Bendicio, Brisbane Gayle Group 1 AD 3231

Nosdo, Mary Kyla Therese BLA

Yrogirog, Jose Jeff

The Food Parks in Cebu: Landscape intervention on spatial comfort of Sugbo Mercado

RESEARCH DESIGN

This study will utilize an explanatory sequential research design, which combines

qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Primary data will be gathered through

observations of the food park's space and a survey of user perceptions. Secondary data will be

collected from existing literature studies.

To assess the spatial comfort of the food park, illustrations based on the observations

and field data will be created and analyzed in conjunction with relevant literature studies and

theories. These illustrations will then be compared to the user perceptions obtained from the

survey. Ultimately, a landscape design concept will be developed based on the comprehensive

analysis to serve as a landscape intervention to enhance the food park's spatial comfort quality.

THEORETICAL/CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

1. Primary Data: To identify:

a. Observation Method: 1. Documentation
i. Existing landscape and observation 1. overall
elements of the site outdoor dining
ii. Circulation of users experience in
around the Food Park 2. Illustrate relation to
iii. Different spaces gathered data spatial comfort
iv. Other existing site 2. Existing site
conditions 3. Administer conditions and
b. Surveying questionnaires that contribute
i. Demographic profile of to the spatial
respondents: 4. Gather comfort of the
1. Age responses users
2. Gender 3. Possible
3. Role in the Food 5. Analyze and improvements
Park compare data suggestions
 4. Frequency of and strategies
visit to improve the
ii. User perception on Food Park
Spatial Comfort (in likert
scale);
1. Visual Factors
2. Olfactory Factors
3. Acoustic Factors
4. Space
Circulation
factors
5. Spatial Factors
6. Thermic factors
2. Secondary Data: Existing Literature
studies

DATA ANALYSIS

The aim of this study is to investigate the spatial comfort of users in Subo Mercado, a

food park in Cebu. The study will employ both observation and survey methods to gather data.

Undisguised naturalistic observation will be conducted during the food park's main business

hours to observe the behavior of the users on site. Additionally, a survey questionnaire will be

distributed randomly to 30 participants in the food park. Prior to answering the questionnaire,

the participants will be briefed to ensure they understand the questions.

This questionnaire will use open-ended questions which consist of two sections. Section

1 contains the demographic survey for the respondents. They will be asked for their age,

gender, their frequency of visit, and their role in the food park — concessionaire or customers.

Section 2 will consist of questions regarding user perception concerning spatial comfort such as

visual, thermic, acoustic factors, olfactory factors and space circulation factors. Five-level Likert

Scale will be used in the questionnaire to get an accurate representation of the data. Descriptive

analysis will be used to analyze the collected data.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Rise of Food Parks in The Philippines

Food parks have become increasingly popular in the Philippines in recent years. These

are outdoor spaces where various food vendors gather to sell their goods. Customers can

choose from a wide variety of foods, ranging from traditional Filipino dishes to international

cuisines. One reason for the rise of food parks in the Philippines is the growing interest in food

and dining experiences. According to a report by Nielsen, Filipino consumers are becoming

more adventurous in their food choices and are willing to spend more on dining out. They also

value unique and memorable dining experiences, which food parks can provide (Nielsen, 2018).

In 2015, the operation of food parks had rapidly grown in the Philippines (Paulino, 2019).

Another factor is the rise of entrepreneurship in the country. Many food vendors,

especially those who are just starting out, find it difficult to secure a permanent location due to

high rents and other costs. Food parks provide a more affordable and accessible option for

these entrepreneurs to showcase their culinary creations and grow their business (Leonen,

2018). Moreover, social media has played a significant role in promoting food parks. Customers

often take photos of their food and post them on social media platforms, such as Instagram and

Facebook, which generates buzz and attracts more customers. This has also led to the rise of

“foodie culture” in the Philippines, where people are increasingly interested in trying new and

unique food experiences (Reyes, 2019).

One of the first food parks that opened in Cebu City is Sugbo Mercado, located at the

Garden Bloc in IT Park (Managbanag, 2023). It quickly gained popularity and encouraged other

entrepreneurs to establish their own food parks throughout various parts of Cebu.
Outdoor dining Environment

A food park is an outdoor dining establishment that typically features various food stalls,

seating areas, and other amenities. These outdoor spaces are often designed with specific

landscape elements to create a pleasant and comfortable environment for diners. According to

Baldacchino et al. (2019), landscape elements are an important aspect of food parks, as they

provide visual interest and contribute to the overall ambiance of the space. These elements can

include trees, plants, flowers, water features, and other natural elements that help to soften the

space and create a more relaxing and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, furniture, lighting, and

other design elements are also important for creating a comfortable and enjoyable dining

experience. According to a study by Jokilehto-Schigel et al. (2018), these elements provide a

sense of place, visual appeal, and comfort to visitors, making their dining experience more

enjoyable. Plants and trees in the food park provide a visual buffer to the surrounding

environment and help to reduce noise levels, creating a more peaceful atmosphere

(Hajrasouliha & LeBard, 2017).

Additionally, the greenery and shade provided by trees and plants help to reduce the

temperature of the dining area, creating a more comfortable environment for patrons to enjoy

their meals (Klemm, 2015). Hardscape features such as benches and walkways provide

comfortable seating and accessibility to the dining areas, while lighting features create a cozy

atmosphere that enhances the dining experience (Jokilehto-Schigel et al., 2018). Another study

by Xie and Wang (2020) found that landscape elements can also play a role in the perception of

food quality and overall satisfaction among diners. In their research, they found that the

presence of greenery and natural elements in outdoor dining environments was associated with

higher ratings of food quality and overall dining experience. According to Rudd (2013), outdoor

dining has become increasingly popular in recent years due to various factors such as changing

lifestyles, consumer preferences, and technological advancements. According to Allen (2016),

the lighting in a city is not just about enhancing its visual appeal but also creating a captivating
environment that can influence people through their surroundings. Lighting creates moods that

affect people's feelings and behavior through their surroundings. A study conducted by Evensen

(2014) shows that during social interactions, people feel and act more relaxed in a dim light

setting as compared to a brighter light environment where people feel more energetic. In the

same study, it was found that people tend to interact more in dim light settings. In an outdoor

setting, common lighting fixtures include wall sconces, outdoor tree lights, patio lights, step

lights, and string lights. It has been observed that string lights are commonly used in local food

parks in Cebu.

In designing food parks, plants are used as decorations to bring color and beauty to the

space. They are also used to associate themes such as bamboos for Chinese restaurants and

palms for Filipino restaurants. The effects of plant landscapes to the users on the other hand are

less talked about but are also important to consider and should be used as a language of design

to express the desired effect of an area. Feng Z., et al. (2019) mentioned how plant landscape

elements need to use systematic, comprehensive and planned design language to coordinate

the overall space. Through reasonable allocation of plant landscape elements, people pursue a

more natural and harmonious environment, enhance space taste and create uniqueness. The

atmosphere allows people to relax their emotions, reduce fatigue and leave a beautiful and

deep impression while enjoying the catering space.

Spatial Comfort

Spatial comfort is an important aspect of outdoor dining environments. It refers to the

feeling of comfort or discomfort experienced by individuals in relation to the spatial qualities of

the environment, such as the physical layout, design, and arrangement of furniture, as well as

the size and proportion of the space (Ji et al., 2020). A comfortable spatial environment can

enhance the dining experience and encourage customers to return to the establishment.Several

factors contribute to spatial comfort in architecture. These include:

 Scale and Proportion: The size and proportion of spaces and objects within an

environment should be appropriate to the human scale, making it comfortable to navigate and

interact with.

Lighting: Adequate and well-designed lighting is crucial in creating a comfortable and

inviting space. It should be balanced and provide enough light without causing glare or eye

strain.

Acoustics: Proper acoustics in a space are important to create a comfortable

environment. Noise levels should be controlled, and sound should be distributed evenly

throughout the space.

Temperature and Humidity: The temperature and humidity levels should be regulated to

ensure that the environment is comfortable for occupants.

Materials and Finishes: The selection of materials and finishes used in the construction

and design of an environment can impact the comfort level. They should be visually appealing,

tactile, and durable.

Layout and Flow: The layout and flow of the space should be intuitive and easy to

navigate, without feeling cramped or overcrowded.

Views and Connection to Nature: Access to natural light and views of the outdoors can

positively impact the comfort level of a space, helping to create a connection to nature.
 Circulation refers to the ease of movement within a space, which contributes to the

overall comfort level of the environment. In the context of outdoor dining environments,

circulation comfort can be affected by factors such as the layout of the space, the placement of

furniture, and the width of pathways. A study by Hidayati et al. (2019) found that circulation

comfort was one of the parameters that significantly affected the spatial comfort of users in

outdoor dining spaces. When these factors are thoughtfully integrated into the design of an

environment, they can create a sense of spatial comfort that promotes well-being and enhances

the overall quality of life for the occupants.

Several factors influence spatial comfort in outdoor dining environments. For example,

the use of natural elements such as plants and water features can create a more relaxed and

comfortable environment (Thompson et al., 2016). Additionally, the use of lighting and sound

can impact spatial comfort, with soft and ambient lighting and pleasant background music

contributing to a more comfortable atmosphere (Lin et al., 2016).

Landscape interventions in outdoor dining environments

Landscape interventions can greatly impact the spatial comfort of a food park. For

example, the incorporation of greenery, such as trees and plants, can improve air quality,

provide shade, and create a visually appealing environment for diners. In addition, the use of

water features, such as fountains or small ponds, can help to create a calming atmosphere.

According to a study by Li et al. (2017), the use of landscape interventions, including greenery

and water features, can significantly improve the perceived spatial comfort of outdoor dining

areas. The study found that participants reported feeling more relaxed and comfortable in areas

with more greenery and water features. The researchers suggest that incorporating these

elements into outdoor dining environments can enhance the overall dining experience for

patrons. Another study by Song and Zuo (2019) also found that the use of landscape

interventions, such as vegetation and shading devices, can improve the thermal comfort of
outdoor dining areas. By reducing the amount of direct sunlight and providing shade, these

interventions can help to regulate temperature and create a more comfortable environment for

diners.

SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE

Section 1
Gender
Male
Female
Age
15-24 years
25-34 years
35-44 years
45-54 years
55-64 years
65 years and older
Role in food park
Concessionaire
Customer
Frequency of visit
Never
Rarely
Sometimes
Always
Often

Section 2
User Perception Questionnaire (circulation, visual, thermic, auditory, olfactory)

1. How do you classify the overall space of the food park?

Very Tight Tight Neutral Spacious Very Spacious

2. Are you satisfied with the distance between the tables and chairs?
Very Unsatisfied Unsatisfied Neutral Satisfied Very Satisfied
 3. Are you satisfied with the distance between the seating area and food stalls?
Very Unsatisfied Unsatisfied Neutral Satisfied Very Satisfied

4. Are you satisfied with the distance between the seating area and comfort room?
Very Unsatisfied Unsatisfied Neutral Satisfied Very Satisfied

5. Are you satisfied with the amount of trash bins in the food park?
Very Unsatisfied Unsatisfied Neutral Satisfied Very Satisfied

6. How can you describe the noise in the food park at this moment?
Very Loud Loud Moderate Faint Very Faint

7. How can you describe the temperature in the food park at this moment?
Very Cold Slightly Cold Neutral Slightly Warm Very Warm

8. How do you feel at this moment in terms of humidity?

Very Dry Dry Neutral Humid Very Humid

9. How do you feel about the airflow at this moment?

Very Breezy Breezy Neutral Still Very Still

10. How satisfied are you with the amount of shade (tents, trees, etc.) in the park?
Very Satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied

11. Do you experience glare sensation?

 Never Rarely Sometimes Often Always

12. Is natural lighting alone enough to light the food park during the day?
Never Rarely Sometimes Often Always

13. Is artificial lighting (lampposts, series lights, lanterns, etc.) enough to light the food park
during the night?
Never Rarely Sometimes Often Always

14. How do you classify the food park’s brightness during the evening (regardless of any
weather condition):

Very Dark Somewhat Dark Neither Dark or Somewhat Very Bright

Bright Bright
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Interview Protocol

Good day! We are a group of students from the University of San Carlos conducting a study

which aims to investigate the spatial comfort of the users in Sugbo Mercado. To help us in

taking down notes, we would like to audio-record our interview today. We would like to ask for

your consent in participating in this study and being audio-recorded. For your information, all of

your responses will be kept confidential and will only be used for the purpose of this study.