adviser: AR. RALPH S. INTAL, uap
Bulacan State University - College of Architecture and Fine Arts
S.Y. 2022 - 2023
Synopsis
Rapid urbanization has reshaped Metro Manila into a dense, highly commercialized metropolis where open green spaces are increasingly threatened by infrastructure development and land conversion. Within this context, urban parks have taken on a more critical role, not only as recreational spaces but as essential environmental systems that support ecological balance, public health, and social well-being. Among these spaces, Quezon City holds a unique position. Occupying nearly one-fourth of Metro Manila’s total land area, the city contains some of the metropolis’ last remaining green networks. At the heart of this system lies Quezon Memorial Circle (QMC), a 27-hectare national park that functions both symbolically and ecologically as the city’s core.
This thesis, Green Lung of the Metropolis, explores the regeneration of Quezon Memorial Circle as a response to the growing tension between environmental protection, economic growth, and social engagement. Once envisioned as a monumental civic space honoring President Manuel L. Quezon, the Circle has gradually evolved into a multipurpose urban park accommodating recreation, commerce, cultural activities, and, most recently, mass transit infrastructure. The ongoing construction of MRT Line 7 within the park has intensified pressures on the site, reducing green areas while simultaneously increasing visitor volume and economic activity. These changes challenge the Circle’s ability to perform its most vital role: serving as a green lung for the city.
The study is grounded on the premise that Quezon Memorial Circle must no longer be treated as a passive open space but as a living urban system capable of regeneration. Rather than framing development and conservation as opposing forces, the thesis proposes an architectural and urban design approach that allows both to coexist through careful zoning, adaptive design, and ecological integration. Central to this proposal is the local government’s directive to preserve and restore at least 70% of the park as green open space while limiting development to the remaining 30%. This limitation becomes not a constraint, but an opportunity to rethink how architecture can work with nature rather than against it.
Drawing inspiration from biological systems, the design concept is framed through the analogy of the heart and lungs. In this metaphor, Quezon Memorial Circle functions as the lungs of the metropolis—filtering pollution, regulating climate, and providing breathing space for the city—while the circulation of people, activities, and economic exchange represents the heart that keeps the space alive. Architecture, in this sense, becomes the connective tissue that allows these systems to function in balance. The proposal, therefore, is not centered on iconic structures but on regenerative processes that sustain environmental, social, and economic health over time.
The research adopts a descriptive methodology that integrates both qualitative and quantitative data. Site analysis was conducted through ocular inspections, mapping, and documentation to assess the physical condition of existing structures, circulation systems, and landscape elements. Interviews with park administrators, vendors, and users provided insights into current challenges, user behavior, and economic dynamics within the Circle. Secondary data from government plans, zoning maps, and environmental studies further informed the understanding of the site’s limitations and potentials.
Findings reveal that while Quezon Memorial Circle remains one of the most visited parks in Metro Manila, its facilities and spatial organization have not kept pace with the growing number of users. Commercial stalls and recreational amenities are unevenly distributed, leading to overcrowding in certain zones and neglect in others. Many existing structures suffer from deterioration, inadequate ventilation, poor lighting, and outdated layouts that discourage prolonged use. At the same time, the influx of visitors—projected to reach up to 800,000 daily passengers once MRT-7 becomes fully operational—poses risks of congestion, environmental degradation, and declining quality of social interaction if left unmanaged. Despite these issues, the Circle demonstrates strong potential as a center for community engagement and local economic exchange. The presence of small vendors, plant stalls, and food kiosks highlights an existing informal economy that, if properly supported, can contribute to inclusive growth. Users expressed a preference for clustered commercial zones, shaded al fresco spaces, improved walkability, and designs that reflect the park’s natural character. These insights underscore the need for architecture that is flexible, adaptive, and responsive to both human and environmental needs.
In response, the thesis proposes a mixed-use, regenerative development strategy that reorganizes commercial, cultural, and recreational functions into clearly defined yet interconnected zones. Rather than dispersing structures across the park, developments are consolidated to minimize land disturbance and protect the continuity of green spaces. Open plans, permeable structures, courtyards, and green corridors are introduced to enhance natural ventilation, daylighting, and visual connection to the landscape. Elevated walkways and alternative circulation paths help disperse crowds while reducing damage to ground vegetation.
Environmental protection is addressed through the integration of green infrastructure such as roof gardens, rainwater harvesting systems, permeable pavements, and the use of local, non-invasive plant species. These strategies aim to reclaim lost green areas, improve stormwater management, and reduce the urban heat island effect. The proposal also emphasizes low-maintenance materials and climate-responsive design elements, ensuring long-term sustainability and ease of park management.
Social considerations play a central role in the design. Spaces are envisioned to be inclusive, safe, and accessible to users of all ages and backgrounds. Recreational areas, learning spaces, and cultural venues are designed to encourage interaction between different generations and social groups. Improved lighting, clear sightlines, and strategically placed security posts address safety concerns without creating an atmosphere of restriction. By enhancing comfort, visibility, and accessibility, the Circle is repositioned as a welcoming public realm rather than a transitory space.
Economically, the proposal supports local entrepreneurship by providing vendors with equitable exposure and better facilities. Clustering commercial activities not only improves visitor experience but also creates a more efficient system of management and maintenance. The inclusion of urban farming and aquaculture spaces aligns with Quezon City’s broader sustainability goals and reinforces the park’s role in promoting food security and environmental awareness.
Ultimately, Green Lung of the Metropolis envisions Quezon Memorial Circle as more than a preserved park or a commercial hub. It proposes the Circle as a regenerative urban core—one that breathes with the city, adapts to change, and sustains life across environmental, social, and economic dimensions. By reimagining the relationship between architecture, nature, and public space, the thesis offers a model for how urban parks in highly dense cities can evolve without losing their essence. In honoring both the legacy of Quezon City and the needs of its future, the project positions Quezon Memorial Circle as a lasting emblem of sustainable urban growth.
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