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Biophilic Hub for Inclusive Urban Growth

The document discusses the need for inclusive commercial spaces in Mabalacat, Pampanga, highlighting the lack of large malls and the challenges faced by local entrepreneurs and residents in accessing goods and services. It proposes the development of a Biophilic Commercial Gathering Space and Mixed-Use Innovation Hub to support small businesses, promote local culture, and enhance community accessibility. The study aims to address issues of inclusivity, accessibility, and affordability while fostering economic and social growth in the area.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
11 views4 pages

Biophilic Hub for Inclusive Urban Growth

The document discusses the need for inclusive commercial spaces in Mabalacat, Pampanga, highlighting the lack of large malls and the challenges faced by local entrepreneurs and residents in accessing goods and services. It proposes the development of a Biophilic Commercial Gathering Space and Mixed-Use Innovation Hub to support small businesses, promote local culture, and enhance community accessibility. The study aims to address issues of inclusivity, accessibility, and affordability while fostering economic and social growth in the area.

Uploaded by

2022313153
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

INTRODUCTION

Mixed-use commercial spaces today are more than just shopping centers; they serve as
destinations that combine retail, dining, leisure, culture, and community events, and attract both
locals and tourists. All of which make people confident that they can fulfill many needs in one
destination. (Pang & Sanders, 2025). Commercial areas are no longer just places to shop. They
are designed to bring shopping, dining, leisure, and community activities in one place. These
kinds of developments make life more convenient, while also giving people reasons to go and
make their purchases, since they are assured that their needs can be found in one shop.

As cities grow, urban development often prioritizes large commercial establishments,


leaving small entrepreneurs, students, and ordinary residents with limited access to affordable
and meaningful spaces. This creates an imbalance that restricts local opportunities and slows
down inclusive urban growth. In fact, according to Romero et al. (2024), the study shows that in
Manila, street vendors face regulatory and are constrained by regulations, lack of designated
affordable zones.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The main problem of this research study is that existing commercial and mixed-use
developments in Mabalacat, Pampanga are not fully inclusive. Where in according to the
Mabalacat City Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP ) there are no big malls located in it,
the citizens of the city have to go to either Angeles City or to San Fernando to and buy goods and
services in a one-stop shop environment.
This study aims to determine how a biophilic commercial gathering space and mixed-use
innovation hub can address the needs of inclusive urban communities and contribute to the future
growth and development of the [Link] Mabalacat, Pampanga. This study aims to answer the
following questions:
1. What are the existing challenges in current commercial and mixed-use developments in
Mabalacat, Pampanga in terms of inclusivity, accessibility, and affordability?

2. How can biophilic designs be effective in developing spaces that will promote well-
being, humand and environment connection and sustainability?

3. In what ways can the proposed Biophilic Commercial Gathering Space and Mixed- Used
Innovation Hub provide opportunities for the Target Market to collaborate and grow?

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES


The primary goal of this research study is to propose the development of a Biophilic
Commercial Gathering Space and Mixed-Used Innovation Hub in Mabalacat City, Pampanga,
this project aims to serve as an inclusive one-stop community shop that will support small
entrepreneurs, promotes local culture, integrates sustainable design, and contributes to the city’s
economic and social growth. According to George Evans (2023). Mixed-use development is an
innovative and effective way of designing urban spaces that are versatile and adaptable to the
changing needs of a community. It provides residents with easier access to services such as
shops, restaurants, and other stores, which means they no longer have to travel far to meet their
daily needs.
The Goals and Objectives of this study are the following:
To create a one-stop commercial space in Mabalacat that will lessen the need for
residents to travel to Angeles City or San Fernando just to access goods and services.
To provide affordable and flexible spaces where small entrepreneurs and local producers
can market their products and grow their businesses.
To help boost the economic and social development of Mabalacat City by introducing a
sustainable, culturally inspired urban center in Pampanga.

TARGET MARKET
The result of the study will be beneficial to the following:
Residents of Mabalacat City
Individuals and Families who travel to either Angeles City or San Fernando Pampanga to
buy goods.
Small Entrepreneurs
Local vendors, craftsmen, farmers, and food producers looking for affordable and
accessible spaces where they can showcase and sell their products.
Students and Young Professionals
Those who need flexible areas to study, work, or simply take a break in between their
daily activities.
Tourists and Visitors
Domestic and international travelers who want to experience the culture of Mabalacat
through its food, crafts, and local traditions.
REFERENCES:

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Common questions

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A Biophilic Commercial Gathering Space and Mixed-Use Innovation Hub can promote local culture by providing a platform for local vendors, craftsmen, and food producers to showcase their products and cultural traditions. The hub can serve as a center for community events, workshops, and exhibits that highlight local heritage. Additionally, it can facilitate community collaboration by offering affordable and adaptable spaces for students, young professionals, and small entrepreneurs to gather, interact, and engage in joint initiatives, thereby fostering a sense of community ownership and shared growth .

Biophilic designs enhance commercial spaces by integrating natural elements, which can promote well-being and increase connection between humans and the environment. These designs can improve air quality, reduce stress, and create more appealing and sustainable environments which, in turn, attract more visitors and enhance the overall experience. By including aspects like natural lighting, greenery, and open spaces, biophilic designs provide a more inviting atmosphere conducive to longer stays and repeated visits .

To ensure inclusivity for small entrepreneurs, strategies such as affordable leasing options, shared workspaces, and business support services could be employed. The development of flexible spaces that can be adapted to different business needs, along with entrepreneurial training programs and access to local networks and markets, can also empower small business owners. Additionally, promoting a regulatory environment that supports small-scale vendors can help ensure that they have an active and sustained presence in the new developments .

Developing a sustainable and culturally inspired urban center in Mabalacat can boost the local economy by attracting tourists and visitors interested in the unique cultural offerings. It can provide a steady platform for small businesses and local producers to thrive, thereby increasing local employment opportunities. A well-designed urban center can enhance property values and increase municipal revenues through taxes and business licenses, while also catalyzing further investment in the area due to improved infrastructure and economic prospects .

Constructing a Biophilic Commercial Space requires careful consideration of potential environmental impacts, such as land use changes, water resource management, and biodiversity preservation. Incorporating sustainable building materials and energy-efficient designs can mitigate negative effects. It is crucial to evaluate the impact on local ecosystems and implement practices that enhance natural habitats within the urban footprint. Furthermore, ensuring that construction processes minimize waste and carbon emissions is essential .

The absence of big malls in Mabalacat, Pampanga forces residents to travel to neighboring cities like Angeles City or San Fernando to access shopping, dining, and other services in one-stop locations. This lack of local amenities limits accessibility and convenience, particularly affecting residents without easy transportation options. It also suppresses local economic activity by excluding small entrepreneurs and vendors from participating in a locally centralized economic environment .

A biophilic design approach aligns with sustainable urban development objectives by integrating ecological and human health benefits within the built environment, thus promoting sustainability by using natural resources efficiently. This approach can enhance urban biodiversity, reduce urban heat island effects, and improve energy efficiency through natural lighting and ventilation. Moreover, it fosters a connection between urban residents and nature, encouraging sustainable lifestyles and communal environmental responsibility, which supports long-term urban resilience and vitality .

The development of a mixed-use innovation hub in Mabalacat could greatly impact the community's social fabric by providing new spaces for interaction, learning, and cultural exchange. It can address issues of social equity by offering inclusive spaces for all community members, including marginalized groups such as small vendors and local artisans. This development may enhance civic pride and community identity while reducing economic and social barriers, leading to a more cohesive and empowered population .

Mixed-use commercial spaces contribute to urban growth by integrating retail, dining, leisure, culture, and community events, which makes them destinations that attract both locals and tourists. This model of development provides convenience by offering multiple services in one location, reducing the need for citizens to travel far. Such spaces also support community well-being by promoting social interaction, enhancing accessibility and inclusivity, and fostering economic opportunities for small entrepreneurs and local producers .

The development of a one-stop commercial space in Mabalacat would likely increase both local and visiting traffic, requiring careful planning of infrastructure improvements such as road expansions and public transportation enhancements. Factors to consider include ensuring sufficient parking spaces, minimizing congestion, and integrating efficient public transport solutions. There is also a need to assess the impact on already existing utilities and services to accommodate the increased demand from the commercial space's visitors and new residents .

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