The architects' role in sustainable urban conservation

Urban conservation and sustainable urban design are integral to disaster risk reduction management, especially in the Philippines, where many heritage towns are highly vulnerable to natural calamities. Typhoons, earthquakes and floods pose significant threats to these areas, aggravated by aging infrastructure and climate change.

Architects can collaborate with local government units (LGUs) to combine urban conservation efforts with sustainable urban design to safeguard cultural heritage and improve disaster resilience.

Many Philippine historic towns were not designed to withstand modern environmental challenges. As a result, retrofitting and adaptive reuse have emerged as vital strategies, strengthening these structures while preserving their historical integrity. Some traditional building materials, like wood, bricks, and adobe stones, necessitate reinforcement to adhere to contemporary safety standards.

Urbanization's unregulated developments encroach upon heritage sites, increasing their vulnerability to disaster risks. Historic towns in coastal and riverine areas are vulnerable to floods and rising because aging drainage and sewage systems intensify flooding problems. The same is true of those in earthquake-prone areas because of their delicate foundations and the lack of seismic retrofitting.

Vigan, a Unesco World Heritage site known for its well-preserved Spanish-era architecture, remains at risk from seismic activity. The magnitude-7.0 earthquake in July 2022 caused damages to its historical structures, including the Vigan Cathedral and old-century houses along Calle Crisologo. In response, Unesco's collaborative project with Icomos Philippines protects Vigan's historic structures, helps them recover from earthquake damages, and restores them for future generations.

Conservation efforts have focused on adaptive reuse and sustainable materials in Taal, Batangas, and its well-preserved ancestral houses. Taal is exposed to earthquakes, volcanic activity and flooding. Taal's LGU coordinates with national agencies that conduct restoration projects and initiate conservation efforts. It has mapped out high-risk zones and developed flood management systems to protect heritage sites and residential areas.

Iloilo City's Calle Real has been the focus of revitalization efforts to preserve its architectural heritage while enhancing structural resilience. The restoration of its Art Deco and Neoclassical buildings incorporated retrofitting strategies to reinforce them against seismic movement. A flood mitigation strategy, the Iloilo River Esplanade project integrated natural floodplains and green infrastructure to bolster urban resilience. These initiatives demonstrate a holistic approach to heritage conservation and sustainable urban design which can create disaster-resilient communities.

The framework of several national policies integrates disaster resilience with urban conservation. Republic Act (RA) 10066 mandates LGUs to protect and conserve the Philippines' cultural heritage. RA 11961 reinforces efforts in cultural mapping and enhances cultural heritage education programs nationwide. The Green Building Code of the Philippines promotes climate-responsive design, which can be applied to heritage buildings through passive cooling techniques and adaptive reuse. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 encourages LGUs to integrate disaster preparedness and risk reduction strategies into local urban planning. The Philippine Climate Change Act of 2009 supports climate adaptation and nature-based solutions benefiting heritage towns in flood-prone areas.

Architects can translate these national policies into tangible built environments. Their expertise is essential for the preservation and adaptive reuse of heritage structures. The Green Building Code of the Philippines demands that they be adept in climate-responsive design and selecting sustainable materials. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 and the Philippine Climate Change Act of 2009 require them to integrate resilience into their designs by creating structures capable of withstanding natural disasters while minimizing environmental impact. In implementing these policies, architects bridge the gap between legislative objectives and the development of a sustainable and culturally enriched built environment.

Architects advocate for nature-based solutions that mitigate disaster risks. They ensure that policies and urban planning frameworks respect historical authenticity and climate resilience. Green infrastructure, such as tree-lined buffer zones, bioswales, and wetland restoration, enhances heritage sites' aesthetic and ecological value and protects them from climate-related threats.

Collaboration with LGUs and community engagement are essential in crafting local conservation strategies integrating disaster risk reduction and management. Many residents perceive conservation as solely the preservation of old structures, overlooking its role in enhancing resilience against natural hazards. Architects can address this misconception by demonstrating how conservation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings contribute to safety, sustainability and climate resilience. Public awareness campaigns, workshops and participatory planning sessions can involve communities in decision-making processes.

Given the Philippines' rapid urbanization and climate-related threats, integrating disaster risk reduction into urban conservation as interconnected disciplines is imperative. Sustainable interventions should focus on retrofitting and strengthening historic structures, improving drainage and flood control systems, promoting mixed-use development in heritage districts, and incorporating green. Architects play a vital role in this transformation, working with urban planners, landscape architects, and local stakeholders to ensure that heritage towns remain livable and well-prepared for future challenges.

Source: Manila Times