Towards a Thriving Future: Blueprint for Self-Sustainable Community Development

The Planning Process

The task of doing a master plan for a subdivision is a very challenging task for any designer. The planning activity and design do not come easily. It goes along with much study, observation, research, and analysis. 

Subdivision Planning 

It is one of the comprehensive services rendered by an architect. 

This project is a good subject to share, as we initially do the research, I decided to share the journey hoping that you can learn from this experience. 

The Design Process

How did it all start?

It is very important to share the history of how this project came into place. 

It was amid a global pandemic when this project was conceived. When MM Cortez had initial contact with the client whose mother-in-law, the land owner, won her case from this disputed land. As a result of that, they have decided to do some developments but have no idea what to do and where to start. 

 

Basically, it is located at barangay San Isidro. The land is lying along the barangay road and it is mainly a gateway towards the main hub of the barangay. The main hub is the heart of the community where there are schools, mixed with residential and agricultural land. 

The Site Analysis

 These are the site pieces of information that are essential in the decision-making. To make a more realistic design approach that will help build the community. From the Macro to the Micro level of information, we can get much information as we unfold each of the data gathered from our research. All of these are readily available upon site visitation taking some photographs of the actual condition of the neighborhood and assessing the marketability of the site in terms of its location and accessibility.

 The Circulation and Accessibility to the Site

 The flow of circulation and accessibility to the site is one of the major factors in determining the targeted market. As we go deeper into the feasibility of this project, we can see the actual condition of the site such as the width of roads, availability of the transportation system, and the nearest access to important entry and exit points. 

 

After the site survey, a careful analysis of the site is done. The survey includes;

The area of the site

• Location of the site
• The Land use
• The Existing condition which includes the terrain, utility system, road, vegetation and natural resources, population, etc
• Livable neighborhoods and the growth hub
• Probable impact on existing development and adjacent developments 
• The future developments

Design Standards

What governs the design standards of subdivision planning and design? 

Subdivision planning and design standards are governed by local government guidelines. It follows government regulations in protecting life, health, and property.  And achieving aesthetic goals for the community.

General Design

The major design guidelines and patterns take into consideration the surrounding land use and other natural constraints that impact the quality of the project. 

Subdivision Planning  

The basic framework of the layout is determined by the layout of the street to form a pattern and arrangement of lots. 

It also defines the layout of the site that will provide avenues for utilities and a street classification system. 

There are different options to arrange the street patterns. Here are some of the design guidelines that can be considered:

As we develop the plan, there are several points to consider, finalizing the design process. When it comes to implementation, the cost of the project is the most critical, where the evaluation and presentation of the master plan may vary. This is just one of the many options. As long as the aesthetic design is followed as per the design standards, the decision now will vary from the budget. 

The balance between functionality, within budget, and compliance with the design standards. 

This subdivision plan in its design process still goes a long way. We are just starting with the presentation of the initial design and some of the research and data gathered. The design can change as we continually discuss with the client. 

 

Schematic Design Proposal

The initial study was made, and a schematic layout was done initially to show an impression based on the initial data gathered. This includes the number of lots allocated for the different land uses needed to make a sustainable community. Here's the Aerial View Perspective

To show the blueprint of what is the intent of the proposal, this graphical presentation is to guide the project proponent and the architect with their design goals. This will lead to a better understanding of how the design brief is met. This process will be a daunting task because we need to support the visual presentation with documents like the lot plan, budgetary estimate, and the overall arrangement of the subdivision plan to achieve maximum capacity. This will include.

•  The Financial feasibility studies
• The overall impact of the site to the end-user
• The interrelationship of spaces and their accessibility 

We will update you soon. 

Meanwhile, as you enjoyed reading, I would like to ask some questions.

1. How will you describe the design of the master plan?

2. With the process shown, what else is missing? 

You can share your thoughts in the comment section below, I would be glad to have a healthy discussion to dig deeper into the design of the subdivision plan. 

RELATED ARTICLE: 

The Continuation of this article

Fly Through Animation of the Proposed Self-Sustainable Community Development | The Schematic Design Presentation

The Landscape Design Ideas | Formation of Public Spaces

This is one of the great experience that broaden my Landscape Design Ideas for Public Spaces. Working in a company that allowed me to gain that experience for 9 years has been a fruitful journey to add into my working experience in adopting the landscape design program in an international setting.

 

The Learning design | designing spaces for the people

Landscape architecture is all about designing spaces for the people, The aesthetic beauty of the place is usually seen as the main element but it is more deeper than that. Before the actual finishes are determined, the Landscape architect is challenge with more deeper issues than that. It is actually solving a problem that would help ease the movement of people, their safety and the functionality of the space in a larger context.

The street planters for example complements the design of this public space. It serves as a station point for the placement of Trees but serves as a resting place where people walking by can sit and relax. The interaction of public places with the utilities provided helps the spaces more functional. This is what is established, the relationship of people to public spaces.

The Form of Urban Public Space

The main objective of the landscape designer in the formation of Public places urban spaces should be responsive. The much more deeper issues in broader sense. Urban Public space is a complex system where all components have their own specific roles. These components are:

The Streets

The Open Spaces

Parks

Spaces between houses or buildings

1. The Streets

The streets art the lines connecting to places. It appears to be the "artery" that connects all other components. The accessibility of public and private transportation and the people walking around to and from other places. 

2. The Open Spaces 

The Open Spaces are the "stop overs" breaking the movement of people. It serves as a resting point. A breathing spaces for people and spaces as well. 

Parks. 

Parks are different from open spaces though it may seem to serve the same function. Parks are the recreational activities to people within the community. 

Spaces between houses or buikdings

Spaces between house or building are the transition point from the busy street to the adjacent residential or buildings.

All of these components encouraged landscaped design ideas to build the relationship of the spaces to people. Their functionalities affects the peoples activities and requires interactions between them. That will support the affectivity and success of the landscape design.

7250 Landscape Design Ideas

We have various Landscape Design Ideas for your house. We will be sharing some tips on making use of the best design ideas for a front yard and backyard landscape.

Landscape Design 

Landscaping is a challenging and enjoyable profession. Most landscape architect agree that the tasks to do a landscape design are all unique and needs special attention with the proper assessment that guides them to the task. Ideas may come in various forms, the approach may vary from size of the lot, to the shape, the factors to consider in doing the proper design solution to each situation. 

Whether you are doing a backyard or front yard landscape design proposal to public parks and playgrounds or the most complex scenarios of urban planning, you will never ran out of ideas.

Landscape design ideas for front of house

Exterior of your home can be accentuated with natural elements from flaura and fauna to stonework. Some water feature makes your design more inviting to your guests.

If you have a limited space, you need to know the functionality of it before you begin your design. You may asked yourself or your proponent about his activities and intention to do with the small space requiring landscape.

Is it intended for entertaining friends? or is it intended for in-ground planting? Dig more by asking more specific questions like how many visitors you want to entertain? what are the usual outdoor activities you might be doing. For in-ground planting, you can ask what types of plants you want to grow, is it a cut-flowers or vegetables? These are but some of the questions you need to ask. These are outlined in some of the things you will learn from the book. 

Versatility in Design approach  

Design should be versatile and the elements you will be putting together will vary from the functionality of the given space. 

To maximize the potentials of small spaces, you can place elements that can be multi-functional. 

Folding Bistro Tables and chairs can be easily stored when not in use, therefore the space can be used differently. Bench seating at a rectangular patio can ideal for families, capped retaining walls and raised bed can function more for seating heights of .45 mts and can be softened with cushions.

There are variety of elements to add to your lists and can help you make a practical design solution.

Backyard Landscaping Ideas on a Budget

Another landscaping challenge is the budget requirement. Backyard and Front yard may have different function. The Design ideas may vary as mentioned above, there are plenty of options to do a cheap landscaping ideas. 

A DIY gardening is a practical means to make your landscape design work on your budget. pots and the type of plants you grow are the key factors. 

Refurbishing old furniture

This can be an inexpensive way to the design approach, A DIY approach to add to your landscape elements like refurbishing wooden sofa, old bath tub, door, steel grill. You can consider many elements that are already existing and are not in use, so why not use them in your landscape?

Accentuate with something that will complement your design. It can be a useful element to reinforce the functionality and can also be a focus of your design.

Learn more form our 7250 landscape design ideas with this this book for you to download. This is an affiliate program where we are earn a small amount of money when you buy. 

Architectural Design Projects

 The Architectural Design Project Management team of Arkiventure is launching its project profile readily available in our facebook page 

The new venture has finally been launched to promote our services online. We are now expanding our services to International Market who are looking for Architectural Designers to do the Feasibility Studies, Market and financial feasibility studies, Business plan ideas and Operation, Design Conceptualization and Master Planning for long term.  

Arkiventure has all the architectural Design capabilities, with the years of experience in the Design and Construction of projects. The profile video highlights some of our major projects done and on-going. 

Project Profile:

Here are some of the projects undertaken:

The St. Joseph and Mary Hospital

The Saint Joseph and Mary Hospital is a Design-Build project. This location is in Concepcion Lubao, Pampanga, Philippines. 

The Design of this project is in response to the Covid19 Global Pandemic. The Growing number of patients not only with Covid related illness but with all of the medical needs of the locality. We will be featuring all of its Design process from its inception up to the final Completion of this project. 

As of now, this is on the Design Development stage where the client has given us the "go" signal to proceed with the design development documentation. The completion of all Architectural, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Sanitary Drawings are on the way for completion.

The Citta Italia Residence

The Citta Italia is a one of our design profile in Residential design category. It is inspired by a Mediterranian Style of Architecture which is just right for its name. 

With 4 carport and a two storey residence. 

The Fitness Center Gym

This is a completed project in mid 1990. A four-Storey Fun and Fitness Gym right at the heart of The City of San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines. One of the Structures inside the compound of The Party Place. 

The Party place is a Restaurant with recreational facilities including this Fitness Center.

The following projects listed below are on-going projects under research and development. The MOA are already signed to undertake the Design and Construction of the projects. 

Arkiventure has started the research and the drafting of the Feasibility Studies. 

The Agri-Tourism Development Project

This is a 89 hectare development. An agricultural land converted to Agri-Tourism Development. Initially, the composition of the Master Plan will be with a theme park highlighting the Agricultural and Tourism. Structures that might come into play are Farm market, Restaurants, Hotels and Recreational Facilities and many others.

There are three main themes of the development which will be in three phases as well:

1. Residential development

Part of the development includes residential development that will give priority to the residents of the locality. To provide housing in their growing community. The proportion of which will be determined from the the Market research result. 

It will be a unique housing development as it will consider the use of indigenous materials available like bamboo. This is to incorporate the agri-tourism and promote the cultural heritage.

Farming is encouraged and in this development will boost the farming industry where the residents can olso have within their bakyard a plot to do farming. 

 

2. Agri Tourism Development

The next one is the Agri-Tourism Development. This will be the focal point of the development where majority of the land will be develop in this context.

A place where tourist can be accommodated not only for the purpose of staying overnight but for longer terms with the Training program integrated with it. Facilities should be provided with the Administration building, the Training Centers, Hotels, restaurants, market place and some recreational facilities.

Some facilities under study will be the creation of recycling plants and vermiculture facilities to augment the need of an agricultural facilities.

3. River Bank Landscape Design and Rehabilitation Development

Since the land is surrounded by rivers with a 100 meter riverbank protection, The Landscape design will be incorporated to make full use of the riverbank development and consider the planting of bamboo trees to blend with the hardscape design. 

The Subdivision Master Plan

There are 2 Subdivision projects on the way, One is a 3 Hectare and the other one is a 9 Hectare Development

This is under study for future subdivision development. An agricultural land converted into residential land.

What we do?

The services covered are under the following stages:

Pre-Design 

The Pre-Design stage is where the client is in need of assistance to determine what kind of project is most suitable for his land. There are clients with their available land where they have the budget but don't know if the project they are thinking would be feasible.

Arkiventure helps determine the right kind of project and make its recommendation to what needs to be done and will give a deeper data gathering to support the feasibility studies of the project. 

This is the stage where all aspects of the studies will be covered like;

a. The Feasibility Studies which will cover the technical aspect of the studies. To provide the client with a thorough investigation of the site, its land use, impact to the environment, the site survey and analysis, the design formulation and conceptualization.

b. The Market Feasibility cover the market of the project. If there will be a good proponent to determine the demography that will be essential in the complexity of the project, its catchment area to support the technical aspect of the study.

c. The Financial Feasibility will determine the Return of Investment, The project proposal and its probable cost and the business aspect where the project could generate income. Cash flow projection and analysis to get the maximum income against its expenses.

Design 

Architectural Design is the initial stage to do the building design which will then lead to the other aspect of design such as Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Sanitary.

The design stage is the regular design which contains 4 phases; the Schematic phase, the Design Development phase, The Contract Document Phase and the Construction Phase.

Arkiventure covers all these phases classified as Design-Build service. 

Comprehensive Design Services

The comprehensive services covers the more complex design service such a Subdivision planning, Community planning. The planning aspect that covers a huge land which requires more comprehensive studies. This will also cover the same phases of design aspect from Pre-Design to Design Service. 

If you have a similar project design requirements, you can contact us if you need our services. You can reach us at arkiventure2@gmail.com. Our official website will be launching soon. 

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The Pen and Ink Rendering | Sketch like an Architect

 

This sketch is a Pen and Ink rendering, The Visual Technique you will be doing as part of the curriculum in the early years of architecture. After the Pencil rendering, you will also be working with Pen and Ink. You will be more careful here because you cannot erase what you have already done. The same principle applies in the pencil rendering. The Shading and the tonal value are very important and by constant practice, you can improve  the manner you do the presentation.

Sketch like an Architect | Pen and ink drawings images

Sketches need to be free flowing. The sample drawings are the sketches by an architect. Exercise is the key to making a unique style to sketch like an architect.

The Aim of these example is to show you a simple pen and ink drawings that you can copy. Seeing the example of others will help you gain the confidence in making your own style. Let your ideas overflow and as an exercise, you can look around you and choose any type of structure that attracts you most and start sketching.

Read Books

Read books that can enhance your skills and get a step by step procedure. As a student, you can explore a lot of books you can read and follow their techniques then develop your own later. 

This book is so helpful. 5 Minute sketching by Liz Steel. I found this interesting and its on sale at amazon. I may earn a little amount of commission for sharing this to you, but my intention is to help you get the information you need in your pursuit to learning more about pen and ink drawing ideas.

As a professional, I still enhance my drawing skills despite there are a lot of high end 3d renderings available. The sketches are far better off when you are in the Schematic Design phase of the design process. As an architecture student, you can invest your time and effort in improving your skills. In the long run, you can be more confident to share your thoughts and design ideas if you can sketch well. It will leave a long and lasting impression to your client, no matter what, they will always remember you artistry. That is so unique to everyone.

The artwork can be a collection of your work of art and can also be exhibited if you compile all your works together. I would suggest that you keep all your pen and ink sketches and preserve them. 

Sketch like an Architect

To sketch like an architect is to sketch freely. Create you own style in pen and ink. The important aspect of this presentation is to convey your design ideas into your drawing board with your sketch. The development of all design ideas starts in that sketch of an architect. It is not about the pen you use or the presentation but the story that you want to convey to the client. That's what architects do. 

You may find sketches as not so interesting is it is done very roughly but looking deeper, you will understand the way the sketches communicate with what the architect wants to achieve. The design rather than the art. Though sketches becomes a form of art when executed by an architect.

Useful Drawing Tools

These are the useful drawing tools you need. As an artists, you will be experimenting a lot of drawing tools and use them in your pen and ink rendering works. The useful pens are not necessarily expensive, there are tons out there that you can experiment with.

Mechanical Pencil

Pencil are very useful in the architectural sketches. This is a mechanical pencil is different from the usual pencil. It is called mechanical because you can control the lead coming out from the tip and it comes in different thickness. For beginners, this is always the "Rule of Thumb" - "Never draw without a guidelines", Yes, the pencil plays that important role. You can use this thin line as a guide to your drawing and this is usually when you want to finalize your pen and ink sketches. This will help you make a clean presentation. Though seasoned architects and artists go directly to their design sketches using pen. As a beginner, it would help a lot do this exercise to master the control of your hands. The later, sketch freely with precision.

Fine Point Pen 

For Pen and Ink, these fine point pen are very useful, it comes with different point from 0.1 to 0.8. You can mix the use of all of the line thickness to give distinction and character to your sketches. Thick lines can be used to outline the object and thin lines for shading, giving emphasis to the tonal value of the drawing. There are different line strokes you can use for this exercise. Some straight lines, vertical lines, horizontal lines, diagonal,  cross hatch and many others. 

The sketch of an architect can be very interesting and every line you will see tells a story. The strokes means a lot and may even pose a work of art at some point. That is why it is good to keep all your sketches and when you put them all together, you can create a story line leading to the development of the design study or it can be plainly considered as a work of art.

That's the uniqueness of the architectural profession, it is an art and a science. The combination of which is architecture.

Marker Pens

Marker Pens are a good complement to your pen and ink renderings, this will be covered in another post but to give you a brief overview, you can add color into your drawings using these marker pens. The pen and ink rendering is already complete in itself and will stand out in the presentation, but adding color would create a different artistry and impression to the drawing.  You can decide whether to use this or not but you can also plan for which type pen and ink rendering presentation you will be using this. For Architects, Pen and Ink are usually for the design study and analysis where you are still developing the design idea. The changes in design are evolving and mostly the editing is quick and it is done in the same sketch. Some use other tracing papers to overlay the original drawing and do the editing on the new tracing paper, so as to get comparison with what is working based on the design concept of the building he is working on. 

Markers on the other hand are used as a finishing touch to the sketch, though it is still in the schematic stage, it goes further on the design study to represent the color schemes of the building design idea and make the initial design study on the building materials. 

You can find this in Amazon. I was browsing through the internet and I have come across these marker pens which i thought would add to the additional information you need in your pursuit to improving your sketching skills and visual presentation techniques. Here's the link to this product on Amazon.