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PHYSICAL AND NATURAL FACTORS:

 Location

Sofitel Philippine Plaza is situated along Roxas boulevard and sits adjacent to the
Cultural Center of the Philippines. It is located in the center of Pasay city and is very
accessible to different modes of transportation, with both domestic and international
airports only 15 minutes.

https://www.sofitelmanila.com/location/

 Neighborhood context

The bayside resort-hotel is located right next to the Philippine International


Convention Center, World Trade Center Manila, and just 6 km away from Ninoy
Aquino International Airport. With its proximity from Manila’s business entertainment
districts, it makes an ideal place to stay for business and leisure travelers visiting Metro
Manila. Intramuros, the Manila Cathedral, SM Mall of Asia are also only a short
distance from the hotel.

MAP TAPOS NAKAHIGHLIGHT YUNG IBANG TYPOLOGY AROUND THE SITE

 Climate

The climate of Pasay is classified as Type 1 under the Corona classification used
by Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration
(PAGASA) depending on rainfall pattern. It is characterized by two seasons: rainy
season from May to October and dry season from January to April, when rainfall drops
to 10-30-mm/ month. In general, Metro Manila is directly influenced by an average of
2 to 3 tropical cyclones per year.

COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN OF PASAY CITY, Physical environment

Temperature ranges from around 20°C in January and February to around


35°C in April and May. Rainfall is heaviest during the months of July and August,
reaching 414 millimeters per month. In the Project vicinity, the groundwater table
ranges from 1.0 to 7.5 meters from the ground surface.

https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/project-document/72184/phi-naia-airport.pdf
Summary Environmental Impact Assessment Ninoy Aquino International Airport
International Passenger Terminal 3 In The Philippines

Fig. _ Average Minimum and Maximum Temperature over the year


It is during the months of April and May where Pasay City acquires its maximum
temperature and during the months of December to February where the minimum
temperature is obtained.

Fig. _ Average Monthly Hours of Sunshine over the year


The graph shows that the month with most number of sun hours is during the
month of April where it is summer season with a mean sun hours of 250 hours and the
least during the rainy season during the months of June to September which ranges
from 100 to 150 sun hours a month.
Fig. _ Average Monthly precipitation over the year
The rainiest month is during the month of August which reaches for about more
than 375 millimeter of precipitation per month followed by the months of July,
September and June with average precipitation ranging from 250 to 375 millimeter per
month.

Fig. _ Average Relative Humidity over the year


The months of June to September are the months with the highest relative
humidity which is mainly because of the rainy season. The other months however,
doesn’t greatly differ with the amount of humidity it has with a year only ranging from
60% to 80% of relative humidity around the area.
Fig. _ Average Wind Speed over the year
It is during the months of March and April where the wind speed at the site is at
the highest with speed of approximately 4 meters per second followed by the months
of May and June with a speed of approximately 3 meters per second.
https://weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-
Sunshine,pasay,Philippines

Fig. _ Sun path diagram of the site

 Proximity to water body/ Natural geographic boundaries


Fig. _ View of Manila Bay and poolside from inside the hotel

The site of Sofitel Philippine Plaza is approximately located along the Manila Bay
which brings magnificent views of the bay and the sunset to the guests and visitors of
the hotel. However, the proximity to the bay also makes it prone to flooding and storm
surge thus, a water canal was constructed along the poolside of the resort-hotel to
return the water back to the Manila bay incase of flooding around the area.

 Soil

Sofitel Philippine Plaza is situated on the New Coastal Reclamation Area (NCRA)
of Pasay City. One of the key disadvantage of NCRA lies in the artificial ground
structure which is not cost efficient as far as structural foundations are concerned. This
makes construction in the NCRA the second most expensive than elsewhere in Pasay
City.

COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN OF PASAY CITY, Socio-Economic Profile

Pasay consists of two (2) terrain units, an eastern undulating section and a
western alluvial portion, which extends up to Manila Bay. For the site of Sofitel Manila,
it is considered under the western alluvial portion. Quaternary Alluvial (QA1) is
comprised of detrital deposits mostly silt, sand and gravel.
Fig. _ Geologic Map of Pasay City
Pasay City Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) 2014-2019

o Land and soil characteristics

The site of Sofitel Manila has the land and soil characteristics of former
tidal flats ( Coastal Landscape) as per Metro Manila Land Resource Evaluation
Project. The former tidal flats consist of areas more inland and slightly higher
than the active tidal flats. Its elevation ranges from 2 to 5 meters. It has slow to
moderate permeability and a soil texture of clay to silty clay loam. It is poorly
drained and prone to moderate seasonal flooding, highly compressible, and
corrosive to uncoated steel pipes. Its parent materials are alluvial sediments,
former tidal mudflats underlain with peaty and mucky materials.

Fig. _ Land Classification Map of Pasay City


Pasay City Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) 2014-2019

 Topography

The site of Sofitel Manila is located on the western part of the Pasay City, around
the coastal area. The western part of Pasay City is level to nearly level. The western
area of Pasay city is characterized by coastal plains along the Manila with surface
elevations range from 2 meters above the mean sea level.
COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN OF PASAY CITY, Physical environment

 Hazards
o Flooding

Fig. _ Flood Prone Areas in Pasay City

The site is considered to be a flood prone area and classified under low frequency
flood prone areas.

o Subsidence
There are no traced earthquake fault line that traverses the City of Pasay. However,
the city is not spared from other related geologic hazards such as tsunamis, ground
shaking, and liquefaction. The site is considered to have high liquefaction potential
considering the site is situated beside a water body.

DEVELOPMENT OR LAND RESTRICTIONS

 Development restriction guidelines are implemented for various noise zones in


Pasay City area, for the site of Sofitel Philippine Plaza which is under
commercial areas it is restricted from 55 to 65 dBA. The noise within the vicinity
of the hotel is on acceptable amount and promotes relaxation and serene
atmosphere.
 For coastal zones in Pasay city, it shall have one (1) kilometer from the coastline
of the Manila Bay, which is city waters, and 200 meters from the coastline
inland.

SWOT ANALYSIS:

Fig. _ SWOT Analysis of the site

 STRENGTH
o Location- known for its spectacular Manila bay sunsets. It continues to
attract both local and international travelers alike with its signature brand
of Filipino hospitality and the French joie de vivre. It is also located in the
city center and near airport, train stations and theme parks.
o Facilities- 609 rooms including 46 suites, 17 function rooms, lagoon pool,
recreation and spa.
o Managed by Accor Hotels- the world’s leading hotel operator and market
leader in Europe
o Luxury Brand- An iconic 5-star hotel standing amid an expansive tropical
setting.
o Feel Welcome- a promise that resonates as a pledge from a group that
is always open to cultures, talents and passions wherever they are.
o HACCP certified.
 WEAKNESSES
o Location is prone to natural disasters such as typhoon and storm
surge.
 OPPORTUNITIES
o An extensive brand portfolio with a comprehensive range of options from
luxury to economy.
o Housed royalties, celebrities and heads of state which helps boost
hotel’s public image.
o Planet 21 program- commitment to change the production and
consumption patterns with the goal of protecting our planet, its people
and their environment.
 THREATS
o Intense competition with nearby hotels

LANDSCAPE AND HARDSCAPE ELEMENTS:


Fig. _ Sofitel poolside aerial view
https://www.ahstatic.com/photos

The iconic swimming pool of Sofitel Philippine Plaza along the coastline of
Manila Bay is designed by landscape visionary and landscape artist Ildefonso P.
Santos. It is an ideal location for leisurely afternoons with the family. Its turquoise
waters, water slides and beatific falls present a pool of options for water enthusiasts.
A kiddie pool is also available for young water bugs along with mini life vests for fun
leisurely afternoons under the sun. A grassy knoll facing the seawall is adorned with
oversized tanning pillows and low cocktail tables ideal for lounging around with family,
enjoying refreshments, taking in a good book or simply indulging in the majestic
surroundings until the arresting Manila Bay sunsets.

https://www.ahstatic.com/photos

Most of the landscaping elements within the site contributes to the tropical
atmosphere the resort-hotel wants to bring to its guests and visitors.

 Curved-line landscape

Curved-line landscapes emphasize more natural forms and asymmetric


compositions. It encourage more intuitive or unplanned wandering and exploration. It
is also used to create focal points for attention. Curves naturally embrace radial
movements and imply a central point. Curved lines are very common around water
elements, reinforcing natural waterlines or drawing attention to fountains or ponds.

PARKING :

Fig. _ Site Development Plan of Sofitel with highlighted parking


Fig. _ Valet Parking of Sofitel

Fig. _ Valet Parking of Sofitel


For in-house guests, parking is and for restaurant patrons and function
attendees, it is free for a limited time and succeeding hours have charge. Parking is
PHP 100 per day and PHP 400 per day for valet parking but if guests prefer not to
drive, they can ride on airport shuttle which is available 24 hours for PHP 1845 per
vehicle one-way.

PAVEMENTS/ PAVING:

Fig. _ Valet Parking of Sofitel


Asphalt paving was used for parking lot of Sofitel. Asphalt is considered a green
technology because it can be recycled. There are certain types of asphalt, such as
porous or permeable asphalt, help with water drainage. It allows water to pass through
the pavement into the soil below. With concrete, the water must run off with no
permeable options, and excess water must be managed as a part of the project plan.

Asphalt has also long life-span but does require preventative maintenance.
With the right maintenance, asphalt pavement can last twenty or more years.
Fig. _ Pavements from the poolside going to the Sofitel spiral
As you walk around from the poolside going inside the hotel, a change of paving
material could be noticed. The pavement changes from concrete pavers to Grey Basalt
stone pavers. Basalt tiles & pavers provide a beautiful and unique ambiance to the
place. Basalt pavers can be used for a variety of architectural purposes, be it for
highlighting flower beds or vegetable gardens, or even for the construction of many a
water fountain or statue as well. It forms an excellent complement and helps in drawing
attention to all their highlights.
Fig. _ Concrete pavement in Sofitel poolside
Concrete pavers were used along the poolside of Sofitel. Concrete pavers are
less susceptible to cracking. Tree roots, shifting soil, freezing, and thawing can cause
cracks to form in large slabs of poured concrete and since pavers are smaller, and
move independently, the same conditions won’t cause cracking. It also helps eliminate
runoff. The spacing between pavers enables water to permeate the area rather than
run off a larger field of concrete.

INITIATIVES TOWARDS BEING GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE

Being part of AccorHotels, Sofitel Philippine Plaza is an active participant of the


group’s Planet 21 initiative, a concrete 21-step action plan established for sustainable
development in the hotel industry. Sofitel, which has been awarded a gold medal for
completing 19 out of the 21 commitments, promotes a greener lifestyle by marketing
Planet 21’s ideals to its employees, guests, and the public. Sofitel also launched a
project encouraging guests to purchase specially made eco bags, with proceeds being
donated to the initiative and a special tree-planting project. A tree will be planted on
the guest’s behalf when they avail of the featured Spiral offer conducted in partnership
with Pur Project and Alter Trade. The enduring commitment of Sofitel Philippine Plaza
Manila to Planet 21 has enabled the planting of over 3,700 trees.

Sofitel is also engineered with better energy-saving circuits such as compact


fluorescent bulbs. It also has its own sustainable menu supporting local produce and
suppliers. The hotel also decided to turn discarded wine bottles into serving platters in
buffet restaurant Spiral’s newly established cheese room.

https://fnbreport.ph/features/hospitality/how-hotels-make-the-most-of-sustainability-
practices-denisef-20160401/

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