THE problems Filipino commuters face every year are nothing new. Yet, they seem to worsen with the passage of time. Getting around Metro Manila is already difficult enough. But when it rains, it pours.
Rainy weather should not come as a surprise. According to Pagasa, we experience an average of 20 typhoons annually, in addition to prolonged rainfall brought about by the monsoon.
However, should ordinary Filipinos always remain the victim when storms approach?
That should not be the case. The Dutch have a saying that goes, “You are not made of sugar.” Human beings are very much capable of going out in moderate rain. And with smart and human-centric urban design, we can make Metro Manila and other cities more resilient for inclement weather.
Challenges brought about by adverse weather
The lack of safe and accessible pathways makes navigating Metro Manila, whether on foot or by bicycle, a survival challenge on its own. The rain further exacerbates the hostility of the built environment, revealing the cracks and leaks in our street design.
A sidewalk that once seemed traversable might not be passable if the surface is slippery and filled with obstacles. Footbridges are even sketchier because you have to be doubly careful with every step on the stairs. Bicycle lanes tend to be riskier than the rest of the carriageway when they are littered with potholes and drainage, and the paint and metal plates increase the risk of slipping.
The challenges continue even after the end of the trip. Where do you leave your umbrella upon going indoors? Is there secure bicycle parking that’s protected from the elements? Where can you change clothes and freshen up upon entering a building?
Going beyond the bare minimum
True resiliency is planning for hazards before they turn into disasters. When designing our streets and thoroughfares, we must consider all kinds of weather conditions because people always need to move, rain or shine. There are many ways we can achieve this with urban design.
Trees are the most effective kind of active-transport infrastructure because of the wide variety of benefits they offer. They provide protection against the elements, whether that be harsh sunlight or pouring rain; improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen; prevent flooding during heavy rainfall; and counteract the urban heat island effect where concrete traps heat from the sun.
For city centers, a network of covered walkways — whether on-ground, elevated, or underground — ensures that people can walk while staying dry. Covered waiting sheds are crucial for commuters, too, especially since waiting times for public transit are longer in rainy weather.
Bicycle lanes must be clear of garbage, potholes and drainage grilles so that they remain safe for those who need them. In addition to protective barriers, bioswales could be situated between the bike lane and the carriageway. Not only does this act as a buffer between cyclists and motor vehicles, but it also prevents flooding by absorbing surface water. This could be used in conjunction with porous pavement for sidewalks and footpaths.
End-of-trip facilities are crucial, and must be directly accessible at the building entrance, because they are the place where people freshen up after their journey. How can you expect mallgoers to enjoy shopping if they remain drenched upon entering the mall? How will office workers look clean and presentable when they lack facilities to change into business attire?
International examples
Taiwan is similar to the Philippines in that both countries have a similar climate, with the monsoon bringing about extended periods of rain. During my trip to Taipei, I observed that building frontages tend to have covered walkways separate from the sidewalk. In addition, there are no mountains to climb in the city since pedestrian crossings are always at street level.
In the Danish city of Odense, smart traffic lights were outfitted with rain sensors to ensure that the green light remains longer for cyclists during a downpour. Whereas automobile users have a roof over their heads, cyclists have none. Seemingly small measures like this go a long way when they encourage more people to cycle.
Tokyo is one of the world’s largest metropolitan areas, consisting of many self-contained, compact cities anchored around subway stations (also known as Transit-Oriented Development). After you get off the train, you do not necessarily have to go to the ground level because the stations have a network of walkways filled with shops, restaurants, and other facilities. These can also connect with malls and other nearby buildings.
Urban design is crucial for livable cities
We would all like to live in cities where public spaces are connected, accessible, walkable, bikeable, safe, well-lit, convenient and clean. Urban design is crucial in achieving that because it is the language that the city uses to interact with its people.
When better is doable, good is not enough. And as I always say, it is 90 percent less expensive to address hazards before they become disasters. And this will prevent loss of life, property and livelihood.
In order to build resilience against natural hazards, such as heavy rainfall, government officials and public servants must walk the talk. You cannot solve a problem that remains unidentified, which is why participatory activities, such as walkability audits and stakeholder consultations, are crucial.
It takes two to tango. LGUs must work together with their constituents to ensure that the urban design of our cities protects us from the storms to come.