Thesis (BS Architecture) -- University of the Philippines Mindanao, 2015

The Sarangani Bay, as major contributor of economic boost, is a very important area of social and economic life in General Santos City. Yet, transformation of the urban realm along the bay has changed in response to the consequences of economic restructuring. Local identity tends to be reduced or totally lost in the face of the impacts from globalization. This study entitled Establishing Sense of Place and Local Identity in Planning and Design of Urban Bay Front Development in General Santos City is primarily conducted to establish key design aspects those contribute to the establishment of local identity in urban bay front development of General Santos City. The research examines the theory of sense of place, in which has led to another related notion on place identity and place making theory. These theories were used as basis for the theoretical framework of this research. The researcher utilizes descriptive qualitative approach to analyze the present physical condition of the bay area. Existing physical condition was assessed in terms of four design criteria: functionality, accessibility, culture and history and ecological environment. A structured survey interview among 206 individuals was also conducted to assess the existing public realm. The survey questionnaire was divided into three sections: The Community Vision Survey; the Place Identity and City Image Survey; and the Sense of Place Survey. Findings show that social imageability is an important key in the construction of General Santos city?s place identity. Organized physical activities such as Tuna Festival, historical and cultural shared values, parades, local holidays, festivities and religious affairs are the aspects that collectively recognized by th locals. Yet for the residents, the Bay front is a place that creates sense of connection in the past. It is evident in the presence of commemorative landmarks and parks, and the seat of government that is located nearby. For the people, the bay front is historic and authentic. It has been revealed that the strongest aspect of sense of Place is the Cultural Domain which involves the inherent and transactional Socio-cultural Scale. In conclusion, planning and design for the bay front redevelopment, as the main inquiry of this research, must focus in these aspects.