The Green Park Project

Project Details

Location : Former City Auditorium Site, Burnham Park, Baguio City, Philippines
Owner : City of Baguio
Status: Unbuilt

Project Description

The Green Park Project was conceived as a visionary urban renewal initiative for the former City Auditorium site within Burnham Park, one of Baguio City's most significant civic and cultural landscapes. Presented during the public consultations held at Baguio City Hall in April 2018, the proposal sought to address long-standing challenges in the park while reaffirming the original planning principles established by renowned city planner and landscape architect Daniel H. Burnham. More than a building proposal, the project represented a comprehensive vision for restoring Burnham Park's role as the city's premier public open space.

At the core of the proposal was a contemporary Green Building designed to complement rather than dominate its surroundings. The architectural approach emphasized restraint, transparency, and environmental sensitivity, allowing the park's landscape to remain the primary visual focus. The building's form and placement were carefully derived from Baguio City's historic Central Axis—a defining planning element extending from City Hall across Burnham Lake and the Skating Rink toward the project site. By reinforcing this historic urban alignment, the proposal sought to strengthen one of the most important organizing principles of Burnham's original master plan while creating a meaningful civic destination for future generations.

A fundamental objective of the scheme was the restoration of pedestrian priority within the park. The design recognized that Burnham Park's greatest value lies in its role as a place for recreation, relaxation, and community interaction. To support this vision, parking and service facilities were strategically located behind the proposed development, effectively screening vehicles from public view and preserving the park's visual character. Access to these facilities was proposed through Harrison Road, minimizing conflicts between vehicular circulation and pedestrian activity while enhancing the overall safety and enjoyment of park users.

The project was developed in conjunction with a broader traffic and mobility study for the Burnham Park district. Among the alternatives evaluated, the preferred option advocated the gradual elimination of through-traffic within the park precinct. Under this approach, Burnham Park would evolve into a pedestrian-oriented environment where walking, cycling, recreation, and social interaction would take precedence over motor vehicle movement. The proposal envisioned a more connected and accessible public realm, encouraging healthier lifestyles while improving the overall quality of urban life in the city center.

Environmental stewardship formed a central component of the design philosophy. The proposed Green Building incorporated sustainable planning principles intended to reduce environmental impact while demonstrating responsible civic development. Landscape integration, passive environmental strategies, and the preservation of open space were prioritized to ensure that the project contributed positively to the ecological and social value of Burnham Park. Rather than treating architecture as an isolated object, the proposal envisioned the building as an extension of the park itself—one that would support public activities while remaining subordinate to the larger landscape setting.

Equally important was the project's role as a catalyst for civic revitalization. The proposal envisioned the site as a vibrant public destination capable of accommodating cultural, educational, and community-oriented activities while enhancing the economic and social vitality of the city center. By creating a development that balanced environmental responsibility, urban functionality, and architectural restraint, the project sought to demonstrate how contemporary interventions can coexist respectfully within historically significant public spaces.

Although unbuilt, the Green Park Project remains an important expression of R.G. Chan & Associates' commitment to sustainable urban design, heritage-sensitive planning, and community-centered development. It stands as a thoughtful vision for the future of Burnham Park—one that respects Baguio City's planning legacy while embracing contemporary principles of livability, environmental stewardship, and public space enhancement.