Thesis (MAURP)-- U.P. Diliman.

Includes bibliographical references.

The planning of modern cities and towns requires the provision of adequate open space in order to fulfill the proper functioning of the urban system. However, the lack of understanding of its concepts as a functional land use and as a basic element in planning only results to the misuse of open space. Where land is limited, open space has to compete with other urban uses which earn taxable income or become taxable real property. As urbanization accelerates at an unprecedented pace, demand for urban land will undoubtedly be felt to the greatest extent. Unless efforts to conserve and manage open space are given serious attention, open space is expectedly the first to be sacrificed in the name of growth and development. The study focuses on the urban development policies of Quezon City specifically pertaining to open space conservation and development. A conceptual framework is used to assess the experiences of Quezon City in the management of its open spaces. The framework underscores the importance of open space as a vital resource and as an essential land use in planning, and as such, needs to be responsibly used. The framework may serve as an analytical tool to critically examine policies and programs related to open space in other cities and municipalities.