BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

According to the Laws of Indies, the town's development should commence from the
plaza, which is designated as the central hub. It is recommended that the plaza be designed in
a square or rectangular configuration, as these geometric shapes are most conducive to hosting
festive events and gatherings. Following the establishment of the streets and plazas, designated
plots will be allocated for the temples for primary church, parish, or monastery. A designated
area near the temple will be allocated for the royal council, cabildo house, customs house, and
arsenal for emergency assistance. Additionally, a hospital for indigent and non-contagious
patients will be built next to the temple, with a separate hospital for contagious diseases to
protect the community.
Modernization is important for a city and its capacities to evolve at the pace of society
and to suit the needs of its citizens. This exploration is crucial as it sheds light on how to
effectively manage and improve public spaces that are vital for social interaction and local
culture, ultimately enhancing the overall experience for residents and visitors alike.
The evolution of cities and lifestyles has led to new applications for the built
environment. Richard Sennett’s “The Public Realm” emphasizes the importance of
modernization and social development in urban spaces. He defines the “public realm” as areas
that foster connections and enhance community life. When designed for modern needs, these
structures can energize city centers, but they may also become obsolete if they fail to adapt.
Sta. Cruz, originally 'Taripnong,' was founded by Ilocanos in the 17th century after
defeating the Igorots. It later became 'Napinget,' symbolizing fearlessness. Spaniards under
Juan de Salcedo conquered the settlement in 1601, renaming it Pueblo of Sta. Cruz to spread
Christianity. Despite changes through Spanish, American, and Japanese rule, its residents have
shown resilience, shaping its modern identity since its official recognition in 1884.
The study focuses on the redevelopment of Poblacion, Santa Cruz, Ilocos Sur. One of
the main reasons pushing for the redevelopment of the Poblacion area is the plaza's current
state, which leaves much to be desired. The facilities are outdated, and the overall condition of
the space isn't appealing. With a lack of shops and attractions, the area feels somewhat
neglected, making it less inviting for both locals and visitors. This situation has sparked
conversations about how to breathe new life into the plaza, transforming it into a vibrant hub that
can attract more foot traffic and foster community engagement.

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The study focuses on the redevelopment of Santa Cruz Plaza in Ilocos Sur, primarily
driven by the ongoing maintenance challenges that have plagued the area. Over the years, the
plaza has faced various issues, including deteriorating infrastructure, inadequate facilities, and a
lack of modern amenities that cater to the needs of the community. These challenges not only
affect the aesthetic appeal of the plaza but also hinder its functionality as a vibrant public space.
By addressing these maintenance concerns, the redevelopment aims to revitalize the plaza,
making it a more inviting and accessible destination for residents and visitors alike, while also
ensuring that it meets contemporary standards for safety and usability.
Formal public places such as town squares and plazas are vital for cultivating
community connections. Thompson and Kent (2014) argue that these spaces serve as
platforms for social interactions that enhance health and well-being. The authors highlight the
role of public places in providing opportunities for community gatherings, thereby strengthening
social ties and promoting a sense of belonging among residents.
The significance of this research lies in addressing the redevelopment of Santa Cruz Plaza,
particularly due to the various maintenance issues that have arisen over time. By focusing on
these challenges, the study aims to highlight the need for a comprehensive plan that not only
revitalizes the plaza but also ensures its long-term sustainability and usability for the community.
This exploration is crucial as it sheds light on how to effectively manage and improve public
spaces that are vital for social interaction and local culture, ultimately enhancing the overall
experience for residents and visitors alike.

MAIN OBJECTIVES
 This study aims to redevelop the Poblacion in Santa Cruz, Ilocos Sur, enhancing the
quality of life for residents and visitors. Key focuses include urban planning,
infrastructure improvement, economic development, and community engagement.
 To improve environment quality by analyzing factors causing degradation and proposing
sustainable solutions for a healthier ecosystem that promotes physical and mental
health.
 To improve economic efficiency and maximize resource utilization.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
 COMMUNITY PLANNING
o to maintain safety and social objectives while simplifying the process for
individuals to engage in decision-making and express their concerns. This
approach will help guarantee that everyone in the community, regardless of their
background, has a voice in the changes that impact them and can actively
contribute to fostering a better environment for all.
 SOCIO-ECONOMICS
o to achieve lasting enhancement in the overall welfare of individuals, collectives,
families, communities, and society as a whole. By focusing on holistic
approaches, it becomes possible to create a supportive environment that
nurtures the physical, emotional, and social health of all members within these
interconnected systems.
 ENVIRONMENT
o to safeguard natural resources, address the challenges posed by climate change
through both mitigation and adaptation strategies, and enhance the preservation
of biodiversity. This involves implementing practices and policies that not only
conserve the environment but also ensure that ecosystems remain resilient in the
face of changing climatic conditions.
 WHAT IS COMMUNITY?
From the perspective of architecture, community can be understood as a collective of
individuals who share a common space, culture, and social interactions, which are significantly
influenced by the built environment. This concept encompasses not only the physical structures
that facilitate communal activities, such as parks, community centers, and residential areas, but
also the relationships and networks that emerge within these spaces. Architects play a crucial
role in shaping these environments to foster inclusivity, accessibility, and engagement among
residents, thereby enhancing the social fabric of the community. The design of public spaces, for
instance, can encourage gatherings and interactions, while residential layouts can promote
neighborly connections, ultimately contributing to a sense of belonging and identity within the
community. (Toby Lowe, 2021)

WHAT MAKES A COMMUNITY?

Every group or team is not necessarily a community. For example, a group of students are not
necessarily a community just because they are working on the same project.
To be a community, the members must have the intention and ‘sense’ of being a part of a
community, and therefore a community is as much defined by the mind frame of its members as
it is by its outside characteristics.
Developing a sense of community is something that has multiple aspects and requires certain
conditions to be met over a continuous period of time. These characteristics help to cement the
community and confirm its identity.
In the Philippines, community is

The main factors in creating and maintaining a sense of community come from having a shared
purpose, interacting frequently, and members supporting each other.
 A shared purpose, interest, or goal.
Whether it is socialising or solving world hunger, people join and form communities that match
their interests or goals. This is because communities can strengthen and reinforce these beliefs
and interests, as well as creating a safe space to explore their identity.
 Frequent interaction.
Communities need frequent interaction between its members to survive. In the modern day and
age, this has become less frequent due to the rise of social media and globalization. In the past,
communities used to be the main source of interaction for people. Nowadays there are millions
of ways to interact and engage with other people, regardless of location.
As a result, many communities are facing a decline in membership, partly due to lack of
frequent communication between its members.
One of the ways to combat this is to adopt, rather than reject, technology as a means to engage
a community. Private community software platforms and apps exist that let community members
interact and explore in a safe environment, therefore providing a new way to strengthen and
increase the interactions between members, and therefore strengthen the community overall.
You can benchmark the effectiveness of your community and its use of communication
technology. Rate your community with our community app maturity model.
 A level of sharing or pooling of resources.
Part of a sense of community is having the trust and support of its members. Communities that
help each other solve problems, provide support, and educate each other are stronger and
more likely to survive over time.
 Common struggle
A common struggle unites individuals into groups and creates a sense of urgency. The struggle
can’t be too easy. It’s good to be victorious in the end, but you have to go through some
hardship along the way.

LAWS FOR IRR FOR A COMMUNITY

 PD 1096: National Building Code of the Philippines (NBCP)
o SECTION 101. Title
 These Rules shall be known and cited as the “Revised Implementing
Rules and Regulations of
 the National Building Code of the Philippines (P.D. 1096)” and shall be
referred to as the “IRR”.
o SECTION 102. Declaration of Policy
 It is hereby declared to be the policy of the State to safeguard life, health,
property, and public
 welfare, consistent with the principles of sound environmental
management and control; and to this
 end, make it the purpose of the Code to provide for all buildings and
structures, a framework of
 minimum standards and requirements to regulate and control their
location, site, design, quality of
 materials, construction, use, occupancy, and maintenance.
 BP 344: Accessibility Law
o The Rules and regulations set forth herein provide for minimum requirements
and standards to make buildings, facilities and utilities for public use accessible
to disabled persons, pursuant to the objectives of Batas Pambansa Bilang 344,
An Act to Enhance the Mobility of Disabled Persons by Requiring Certain
Buildings, Institutions, Establishments and Public Utilities to Install Facilities and
Other Devices.
 PD 1185: Fire Code of the Philippines
o It is the policy of the State to ensure public safety, promote economic
development through the prevention and suppression of all kinds of destructive
fires, and promote the professionalization of the Fire Service as a profession.
Towards this end, the State shall enforce all laws, rules and regulations to ensure
adherence to standard fire prevention and safety measures, and promote
accountability in the fire protection and prevention service.”
 PD 856: Sanitation Code
o The health of the people, being of paramount importance, all efforts of public
services should be directed towards the protection and promotion of health.
 PD 957: Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB)
o It is the policy of the State to afford its inhabitants the requirements of decent
human settlement and to provide them with ample opportunities for improving
their quality of life.
SWOT ANALYSIS
1. Strengths
 Sta. Cruz ranks competitively within the region, which provides a favorable environment
for local businesses.
 Key strengths include established infrastructure
 accessibility of the CBD
2. Weaknesses
 deforestation
 urban decay in the CBD
 loss of tree cover
 suffer from neglect, resulting in underused properties
3. Opportunities
 potential for job creation as new businesses can emerge from transformed spaces.
 can attract not only local investment but also create amenities that cater to young
professionals
 Promoting small businesses and local artisans through these projects
4. Threats
 potential environmental degradation
 economic challenges posed by competition from neighboring areas.
 Urban decay within the CBD may lead to increased vulnerability against socio-economic
issues.

THEORY FOR THE COMMUNITY

 ADAPTIVE REUSE
In the discourse of architectural theory, adaptive reuse is increasingly recognized as a vital
strategy for addressing contemporary urban challenges. Scholars and practitioners alike
analyze the implications of transforming old buildings into modern spaces, considering factors
such as social dynamics, environmental impact, and economic viability. The theories
surrounding this practice advocate for a thoughtful examination of the existing architectural
fabric, encouraging a dialogue between the old and the new. By doing so, adaptive reuse not
only revitalizes underutilized structures but also enhances the character of urban environments,
promoting a sense of place and continuity in an ever-evolving landscape.

CHAPTER II
SYNOPSIS
Sta. Cruz can benefit from those unutilized established structures, public activities like
festivals, maximize the accessibility if the important structures like plaza, church, town hall, and
public market. Adding more vegetation, greeneries, small parks for families to use, and natural
sunshades. Locals can also benefit from new structures by getting them hired for its
maintenance and building their own businesses.
 Applying adaptive reuse to Sta. Cruz’s establishments will give the community additional
useful facilities, which they can benefit from. As of today, a lot of old structures don’t have
functions for the community. There are some abandoned houses too that can be converted into
a commercial building or just repaired for people in need to use. These old structures can
become beneficial if reused properly.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:

MacQueen, K., McLellan, E., Metzger, D., Kegeles, S., Strauss, R., Scotti, R., Blanchard, L., & Trotter, R. ().

What Is Community? An Evidence-Based Definition for Participatory Public Health

Smith, M. (2001). What is community?

Ditto, J. (2022). Dissecting the True Meaning of Community

Jeffrey, M. (2024). What makes a community?

The Art of Non-Conformity. What Makes a Community?

Gurteen, D. What Makes a Real Community?

Chavis, D. & Lee, K. (2015). What Is Community Anyway?

Thompson, S. & Kent, J. (2013). Connecting and Strengthening Communities in Places for Health and

Well-Being. Australian Planner.

Cosme, M.P.J. (2018). Building Laws, Codes & Orders

Around Ilocandia Channel. (2014). Brief History of the Municipality Sta. Cruz.

MasterClass. (2021). What Is Adaptive Reuse Architecture and Why It's Important.