Learning from Carvajal, an insignificant alley

Abstract

Carvajal Street is a well-used and well-managed lively alley in the heart of Manila's Chinatown district. As part of an on-going research project on the nature of good Southeast Asian streets and urban spaces, this case study attempts to identify the factors that made Carvajal Street successful as an urban space. Besides examining the designable physical characteristics of such a space it also studies the rich mix of activities and the management of such a street. Ultimately, the study makes a case for a city of vigorous and supple streets and alleys that the community can take pride in and actively participate in its improvement and even management.