A Geography of Vital Urban Life: Walks through Paco, Manila

Abstract

Taking seriously Fernando Zialcita’s (2007) appeal to the value of a district studies or local area studies approach, this thesis explores the application of Jane Jacobs’ (1961) theory of vital urban life to the context of Manila. It primarily aims to bridge the gap in the existing literature on district studies in Manila in the 21st century, specifically in Paco. In accordance with the four conditions of Jacobs’ theory of vital urban life (mixed-use spaces, small block sizes, aged buildings, and sufficient concentration of buildings), the study aims to identify streets and built structures which do or do not satisfy them. Border vacuums, or single-use spaces and transit facilities, are negative indicators of the four conditions. Then the social dimensions and historical context of change in urban form are laid out, by referring to the field notes and by using secondary historical references, respectively. A qualitative research design is employed, not only via field notes but also via visual material (photographs and video). The method is a form of unstructured observation, specifically disguised naturalistic observation. Concerning the theory used for thematic analysis, the concept of metis or (informal, particular, contextual, practical knowledge of locals) in James Scott’s (1998) “Seeing Like a State” is to be utilized, relating it to the vital (social) functions of streets and sidewalks which are generated when the four conditions for vital urban life are satisfied. The findings show that due to the proliferation of border vacuums along the main roads and thoroughfares, like Quirino Ave., Quirino Ave. Ext., and U.N Ave., the social vitality of streets and sidewalks are noticeably absent. High modernism, the marginalization of metis, is thus noticeable in these areas. In contrast, the four conditions are satisfied in the streets attached to the Paco Market.