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- (An)other space is possible : an exploration of the conflicts and contestations in the realisation of a “democratising” Public Space in the City of Tshwane Makakavhule, Kundani ( University of Pretoria , 2021 ) This thesis explores societal and municipal perceptions and meanings of urban public spaces in the City of Tshwane (CoT). Focus is placed on how these perceptions and meanings contribute to the conflict and contestations ...
- The Creation of Lived Public Spaces by African Migrants and People of Diverse Ethnicity in the Pretoria CBD and its Implications for Urban Planning A Phenomenological Investigation Stander, Melchior Jacobus ( University of Pretoria , 2019 ) The purpose of this study was to investigate the lived spaces created by African migrants and people of diverse ethnicity in the Pretoria CBD, and to determine the implications that they could have for the spatial planning ...
- In Defence of Idiosyncratic Learning Experiences Rademan, Carla ( University of Pretoria , 2021 ) Individuals are inherently different and so are their spatial needs related to learning. Unfortunately the current dominant learning space typology disregards this, opting for ‘one size fits all’ learning spaces that ...
- Eastern Exodus: Utilizing light industrial typology as a vehicle for economic and urban regeneration in Pretoria West Chauke, Joshua ( University of Pretoria , 2021 ) The project set out to investigate the potential of using the light industrial typology as a vehicle for economic and urban regeneration in the western part of Pretoria CBD, which is home to a substantial number of light ...
- Designing with emergence : learning from the contemporary urban vernacular of informal settlements towards regenerative design strategies Achi, Juliana Owot ( University of Pretoria , 2021 ) In recent years, there has been increased promotion of regenerative development. However, concerning informal settlement policy and interventions, regenerative development practices are scarcely mentioned much less applied. ...
- City Farm Garden : countering the impacts of urban expansion in a rural valley in the Western Cape through a gardening approach to place-making Hendrikse, Sonjia ( University of Pretoria , 2021 ) Globally, the uniqueness of rural landscapes is at risk of disappearing (Makhzoumi & Pungetti 1999:16, 24). Global changes threaten traditional landscapes, biodiversity and the structure of rural society, and impact local, ...
- A Market and Urban Farm for the Empowerment of Women Street Traders in the Tshwane CBD Nemasetoni, Fulufhelo ( University of Pretoria , 2021. ) The informal economy is growing at a rate at which the formal economy is failing to accommodate workers and opportunities. This phenomenon can no longer be seen as just a temporary condition. Although arising from the ...
- [RE]CONNECTING ECOLOGY Odendaal, Petrus Johannes ( University of Pretoria , 2021 ) The natural world is an interconnected system made up of ecosystems and an abundance of species diversity that inevitably supports all life on Earth, including humans. Since our origin the humans race has worked in this ...
- THE BATTERED WOMAN CALLED EERSTERUST: Exploring Thresholds Through Urban Regeneration and Re-adaptation of Religious Buildings. Redelinghuys, Nikola Marianne ( University of Pretoria , 2021 ) In post apartheid South Africa, an attempt to develop the influential church typology has been made on a micro scale, but within the community of Eersterust, the building has stayed frozen in time, not allowing the role ...
- Architecture as a driver for the athletic performance enhancement of professional swimmers at the University of Pretoria, TuksSport Ras, Ruan ( University of Pretoria , 2021 ) Sports architecture, through the standardisation and the intense control held by sports authorities over the past century, has experienced a change in identity: from a tool for social movements to a shell for commercial ...
- Reconciling the monumental and the everyday Buffa, Adrian Giovanni ( University of Pretoria , 2022 ) Monumental space plays an important role in the reification and celebration of history, memory, and identity in the built fabric. A continuum of monumental architecture and spaces within the City of Tshwane represents its ...
- Choreographing for the Nomad - a dance typology for the transient spaces of taxi ranks du Toit, Chanél Rosemarie ( University of Pretoria , 2021 ) Transient spaces, understood as in-between spaces, are often characterised as ‘placeless’ by virtue of not being destinations, and as such meaning is negated by both everyday users as well as designers. This dissertation ...
- To Inherit: Persistence and the continual remaking of the DPWP Workshops Thomashoff, Laura Nin ( University of Pretoria , 2021 ) The dissertation investigates the potential of a fragile approach to industrial heritage in the City of Tshwane with the aim of revitalising the industrial legacy of the DPWI Workshops. Over the past century, the DPWI ...
- More than meets the eye Botha, Jolene ( University of Pretoria , 2021 ) Landscape Transformation On the southern slope of Meintjieskop lies a Renaissance garden, a remnant of the past at the foot of what is described by SA History Online (2011) as a South African architectural masterpiece – ...
- Art of Ideology: A Denkmal Against the A-political van Wyk, Elmar Gerbrand ( University of Pretoria , 2021 ) Within the relation of architecture and the political, politics precede, supersede and often undermine design. When a problem, which has political causes, is addressed formally through architecture, the result often falls ...
- RE[CREATE]tion : revealing the agency of recreational spaces in the township of Mamelodi East through architecture as a 'dispositif' for the everyday Demba, Denambaye Martine ( University of Pretoria , 2021 ) In South African townships, the realities of the scarcity of public spaces or poorly maintained and derelict recreational sites, are a continuous phenomenon. Additionally, the scars left from the apartheid spatial planning ...
- The architecture of scarcity: Towards spatial healing in polarising contexts of gated communities and informal settlements in Pretoria East Katranas, Alexia ( University of Pretoria , 2021 ) This project is situated within the highly polarised and fragmented landscape of Moreleta Park, where contemporary manifestations of exclusionary apartheid values, in the form of gated communities, are confronted by the ...
- The Act of Refuge Jordaan, Wian Schalk ( University of Pretoria , 2021 ) In the inner city of Pretoria, the mobile urban dweller is confined to the sidewalk - a space of transition that promotes anonymity, indifference and transience. The mobile urban dweller has a desire for a place of refuge ...
- City Circular Gouws, Brentan ( University of Pretoria , 2021 ) The current spatial models and construction practices of architecture and city-making have a violent appetite. Linear resource consumption patterns, coupled with a rapidly increasing urban population, has pushed the planet ...
- Die/Dye: A liminal mediation between nature and industry in a changing industrial Silverton context Venter, Philippus Johannes ( University of Pretoria , 2021 ) Set in industrial Silverton, this project deals with the mediation between nature and industry through the lens of liminality. The site for this investigation is the Silverton Cemetery, connected to the Moreleta Spruit. ...
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Home > HFA > Department of Architecture > Architecture Masters Theses Collection

Architecture Masters Theses Collection
Theses from 2022 2022.
Equitable Housing Generation Through Cellular Automata , Molly R. Clark, Architecture
Beneficial Invasive: A Rhizomatic Approach to Utilizing Local Bamboo for COVID Responsive Educational Spaces , Megan Futscher, Architecture
Architectural Activism Through Hip-Hop , Micaela Goodrich, Architecture
Addressing Trauma Through Architecture: Cultivating Well-being For Youth Who Have Experienced Trauma , Megan Itzkowitz, Architecture
Buildings Integrated into Landscape & Making People Care for Them: Exploring Integrated Land-Building Ecosystems and the Lifestyles Needed to Support It , Sara Mallio, Architecture
Reimagining Black Architecture , Esosa Osayamen, Architecture
Prefabricated Homes: Delivery At Your Doorsteps , Obed K. Otabil, Architecture
Memory and Resistance , Cami Quinteros, Architecture
Mycelium: The Building Blocks of Nature and the Nature of Architecture , Carly Regalado, Architecture
IN-BETWEEN SPACES: ATMOSPHERES, MOVEMENT AND NEW NARRATIVES FOR THE CITY , Paul Alexander Stoicheff, Architecture
Theses from 2021 2021
Creating New Cultural Hubs in American Cities: The Syrian Diaspora of Worcester, Massachusetts , Aleesa Asfoura, Architecture
Firesafe: Designing for Fire-Resilient Communities in the American West , Brenden Baitch, Architecture
The Beige Conundrum , Alma Crawford-Mendoza, Architecture
Cultivating Food Justice: Exploring Public Interest Design Process through a Food Security & Sustainability Hub , Madison J. DeHaven, Architecture
Physical to Virtual: A Model for Future Virtual Classroom Environments , Stephen J. Fink, Architecture
Detroit: Revitalizing Urban Communities , David N. Fite, Architecture
The Homestead Helper Handbook , Courtney A. Jurzynski, Architecture
An Architecture of a New Story , Nathan Y. Lumen, Architecture
Border Town: Preserving a 'Living' Cultural Landscape in Harlingen, Texas , Shelby Parrish, Architecture
Housing for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Creating an Integrated Living Community in Salem, MA , Tara Pearce, Architecture
From Sanctuary to Home in the Post-Interstate City , Morgan B. Sawyer, Architecture
Exploring the Use of Grid-Scale Compressed Air Energy Storage in the Urban Landscape , Connor S. Slover, Architecture
Bridging the Gaps in Public Conversation by Fostering Spaces of Activism , Karitikeya Sonker, Architecture
Re-envisioning the American Dream , Elain Tang, Architecture
Tall Timber in Denver: An Exploration of New Forms in Large Scale Timber Architecture , Andrew P. Weuling, Architecture
Theses from 2020 2020
Urban Inter-Space: Convergence of Human Interaction and Form , Clayton Beaudoin, Architecture
The Hues of Hadley Massachusetts: Pioneering Places for Preservation and Growth , Elisha M. Bettencourt, Architecture
Reinvigorating Englewood, Chicago Through New Public Spaces and Mixed-Income Housing , Givan Carrero, Architecture
Architectural Agency Through Real Estate Development , Hitali Gondaliya, Architecture
Multimodal Transit and a New Civic Architecture , Samuel Bruce Hill, Architecture
Rethinking The Suburban Center , Andrew Jones, Architecture
Resilient Urbanism: Bridging Natural Elements & Sustainable Structures in a Post-Industrial Urban Environment , Nicholas McGee, Architecture
Adaptive Airport Architecture , Yash Mehta, Architecture
Rethinking School Design to Promote Safety and Positivity , Emily Moreau, Architecture
The Built Environment and Well-Being: Designing for Well-Being in Post-Industrial Communities During the Age of Urbanization , Tyler O'Neil, Architecture
Brutalism and the Public University: Integrating Conservation into Comprehensive Campus Planning , Shelby Schrank, Architecture
Spatial Design for Behavioral Education , Madeline Szczypinski, Architecture
Theses from 2019 2019
THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITY: FOR REFUGEES , Raghad Alrashidi, Architecture
From Archaic To contemporary : Energy Efficient Adaptive Reuse of Historic Building , Nisha Borgohain, Architecture
(RE)Developing Place: The Power of Narrative , Kinsey Diomedi, Architecture
Rethinking Ambulatory Care Delivery , Senada Dushaj, Architecture
Photosynthesizing the Workplace: A Study in Healthy and Holistic Production Spaces , Kaeli Howard, Architecture
Museum Design As A Tool For A City , Cunbei Jiang, Architecture
Architecture and Wilderness: An Exchange of Order , Ashley Lepre, Architecture
Cross-Species Architecture: Developing an Architecture for Rehabilitative Learning Through the Human-Canine Relationship , Jake Porter, Architecture
Intermodal Transit Terminal: Integrating the Future of Transit into the Urban Fabric , Guy Vigneau, Architecture
Theses from 2018 2018
Bangladeshi Cultural Center: for the Bangladeshi Population Living in New York City , Sabrina Afrin, Architecture
THE ENHANCEMENT OF LEARNING THROUGH THE DESIGN PROCCESS: RENOVATING THE FORT RIVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN AMHERST, MA , Reyhaneh Bassamtabar, Architecture
LEARNING SPACES: DISCOVERING THE SPACES FOR THE FUTURE OF LEARNING , Michael Choudhary, Architecture
ARCHITECTURAL SYNERGY: A FACILITY FOR LIFELONG LEARNING IN ACADEMIA AND PRACTICE , Ryan Rendano, Architecture
Resilient Architecture: Adaptive Community Living in Coastal Locations , Erica Shannon, Architecture
Theses from 2017 2017
New York City 2050: Climate Change and Future of New York | Design for Resilience , Abhinav Bhargava, Architecture
The Performance of Light: Exploring the Impact of Natural Lighting in the New UMass School of Performance , Dylan Brown, Architecture
Regional Expression In The Renovation Of Remote Historic Villages , Jie chen, Architecture
An Incremental Intervention In Jakarta: An Empowering Infrastructural Approach For Upgrading Informal Settlements , Christopher H. Counihan, Architecture
UMASS Dining Hall. A Path to Resiliency , Lukasz Czarniecki, Architecture
LIVING CORE OF THE FUTURE: PROPOSING NEW APPROACH FOR THE FUTURE OF RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX IN METROPOLITAN AREAS , Mahsa G. Zadeh, Architecture
HUMANITY IN A CHILDREN’S CANCER HOSPITAL , Sara Jandaghi Jafari, Architecture
Designing Symbiosis for the New Church Community , Evan Janes, Architecture
A Visible History: A Synthesis of Past, Present and Future Through the Evocation of Memory Within Historic Contexts , Nicholas Jeffway, Architecture
Creating A Community A New Ecological, Economical, and Social Path to Uniting a Community , Andrew Stadnicki, Architecture
Z-Cube: Mobile Living for Feminist Nomads , Zi Ye, Architecture
Theses from 2016 2016
Music and Architecture: An Interpresence , Rachel J. Beesen, Architecture
Intervening in the Lives of Internally Displaced People in Colombia , Amy L. Carbone, Architecture
Designing Waste Creating Space: A Critical Examination Into Waste Reduction Through Building Techniques, Architectural Design, and Systems , Courtney M. Carrier, Architecture
Umass September 11 Intervention , Mohamad Farzinmoghadam, Architecture
Merging Social Science and Neuroscience in Architecture: Creating a Framework to Functionally Re-integrate Ex-Convicts , Kylie A. Landrey, Architecture
From Shelters to Long Living Communities , Yakun Liang, Architecture
Building Hope: A Community + Water Initiative, La Villa de San Francisco, Honduras , Christopher D. Mansfield, Architecture
THE SPATIALITY IN STORYTELLING , Xiang Yu, Architecture
Innovation of the Residential Buildings and Community in the Emerging City Rongcheng , Xing Yu, Architecture
Art and Life - Make invisible visible in Cao changdi village, Beijing, China , peng zhang, Architecture
Theses from 2015 2015
The Dialogue of Craft and Architecture , Thomas J. Forker, Architecture
MOSQUE IN THE VALLEY: A SPACE FOR SPIRITUAL GATHERING & CULTURAL LEARNING , Nabila Iqbal, Architecture
EXPLORATION OF CONNECTIVITY BETWEEN URBAN PLAZA AND MIXED USE BUILDINGS , Youngduk Kim, Architecture
Design Of A Housing For Urban Artisan-Living Work , Fahim Mahmud, Architecture
Membranes and Matrices: Architecture as an Interface , Nayef Mudawar, Architecture
Building for the Future: Revitalization through Architecture , Rebecca N. Perry, Architecture
Developing Maker Economies in Post-Industrial Cities: Applying Commons Based Peer Production to Mycelium Biomaterials , Grant R. Rocco, Architecture
Design of Children's Event and Cutural Center in Osu, Accra, Ghana , Rudi Somuah, Architecture
Sustainable Design of Student Centers Retrofitting and Adaptive Reuse of UMass Student Union , Tianye Song, Architecture
Design/Build in Architectural Education: studying community-focused curriculum , Matthew K. Sutter, Architecture
Landform Architecture As Reconnecting Presence For Campus Complex Design , Yi Wang, Architecture
Architecture for Housing: Multi-Function Transitional Space of Housing in China , zhaoqing zhang, Architecture
Theses from 2014 2014
New as Renewal: A Framework for Adaptive Reuse in the Sustainable Paradigm , Luke A. Beck, Architecture
Reconnecting Mill Communities: An Architectural Intervention in Fitchburg, Massachusetts , Ronald Bujold, Architecture
Greening Greenpoint: Investigating Technology and Environment-based Design , Adam Castelli, Architecture
Sustaining Community: A New Social, Economic, and Environmental Path for Ware, MA , Aviva J. Galaski, Architecture
Reconsidering the Community Center - Restorative Strategies Within Existing Frameworks , John Gilbert III, Architecture
From Vacant to Vibrant: Proposing a New Approach to the Anchor Store Typology , Samantha L. Greenberg, Architecture
The Under Wing Home , David Harrington, Architecture
Bridging the Gap: Community-Oriented Transit Development , Matthew C. Jones, Architecture
The Community Cohesion Trail of Brattleboro, Vermont , Patrick C. Kitzmiller, Architecture
Parametric Tools in the Design Process , Robert B. Marcalow, Architecture
Architecture for Science: Space as an Incubator to Nurture Research , Maryam Mohammad Shafiee, Architecture
ARCHITECTURE FOR THE REVITALIZATION OF COMMUNITY , Erin Riley, Architecture
Community Development in Emerging Cities: A Case for Lagos,Nigeria , Olaoluwa Olakunle Silva, Architecture
Utopia In The Apocalypse: Creating A Framework Of Survival Systems , Bryan E. Toepfer, Architecture
Mount Tom Self-Transformation Retreat: Designing Experiential Architecture to Provoke Stimulatory, Expressive and Sensory Self-Exploration , Kyle B. Young, Architecture
Investigation of Historical Area in Xi'an, China , Zhaoxiong Yu, Architecture
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Architecture Thesis Topics

The architecture thesis is a crucial part of your education as a student. You must develop a written paper as well as a design project that solves an issue related to architecture.
For more information on this, check out our article, Architecture thesis – everything you need to know .
For many, choosing a topic consumes a large amount of their time, which is what has lead to the creation of this list and collection of examples of past and present thesis projects.
In constant evolution, the below topics aim to provide a series of examples and source of inspiration to help support your topic.
Thesis topics & examples
Domestic horizon by jiaheng xie, rice university, m.arch ‘20.
This project tackles the issue of “Growing the city, shrinking the Footprint.” With cities becoming taller and more condensed, the student developed an Aerial Pedestrian Network system. In effect, it attempts to lift the domestic horizon, create a city above ground, and expand street life.
Simultaneously, Jiaheng’s thesis updates the Chinese Model of Density by mixing block scale development with expanded street life.
Moreover, Guangzhou requires design tools that the government can use for new developments that encourage new living experiences, are connected to the ground level, expand urban life, and preserve the sense of neighborhood.

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Equivocal Elevations by Anna Kaertner, Harvard Graduate School of Design, M.Arch ‘21
Leipzig’s different names throughout history are indicators for the city’s changes in identity. After the bombing of Leipzig in 1943, political regimes and architects have used these histories to guide construction.
Meanwhile, the city’s identity is filled with unraveling, overlapping, and competing projections of the past and future. Ultimately, building elevations have been the main registration of each attempt to resolve the city’s identity crisis.
Equivocal Elevations proposes a Super Civic Service Center, which builds on the Bürgerzentrum, a city-government institution that addresses the converging individual identity, city bureaucracy, and civic identity.
The new center is founded from the elevations of the site, which come from studying the Leipzig archives. Therefore, Anna’s thesis aims to continue the uncertainty to the city’s identity while referring to its distinct various histories.

Bunker Reclamation by Demosthenes Sfakianakis, Syracuse University, B.Arch ‘20
This thesis explores the extreme conditions under the Communist regime in Albania. For example, the government manipulated citizens through punishing nonconformist architecture and enforcing acceptable color palettes and subjects in art.
The research also looks at the prison/labor camp system under Hoxha’s rule.
Additionally, this thesis proposes a collection of graphics that showcase the harsh conditions under Communist authority and the idea for bunkers to be reinterpreted from symbols of oppression to modes of collective healing.
ReThinking Home Waste by Elena Echarri Myers, Syracuse University, B.Arch ‘20
ReThinking Home Waste investigates the history of consumption around the world. Particularly, the shift from a society that locally consumes basic necessities to one that shops for pleasure and for items that are globally mass-produced with short lifespans.
As a solution, the thesis proposes a model to manage the abundance of waste in New York City. The project is a multi-family residential complex that incorporates less wasteful living, education of proper waste discharge practices, and sorting hubs for materials with an economic incentive.
Reshaping Reality: From Disneyland to Dismaland by Lina Wang, Syracuse University, M.Arch ‘18
Disneyland is a key example of a hyperreality, as the imaginary is presented as more realistic than reality itself. Moreover, the theme park draws in visitors by making the problems of the real world less relatable.
Evidently, society is more focused on entertainment than current political and social issues. Banksy’s Dismaland is a visual depiction that critiques this attitude.
In response, this thesis proposes to use the frame of Disneyland in New York City to showcase the opposite and dark issues like politics, climate, sustainability/energy, education, global environment.
Returning to Earth by Daniel Morely, Iowa State University, M.S. ‘20
For the past century, life and death have been perceived as opposites. Due to the common ignoring of the subject of death, the Western burial practices from the 19th and 20th centuries have been unquestioned.
In recent decades, however, Westerners have begun to realize that many of their burial practices are unsustainable.
As a result, Returning to Earth proposes a new form of burial that is concentrated in the Ouroboros, the eternal cycle of life and death, and humans place within that cycle.
Harnessing social networks in Khartoum’s informal tea places: The case of Mayo internally displaced persons camp by Rami Mannan, Iowa State University, M.S. ‘21
This thesis project looks at the social qualities of informal tea places in Khartoum, Sudan. Tea places are examined because they are good indicators of the social, political, economic, and environmental effects of the rapid population as a result of forced displacement in the region.
Additionally, they produce strengthened social networks, which are explored as a means of community development and in Iowa.

Work-Homes by Satya Charan Ganesuni, Iowa State University, M.Arch ‘18
While work homes have been utilized since ancient times, they have become more popularized because of their technological advantages, time savings, and budget savings.
In the past, researchers have defined the characteristics of integrated spaces. However, this thesis aims to use the advancements of technology and work-home principles to create a set of design elements that can make workspaces more efficient.
Between Land and Lake: Environments of Learning in Tonle Sap Lake by Julie Chau, University of California, Berkeley, M.Arch ‘14
The Tonle Sap River in Cambodia is a developing region that experiences flood pulse. In response, Julie’s thesis aims to provide an infrastructure for places of learning for children.
In doing so, she investigates the distinct features surrounding the lake, existing learning environments, and design solutions around the world.
This thesis proposes to use a redesign of the learning environments to teach children about the ecological conditions and reclaim local ownership and responsibility for the lake.
Robinhood Gardens 2.0 by Stathis Gerostathopoulos, University of California, Berkeley, M.Arch ‘14
As city buildings develop higher from the ground, architects and urban designers are tasked with recreating the ground as a space with activity between, through, and above buildings.
In a series of unfinished projects, architects Peter and Alison Smithson popularized the term “streets in the sky” and commissioned the Robin Hood Gardens housing estate in East London.
However, after State neglect and vandalism, it was set to be demolished in 2014. In response, Stathis proposes a mixed-use development with a new design approach to replace the Robin Hood Gardens.
The Beige Conundrum by Alma Crawford-Mendoza, University of Massachusetts Amherst, M.Arch ‘21
While color is part of everyday life, it is often not given much thought. For example, a person may decide to wear a pair of blue jeans and a white t-shirt. However, what compelled the person to wear those colors?
Similarly, you can ask questions about the factors that influence the exterior color selection of homes. To address this inquiry, the thesis aims to examine the reasoning behind the common beige color of homes in Massachusetts and color’s greater potential role in the built environment.

Housing for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Creating an Integrated Living Community in Salem, MA by Tara Pearce, University of Massachusetts Amherst, M.Arch ‘21
While some adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are high functioning and able to lead successful and independent lives, many still experience obstacles in locating and securing sufficient housing.
Not to mention, the increasing price for buying or renting an apartment makes many adults with autism have to live with their aging parents. Meanwhile, government funding and group homes for adults with ASD are limited.
In response, this thesis proposes a model living community in Salem Massachusetts for adults with ASD.
Through analyzing recent literature on autism-friendly design and interviewing professionals in the field and parents of adult children with ASD, Tara seeks to improve their living conditions and access to resources.
Adaptive Airport Architecture by Yash Mehta, University of Massachusetts Amherst, M.Arch ‘20
The main factors for determining the spatial requirements for an airport depend on its projected life span, security restrictions, and other socio-political influences.
Additionally, the initial stages of the design for any existing or new airport come from the ‘Master planning report,’ which includes airport layouts, environmental studies, analysis of runway orientation, land use plans, activity forecasts, capacity analysis, estimates of facilities, and more.
However, technological and infrastructural changes are key problems with airports. This thesis aims to analyze the different factors that prevent airport terminals from going along with these changes.
Moreover, the project proposes a re-design of the Bradley airport at Hartford that attempts to increase the efficiency and life span of airport terminals.
Humanity in Children’s Cancer Hospital by Sara Jandaghi Jafari, University of Massachusetts Amherst, M.Arch ‘17
Children sense their physical space and respond to it more directly than adults. Therefore, visiting hospitals can be emotionally challenging for children while they are stressed from being ill and experiencing painful medical procedures.
The research aims to identify what makes a supportive pediatric setting in the views of children and adolescents and explores how architecture can make hospital stays more pleasant.
Additionally, Jandaghi develops a vision for the sustainable hospital movement and showcases the importance of participatory research for healthcare design.
Changing Landscapes: Redefining Preservation for Legacy Neighborhoods by Kaitlyn Levesque, University of Pennsylvania, ‘19
Kaitlyn’s thesis focuses on traditional preservation policies and practices, which usually prioritized the physical form and fabric of heritage places over other values.
This issue disproportionately favors dominant cultures in historic narratives, leaving urban areas suffering from divestment.
Moreover, the project proposes a more equitable preservation process, which is applied to the North Philadelphia neighborhood of Strawberry Mansion.
Free Trade Zone in Transit by Andrew Lam, Cooper Union, B.Arch ‘14
The Panama Canal is a significant trading route that connects the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans. After a history of conflict over control of the waterway, it was finally given to the Republic of Panama.
However, the growth of the global economic demand has led to an increase in container ships. Consequently, this has redefined the canal as a space that belongs to the world.
This thesis attempts to solve the issue by developing a community based on trade and interaction between the vessels and boats in the waterway. Additionally, this proposal aims to urbanize areas in the region that experience little activity.

A Deep Breath of Art by Sara Alkhatib, Virginia Tech, M.Arch ‘20
The busyness of meeting deadlines and completing daily tasks can keep artists away from their inner creativity. As a result, this research explores the role of architecture in producing more artistic experiences.
Sara proposes an artists retreat in the U.S. National Arboretum that holds an area for privacy for artists to self-reflect and a community space for artists to socialize and exchange knowledge.
Common Ground by Daniel Kuehn, Rice University, M.Arch ‘17
This thesis investigates the environment and the city as contemporary issues and how they merge to rethink the rhetoric of sustainability.
Specifically, the project involves a flexible urban framework located on Treasure Island, San Francisco, that tests the feasibility of augmenting coastal cities. This includes supporting the social, cultural, and environmental ecology from the immediate effects of climate change.
Moreover, Common Ground is a temporary community for first-world climate refugees that will change over time to accommodate the greater measures taken in San Francisco for combating sea-level rise and climate change.
Hang in there by Evio Isaac, Rice University, M.Arch ‘18
The reflected ceiling plan is a drawing used by architects to communicate the position of fixtures, mechanical penetrations, lighting, and finishes to the construction team.
However, it is typically a secondary drawing. Hang in there investigates the potential of using the reflected ceiling plan as a primary drawing, which challenges the absoluteness of the architectural plan.
Head Space: An Exploration into Design Code by Gaylon Lerch, Kennesaw State University, B.Arch ‘21
In response to the idea that today’s coding standards do not address the needs of occupants of the built environment, this thesis explores the field of medical research. Such as information from the fields of psychology, physical medicine, and architecture.
The effects of light, sound, and overall spatial quality on people using a space are observed to understand the criteria for healthy human function.
As a result, the research compares these findings to current building codes and establishes new guidelines for architects to follow.
Ultimately, the architecture field is about 20 years behind the knowledge of psychology and physical medicine on occupant behavior in residential spaces.
Overall, there are many topics to decide from for your architecture thesis. These examples can be used as inspiration or a starting point to understand what a thesis looks like.
Remember to choose one that you are passionate about and has a large amount of supporting research.
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How to Choose an Undergraduate Architecture Thesis Topic

- Written by Suneet Zishan Langar
- Published on September 11, 2017
As architecture students head to their final year of BArch, half-crazy from years’ worth of scraped fingers, ghastly juries, sleepless nights, and a general lack of social life, they encounter the mighty problem of choosing a thesis topic. There are many subjects to choose from, but a personal interest in a particular subject is just one of the many factors that should influence this decision. Students need to ask themselves several other questions: Is the topic significant enough? Is it expansive enough? Is the project realistically doable?
The process can be daunting, for the decision has many consequences; sometimes, the choice of topic alone can mean the difference between the success and failure of a thesis. With so many factors to consider and deadlines closing in, students easily end up making decisions that they regret later. Here are eight tips to help you make an informed choice on the matter:
1. Dare to Be Un original

Thesis work at the undergraduate level strongly differs from that at the graduate or doctoral level, and it is important to understand the rationale behind its inclusion in the curriculum. Work at the graduate or doctoral level usually asks for the identification of a “gap in existing knowledge” about a subject and an original proposal to bridge that gap, but the expectations of an undergraduate student are less demanding. This means that you don’t necessarily have to go out of your way to be innovative at the undergraduate level. Choosing a simple unoriginal topic but executing it in a way that exhibits all the knowledge you’ve acquired in college will also do the trick.
2. Choose a Topic that Personally Interests You

With your peers picking varied topics and schedules, this year will be lonesome; the most you will have for company on an average day is a drawing board, your laptop, some books, and coffee. You will find yourself routinely getting distracted by Buzzfeed ’s latest video on Youtube or the cool new Drake track. Choosing a topic that you’re passionate about will make sure that you stay inspired and motivated to work, which should ultimately result in a great final project.
3. Set Your Scope Small

Many students give in to the natural temptation to do too much by picking topics or issues that are too expansive, and therefore almost impossible to execute in a short time-frame. A tip would be to start with the simplest version of a topic and add in extra complexity later if the circumstances allow it.
4. Recognize What You’re Good at
Every student possesses a unique set of skills and abilities which they’ve acquired through their experiences and by following their interests. No one is good at everything. An unbiased understanding of your creative and technical capacities and their limits thereof will allow you to choose a topic that best employs your expertise.
5. Is There Enough Existing Literature on the Topic?

A thesis project requires an enormous amount of reading and analysis before the beginning of the design process, and the primary source of reference information for an undergraduate student is usually existing studies or research. Hence, it makes sense to choose an area of study where a substantial amount of previous work exists. The availability of such work will enable you to analyze, compare, draw conclusions, and employ the knowledge gained to suggest an informed proposal.
6. Strike a Balance Between Art and Science

Architecture students dig themselves a grave when they begin to romanticize their thesis projects. It is hard to blame them, however, when you consider that the thesis project is viewed as the culmination of a multi-year program which is rooted as deeply in art and theory as it is in building technology. But it’s imperative to find a topic that is a balance of the two. A topic that seems too abstract might make it difficult for a jury to ascertain a student’s understanding of tangible issues.
7. What Do You Want to Do in the Future?
The thesis project is the single most important part of your portfolio as a fresh architecture graduate looking for a job in the industry or applying for a graduate program. The choice of topic will reflect your interest in or experience with a particular specialized subject. Hence, when choosing a thesis topic, you should try to align it with your plans for the near future.
8. Aim to Solve a Real World Problem

While there are many wide-ranging opinions about architecture’s ideal role in society, there is a general agreement that an architect’s work does influence how a society functions and evolves. In a world that is grappling with myriad serious issues like climate change, population growth, and an inequitable distribution of resources, it benefits young architecture students to acquaint themselves with the larger picture, and to choose a topic that at least aims to solve a current socio-environmental problem through a design intervention.
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- Sustainability
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20 Types of Architecture thesis topics

An architectural thesis is perhaps the most confusing for a student because of the range of typologies of buildings that exist. It also seems intimidating to pick your site program and do all the groundwork on your own. While choosing an architectural thesis topic, it is best to pick something that aligns with your passion and interest as well as one that is feasible. Out of the large range of options, here are 20 architectural thesis topics .
1. Slum Redevelopment (Urban architecture)
Slums are one of the rising problems in cities where overcrowding is pertinent. To account for this problem would be one of great value to the city as well as the inhabitants of the slum. It provides them with better sanitation and well-being and satisfies their needs.

2. Maggie Center (Healthcare architecture)
This particular typology of buildings was coined by a cancer patient, Margaret Keswick Jencks, who believed that cancer-treatment centres’ environment could largely improve their health and wellbeing by better design. This led a large number of starchitects to participate and build renowned maggie centres.

3. Urban Sprawl redesign (Urban design)
The widening of city boundaries to accommodate migrants and overcrowding of cities is very common as of late. To design for the constant urban sprawl would make the city life more convenient and efficient for all its users.

4. Redesigning spaces Under Elevated Roads and Metros (Urban infrastructure)
A lot of space tends to become dead space under metros or elevated roads. To use these spaces more efficiently and engage them with the public would make it an exciting thesis topic.

5. Urban Parks (Urban landscape)
Urban parks are not only green hubs for the city, which promotes the well-being of the city on a larger level, but they also act as great places for the congregation and bring a community together.

6. Reusing Abandoned buildings (Adaptive reuse)
All buildings after a point become outdated and old but, what about the current old and abandoned buildings? The best way to respond to these is not by demolishing them; given the amount of effort it takes to do so, but to enhance them by restoring and changing the building to current times.

7. Farming in Cities (Green urban spaces)
With climate change and population on the rise, there is statistical proof that one needs to start providing farming in cities as there is not sufficient fertile land to provide for all. Therefore, this makes a great thesis topic for students to explore.

8. Jails (Civil architecture)
To humanize the function of jails, to make it a place of change and rehabilitation, and break from the stereotypical way of looking at jails. A space that will help society look at prisoners as more than monsters that harm, and as fellow humans that are there to change for everyone’s betterment.

9. Police Academies (Civil architecture)
Academies that train people to be authoritative and protective require spaces for training mentally and physically; focussing on the complexity of the academy and focussing on the user to enhance their experience would work in everyone’s favour.

10. High Court (Civil architecture)
Courtrooms are more often than not looked at as spaces that people fear, given the longevity of court cases. It can be a strenuous space; therefore, understanding the user groups’ state of mind and the problems faced can be solved using good design.

11. Disaster-resilient structures (Disaster-relief architecture)
Natural disasters are inevitable. Disaster-resilient structures are build suitably for the natural disasters of the region while also incorporating design into it, keeping in mind the climatic nature of the location.

12. Biophilic design (Nature-inspired architecture)
As humans, we have an innate love for nature, and the struggle between integrating nature and architecture is what biophilic design aims towards. To pick a topic where one would see minimal use of natural elements and incorporate biophilic design with it would be very beneficial.

13. Metro stations and Bus terminals (Transportation spaces)
Bus terminals and metro stations are highly functional spaces that often get crowded; and to account for the crowd and the problems that come with it, plus elevate the experience of waiting or moving, would contribute to making it a good thesis topic.

14. Airport design (Transportation spaces)
Airport designing is not very uncommon; however, it is a rather complex program to crack; thereby, choosing this topic provides you with the opportunity to make this space hassle-free and work out the most efficient way to make this conducive for all types of users.

15. Sports Complex (Community architecture)
If your passion lies in sports, this is a go-to option. Each sport is played differently, different materials are used, and the nature of the sport and its audience is rather complicated. However, to combine this and make it a cohesive environment for all kinds of users would make a good thesis topic.

16. Stadium (Community architecture)
Unlike a sports complex, one could also pick one sport and look at the finer details, create the setting, and experience for it; by designing it to curate a nice experience for the players, the public, and the management.

17. Waste-recycling center (Waste management)
Reducing waste is one of the most fundamental things we must do as humans. Spaces where recycling happens must be designed consciously. Just like any other space, it has been given importance over the years, and this would make a good thesis topic to provide the community with.

18. Crematorium (Public architecture)
Cremation of a loved one or anyone for that matter is always a rather painful process and a range of emotions is involved when it comes to this place. Keeping in mind the different types of people and emotions and making your thesis about this would mean to enhance this experience while still keeping the solemnity of it intact.

19. Museums (Community architecture)
Museums are spaces of learning, and the world has so much to offer that one could always come up with different typologies of museums and design according to the topic of one’s interest. Some of the examples would be cultural heritage, modern art, museum of senses, and many more.

20. Interpretation center (Community architecture)
An interpretation center is a type of museum located near a site of historical, cultural, or natural relevance that provides information about the place of interest through various mediums.

References:
- 2022. 68 Thesis topics in 5 minutes . [image] Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NczdOK7oe98&ab_channel=BlessedArch> [Accessed 1 March 2022].
- Bdcnetwork.com. 2022. Biophilic design: What is it? Why it matters? And how do we use it? | Building Design + Construction . [online] Available at: <https://www.bdcnetwork.com/blog/biophilic-design-what-it-why-it-matters-and-how-do-we-use-it> [Accessed 1 March 2022].
- RTF | Rethinking The Future. 2022. 20 Thesis topics related to Sustainable Architecture – RTF | Rethinking The Future . [online] Available at: <https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/rtf-fresh-perspectives/a1348-20-thesis-topics-related-to-sustainable-architecture/> [Accessed 1 March 2022].
- Wdassociation.org. 2022. A List Of Impressive Thesis Topic Ideas In Architecture . [online] Available at: <https://www.wdassociation.org/a-list-of-impressive-thesis-topic-ideas-in-architecture.aspx> [Accessed 1 March 2022].

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Flora is a student of architecture, with a passion for psychology and philosophy. She loves merging her interests and drawing parallels to solve and understand design problems. As someone that values growth, she uses writing as a medium to share her learning and perspective.

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Successful thesis proposals in architecture and urban planning
Archnet-IJAR
ISSN : 2631-6862
Article publication date: 1 May 2020
Issue publication date: 11 November 2020
The purpose of this research is to improve the understanding of what constitutes a successful thesis proposal (TP) and as such enhance the quality of the TP writing in architecture, planning and related disciplines.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on extended personal experience and a review of relevant literature, the authors proposed a conception of a successful TP comprising 13 standard components. The conception provides specific definition/s, attributes and success rules for each component. The conception was applied for 15 years on several batches of Saudi graduate students. The implications of the conception were assessed by a students' opinion survey. An expert inquiry of experienced academics from architectural schools in nine countries was applied to validate and improve the conception.
Assessment of the proposed conception demonstrated several positive implications on students' knowledge, performance and outputs which illustrates its applicability in real life. Experts' validation of the conception and constructive remarks have enabled further improvements on the definitions, attributes and success rules of the TP components.
Research limitations/implications
The proposed TP conception with its 13 components is limited to standard problem-solving research and will differ in the case of other types such as hypothesis-based research.
Practical implications
The proposed conception is a useful directive and evaluative tool for writing and assessing thesis proposals for graduate students, academic advisors and examiners.
Social implications
The research contributes to improving the quality of thesis production process among the academic community in the built environment fields.
Originality/value
The paper is meant to alleviate the confusion and hardship caused by the absence of a consensus on what constitutes a successful TP in the fields of architecture, urban planning and related disciplines.
- Urban planning
- Architecture
- Built environment
- Postgraduate research
- Writing successful thesis proposals
Abdellatif, M. and Abdellatif, R. (2020), "Successful thesis proposals in architecture and urban planning", Archnet-IJAR , Vol. 14 No. 3, pp. 503-524. https://doi.org/10.1108/ARCH-12-2019-0281
Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Mahmoud Abdellatif and Reham Abdellatif
Published by Emerald Publishing Limited. This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this licence may be seen at http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode .
1. Introduction
After the postgraduate student completes her/his coursework in a master programme or passes the comprehensive exam and becomes a doctoral candidate in a doctoral programme, s/he is allowed to submit a “Thesis Proposal” (TP) to her/his department whose main concern is to assess whether the topic is suitable for a graduate study and for the time and resources available ( Afful, 2008 ; Kivunja, 2016 ; Reddy, 2019 ).
The department then sends the submitted TP to higher bodies for official approval. Once approved, the TP becomes a legal binding or “a formal contract” ( Walliman, 2017 ) and “a statement of intent” ( Hofstee, 2006 ) between the researcher and the university. If the student adheres to all prescribed TP requirements within the specified time, s/he will be awarded the degree ( Leo, 2019 ).
Guided by his/her academic advisor, the student prepares the TP within which the researcher explains the research problem, questions, aim and objectives, scope, and methodologies to describe, analyse and synthesize the research problem and develop solutions for it ( Paltridge and Starfield, 2007 ). In addition, the proposal includes a brief about research significance and expected contributions; a preliminary review of literature; thesis structure and approximate completion timeline; and a list of relevant references ( Kivunja, 2016 ; Thomas, 2016 ; Kornuta and Germaine, 2019 ).
1.1 Statement of the problem and research aim
After decades of writing, supervising and refereeing master and doctoral theses in the fields of Architecture and Urban Planning, the authors noticed that TP's differ in format and content from a school to another. This may be considered a healthy matter because it gives room for flexibility that absorbs the variety of research problems and techniques. Yet, the absence of a consensus on what constitutes a successful TP could cause confusion and hardship to both students and advisors ( Kamler and Thomson, 2008 ; Abdulai and Owusu-Ansah, 2014 ). The review of literature indicates that TP writing has been tackled in depth in many fields (see for instance Gonzalez, 2007 ; Balakumar et al. , 2013 ; Eco, 2015 ; Kivunja, 2016 ; Glatthorn and Randy, 2018 ; Kornuta and Germaine, 2019 ). Apart from thesis proposal instruction and guideline manuals posted on universities' websites, the authors believe that there is a lack of in-depth research on the issue of producing successful thesis proposals in the fields of Architecture and Planning.
To propose a successful TP conception which determines the standard components of TP and sets specific definitions, attributes and rules of success for each component.
To apply the proposed conception on several batches of graduate students, then assess its impact on students' performance and output along the years of application.
To validate the proposed conception by getting the insights of experienced academics from architecture and planning schools worldwide, and as such, improve and finalize the conception.
1.2 Research methodology
To propose the Successful TP Conception , the authors relied on two sources: knowledge extracted from their extended experience and a review of relevant studies and instruction manuals and guidelines for preparing TP in several worldwide universities. The Conception has been applied on several batches of master and doctoral students from IAU, KSA for almost 15 years between 2005 and 2020 during their enrolment in three courses in the College of Architecture and Planning, IAU, KSA. These courses are “ARPL 603 Research Methods” and “BISC 600 Research Methods” for the master's level and “URPL 803 Seminar (3): Doctoral Research Methods” for the doctoral level.
From a total of 60 students, 39 students (65%) completed the survey; of whom 12 students (31%) were doctoral and 27 students (69%) were masters students.
- Improve their understanding of the components of a successful TP.
- Enhance their performance in developing their TP's.
- Conduct a more effective self-assessment of their developed TP's.
- Enhance their performance along other stages of producing their theses and dissertations.
- Maintain any other benefits adding to students' research capabilities.
The first part recorded the general characteristics of respondents.
The second inquired about experts' viewpoints on the definitions, attributes and the rules of success of the components of the proposed TP conception.
2. Proposing the Successful TP Conception
2.1 components of a tp for a standard problem-solving research type.
A review of thesis writing guidelines posted on universities' websites and other related literature has indicated that the number of components of a masters' or doctoral thesis proposal varies. After a thorough review of related literature and with their experience, the authors have been convinced that, in its standard form, a TP should include 13 components. Chronically arranged, as appearing in the proposal, they are: title page, abstract, keywords, background, statement of the problem, research questions, research aim and objectives, research scope, research significance and contributions, preliminary review of literature, research methodology, thesis structure and timeline, and references list ( Ostler, 1996 ; Simpson and Turner, 2004 ; Zhou, 2004 ; Davies, 2011 ; Axelrod and Windell, 2012 ; Donohue, 2018 ; Glatthorn and Randy, 2018 ; Kornuta and Germaine, 2019 ). It is worth mentioning that these 13 components will differ in the case of a hypothesis-based research whose aim is to validate a specific hypothesis that a specific variable/s is/are or is/are not the main cause/s of an investigated research problem. This paper is limited only to the standard problem-solving research type.
2.2 Building the Successful TP Conception
Setting a general definition for each component including its meaning, importance, functions and contents.
Outlining the most important attributes that must be considered when writing the component.
Based on step 1 and 2, the authors extracted a list of success rules which provides a concise definition for each component of the TP, and/or describes the relationship between the component and other components of the TP (the list is summarized at the end of Part 2).
2.2.1 Research title
This is the first item that appears to the reader. It invites or detains him/her from proceeding to other contents ( Blaxter et al. , 2010 ). The research title is positioned in the title page along with several basic data, namely, the title; the names of the Department, College, University, study programme, researcher and advisory committee; and submission date.
The research title should be useful, discussing an issue critical to society; true, conveying a real message about the investigated problem ( Donohue, 2018 ); concise, presenting the message with the minimum number of words; adequate, using the right wording to explain the intended meaning; and attractive , stimulating the reader's attention. Iterations in refining the research title go hand-in-hand with refining the research question ( Groat and Wang, 2013 ).
2.2.2 The abstract
It is the first item that appears in the TP after the title and of the same significance; yet, it is the last to be written ( Kornuta and Germaine, 2019 ). It has a marketing function ( Lamanauskas, 2019 ); it calls the reader in or alienates him out. A comprehensive abstract contains a summary of the problem, aim, scope, methodology, importance, contributions and outline ( Koopman, 1997 ).
The Abstract should be concise or brief with a maximum of 200–300 words; adequate, including profiles of all parts of the proposal; clear, expressing its message without ambiguity; and interrelated, serving as a body of sequential, coherent and connected ideas ( Blaxter et al. , 2010 ).
2.2.3 The keywords
These are a set of words or terms used for archiving, tabulation and electronic search on databases. They should include essential “subject terms” describing the research topic, the unique sub-specializations and focus of the research (what is researched), the contextual scope of the research (where and when), and the used research methodology (how to conduct the research) ( Lamanauskas, 2019 ). They are better written by splitting the title into its separate single words or terms which must be found in the abstract, as well ( Mack, 2012 ).
Keywords should be brief, not more than 8–12 words; adequate, conveying the research theme, scope, aim and approach; exact, focusing on the investigated topic and scope; and standard, using scientific terminology used in the field.
2.2.4 The background
This is a gradual preparation of the reader from the larger scientific field to the specific field, from the wider geographic area to the immediate area, and from the larger timeframe to the immediate one. It starts from the strategic level and general scope of the research and gradually reaches the level closer to the examined problem ( Abdellatif and Abdellatif, 2005 ). It places the study within the larger context of the research, creates interest to the reader and catches his attention, and includes quotations and statistics leading the reader to proceed ( Babbie, 2014 ).
The background statement should be striking, drawing the reader's attention to the research; brief, not lengthy; gradual, moving from the general level surrounding the investigated issue to the specific level; and careful, not speeding up in disclosing the study problem, aim or methodology to the reader ( Axelrod and Windell, 2012 ; Pautasso, 2013 ).
2.2.5 The statement of the problem
Statement of the General Research Problem is a narrative describing a negative aspect/s prevailing in the investigated urban environment/ecosystem or architectural setting; it is equivalent to the negative wording of the research aim ( Abdellatif and Abdellatif, 2005 ). It stimulates interest in the study; scientifically explained to convey a simple, clear and specific issue to which a reader can relate and is useful to the society at large ( Balakumar et al. , 2013 ). In the humanities and social sciences many dissertations endeavour to establish the conditions of the problem, not to solve it ( Dorst, 2011 ).
In formulating the research problem, it is useful to consider it a problem which hinders the natural development of the society and/or environment and leads to a decline in the Quality of Life (QOL) or Quality of Environment (QOE) or both. A development problem is a factor/cause leading to either a quantitative or qualitative deficiency in satisfying a human need or both such as a lack of certain service or inadequate provision of the service ( Abdellatif, 2015 ). To arrive at a successful statement of the general problem, the researcher should pinpoint the main cause/s behind the study problem. All what comes next depends on the clarity of the problem statement.
Technically oriented research (TOR), which places emphasis on the process and procedures as the primary basis of effective design, TOR can be either systematic, or computational, or managerial.
Conceptually driven research (CDR), which can be either psychological or person–environment. The psychological type is driven by the goal of matching knowledge with the nature of the design problem, its components, context and social and environmental requirements. Whereas, the person–environment type places emphasis on the socio-cultural and socio-behavioural factors as they relate to the design process itself and to settings, buildings and urban environments.
Classify the investigated situation to branched dimensions, e.g. demographic, planning, regulatory, economic, social, environmental, etc.
Trace the causes or the influencing factors that lead to the emergence or aggravation of the problem/s in each dimension.
Clarify the problem more by identifying the consequences or adverse effects (the symptoms of the problem) that resulted from those causes. This helps isolate the causes from the consequences to focus on treating the causes not the consequences. Using temporary painkillers will not eliminate the disease; it only tranquilizes the symptoms.
Statement of the consequences of the problem is a narrative that describes the negative effects caused by sub-problems on the investigated environment ( Goetz et al. , 2005 ).
The statement of consequences of the problem should be focused, where each consequence focuses on one independent sub-problem; articulate, not overlapping with other consequences; rooted, relating to one of the roots of the general problems; deep, providing description for specific symptom; and comprehended, could be perceived, described and determined ( Abdellatif, 2015 ).

2.2.6 Research questions
What is the nature of the development problem as defined by the latest findings of previous literature, similar studies and published statistical reports?
What are the key features of the investigated problem according to a direct field survey?
What are the appropriate links between different variables of the study (causes, consequences, etc.) according to the information gathered from the theoretical review and field surveys?
What are the extracted results and the appropriate solutions and/or recommendations to deal with the general research problem and its sub-problems?
What are the critical contributions of the research findings on the life and/or environmental qualities?
How can the research increase the benefits of research results on the ground?
What are the research areas/points that need further investigation?
Research questions should be specific, each question addresses one sub-problem; unduplicated, each question does not repeat itself in a different format; sequential, or arranged according to their importance and order; and interrelated, where each question relates to other questions.
2.2.7 Research aim, goals and objectives
The general aim of the research is a specific and clear statement presenting the overall purpose of the study. It is directed to find an appropriate and effective solution to the general research problem ( Donohue, 2018 ). It is an attempt to fill a gap between a negative reality of an environment/ecosystem/or development situation and a desired positive future to be achieved at the end of the research process ( Glatthorn and Randy, 2018 ). The aim should be properly stated to ensure the success of all the following stages of the scientific research process.
Exploring the problem by defining the research problem, formulating aim and objectives, designing the methodology, defining the scope, and highlighting the expected contributions.
Collecting secondary data by defining basic concepts and terms, reviewing relevant literature and previous studies, and describing the most important characteristics of the investigated environment from secondary sources and statistical reports.
Collecting primary data via direct field surveys and based on the views of concerned population, experts and officials to describe the characteristics of the investigated development problem.
Analysing the gathered data by using theoretical and field data to determine the appropriate links among different variables of the study (e.g. causes, consequences, etc.).
Synthesizing the gathered data by integrating the findings of analysis to build appropriate approaches or solutions to deal with the general problem.
Extracting conclusions and writing recommendations to highlight research findings and make them more useful and effective.
A micro level objective contributes to solving the specific investigated problem (e.g. a specific quantitative or qualitative problem that hinders the development of a sector of society, environment, or eco-system).
A macro level objective contributes to realizing a higher goal (e.g. improving the overall quality of life of a larger community, upgrading the quality of the larger environment, etc.).
Development objectives should apply the SMART goal rule (previously explained); and be non-overlapping by ensuring that each objective is focused and not conflicting with other objectives.
2.2.8 Research scope
Thematic scope clarifies the general and specific areas of the research (e.g. the research falls within the field of sustainable development in general and focuses on social sustainability).
Geographic/Spatial scope specifies the spatial boundaries of the physical environment within which the research is applied (e.g. a specific local or regional setting).
Temporal scope shows the past, present and future spans the research will cover indicating the number of years from the historical information inventory until the expected completion date. If the research aim is to develop future strategies or policies, the span will extend to future target point.
Research Scope should be categorized, by being classified by subject, place and time; focused, by reaching the closest limits of the investigated research problem, environment and time; and clear, by not being so general or ambiguous.
2.2.9 Research significance and contributions
They highlight the most important benefits and the main beneficiaries from solving the research problem; the potential positive impacts of the study on the life and environmental qualities ( Groat and Wang, 2013 ). Contributions differ in nature (theoretical or applied or both) and in size (huge, average, or marginal). There is a positive relationship between the size of contributions and the size of impacted beneficiaries (individuals, groups, institutions, communities, societies), the scale of the impacted geographic boundaries (local, national or global), the type of impacted development sectors (service, production, etc.) and the numbers of the impacted sectors (one, a few, or all sectors). Research significance increases as the size of contributions increases. Specifying the research significance, expected contributions and potential beneficiaries helps promote the research and provides rational justifications for conducting it. The higher the contributions and the greater the sectors of the beneficiaries, the more significant the research is ( Abdellatif and Abdellatif, 2005 ). According to Balakumar et al. (2013) research significance justifies the need for the research that is being proposed.
Research significance and expected contributions should be categorized, in terms of type (theoretical or applied contribution or both), size and nature of the beneficiaries (individuals, institutions, communities, etc.) and geographical extent (small site, district, city, region, nation, etc.); clear, simple and comprehensible to the reader; and realistic, real, accurate and not exaggerated.
2.2.10 The preliminary review of literature
This is an initial review of literature dealt with relevant problems. It aims to build an initial understanding of the problem, identify the most important variables that have been considered, cite methodologies used to deal with the problem; make use of the latest findings and record the various recommendations/solutions suggested to deal with the problem ( Hart, 1998 ; Grix, 2001 ). According to Dunleavy (2003) , it is a critical review on related recent research that is well documented, structured, analysed and synthesized. It offers the researcher an opportunity to engage with other scholars in one's disciplinary community.
In addition to having a separate part, it is useful to combine the literature review with other components of the TP (e.g. the research problem, questions, aim and objectives, and methodology). It is important that the review presents differing perspectives or contrasting views of the topic and reports the complexities of the issue ( Kornuta and Germaine, 2019 ). By conducting the review, the researcher becomes able to build an initial but comprehensive understanding of the causes and consequences of the problem, the methodologies used to study and analyse the problem and the solutions proposed to deal with it by synthesizing various viewpoints of previous studies, thereby, supporting her/his principle argument about the study problem with the results derived from previous literature ( Pautasso, 2013 ).
Definitions of key terms and concepts; standard terms to appear in the research and special concepts which are not formally provided by previous scholars. The definitions must be logic and derived from scientifically recognized sources.
Review of previous studies; focusing on identifying several issues, namely, the most important dimensions and variables of the research problem (the causes of the problem; why the problem has emerged or aggravated; the most important consequences of this problem on the human and/or physical environment); the methods used to deal with the problem; the latest findings of previous studies and the various approaches/solutions suggested to deal with the problem.
Contextual aspects of the investigated development situation; including a review of relevant characteristics of the researched environment (its basic dimensions and elements) as found in previous studies. Contextual aspects may be classified into physical and human components; or into environmental, functional, aesthetic, structural, economic and social design determinants; or into demographic, planning, regulatory, economic, social, environmental sectors or other classifications.
Preliminary review of literature should be indexed, from reliable scholarly sources; categorized or documented according to standard classification system; employed, used wisely to achieve a desired purpose; up to date, recent, however, in topics which address chronological development or evolutionary aspects references could be recent and old; and related, relevant to the study problem ( Hart, 1998 ).
2.2.11 Research methodology
Data collection methods including office methods used to collect secondary data from previous literature and case studies as well as field methods used to gather original data through field visits, surveying, questionnaires, interviews with stakeholders, etc.
Data analysis methods including methods used to analyse both the secondary and primary information collected from office and the field surveys such as Statistical Analysis, Environmental Scanning (SWOT), Development Components Analysis, etc.
Data synthesis methods including methods used to compile, synthesize the analysis and develop appropriate alternative scenarios or solutions to deal with the problem.
Data presentation methods including methods to present the research process and findings such as scientific research paper containing narratives, tables, figures, forms, maps, results and recommendations as well as final visual presentation to review panel to get remarks and write the last version of the TP.
Research methodology should be appropriate, aligned with the purpose/s in which they will be used; achievable, within the reach of the researcher; effective, achieving the purpose fast and with high quality; reliable, previously tested, applied and approved in similar cases; and precise, accurate and specific.
2.2.12 Research structure and timeline
This is a brief statement of the main sections of the master's/doctoral thesis with tentative dates for completing the various stages of the research. Careful preparation of research structure and timeline ensures the effectiveness and integrity of the plan of actions towards the completion of the study ( Kivunja, 2016 ). It is also a criterion to judge the achieved progress and seriousness of the researcher.
Research structure and timeline should be sequential, arranged according to a standard scientific research process; logical, proportionate to the total period available for completion; and balanced, distributing time properly among various stages.
2.2.13 The list of references
This is a list which contains a reasonable number of relevant references on the topic which were actually cited in the TP ( Kornuta and Germaine, 2019 ). Including a list of the references about the topic demonstrates that the researcher is familiar with the basic and latest knowledge on his/her problem.
The list of references should be relevant, closely related to the investigated subject; up to date, recent yet containing old and new according the topic and context; and reliable, published in dependable vessels.
2.3 Extracting the success rules
Based on the above definitions and attributes provided for each of the 13 TP components, the authors were able to extract a number of success rules that took the form of equations, each of which describes an equality function between each component and its counterpart component/s as shown in Table 1 . For instance, rule #1 shows that “research title” is equal to “the general aim of the research” and is equal to “the negative wording of the research problem”.
3. Assessing the Successful TP Conception from students' viewpoints
They better understood the meanings of each component (97% agree and strongly agree and 3% neutral).
They better understood the attributes of each component (94% agree and strongly agree and 6% neutral).
They better understood the rules which control the relations between the various components of the TP (87% agree and strongly agree and 13% neutral).
The process of writing the proposal has become easier and more convenient (100% agree and strongly agree).
The effort, cost and time spent in submitting the proposal have been substantially saved (87% agree and strongly and 12% neutral).
The relationship with academic advisor has improved (87% agree and strongly agree and 12% neutral).
The students' confidence in advancing their own learning abilities has improved (93% agree and strongly agree and 7% neutral).
The students' abilities to address the strengths and weaknesses of their personal skills have improved (93% agree and strongly agree and 7% neutral).
The students' abilities to manage their learning process more independently have improved (90% agree and strongly agree, 7% neutral and 3% disagree).
The students have created a clearer and better mutual understanding with their academic advisors (90% agree and strongly agree and 10% neutral).
The students have reduced their distraction from the original target set out in the proposal (81% agree and strongly agree, 16% neutral and 3% disagree).
The students have been able to finish their research on time (78% agree and strongly agree, 19% neutral and 3% disagree).
They gained better analytical skills (87% agree and strongly agree, 10% neutral and 3% disagree).
They gained better problem-solving skills (87% agree and strongly agree, 10% neutral and 3% disagree).
They gained better critical thinking skills (87% agree and strongly agree, 10% neutral and 3% disagree).
4. Verifying the Successful TP Conception based on experts' viewpoints
Having proposed, applied and assessed the Successful TP Conception, it becomes important to validate it using the insights of experienced academics from Architectural and Planning schools worldwide. This part summarizes the results of the experts' inquiry survey conducted in November 2019 to February 2020. It shows the characteristics of experts and their viewpoints and remarks on the originally proposed definitions, attributes and success rules.
4.1 Experts' characteristics
They were from nine countries, namely, the United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain.
About 75% of the experts were males and 25% were females. About 5% were 35–45 years old, 20% were 45–55 years, 55% were 55–65 years and 20% were 65 years and over.
About 5% were Assistant Professors, 10% Associate Professors and the majority (85%) were Professors.
The experts had teaching experiences in undergraduate and graduate levels (masters, doctoral, diploma, postdoctoral and continuing professional development).
The general specialization of 70% of the experts was Architecture and 30% of experts were specialized in Urban Planning. They taught in several built environment fields (Architecture, Interior Design, Building Technology, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture and Urban and Regional Planning).
The experts had several focus areas, namely, Architecture, History and Theories of Architecture, Assessment of Designed Environments, Design Methods, Pedagogy, Architecture and Digital Technologies, Heritage Conservation, Middle East Architecture and Cities, Construction Project Management, Urban Design, Spatial Development Planning, Landscape, Built Environment and Behaviour, Urban Studies, Techniques and Quantitative Methods of Urban Planning, Urban Conflict, Urban Justice, Community Development, Environmental Management and Planning and Development Approaches.
About 10% of the experts supervised 5 theses, 5% supervised 6–10 theses, 50% supervised 11–20 theses and 35% supervised more than 20 theses.
4.2 Experts' viewpoints and remarks
Concerning the proposed definitions of the TP components, the experts expressed their agreement which ranged between 73 and 96%. Some experts provided additional remarks to help improve the definitions. Table 2 presents the originally proposed definitions, the percentages of agreed experts and their additional remarks.
Regarding the attributes of each component of the TP, the original conception proposed 38 attributes, the experts added 18 attributes resulting in a total of 56 attributes. Table 3 presents a matrix showing the percentages of experts' agreement of the originally proposed attributes as well as the added attributes. The lowest agreement percentage was 59% and the highest was 96%.
Concerning the proposed success rules which were called “equations” in the originally proposed conception, the experts suggested to change the expression into “rules”; which is more appropriate for subjective contents than mathematical expression. Table 4 presents the final 19 success rules for the components/sub-components of a TP and the percentage of experts' agreement which ranged between 57 and 95%.
5. Conclusion
Based on their experience in preparing and supervising masters and doctoral theses and after a thorough review of the literature on preparing thesis proposals, the authors drafted a conception of a successful thesis proposal comprising specific definitions, attributes and rules for each of the 13 components of a standard TP. The conception had been applied over a duration of 15 years (2005–2020) on several batches of master and doctoral students in IAU, KSA. Through an online survey, the majority of students (78–100%) have indicated that understanding and applying the conception helped them improve their performances and outputs during the TP development process and beyond.
The conception was then validated by getting the insights of 39 experienced academics from worldwide architectural schools. The experts accepted the proposed definitions with (73–96%) agreement rate. The experts also accepted the proposed attributes with (59–96%) agreement rate. As for the success rules, the experts' agreed as well with an acceptance rate ranging from (57–95%). The experts suggested constructive remarks which were considered in writing the final version of the conception.
The extracted success rules combine the definitions and attributes of each component of the TP and present them in a concise statement which defines the component and, where applicable, exemplifies its relationship to another corresponding or counterpart component of the TP. For example, rule #1 shows that “research title” should reflect “the general aim and scope of the research” and should also reflect “the negative wording of the research problem”. Extracted also is rule #14 which indicates that “the whole thesis proposal” written in future tenses, should resemble “the introduction of the final thesis” written in past tenses.
A directive tool that assists the researcher in writing a sound TP. Combining the last three tables (2, 3 and 4) into a comprehensive checklist would aid the students in preparing their TP's; enhancing the quality of their performance and outputs.
An evaluative tool that helps in assessing the validity and integrity of the submitted TP's that can be used by the researcher for self-assessment, or by the academic advisor, or by an examiner/evaluator before sending the proposal to higher authorities for approval.
The findings of this paper could be useful not only in evaluating thesis proposals, but also, with proper modifications, in assessing various scientific research documents, including scientific thesis, research papers and others; which is another research topic that will be addressed in the future.
The stages of developing the successful thesis proposal conception
Proposed list of success rules for the TP components
An extracted list of success rules for thesis proposals
Source(s) : Prepared by the authors based on the above analysis and the results of expert inquiry
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Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge the sincere assistance provided by the team of experts from several Architectural Schools worldwide to verify and improve the TP Conception. Appreciation is also extended to the post graduate students of the College of Architecture and Planning, IAU, who have positively responded to the students' opinion survey.
Corresponding author
About the authors.
Mahmoud Abdellatif is a Professor of Urban and Regional Planning, College of Architecture and Planning, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU), Dammam, Saudi Arabia. He received an MSc from Assuit University, Egypt in 1977 and another MSc from Iowa State University in 1981 and a PhD degree from Texas A&M University in 1985. He has taught and practiced Architecture and Urban Planning for more than 45 years in Egypt, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. His main research focus is on research methods, strategic planning and design and development approaches. He is currently the adviser of IAU Vice President for Studies, Development and Community Services. His last book (published in Arabic) entitled The Simplifying-Integrating Approach to Contemporary Design, Planning and Urban Development articulates his own problem-solving approach. He is the principle editor of the Strategic Plan of Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University 2018–2025.
Reham Abdellatif is an Assistant Professor in Architecture, College of Design, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU), Dammam, Saudi Arabia. She obtained an MSc degree from Assiut University in 2003 and a PhD degree from Newcastle University, UK, in 2012. She has taught and practiced Architecture and Interior Design for more than 22 years in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Her main research focus is on Architectural Education and Curriculum Development, Analysing Design Learning Activities, Distant/Online Learning, Communication and Computation, VR and Information Technologies in Architecture. She ran the interior design curriculum development committee in Assiut University and in IAU.
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After Hours: 2021 UST College of Architecture Thesis Catalogue

THESIS CATALOGUE 2021
UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Introduction Welcome Home..............................................
II. Thesis Works
Long Night Ahead............................09
III. Special Awards Lights Out?...........................................65 Adviser's Selection .............................................................................67 Editor's Selection .....................................................................................75
IV. Outstanding and Top Theses 00:00............................................87 Outstanding Theses ......................................................................................89 Top Ranking Theses ................................................................................101
V. Thesis of the Year Epiphany in the AM.......................................133 VI. Credit & Acknowledgement Morning Rush ...............143 VII. Backspace Onwards ..............................................147 Arki After Hours ................................................153
UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS
Introduction Welcome Home Today was enervating as always. The sun is descending and so is your energy; gradually deteriorating like burning a candle at both ends. You settle down, dead on your feet and ready to drop. You crave for a home-cooked dinner, but more so, a sense of comfort and repose. You're finally home.
02 ADVISER'S SELECTION 06
FOR A TYPICAL PERSON, the night denotes a period of rest. For a person in the field of architecture, the night is just the beginning. This year, VISION MAGAZINE's Thesis Catalogue revolves around the theme “After Hours”. Usually, the after-hours occur once the working hours have passed. However, for those who dedicate their life to architecture, especially for most architecture students, work does not stop when the clock strikes five or when the sun goes down. The after- hours of many serve as another set of working hours for those who hope to finish their work before the dreaded morning deadlines. Within these pages lie an unconventional story of what happens during one of the usual nights in an architecture student's life. Interspersed with their successful thesis works, we dedicate this story to UST College of Architecture Batch 2021 who pushed through the toughest challenge they must face in their college years, despite starting and ending their thesis journey in the midst of a pandemic. We hope this thesis catalogue serves as not only a compendium of their theses, but also as a testament that after hours of working on their plates and projects, they have victoriously proven themselves as capable future architects.
THESIS WORKS Long Night Ahead With each second passing by, your bed is calling and pillows are whispering, but your exhausted mind refuses to listen. Here you are with swarming drafts and stacks of unfinished plates piling up right then and there. You long for uninterrupted sleep, nothing else. You want it now more than ever, but it seems to be out of reach. You brace yourself because you know this prolonged evening has just begun and there’s no way out.
WASTO An Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility in Brgy. Payatas, Quezon City PROCESS-BASED ARCHITECTURE The implementation of solid waste management follows a hierarchy of options as illustrated by an inverted triangle. The zoning of the facility starts with the most preferred option that is the information hub where waste avoidance practice takes place and as the users travel inside, they are able to collaborate, learn and share about recycling and responsible consumption of products through various spaces creating a positive impact and inspiring an intentional lifestyle.
BY: ABABAO, PAMELA MAE C. ADVISER: AR. ROGELIO D. CARINGAL
AMAZON REGIONAL OFFICE Redefining the Work Environment THIRD OF THREE SPACES The concept of finding the third space is to find the bridge between a user's first space, which is their home, and their second space which is usually their formal work space. The third space creates an informal setting where coworkers can relax and be able to collaborate with one another. The flexibility and freedom supports different work styles and gives a boost on employee engagement and satisfaction. At the same time, the designer wants to be able to reflect on the exterior that Amazon is an ideal place to work at and they provide nothing but the best for both their customers and their employees.
BY: ABERGAS, JOAQUIN KARLO S.
ADVISER: AR. FELICISIMO A. TEJUCO JR.
THESIS WORKS
AN INTERGENERATIONAL CARE AND LIVING FACILITY FOR ELDERLY AND CHILDREN IN CALAMBA, LAGUNA INTERCONNECTION: BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN GENERATIONS Interconnection is the mutual connection between two or more things. Ageism has created a gap between generations by creating an environment of apathy and social isolation among elderly. Through meaningful connections and social interaction, it can help to build bridges to improve the social bond and solidarity between young and old, and bring them together. Intergenerational relationships, where people of different ages mix together to learn from each other and help each other, are important because it creates a holistic community that not only fosters both personal and communal growth but empowers each individual.
BY: ALVAREZ, MARIAH B. ADVISER: AR. FELICISIMO A. TEJUCO JR.
LINK Bridging the Gap for the Startup Ecosystem Through an Inclusive Startup Business Incubator, Accelerator in New Clark City TRAILBLAZER There is a growing startup community in the Philippines that seeks investors locally and internationally. Despite the attention startups get from the local scene, they still have yet to reflect on the closed and successful investment deals as startups often display high failure rates and are known as Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Agile (VUCA). The project's goal is to lessen startup risks and losses through learning spaces that will allow innovative startups. This will enable Filipinos to understand the waters they are yet to venture into and open them up to more opportunities.
BY: ANG, MARK LAWRENCE T. ADVISER: AR. RIZALITO M. MERCADO
RE-INHABIT Wildlife Conservation and Rehabilitation Center for the Endangered Species Endemic to Palawan in Puerto Princesa RE-INHABIT The proposed wildlife conservation and rehabilitation center serves as a place for protection and care to wildlife, especially those that are rescued, injured and confiscated, in Palawan. It becomes a place for endangered species endemic to Palawan that are no longer safe or can't go back to their natural habitat for medical reasons or habitat loss, to prevent them from being in danger. With the design focus on symbiosis, the project aims to reflect a harmonious relationship between animals and humans.
BY: AUSTRIA, ELAIZZAH CLAUDETTE T. ADVISER: AR. RIZALITO M. MERCADO
THE NEW PINAGBUHATAN FERRY TERMINAL An Integrated Public Transport Terminal and Community Center URBAN RELIEF With cities becoming busier and more chaotic, people tend to go away as much as they can to escape from it and be with nature. Public transportation terminals are often the first and last place that the commuters have been to before reaching their target destination. These terminals can greatly affect the well-being of an individual, either positively or negatively. Furthermore, with the worsening situation of traffic in urban areas in the country, the stress and weariness brought by commuting are worsening as well. To address such problems, urban relief must be achieved through integration of nature and design, improvement and provision of necessary spaces, inclusivity, connectivity, and proper circulation.
BY: BANKS, VLADIMIR R. ADVISER: AR. JONATHAN V. MANALAD
ABEHERA Symbiosis Between Nature and Architecture: An Apiculture Complex A SEAMLESS INTERACTION OF HUMAN AND THE NATURAL Revolving around the relationship of nature and humans, the project aims to create a place where humans and bees can benefit each other. The concept of “Seamless Interaction” makes the barrier between the two elements invisible and it introduces a fresh perspective in architecture where it is possible to build with, build on, and build by nature while minimizing the cost on the planet.
BY: BARDON, ANNE NICOLLE B. ADVISER: AR. MANUEL MAXIMO L.C. NOCHE
PHYGITAL POST COMMONS The Postal Office as a Physical and Digital Hybrid Intermediary that Supports Community Welfare Through a Gamified Environment ACHIEVING SOCIALLY ENGAGED ARCHITECTURE THROUGH GAMIFICATION The project revitalizes and reinvents the post office and its services in today's society that demands technology reliance. The design concept involves gamification, the process of deriving game-playing principles and applying them to real-life experiences. It is known as a human-centric approach that optimizes human motivation in order to prevent the decaying culture of postal services. The traditional postal service processes are also elevated through technology and architecture. The spaces are intentionally designed to create multiple activity loops for employees and visitors to be motivated in social engagement.
BY: BERNARDO, FRANCES JADRIENE B. ADVISER: AR. RIZALITO M. MERCADO
BIYAY AYTA The Philippine Negrito Cultural Hub MOVING FORWARD WITH THE NEGRITO CULTURE The concept is based on the naturalistic roots of the Philippine Negrito culture. Their traditional homelands are the forests and mountains in which they have gained their sustenance for a long time. It is also where their identity and culture evolved through time. However, due to environmental degradation, some of their populations dispersed into the lowland society and finds themselves struggling with economic activities. Hence, the Negrito culture has drastically changed and is slowly disappearing.
BY: BONDOC, CATHRYN MAE B. ADVISER: AR. MARLON M. CARIÑO
SUGPAT School of Life: ALS Center for Learning and Involvement RETHINKING GABALDON The project wants to revitalize the concept of the Gabaldon School, a design of the Philippine public schools in the 1900s. In the years of the American occupation and colonial era, Isauro Gabaldon, a known politician-assemblyman, commissioned Architect William Parsons into building schools for the Philippines' plans to educate its masses. The education-for-all vision of Gabaldon, channeled through the architectural vision of Parsons, paved the way for the creation of a systematic formal education for all.
BY: BOX, JULIE GWHEN S.
ADVISER: AR. MANUEL MAXIMO L.C. NOCHE
THE NORTH INTEGRATED TRANSPORT HUB Decongesting Highways and Improving the Commute Experience Through and Inclusive and Intermodal Design ABANTE “Abante!”, a well-known Filipino concept that means to move forward, often used by drivers and other civilians to direct the person in front of them to move. This concept advocates for the Philippines to “move forward” towards a better public transportation system. Implementation of intermodal transport systems will remove old practices that board and alight passengers anywhere they please and will allow a seamless and safe commuting experience, thus encouraging people to use public transportation. Similarly, the North Integrated Transport Hub is ready to cater to the projected demand for PUVs in the future.
BY: CABUNGCAL, LUIS MIGUEL V. ADVISER: AR. RIZALITO M. MERCADO
SIBOL Creating an Interactive School for Primary Education CONTINUOUS INTERACTION The design concept is based on the everlasting reach for learning. Life has no limits and a child's growth is ever expandable, which is why students should not be limited to what has been done. They should be able to discover what makes them curious and make the spark of their interests continue to grow. Alongside this, interaction should also be present as no man is an island. Interaction over time could be simplified as connecting to the surroundings and everything within.
BY: CADACIO, JERICHO DANIEL B. ADVISER: AR. ROGELIO D. CARINGAL
ABORLAN BIORESORT An Eco-living Lifestyle Reserve HARMONIZE WITH AND THROUGH ARCHITECTURE Palawan is known for its rich, natural environment and wildlife. Through the years, the development of its tourism has evolved to different types and one is ecotourism. The ecotourism of Palawan's rich biodiversity and natural environment brings life to the livelihood and architecture of the place. The concept takes the idea of the liquid state being free-flowing; filling up the voids found in between the trees. This is translated through flowing linear designs imitating the properties of water, connecting the land and sea, as well connecting man, nature, and the well-being of both.
BY: CANIONES, JOSE MARTI L. ADVISER: AR. ROGELIO D. CARINGAL
CENTER FOR ASIAN CULINARY STUDIES - PAMPANGA A Culinary Institute Where East Meets West A MIXTURE OF VARIETY: EMBODYING THE ESSENCE OF FILIPINO CUISINE The design of the project is inspired by the Filipino Cuisine itself. The aim is to define Filipino Cuisine and use that as a design consideration. The cuisine design is characterized by four objectives based on the traditions, culture and history: it should have an inviting approach, be creative, firm and strong in appearance, create a strong yet balance of tropical and modern approach.
BY: CASTRO, RENZON F. ADVISER: AR. JONATHAN V. MANALAD
TAGUMPAY The Home Station and Training Center of the Philippine National Football Teams PUSO NG PILIPINO The overall concept, “Puso ng Pilipino” embodies the values of the Filipino reflected by the representative football players. These values of “tatag, liksi, at puso” are the reasons why the sport continues to be elevated in the Philippine sports scene, being the driving force to bring pride and glory to one's team, club, or country. And despite the blood, sweat, and tears in training and the sacrifices laid out when they play the game, the core of being a football player keeps them going, improving day by day, and never losing sight of the goal of representing and raising the banner of their home.
BY: CERRADO, CZARINA KYLE M. ADVISER: AR. JONATHAN V. MANALAD
BATANGAS CONTAINER PORT REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT An Economic Sustainable International Trading Hub STREAMLINING THE SYSTEM The meaning of streamlining the system is very direct to the project as the term “streamline” means to bring up to date. The concept revolves around the idea of modernizing the Batangas Container Port through the introduction of design solutions that can improve business and port operations. It aims to allow continuous growth of the economy by improving efficiency in consistent exchange where continuous trade of products and services flow between people.
BY: CLEMENTE, SPIRO JENKINS C. ADVISER: AR. FELICISIMO A. TEJUCO JR.
ORGANICO CENTRALE An Urban Fresh Produce Public Market Complex SOCIO-ARCHITECTURE: BRIDGING THE COMMUNITY WITH A SUSTAINABLE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Social architecture is an approach in design that specifically targets every member of the community regardless of their disposition in life. Additionally, it is essential to have a design that does not act as a social misconstruct to the people, but as a well-rounded and socially inclined model. A building that promotes social interaction and emphasizes congeniality yields a positive impact on people's health and well-being. Through this concept, not only will the market provide the users their needs in terms of food security, it can also provide an inclusive and accommodating space for the users.
BY: COBICO, LORENZ MICHAEL T. ADVISER: AR. LEAH P. DELA ROSA
LUDUS OLYMPUS Sports Complex and Recreational Grounds THE FILIPINO FIESTA CULTURE IN TROPICAL CONTEMPORARY STYLE Filipinos are well-known for being hospitable and welcoming to various people, may it be foreigners or simply guests in one's household. And a Filipino way of celebrating and welcoming locals and visitors is through different occasions and traditions such as fiestas. The design concept focuses on this openness of Filipinos in welcoming guests, and the grandness of their fiestas in terms of visuals through Tropical Contemporary style. This is shown by having a different approach in sports facilities that does not only have the purpose of being housing and training areas, but also give a sense of a warm welcome to all its users.
BY: CORONEL, GERARD PRIM L. ADVISER: AR. LEAH P. DELA ROSA
SANTA ROSA BLUE DISTRICT A Mixed-Use Active Senior Housing and Community Hub THE BLUE ZONES: ANTI-AGING ENVIRONMENTS The design concept takes cues from the Blue Zones which is composed of nine shared characteristics from the world's longevity hotspots located in Italy, Japan, USA, Costa Rica, and Greece. The nine shared characteristics gathered from the world's Blue Zones are then translated into architectural solutions. The Blue Zone research is the core concept of the project, both in planning and visual character, to create an environment that successfully integrates social and physical activities in promotion of better health and longevity.
BY: CRUZ, MIKAELA FRANCINE M. ADVISER: AR. RIZALITO M. MERCADO
PALAUI An Ecological Beach Resort NATURE'S MIRROR The concept is about mimicking the environment of the project to replicate their forms and shapes. The project also aims to strengthen the use of ecological building materials to capture the essence of how nature develops. In that way the project ultimately gives the guest and other users an experience with nature.
BY: CRUZ, PATRICK CHARLES I. ADVISER: AR. MARLON M. CARIÑO
CAVITE WATERFRONT TERMINAL Re-envisioning Seaports Through Balancing Nature and Urbanization BLENDING POTENTIALS “Blending potentials” means combining different ideas by working on the positive aspects and bringing it all together and picking the best from the best. The project's focus which NATURE - PEOPLE - URBANIZATION may be a challenge to unify due to the various ideas that overlap or even contradict each other. However, the project tries to look at urbanization on a different perspective and break stereotypes as one of its underlying messages.
BY: CU, JYLE RISSA Y.
ADVISER: AR. RIZALITO M. MERCADO
THE TENEMENT ACADEMY A Basketball Training Facility BALL IS LIFE Every basketball player or athlete is very familiar with this saying. “Ball is life” is a phrase created to describe on how a certain individual or basketball player lives. It includes their routines and everything thing they do involving basketball. For instance, they can dribble a ball anywhere or even imitate moves from the sport or even imagine game-like situations where the environment has the same atmosphere as if they are playing. As this phrase says. the concept serves as the main element or guide in designing and translating each space as if basketball can be done anywhere.
BY: CUBELO, PAOLO MIGUEL C.
LAND TRANSPORTATION OFFICE A Government Office with an Integrated IT Infrastructure BRIDGING NEW WAYS FOR ARCHITECTURE TO BE EXPRESSED AS AN IMPORTANT PART OF BEING IN SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE In this project, architecture is used as a way to shape the government. Filipino architects have set examples like the Senate Building that revolutionized civic architecture in a more sustainable, eco-friendly, and community-based design by allowing the community to evolve and get involved.
BY: DACANAY, CARINA LYRA R. ADVISER: AR. SYLVIA D. CLEMENTE
PANAGMULA An Agritourism Complex with an Aquaponic Research and Training Facility in Isabela REINVIGORATE In line with the project goal, which is to specialize the needs and the betterment of the quality of life for the farmers in Isabela, the designer came up with the concept that desires to “give renewed strength” through reinforcing Agriculture in the country with research and development; to “give renewed energy” to the Filipino farmers challenged and hindered by the decline of agriculture in the Philippines; and lastly to “give strength and energy” to the Filipinos in raising awareness, especially of the youth, on the causes of the decline of Agriculture.
BY: DE GUZMAN, BIANCA CAMILLE D. ADVISER: AR. MANUEL MAXIMO L.C. NOCHE
HAIN A Philippine Cuisine Center Promoting Filipino Food Culture through Immersive Design Approach PALAYOK, HAIN, TIKIM The concept of this project is derived from the tangible “palayok” and the intangible “hain” and “tikim”. The form of the buildings in the complex is inspired from the structure of the “palayok”, which aspires to speak of the nature of the project. Similar to the “palayok”, the concept of “hain” aspires to serve and showcase Filipino dishes as a vessel for the visitors to experience the vast gastronomy of the Philippines. Lastly, in relation to “tikim”, the facility aims to provide a taste - or “tikim lamang” - of Philippine food – its dishes, flavors, feasts, people, places, and history.
BY: DE LEON, BRIAN EDWARD ADVISER: AR. RIZALITO M. MERCADO
HIRAYA MANAWARI A Learning Center and Research Facility for Pediatric Autism Spectrum Disorder NATURE AND EDUCATION The project's concept is based on biophilic design which comprises of two dimensions: organic and vernacular. Organic biophilic design includes the direct and/or symbolic representation of forms found in natural materials, while vernacular in particular is the connection of people to a place in which the context is represented by cultural, historical, geographical, and ecological elements. Biophilic design has a major influence in the holistic wellness of a person through the establishment of therapeutic environments.
BY: DEL ROSARIO, EDRIC MIGUEL J. ADVISER: AR. LEAH P. DELA ROSA
YUGTO An Affordable High-Rise Eco-housing in Vitas, Tondo ORGANIZED COMPLEXITY The concept's contradicting terms balances the order and chaos of a design, translated through architectural spaces to create new perspectives. Having it too systematized is simple and monotonous while too much complexity creates randomness without order. The addition of intricacy creates excitement and familiarity with its users to let them integrate to the system seamlessly. We must not force the users to adapt in a place unaccustomed to them, but rather support them in the learning and understanding stages of development.
BY: DELA CRUZ, AARON JOHN F. ADVISER: AR. SYLVIA D. CLEMENTE
HOME OF HOPE Children's Home and Community Center YOUTH IN GREENER PASTURES The concept revolves around the 17 United Nations SDGs to enable the children's holistic development and their environment. The project aims to give children a place to explore and live in an environment that promotes sustainability and cooperation. The concept is also inspired by toy blocks, reflecting the use of design and planning to create environments that are deeply stimulating, engaging, and offer new opportunities for creativity.
BY: DELA CRUZ, DENISSE MAXINE M. ADVISER: AR. MANUEL MAXIMO L.C. NOCHE
BALUR An LGBT Community Resource for Equality STRENGTHENING LGBT IDENTITY THROUGH ARCHITECTURE The concept of the project is anchored on flamboyance, one of the qualities that most members of the LGBT community can be recognized with. The LGBT community has adopted certain symbols for self-identification to demonstrate unity, pride, shared values and allegiance to one another. The symbols that can be seen within the project includes the Pride Flag, the current and highly recognized symbol made with six stripes of different colors, each with their own representation, and the Lambda, a greek letter originally used as a symbol for gay activists in1970, which signifies unity under oppression.
BY: DELA FUENTE, JOSHUA BENJAMIN S.
ADVISER: AR. CARLOS ROMELLE M. HERNANDEZ
EN BUILDING KATIP A Church and Youth Center in Katipunan INTERLACING OF SPACES AND EMOTIONS The design concept highlights the known personality of the Victory Church Fellowship which is the closeness of its community. The project aims to provide a branding for the church through its exterior form that embodies humankind wrapped by the Holy Spirit, thus giving a sense of connectivity. The interiors focus on providing spaces that amplify the social interactions of its members as a way to address the congestion of the church's growing population.
BY: DELA MERCED, NICOLAS GABRIEL
STARBUCKS CENTER 2.0 A High-Rise Office Building in Seattle URBANATURE: FOSTERING GROWTH IN BUSINESS AND NATURE THROUGH ARCHITECTURE A global company's headquarters is often located in highly urbanized cities, as the location provides it with proper tools needed to perform business at the highest and most efficient level possible. Along with this, we see nature as something isolated from us. The concept of “Urbanature” is injecting the idea of connecting nature to corporate architecture. Starbucks is committed towards a greener retail operation not only on their coffee sourcing, as well as its architecture. Through this, the design can change the proximity to nature and shift our physical relationship to the environment.
BY: DELGADO, VENNISSE GAILE M. ADVISER: AR. CARLOS ROMELLE M. HERNANDEZ
TEATRO SABINA The Performing Arts Theater of Bacolor KAPAMPANGAN ARTISTRY: REVIVING THE THEATRICAL CULTURE OF BACOLOR This concept was inspired by the need for the Kapampangan people to look back and appreciate their roots. The site is located nearby exisiting historical structures such as the San Guillermo Parish Church, and with this, Spanish Colonial Design is implemented. Materials such as stone, wood and steel are utilized to define the character of the building,
BY: DUNGCA, RALPH ROMEO III R. ADVISER: AR. CARLOS ROMELLE M. HERNANDEZ
TRAILS A Developmental School and Therapy Center for Children EDUCATION THROUGH NATURE'S ADVENTURE AND FLEXIBILITY Access to quality education is every child's right, including children with special needs. Several schools and centers for these children are commissioned by the Philippine government to further advocate their normalization to the society. However, most of the time, these schools are not compliant to the accessibility laws and other regulations necessary to provide a conducive environment to children with unique and specific needs. This project aims to provide a non-traditional learning space to encourage the children focus on the entire process of thinking and learning.
BY: DUPAYA, MA. MARGOT JASMIN E. ADVISER: AR. RIZALITO M. MERCADO
THE MANILA FASHION HUB Revitalizing the Philippine Fashion Industry TAHI The concept is derived from the basic element of fashion. A simple stitch bonds together two or more layers of fabric and strengthens it to become a beautiful and wearable piece. In line with the project, the design bonds together the many layers of Philippine fashion while connecting and showing itself to those outside the community.
BY: DY, JOAN DANIELLE RUTH L. ADVISER: AR. SYLVIA D. CLEMENTE
DISNEY TOWER PHILIPPINES A Vertical Amusement Park BEST STORIES THROUGH BEST EXPERIENCES Architecture contributes to people's experiences and the best experience becomes a good story to tell. At the same time, an amusement park is a place where people can enjoy their leisure time and bond with their family and friends. In creating an amusement park that gives different multiple experiences where you could freely decide how to navigate, the design of spaces throughout the building can produce unique stories that users would enjoy.
BY: ESCUETA, CHRISTINE ERICA P. ADVISER: AR. MARLON M. CARIÑO
THE LIVING ARTS CENTER A Home for the Philippine Crafts UGAT: FINDING ONE'S WAY BACK Our indigenous communities are our real treasures. Why should they be left to hide and given no recognition when they hold and carry our country's diverse and pure culture? The concept revolves around the efforts of a cultural hub to engage the people and bring the local culture back to the spotlight -- an effort to return to one's roots -- to establish a stronger foundation of an identity.
BY: ESTANISLAO, ALYSSA BEATRICE S. ADVISER: AR. JONATHAN V. MANALAD
DIABETES WELLNESS AND LIFESTYLE CENTER THE RIPPLE EFFECT: LIFESTYLE CHANGE THROUGH ARCHITECTURE According to an educator, Maria Montessori, “To assist a child we must provide him an environment which will enable him to develop freely”. This theory does not only apply to children, but also to adults and architecture. Creating a prepared environment such as providing the basic facilities that supports the needs for medical and lifestyle management of diabetes can consequently educate and transform lifestyles of not only the patients but also the family members and the community.
BY: ESTRADA, DANIELLE MARIE FE.
SALING-MANA Marinduque Center for Cultural Heritage THE TALE OF MARINDUQUE The tale of Marinduque revolves around the tragic love story of Princess Mariing and Gatduke. Mariing's father, the chieftain of their tribe, did not approve of their love and ordered to behead Gatduke. Because of this, Mariing and Gatduke eloped and unfortunately drowned. The locals believe the two lovers transformed into the island of Marinduque. The concept tells a narration of how the province was formed, hence, the idea was adapted to portray the project as a living narration of what Marinduque is all about, how things started and developed in present time.
BY: FIDELINO, NIKKO P.
THE NEW RIZAL PROVINCIAL JAIL COMPLEX A Rehabilitative Approach to Incarceration DISPERSE AND CLUSTER The concept is based on dispersing populations and clustering activities to condition dignified individuals that eventually leads to a productive community. In redeveloping a correctional facility, it is important to recognize that the same goals are to be achieved – only the execution will be either changed or improved. The proponent should know the reasons as to why certain executions are done at present and what it would take to change those ineffective initiatives.
BY: FRANCISCO, XENIA AGATHA M. ADVISER: AR. JONATHAN V. MANALAD
KALYE SAN ROQUE Activation of Void Spaces of Streets through CommunityCentric Mixed-Use Housing INTEGRAL LINKAGE Streets are intertwined with many aspects of urban design, morphology, and human connections. Such aspects can be called integrals for the project to succeed. Without considering such integrals, any project will be one-sided and biased -- a waste of totality for the sake of singularity. But looking closer into the integrals, it has a natural and organic connection to one another -- a multi-faceted reflection of society with undulating energies of people which reverberate to places.
BY: GELLECANAO, RUSKIN DEL O. ADVISER: AR. RIZALITO M. MERCADO
KAYANAKAN Transforming Youth through the Arts GLOW + GRACE Dance is used as an expression of one's self and can be developed at any stage in life. It is heavily related to movement, music, and rhythm flowing through the body. The art of dance and architecture can be related as both of them incorporate rhythm and flow into their respective practices. The design of the structure represents fluidity in dance movement to encourage continuous learning for the art of dance and promote a collaborative environment all throughout.
BY: GERONIMO, KIRSTIEN JUDE A. ADVISER: AR. SYLVIA D. CLEMENTE
QUARANTINE IN MIND Supportive Care Facility for the Elderly with Dementia CONNECTION THROUGH REMINISCENCE Reminiscence is the act of recollecting past events with a sentimental feeling. Studies have shown that reminiscing can have many positive effects on an aging adult, especially those with dementia. In relation to this, the project aims to promote a sense connection with patients, especially those dementia-diagnosed, through applying the same concept of reminiscence therapy. This would be achievable through designing spaces that involves their senses. Moreover, the project would also provide activity areas capable of adapting to their background.
BY: GIANAN, GIOSHUA RIEL M. ADVISER: AR. LEAH P. DELA ROSA
MUNTINLUPA WALDORF SCHOOL A Preschool for Children with Disabilities RECIPROCITY Coming from the Latin word “reciprocus”, meaning “moving backwards and forwards”, reciprocity implies that one must benefit from the other and vice versa. As a design concept, the exchanging movement is more applicable in definition. There is a reciprocity between man and man, man and nature, man and buildings, and buildings and nature. Architecture is affected by its users' needs, and in the same prospect, the users are affected by architecture, influencing their thinking, and way of life.
BY: GONZALEZ, MAIDEE ANTOINELLE P. ADVISER: AR. JONATHAN V. MANALAD
MANILA CITY INTEGRATED SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT COMPLEX Creating Value through Architecture SPATIAL INTEGRATION: CONNECTING MANILEÑOS AND WASTE MANAGEMENT THROUGH ARCHITECTURE The idea is to provide an opportunity for the public to interact, connect, and learn about the new waste management processes that will be used in the Integrated Solid Waste Management complex. This includes combining a public component with an innovative and efficient waste management system in order to achieve a holistic solution towards the garbage issue in Manila. This also means engaging with the community in order to increase the efficiency of waste collection and public awareness.
BY: HEMADY, JOHN HARVEY A. ADVISER: AR. CARLOS ROMELLE M. HERNANDEZ
A VERTICAL JAIL DEVELOPMENT IN CEBU CITY A NEW LIGHT The project aims to change the current perception towards jails by developing the present utilitarian and restrictive models of present jails and turning them into a humane and rehabilitative correctional institution that can blend with the urban fabric.
BY: HSU, KARL G,
BAHAY PAG-ASA QUEZON CITY A Detention and Rehabilitation Center for Male Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) SHIFT OF SOCIETY The concept implies that humans hold an innate need for connection with themselves and others on physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual and social levels. Being confined within a monitored space affects their personal well-being, productivity, development and societal relationships. Knowing that the society in which they came from has been the anchor and bridge of these connections, the project embraces this thought into the world within its walls, creating an environment of influence and holistic approach, and shifting perspectives
BY: IFURUNG, JHADRIEX DEYLE L. ADVISER: AR. FELICISIMO A. TEJUCO JR.
ECO-EKLIPSE The Central Luzon NatureBased Experiential Learning and Conservation Complex BIOPHILIA Biophilia is the hypothetical tendency of humans to interact with and be connected to nature. As such, the project aims to bring back society's desire to commune with nature. What is the purpose of teaching them Ecological Education if they are not interested in the first place? The importance of mankind's participation in the facility is highly valuable since taking care of nature requires human effort.
BY: LAGMAN, ARIELLE C. ADVISER: AR. LEAH P. DELA ROSA
YUGTO Modernization of the National Penitentiary of the Philippines BROKEN WINDOW THEORY In 1982, a study called Broken Window Theory was developed and the researchers found that crime is much higher in places where broken windows, graffiti, and questionable entertainment in the environment are present. When they fixed these issues, the behavior of people in that area started to change; they became disciplines and there was order. From this study, it was concluded that the state of your environment affects your behavior and as such, the project aims to improve the current state of prison design in the country to improve the reformation and rehabilitation of inmates.
BY: LAGO, LOIS DOMINIQUE A. ADVISER: AR. MARLON M. CARIÑO
URBAN INNO-HUB CENTER For Progressive Socio Tech Innovation and Community Learning Core UNIFYING THE IDEAS OF CREATIVITY An innovation hub is a place where new ideas are made and developed. These hubs serve as places for individuals to make innovation, consequently affecting the society and the surrounding community. Innovation hubs have to be thought of as something much more than just physical spaces; they must be flexible and have the necessary resource dedicated to cultivate an environment conducive for creativity.
BY: LAYOG, CHRIS BENEDICT G. ADVISER: AR. LEAH P. DELA ROSA
FILSPASYO A Filipino Interior Creative Hub and Home Furnishing Center THE THEORY OF PHENOMENOLOGY OF ARCHITECTURE The theory of phenomenology of architecture implies an experiential architectural space. It is the manipulation of space, material, light, and shadow that impacts the human senses. Experience must be established beyond the tangible as it must also be observed and perceived and must prioritize human experience in design. As to a home, it is a personal space that meets the needs of human activity, establishing a bond between the human senses and a building that transforms emotion and perception.
BY: LAZARO, AEZEKIELL MARI A. ADVISER: AR. JONATHAN V. MANALAD
LIVING TOGETHER Rethinking Social Housing as a Platform for Neighborhood Interaction UNITY IN DIVERSITY Ignorance & unfamiliarity often lead to misunderstanding, chaos, and dissent. The gap of understanding may be caused by a certain boundary set physically, culturally, or institutionally. This social housing proposal hopes to lessen discrimination of the neighborhood towards the social housing community by creating spaces that hopes to homogenize various groups of people of various age, gender, and background. The design aims to bring people from all walks of life together to create a community that sees no discrimination, and slowly erase the negative stigma on social housing.
BY: LIU, PAUL EDWARD Y. ADVISER: R. SYLVIA D. CLEMENTE
THE NEW QUEZON PROVINCIAL MEDICAL CENTER A Biophilic Level-3 General Hospital THE RURAL LUNGS: HOSPITAL AS A BREATHING ENTITY Inspired by how lungs come in pair in the anatomy of a human, the project showcases a “hospital and farm in-one” that works as a single entity. The concept supports the idea of merging healthcare and agriculture through architectural methods and translations. The designer aims to integrate the biophilic design principles to the project; with this concept, the relationship between healthcare and the environment will be created harmoniously to enhance the patient and staff experience.
BY: LLORIN, DIANE NICHOLLE B. ADVISER: AR. JONATHAN V. MANALAD
SPACEPORT PHILIPPINES INTERSTELLAR From the word itself, interstellar means “between the stars”. The vast universe comprises of billions of galaxies, stars, planets, and heavenly bodies in constant movement. The formation and interconnection of these stars create a unique and incomparable composition of forms and figures, thus promoting dynamism and movement through architecture. A spaceport's primary end goal and purpose is just to be the “gateway to space.”
BY: LOPEZ, ALBERT RAPHAEL P. ADVISER: AR. MANUEL MAXIMO L.C. NOCHE
THE PROPOSED GENERAL HEADQUARTERS FOR THE PHILIPPINE DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE BAYANIHAN The Filipino term “bayanihan” is derived from the word “bayan” meaning nation, town, or community. It is used to describe group or community work and exemplifies the Filipino spirit of unity and cooperation. This concept also highlights the term “bayani”, a Filipino term which means hero. Soldiers are one of the modern-day heroes who sacrifice daily for the peace and security of the land. Through the said concept, the designer wishes to give integrity to some of our modern day heroes -the Filipino soldiers.
BY: LOPEZ, CARMELA YSABEL R. ADVISER: AR. JONATHAN V. MANALAD
BALAY-ANIHAN Western Visayas Agricultural Hub and Research Facility for Rice Farming KAPIT-BAHAY Farmers have lived simply all throughout their rural lives and they consider farming not as a job but as their way of life. The concept aims to create a connection with the farmers by linking the design to the rural context by adapting to the site and its surroundings and to make them feel welcome like a “kapitbahay”. The project also aims to bring the community together and to bring out the friendly “kapitbahay” within every user.
BY: LOZADA, JOHN BRYAN G. ADVISER: AR. LEAH P. DELA ROSA
SENYAS A Semi-Residential School for the Deaf SENYAS (SIGN) The concept reflects the deaf community's use of sign language and its application in architecture. Ideally, the buildings and the environment should be able to communicate with its users very well in order for the users to have ease and feel safe around the school. The learning environment is very vital, especially for a growing individual, since this is where they start to learn different communication modes.
BY: MADRIGAL, VERNICE DANAMAE S. ADVISER: AR. SYLVIA D. CLEMENTE
COCONUT RESEARCH AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT ON NON-FOOD PRODUCTS OF QUEZON PROVINCE ARTICULATING THE RELATIONSHIP OF NATURE AND MAN The project intends refocus the Filipino mindset from perceiving coco wood as low value timber by improving the value and marketability of coconut wood products through the manufacture of high-quality furniture and handicrafts products. Hence, this project is proposed to establish a research and training center for coco-wood products, particularly furniture and other coco-based products.
BY: MALALAUAN, MA. PAMELA LUNINGNING R. ADVISER: AR. FELICISIMO A. TEJUCO JR.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF TECHNOLOGY EMPATHY & FOCUS: A LANDMARK OF UNDERSTANDING AND OPPORTUNITIES We may learn what technology is, but we do not understand how it works. It is the same with architecture and design. We may know what style or era it was used but it is important to know how it was made and designed. Through empathy and focus, we understand things as they really are. In understanding, we unlock opportunities. In opportunities, we grow. The National Museum of Technology is an institutional landmark for our future where priceless and unseen investments are embedded to every visitor, young and old, that someday will become a role-player in improving local technologies.
BY: MANALO, J. LAWRENCE D.
THE LOOC NATIONAL SCHOOL OF AGRI-FISHERIES An Immersive Economic Institute in Lubang Island, Occ. Mindoro BUILDING ON THE MANUAL OF NATURE AND HISTORY Marked for reliance on the land and ocean's resources, the island of Lubang in Occidental Mindoro is home to the people who are grounded in nature and are fluent in its dynamics and juxtapositions. As such, the project aims to expand the educational experience and exploration of Looc's economic potentials by improving educational structures, opening avenues for sources of income, and introduction of agro-marine research.
BY: MANIPOL, LAWRENCE S.
TAHANAN A Redevelopment of the QC Drug Treatment & Rehabilitation Center ACCESSING THE INNER SPACE The concept borrows from the idea of seeing the outer space. While the outer space is only externally felt or seen as simply the universe around us, the inner space is the universe within us. The concept intends to connect or relate to the individual's inner consciousness or state of mind to access the inner space. With this, the built environment will be the embodiment of the individual's present or envisioned self, establishing an image of healing. The concept gives emphasis on the role architecture plays in drug dependency healing.
BY: MANLUTAC, MARTIN LUIS A. ADVISER: AR. CARLOS ROMELLE M. HERNANDEZ
PLAYAS DE CRISTAL ECO-RESORT Eco-Resort and Hotel in Calaguas Islands LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD The designer is inspired by the site being divided into two because of the road. The forest area symbolizes the past, bringing people together and engaging and educating them on how to protect nature. The side of the hotel and villas, which implies the modern development, represents the future or “moving forward”.
BY: MATA, CHARLENE ANN A. ADVISER: AR. FELICISIMO A. TEJUCO JR.
BATANGAS INTERNATIONAL PASSENGER TERMINAL
An Intermodal Transit Hub Redevelopment with Mid-rise Waterfront Hotel PROMOTING PHILIPPINE ART, CULTURE, & ENVIRONMENT The Philippines has a lot to offer. This project aims to show that by deriving from the culture influenced by the people, tradition, nature, and the sea, the surrounding elements can be incorporated into the design that can nurture community building and influence the fabric of our social culture. As such the project is a great example to represent and showcase to the world our pride on why “it's more fun in the Philippines”.
BY: MATRO, STEPHANIE JEWEL L.
ACT An Animal Care Treatment Facility that Fosters Human-Animal Relationships CHAIN The concept of this design is inspired by chains that symbolize “link”, “connection”, and “union”. This concept is applied to the whole purpose of the project which is to unite the relationship between humans and animals.
BY: MENDIOLA, LEVITA MARIEL A. ADVISER: AR. WILLA R. SOLOMON
POWER CAMP An Activity Center for People with Disabilities HOME AND IDENTITY The facility aims to advance exercises that are unconventional with the goal that PWD users can encounter it at their own pace at the heed of their conditions, considering Paralympics and Disability Sports. The facility is not restricted to PWDs, and everybody is encouraged to utilize the institution. The point is to advance connection without limits, and the vast majority of the spaces take consideration of the PWDs. This will also serve as a place for them to improve their aptitudes without being discriminated against and to feel like they are liberated from their inabilities.
BY: MIRANDA, ANGELIKA ANDREA M. ADVISER: AR. MANUEL MAXIMO L.C. NOCHE
TRIUMVIRATE Bigfoot Entertainment Film Complex HUMAN-CENTERED DESIGN The film complex is a non-stop machine, and every space is used on a daily basis, so it is important to highlight the users. A human-centered design is focused on creating spaces that are designed specially for all kinds of users, as we have our own way of doing things. While it is good to celebrate the uniqueness of every user, collaboration is just as important as a factor in human-centered design.
BY: MORA, ALEXANDRA NICOLE R. ADVISER: AR. MARLON M. CARIÑO
THE GARDEN CITY An Integrated Agriculture and Commercial Lifestyle Center TERRAFORM Terraforming is rooted on the principle of changing the conditions of a given setting to offer a better quality of life to its population. By modifying the typical structure of commercial design and introducing strategies that would support the goal of enhancing the overall life quality in its community, the project attempts to shift the pattern of commercial development towards a more sustainable and community centered approach. In line with the concept of terraforming, the project adopts the design theme of an “ecological paradise” to present vegetation and biodiversity as significant design features that breathe life into buildings.
BY: NG, DIANNE CHRISLEY C.
ADVISER: AR. JONATHAN V. MANALAD
ARUGA Intergenerational Home for Abandoned Children and Elderly NEW BEGINNINGS The concept of the project is based on building new pathways in life for abandoned children and the elderly by the use of both architectural design and user experience. By creating a new home that is centered around nature and is surrounded by a loving community, the design works hand in hand with the proper ideas that will help users heal and cross bridges. As for user experience, the intergenerational engagements create harmony that brings forth the present needs and experiences that the users currently lack.
BY: NUÑEZ, MARIANNE ANGELA R. ADVISER: AR. WILLA R. SOLOMON
VERTICAL URBAN RESORT FOR THE NEW GENERATION SOCIAL CONNECTIVITY: PHONE Almost all people from every generation own a phone. However, Millennials and Gen Z individuals are the ones who can't live without it, with these new generations having two complementary worlds - the real and the virtual. These generations tend to share almost everything that is happening in their lives on social media and they seek validation through every like and comment. They have the fear of missing out, thus they have the need to be constantly plugged in.
BY: ORTIZ, JANINA MARIE M. ADVISER: AR. ROGELIO D. CARINGAL
REPTILIA Reptile Rescue and Research Center TRAVERSING THROUGH THE COMMON DOMAIN BETWEEN FAUNA AND HUMAN The designer came up with the concept with inclusivity in mind. Through this concept, the designer aims to provide the users an experience where they will be able to interact indirectly with the reptiles, but can also give them an idea of how beautiful reptiles are in the wild. The concept aims to open the eyes of the users that humans and animals could and should exist together.
BY: ORTIZ, MIGUEL ANGELO E.
PAGASA HEADQUARTERS A Research and Development Facility LANDSCRAPER The design of the facility is inspired by how weather forecast information is disseminated to the people. This movement is perceived as “extending outward and not upward” just like a landscraper, a building which is designed to provide the same amount of space as a skyscraper, without projecting as high.
BY: PABLO, JANINA PATRICIA V. ADVISER: AR. ROGELIO D. CARINGAL
BALAI HENERAL A General Santos Youth Development and Community Center THE GREAT VOID: TRANSFORMING SPACES INTO EXPERIENCE The building concept responds to the overlooked gaps present within the city and even the society. The gaps in development; personal and community; gaps among people; diverse community and intergenerational gaps; and gaps in information, innovation, city history, and culture. As the building has its own gaps, the design focuses on the possible interactions and experience in these spaces and transforming them in hopes for the community to normalize these experiences, creating a culture of curiosity, autonomy, socialization, and responsibility.
BY: PACIS, LAUREN ANGELA C. ADVISER: AR. ROGELIO D. CARINGAL
SPORTY & RICH HEALTH AND WELLNESS CLUB A Wellness and Training Complex THE SYNTHESIS BETWEEN MAN AND NATURE This concept came to be as the main goal to design a complex that compliments the surrounding environment and coexist with the existing flora of the site. Traditionally, architecture and buildings in general take up areas and eliminate whatever stands on the site. The common referral of the people to cities with buildings flooding their spaces is the “concrete jungle”, and this concept cancels that out. The intention of the synthesis between man and nature is to build around and build to compliment the surround environment.
BY: PADILLA, ROMEO III C.
FILIPINO SUSTAINABLE AND VERTICAL MALL A BREATH OF FRESH AIR Filipinos are constantly working their way to strengthen their own true identity after all of the challenges they've encountered. Thus, the colonizing mentality which the development of the malls imply to the Filipino people is long overdue and must take a breath of fresh air.
BY: PAGULAYAN, CHRISTIAN MAQUEL S. ADVISER: AR. MARLON M. CARIÑO
BIOPLANTAE A Food Biotechnology Research Centre for Genetically Modified Organisms TRANSGENESIS The process of Transgenesis is common in Biotechnology, in which the genetic information of an organism is changed due to mutation. The word 'trans' can be defined as transposition, transparency in biotechnology, and conceptually as transfigure. With transposition, the concepts of biotechnology is incorporated in the structure by following biosafety protocols. With transparency, the project makes the process transparent while providing the security required by such protocols. And with transfigure, by tackling how research buildings can be visually appealing while still providing the required spaces to fulfill the process of genetic transformation.
BY: PASIA, JOHN ROBERT B. ADVISER: AR. RIZALITO M. MERCADO
HUE Adventure and Wellness Resort Nature meets ARTchitecture This project aims to provide tourists a quick getaway from their usual urban life and let them experience something enjoyable and unique to make them experience different activities that are usually too far away. This project does not only satisfy their cravings for adventure but also improve their physical and mental health, alongside providing opportunities for the locals.
BY: PELLAS, SYDNY V. ADVISER: AR. SYLVIA D. CLEMENTE
REDEVELOPMENT OF THE TAGAYTAY PUBLIC MARKET Revitalizing the City Market in the Primary Urban Core, Tagaytay City LOCAL COHERENCE: ARCHITECTURE FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE The interdependence of the community, the market, and the city drive as what the project aspires it to be . The goal of the project is to be able to build on and improve the public market through the inputs of the users involved and to establish the relationship between sectors.
BY: PEREYRA, CHRISTIAN MARX ANGELO M. ADVISER: AR. CARLOS ROMELLE M. HERNANDEZ
ADIDAS VERTICAL SPORTS CAMPUS ATHLEISURE: THE FUTURE OF LIFESTYLE IN ARCHITECTURE Athleisure is a term heavily used in the fashion industry. It is a fashion trend that allows athletic wear, such as jogging pants, sneakers, sweatshirts, to be worn in places where it is usually not appropriate to wear. However, the designer wants to redefine the meaning of athleisure into an architectural concept. Instead of just applying the trend of athleisure to the daily lives of people and through their clothing, why not apply the concept of athleisure into their daily lifestyles? Instead of just wearing athletic wear everyday, why not be physically active, everyday?
BY: PEREZ, CARL DAVID T.
THE NEW BLOOMENTRITT Development, Enhancement, and Revitalization of Manila's Blumentritt Strip BENEVOLENCE IN ARCHITECTURE This concept focuses on the goodness of architecture. Anchored on the principles given by Vitruvius, architecture exists for the betterment of human life. This concept revolves around the idea of architecture that gives hope to the forlorn and respite to the weary. It uses architecture that does not discriminate but rather is an embodiment of equity.
BY: PINEDA, IAN JAMES G. ADVISER: AR. LEAH P. DELA ROSA
GREENFIELD WEIGHT LOSS INTEGRATED RETREAT A Medical And Wellness Weight Loss Management For Obesity VALLEY A valley, by definition, is a long area running in between hills or mountains with a typical river or stream flowing at both ends. This chosen concept represents the existing weight loss retreats, commonly situated at remote valleys and mountain tops, and their lack of demonstration in reality due to their alienating environments. Despite this, the effectiveness and satisfaction of clients with these weight-loss retreats are visually evident. Thus, a weightloss retreat located in a developing suburb in Sta. Rosa, Laguna is designed as a way to relive the lack of reality of other retreats along with the concept that aids its sense of identity and purpose.
BY: POBLETE, JANELLA O. ADVISER: AR. ROGELIO D. CARINGAL
VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY BOTANICAL GARDEN AND RESEARCH CENTER GERMINATION The project's concept revolves around the different stages in a plant's life. As the seed, the Research Center is where the initiative of conserving plant species starts. The Visitor's Education Center is where user experience sprout interest in the importance of biodiversity. Lecture rooms are provided to disseminate information to students for them to be educated. The Screenhouses allow the visitors to experience field work hand-in- hand. Public viewing gardens are allocated for the visitors to appreciate and to learn about the various plant species.
BY: POLEDO, ANGELINA C. ADVISER: AR. MARLON M. CARIÑO
LIGKAS Evacuation Center and Livelihood Training Facility FILIPINO RESILIENCE Filipino resilience is seen through their emotions and actions. It is the state of being strong despite the difficult situations they are experiencing and is achieved through internal and external support. The internal support is the innate strength while the external support is the strength coming from other people's support. Combining these two aspects together represents the ability of the evacuation center to withstand natural disasters and protect the evacuees and the ability to support the basic needs of the people.
BY: QUIÑONES, MARINELA R. ADVISER: AR. MARLON M. CARIÑO
LIKHAY A Multi-Cultural Retirement Home Village HOLISTIC CARE THROUGH TOGETHERNESS: FUSION OF ARCHITECTURE AND NATURE LikHay offers a haven -- a secure and relaxing environment and a welcoming community -- to its residents. Through design, the facility is a link of nature and architecture which aims to have residents make the most of their time here in the most enriching way possible. The project's concept is about holistic care through nature in architecture. In the essence of multi-culturalism, LikHay brands itself to have a new perspective on retirement haven. This new perspective will lead to a new culture within the complex, both ingrained with Filipino and universal culture, which celebrates the multiculturalism.
BY: RAMIREZ, DANICA THERESE M. ADVISER: AR. FELICISIMO A. TEJUCO JR.
ARKA Domestic Animal Welfare Center BLURRING THE BORDERS, STRENGTHENING THE HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND Animal companions give multiple positive benefits concerning humans' psychological well-being, it is only fair that we humans give back to them. By designing spaces that are free to use by pets as well, the bond between pet and owner is enforced.
BY: RODRIGUEZ, ZOLA JEM ALYZIA L. ADVISER: AR. MARLON M. CARIÑO
MIND PRISM Museum of Mental Disorders TO MAKE THE INVISIBLE, VISIBLE The concept is inspired by how a prism lets you see the colors of the light which are usually invisible to the naked eye. With that, it is sub-divided to three elements: Prism, Color, and Light. The building mimics that of the parametric form and polyhedron shape of a prism using glass-like materials, while color, one of the main elements of art, plays a major role in the project by metaphorically making a seemingly invisible illness visible to the human eye through various technologies and through the art that will be displayed.
BY: ROSALES, HAYDEE MARIE S. ADVISER: AR. FELICISIMO A. TEJUCO JR.
THE NEIGHBORHOOD HUB A Multi-Facility Community Development and Recreation Center KAPWA BAYANIHAN Filipinos are proud of their values for humanity. They are considered to be relational people, capable of creating interpersonal relationships, connecting with others emotionally and socially. Filipinos embody close relationships whether it be with the family, the neighborhood, or the community, going beyond themselves for other people's sake. Thus, this Community Development and Recreation Center is centered on enriching and improving the quality of life of the locals through providing public spaces.
BY: SALAZAR, JAIMEE M. ADVISER: AR. LEAH P. DELA ROSA
RESPONDE The Redevelopment of the Bureau of Fire Protection NCR Fire District 1 Manila Headquarters with Training Center SYMBOL OF IDENTITY It must be remembered that firefighters protect and save lives and properties. Their alertness and compassion affect how and how many lives and properties are saved. Thus,they cannot afford to become inefficient, to be slow, to be complacent. These characteristics that firefighters must have is then translated into the design of the project to improve the current situation of Manila's fire station headquarters.
BY: SALVA, DACIA NICAEL P.
COUNTER CULTURE LIFESTYLE CENTER A Subcultural Lifestyle Center Showcasing the Generational Evolution of Social Subcultures CLUSTERED IRREGULARITY Counter cultures are out of the ordinary which therefore leads to the concept of “Clustered Irregularity”. Subcultures are separated from the ordinary which then leads to the clustering of the branches under subculture. With the approach of clustering the form, a street vibe is then mimicked after forming street-like divisions bounded by the clustered space.
BY: SAN JUAN, CARLOS JEROME E. ADVISER: AR. MANUEL MAXIMO L.C. NOCHE
OMNI AERO ACADEMY Institution for Aviation Education and Management AERODAPTABILITY: NAVIGATING THE CHANGING CURRENTS OF AVIATION The concept comes from the words “Aerodynamic” and “Adaptability”. Much like a plane adjusting its airfoils and rudders to control the aerodynamic forces to balance and lift itself in flight, architecture parallels this by becoming a conduit for students to shape, arrange, and make their own innovations and adapt to fit their needs. This pushes and motivates them to achieve lift and reach their goals and aspirations in aviation. There might be obstacles ahead of them but with training and the facilities that help and guide them, they can keep soaring higher.
BY: SANTOS, BRYCE ANGELO U. ADVISER: AR. LEAH P. DELA ROSA
MOOG Resilient Socialized Housing in Coastal Area UNITY Unity means becoming as one or united to stand as one, but it can also be defined as the state of being unbroken or not separated. It can also be defined as being one in spirit. The unity concept is not just incorporated in the aesthetic design but it is also applied in the space planning. The plan may also be connected to the user's characteristics with their functionality.
BY: SARMIENTO, HUNNY D. ADVISER: AR. MANUEL MAXIMO L.C. NOCHE
THE NATIONALS CYBER ARENA The Nationals Esports Center and Training Facility IMMERSIVE ARCHITECTURE: INTEGRATION OF GAMIFICATION ELEMENTS For any space, immersion is a necessary quality of space that may guarantee greater enjoyment of the visitor as it engages them in varying levels of depth and experience. Esports facilities are very immersion-reliant because watching through online platforms at home is similar to watching it live in an arena since both require a screen to watch the game. Gamification uses game-based mechanics, aesthetics, and game thinking to engage users , motivate action, and solve problems with the use of modern technology.
BY: SEVILLA, ANTOINETTE LOUISE T.
COMPANION ANIMAL WELFARE CENTER Inclusive Architecture for a Better Urban Pet Ownership INVITE, SUSTAIN, & MANIFEST THE COMPANIONSHIP IN ARCHITECTURE According to ecological anthropocentrism, humans can only persist if they see themselves as part of a system that also values the presence of non-humans, such as animals. Thus, in architecture, animals must also be treated as valuable users of space in order for it to be truly human-centric. With that said, the architecture of CAWC must invite, sustain, and manifest the human-animal companionship for a progressive & harmonious city-living with non-humans.
BY: SOLIDUM, MARIAH JOSEFINA SYLINA B. ADVISER: AR. CARLOS ROMELLE M. HERNANDEZ
QUEZON CITY CONTEMPORARY FILIPINO VISUAL ARTS COMPLEX AND CREATIVE HUB A SHIFT IN PERSPECTIVE The project aims to change how the general Filipino public perceive the arts for the better. While being a principle of art, perspective also pertains to a point of view or an attitude towards a certain subject. These two definitions come together to form the design concept of the project in which the viewer's perspective on the arts is shifted as they explore and learn more within the complex. As the viewers move through the complex, the structures change along with their perception of art, so as to emphasize the shift in their perspective, both literally and figuratively.
BY: SOLIVEN, JOSE LUIS G. ADVISER: AR. FELICISIMO A. TEJUCO JR.
EAST METRO REHAB Reimagining the Environment of Outpatient Physical Rehabilitation through Biophilic Design in Marikina THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM It is the musculoskeletal system that makes it possible for the human body to physically move. It is comprised of the body's bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and muscles, forming the very framework of the human body. The musculoskeletal system is the first concern and the main target that is treated in physical rehabilitation where treatment enhances and strengthens its functions. This physical rehabilitation facility is inspired by the musculoskeletal system in which the facility is held together by its own system, which allows it to function by itself as well.
BY: SUNDIANG, CLAUDIA RENEE C. ADVISER: AR. RIZALITO M. MERCADO
VITIS WINERY The Tropical Winery Vineyard TRANSFORMATION Wine is a central symbol of transformation. The essence of winemaking is transformation in itself by breaking wholes into parts and integrating parts into wholes turning grapes into wine. The wine's own distinctive character and quality is based from the location and the specific terroir of where it is grown. As such, the concept of transformation is applied on the choice of materials for the project in which construction materials that age beautifully and become more structurally sound as time passes by are utilized.
BY: SUSMERANO, PATRICIA ISABELLE P. ADVISER: AR. JONATHAN V. MANALAD
SANTIAGO CITY INTERMODAL RAILWAY PASSENGER AND FREIGHT TRAIN TERMINAL An Ecological Solution in Modernizing Rail Transit Efficiency and Infrastructure in Isabela EVOLUTION THROUGH FUSION With the main focus of the project being to make passenger efficiency services co-exist with the freights functional operations, the concept is derived from the idea of combining two distinct elements to come up with a whole new better output. Since Isabela is a growing province and Santiago City is a major commercial hotspot of the province, this concept aims to come up with a result that could be a catalyst of commercial and transportation hubs around nearby provinces.
BY: TAN, ANJELA DYAN L. ADVISER: AR. RIZALITO M. MERCADO
ASINAN A Salt Production Facility and Tourism Complex DESIGNING TRANQUILITY In theory of architecture, lines are described to have certain moods. In the context of straight lines, a horizontal line symbolizes the horizon - a calm and peaceful seascape. It is the simplicity of a horizontal line that encompasses the atmosphere and ambiance that gives the feeling of peace and quiet.
BY: TANDOC, FARO II B. ADVISER: AR. WILLA R. SOLOMON
MABSI A Sustainable Food Production and Research Facility AGRICULTURE AS A COMPONENT OF PROGRESS AND SOCIETY During the time of hunter-gatherers, food was scarce and required extended efforts and energy to obtain. When agriculture was developed, settlements became possible and allowed the birth of early civilizations and society. Today, we see urban cities rising and sprawling. However, the agricultural sector appears neglected and is unable to support the country's needs leading to dependency on importation. This project aims to address the issues that the country is facing agriculturally. It takes on the form of a dicot seed to mimic the origin and growth of agriculture as seeds are the origin of plant growth.
BY: TAPEL, RAINER JAN S. ADVISER: AR. WILLA R. SOLOMON
NUPOWER A Facility for Clean, and Safe Nuclear Energy Generation for the Philippines SYNERGY The design of the different components within the facility must be complimentary with each other, both aesthetically and in functionality. There is also synergy in the how it is integrated into the site, wherein it is designed to flow into the terrain and seem to sprout out from the earth. This concept can also be related to the Filipino culture “bayanihan” and helping each other even though they don't know each other.
BY: TE, NEIL DERRICK L. ADVISER: AR. SYLVIA D. CLEMENTE
TRANSCEND A Therapeutic School for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) BREAKING BOUNDARIES The design of the project focuses on the main idea of “learning and integrating.” It is translated by redefining the learning experience of the students through sensory design. Open areas in the project not only function as ventilation for indoors, but also serve as a learning tool for the students. Thus, it breaks the boundaries of indoor and outdoor learning.
BY: TECSON, FRANCESCA PAULINE D. ADVISER: AR. MARLON M. CARIÑO
PHANTASYA A Philippine Folklore Theme Park IMMERSION: AWARENESS THROUGH FIRSTHAND ENCOUNTERS The project's aim is to reawaken the interest of the Filipinos to Philippine folklores; not just simply by platonically reading and learning about it, but for them to experience and immerse on it using the designed environment. With that in mind, the main planning concept of the project is the concept of choose-yourown-story where the guests will have the freedom on how to experience the stories themselves.
BY: TESORO, ARNIE C.
AQUAVERDE A Marine Research Education Center RIPPLE EFFECT: MOVEMENT OF TRANSPARENCY TOWARDS UNITY The concept of the project focuses on designing architecture with respect to nature and its surrounding environment. The transparency of water represents the reflection and harmony of nature and design while the outward movement of a ripple represents the action of spreading information to the people, as well as inspiring communities to reach the common ground of social interaction, bringing everyone as a whole to connect towards the unity of enhancing marine education and conservation.
BY: TIONSON, ANGELICA MAE C. ADVISER: AR. ROGELIO D. CARINGAL
PHILIPPINE SPACE AGENCY MIRROR TO THE STARS The PhilSA Building is intended to be a mirror for space. Interaction with space is both common to astronomers and the public as they are not only living below space but also deeply connected to it. Thus, the project can be the bridge to link the two main users above using architecture as the physically weaving structure that blends with the heavenly bodies. “Natural Convergence” is the term used for the concept to represent the connection of the users, as well as architecture, through the natural space.
BY: TRIAS, JAHN CARLO J. ADVISER: AR. SYLVIA D. CLEMENTE
MGA KAMANGHAMANGHANG NILALANG NG PILIPINAS An Immersive Museum on Philippine Pantheon and Mythical creatures COLLECTIVISTIC NATURE Filipinos have this collectivistic nature of connecting with others and sharing a sense of shared identity in a community. They have the tendency to understand themselves as part of a group. They also feel a strong sense of pride towards their group and will celebrate their pride through sharing stories or facts about their family, barangay, or town. With this, stateof-art technology is used to blur the boundaries between the unknown and the known, the natural and supernatural world, and the natural and artificial environment.
BY: VICTORIO, MICA BIANCA M. ADVISER: AR. JONATHAN V. MANALAD
PAMANA A Youth Home School Promoting Rehabilitation and Education of Children in Conflict with the Law through the Integration of Normative Design DAMAYAN “Damayan” is a Filipino word that means “to feel or show sympathy; to help in time of affliction; and to unite with.” It is an innate cultural value akin to “Bayanihan .” The term correlates to the MIssouri Juvenile Correctional Model of individual care within a group treatment. In this model, trust is built not only between peers, but with supervisors as well. This leads to a collaboration between the two parties for the rehabilitation of the CICL.
BY: VILLAFLORES, BEATRICE B. ADVISER: AR. RIZALITO M. MERCADO
THE NEW QUEZON CITY COMMUNITY-BASED ECOLOGICAL AND WASTE MANAGEMENT CENTER BRIDGING THE COMMUNITY TO ITS NEGLECTED RESOURCES THROUGH ARCHITECTURE The project embodies the concept which aims to improve the environment in which waste handling takes place for it to be pleasant for the public to see. The design of this project should uplift the way people see waste and highlight its importance and benefits to the community. At the same time, the design of this project gives people the opportunity to maximize their waste resources.
BY: VILLANUEVA, SOFIA BETTINA T.
ADVISER: AR. SYLVIA D. CLEMENTE
ART-TECH CENTER A Contemporary Arts Museum and Digital Arts Innovation Hub BLANK CANVAS A blank canvas is a metaphor for the starting point of all things creative - a medium for limitless possibilities. It has infinite potentials that lead to endless ruminations. It is a concept that aims to explore architecture within the context of the past, the present, and the future in consideration of innovations. To create architecture that goes in line with the idea that “art has no boundaries,” the designer acknowledges the physical limitations of architecture and, therefore, uses “media architecture” to create architecture that will serve as a universal medium for the artworks to be presented.
BY: WANG, CHASE WILSON P. ADVISER: AR. FELICISIMO A. TEJUCO JR.
“The ultimate inspiration is the deadline.” - Nolan Bushnell
SPECIAL AWARDS
Lights Out? Everyone else is asleep, except for you. By now, all-nighters have already become mundane. You begrudgingly begin -- skeptical, but persistent with where you're headed. Nerve-wracking, but you do not fret; you have your favorite playlist and warm coffee to keep you company all throughout the night. The speed of every minute is accelerating before you know it. This is the grind at its peak. Overworked and fueled with too much caffeine, but still thriving. You're completely fixated on the hustle while your head is throbbing, your heart is palpitating, and your hands are covered with smudges, but your unwavering persistence tells you to remain firm. Quitting just isn't in your blood.
Filinvest Alabang's Transit-Oriented Development
ADVISER'S SELECTION
ASTORGA, PIERRE ANDRE A. 5AR-3
LINE AB: THE BRACHISTOCHRONE CURVE Have you ever been on a plane or a boat and wondered why the vehicle takes a curved route instead of traversing in a straight line? The reason is derived from simple mathematics and physics; it is because of the spherical nature of earth. This curved route is called a brachistochrone curve, and despite common knowledge, it teaches us that a curve could be the shortest distance between Point A and B. This mathematical concept finds its practical application when thinking of solutions to the problem of
ADVISER'S CITATION Metro Manila traffic. The top of mind solution to fix the traffic problem is to add more roads. However, we know that this will not solve traffic problems and could possibly even increase road density. The concept behind the brachistochrone curve teaches us that we must think outside the box to solve complex problems simply.
“Transit-oriented development (TOD) is a more complex design problem as it combines a deeper understanding of the needs and requirements of the local community combined with transportation planning of a more extensive catchment area. Thus, the researcher's unique design approach skillfully addressed innovative, creative, and contextually appropriate solutions.“
-Ar. Sylvia D. Clemente
The Philippine Plant Biodome: A Conservatory and Research Center for Philippine Heirloom Plants in Los Baños, Laguna
LUANSING, GEE AN RAE V. 5AR-10
MUTUALISTIC SYNERGIES
ADVISER'S CITATION
Synergy in nature occurs between two organisms that perform services for each other to produce a better outcome. Thus, the Conservatory and Research Center for Philippine Heirloom Plants is a synergy that would encapsulate the built form, natural form, and communal form to introduce Philippine Heirloom plants to the people. It aims to be a structure that binds the three forms together to make the people realize that we are nature's partner and as humans we should foster stewardship in nature within the community.
“Sibol” is a celebration of harmony between Philippine flora and Architecture. Sprouting from the goal to design a conservatory and research center for Philippine Heirloom Plants that bring the researchers, locals, and tourists together. The design concept, “Mutualistic Synergies,” dives into Architecture that emerges in between the built form, natural form, and communal form. “Sibol,” a Tagalog term for growth, authentic in its form. The Conservatory and Research Center that blooms in Los Baños, Laguna, helps its people blossom from the existing challenges
in conservation and provide research development and tourism growth through Architectural design innovation and strategies that are a product of layers of research and careful analyses evident within Sibol's form and spaces.”
-Ar. Marlon M. Cariño
THE NEW MANILA CITY HALL Redefining the Civic Identity and Developing a Shared Urban Space through Community-based Experiential Design
CHUA. MARIA SOPHIA B. 5AR-8
INTEGRATION OF THE ARROCEROS PARK TO THE MANILA CITY HALL Aside from being the capital city of the Philippines, Manila is also known as the trading city and center of economic, political, social, and cultural activities. The project goal is to design a new city hall that embodies the civic identity of Manila. It seeks to provide intimate spaces that are full of life and become a catalyst for better government and people relationships. The design concept focuses on incorporating urban vertical gardens
ADVISER'S CITATION and parks into the proposed design of the new Manila City Hall. Endemic plants of Arroceros Forest Park are part of the massive greeneries that will maximize green solutions such as natural thermal insulation, minimal carbon footprint, and collection of rainwater
“ I think the work of Ms. Chua takes civic design into the green, sustainable and inclusive future of cities. “
-Ar. Rizalito M. Mercado
NEW CLARK CITY CULTURAL COMPLEX & CIVIC PLAZA
UY, MICHAEL BENEDICT O. 5AR-5
MELTING POT THEORY Tarlac has always been known to be the Melting Pot of Central Luzon due to it being landlocked by 4 major provinces. This has resulted in a community of multicultural backgrounds that have been and will continue to grow together forming a more unique community for Tarlac. The Melting Pot Theory suggests that in a community with diverse cultural backgrounds, it is evident that these separate groups would soon grow together and form a new community intertwined with
different influences. Similarly, it is like a group of heterogeneous people mixing into one homogenous society. With this in mind, the designer intends to provide a design that shows various buildings of different uses (resembling the different cultural influences in Tarlac) connecting with one another showing the continuity of the spaces (resembled by the gradual intertwining of those influences into one homogenous community) resulting in a more welcoming project.
“The work of Mr. Uy shows a mastery in designing cultural spaces and more importantly translating this building type into something more relevant particularly in an age where culture is viewed as elitist and diluted. In an effort to address the architecture of culture, Mr. Uy's design approach and strategy shows that even buildings that are perceived to be too alien for some can become accessible and popular. Overall, a very good design for a very challenging faciltiy.“ -Ar. Manuel Maximo L.C. Noche
GIMENO, DANIZE KATE M. 5AR-11
HANGAD A Haven for Displaced Vendors of Divisoria Adviser: Ar. Carlos Romelle M. Hernandez
DIVISTORYA: Mga Kuwentong Vendor ng Divisoria The concept is derived from the history of Divisoria, highlighting its current state, the culture, and age-old traditions. The project is inspired by its environment and the people within it - especially the vendors with their famous big umbrellas and the vibrancy that they give to the streets of Divisoria - and translated these elements into Architecture.
EDITOR'S CITATION The project introduces a long-term stumbling block that concerns unsettled vendors in one of the most well-known commercial centers in the Philippines. The overarching problem covers the livelihood of the vendors which is clearly in jeopardy due to certain decisions by the government. With this, the proposed design addresses the predominant issue; believing that the remedy would not be to cast the vendors aside, but instead, to bring forth a safe haven for them to work in their element. The structure also enlivens user experience because it yields an avenue for a systematic shopping system, therefore easing foot traffic since it is already a given fact that the hub is often congested throughout the day and navigation can be confusing for those who do not frequent Divisoria. Indeed, the project encapsulates the essence of civic responsibility because it upholds the communal sphere between vendors and buyers in Divisoria.
EDITOR'S SELECTION
SANTOS, JEAN LOUISE C. 5AR-3
PARALYMPIC SPORTS TRAINING AND REHABILITATION COMPLEX Adviser: Ar. Sylvia D. Clemente
Rise of the Phoenix Persons with disabilities are often assumed to have their lives halted due to their disabilities. In order to counter this mindset, Sir Ludwig Guttman started the Paralympic Movement that uses the phoenix, a bird that rises from the ashes, as the symbol of hope for the PWD community. The project translates the concept into architecture by creating a form inspired by the phoenix while incorporating facilities that ensure that the community can enjoy the world of sports without being hindered.
EDITOR'S CITATION The project mainly serves the PWD community but it goes beyond that. It provides a proactive and stimulating space as compared to other traditional care facilities and it consists of COVID-19 response design features like beneficial emergency isolation rooms and quarantine centers. Not to mention, the areas are also quick to navigate so users can wander around easily despite their disabilities. One commendable component to take note of is the amalgamation of biophilic elements that play a vital role in the complex's key function which is primarily for rehabilitation. Overall, the place serves as an oasis where people can train for their desired sports and the complex itself is a constant reminder that incapacities are not hindrances for individuals who long to engage in athletics.
ZIALCITA, ALEJANDRO GABRIEL O. 5AR-5
TUBBATAHA REEF MARINA COMPLEX An Off-Shore Conservation and Research Facility Adviser: Ar. Manuel Maximo L.C. Noche
Biomimicry Translating this concept to the project, the goal is to adopt the form of organisms that naturally occur or habit the Tubbataha Reefs. Not only will this serve as a representation and means of raising awareness for the park, but it is also a design solution for structures that are permanently exposed to the ocean. These structures will get accustomed to the effects of the ocean such as drag, current, waves and more. This will hopefully help them perform their desired functions better in the long term.
EDITOR'S CITATION The project tackles the concept of sustainability on a very progressive level. The core focus delves into the revitalization of the marine environment and the preservation of natural resources and threatened habitats. Incorporated in the project are sustainable construction methods and flexible designs that can be integrated in aquatic wildlife to avert extinction. In line with humanity's goal towards sustainability movement, the complex itself also amplifies global competitiveness for the betterment of the Philippine ecosystem. Along with the conservation center, it is laudable how there are innovative building floats as well as a research facility intended for problem solving, knowledge formation, and data dissemination regarding our eclectic biodiversity that should be promulgated and protected at all costs.
DEMDAM, MARC DENIEL C. 5AR-8
MUSEO GRAPHIKA A Museum of Graphic Design Elevating Creativity through Augmentation of Realms between Architecture and Virtual Senses Adviser: Ar. Rizalito M. Mercado
Multiple Realities “Multiple Realities” encapsulates the idea of how the universe is an infinite chain within different dimensions and hence connected with several other links. Through this design concept, the museum integrates virtual realms of architecture into a built environment that allows an immersive experience for the users as part of the creative realm. The goal is to provide an experiential platform for Filipino creatives and entrepreneurs to learn, work, visualize, and develop comprehensive innovations.
EDITOR'S CITATION The project embraces an enhanced approach for the future of arts in the Philippines. It has a captivating take on state-of-the-art innovations and virtual realities coupled with Filipino artistry and graphic design all in an ideal museum setting. Undoubtedly, this pushes boundaries in the realm of arts and in the spectrum of technology here in the country. As a digital museum, there is indeed so much to explore inside as it gives the users a taste of contemporary multi-media ingenuity which is quite overlooked in the Philippines. Generally, Museo Graphika is very driven towards technological advancement in terms of user experience, and at the same time, it showcases a new platform to uplift gifted artists by honoring them and their works that hold potential for people to marvel in reality.
MANGUBA, MA. SIENNA M. 5AR-3
DONSOL BUTANDING RESORT A Community-based Wellness Resort with Educational Tourism Facilities Adviser: Ar. Sylvia D. Clemente
An Art of Naturalistic Marvel The concept embraces the beauty of nature and simply building over it. The wonders Architecture create when it respects the environment is the ideal concept. The ecotourism resort flows along the configuration of what is already present by considering its physical and ecological characteristics. It is, in this sense, that Architecture becomes art; because art is both a representation and an expression. The concept encircles the gap between development and the natural setting by buiding upon of what is given.
EDITOR'S CITATION The Donsol Butanding Resort embodies a sanctuary-like venue promoting health and well-being paralleled with instructional facilities. It is deemed not only as a tourist destination, but also a sustainable and symbiotic resort that aims to raise awareness about the whale sharks of Donsol. This, in turn, highlights and reinforces the ecological facet of tourism which can boost the country's state and urge growth for local industries. It is noticeable how every space is curated for its specific purpose and each structure is built with sustainable and native building materials at hand. In addition, it is worth recognizing how the actual structures are reimagined versions of Philippine vernacular architecture which traverses back to traditional roots and invigorates the character of the resort imbued with vitality.
SANTOS, YLLANA ELISE C. 5AR-8
TAHAN-NA: A RESIDENTIAL CARE VILLAGE FOR CHILDREN IN NEED OF SPECIAL PROTECTION (CNSP) A Self-Sustaining Community and Family-Centric Approach to Foster a Safe and Nurturing Environment in Tanay, Rizal Adviser: Ar. Rizalito M. Mercado
Nature to Nurture Children in Need of Special Protection (CNSP) experience trauma due to abandonment, neglect, and abuse, which have unhealthy consequences during their developmental stages, and manifest later on in adulthood. Immersion in nature has a profound impact on our brains and our behavior. With children having an innate tendency to interact and bond with the natural world, they can be given opportunities to develop their well-being, and reinforce their inner strengths in the hands of Mother Nature.
EDITOR'S CITATION The “Tahan-na” project highlights the necessities of children who are in need of special protection and it offers a nurturing community for its users as the name suggests. It has a very compelling take on environmental integration and its spaces can attest to how the care village lives up to its purpose in catering to infants and children. Furthermore, it is excellently demonstrated how the facilities coexist together with adjoined gardens that complement the vicinity. As a self-sustaining community, the structures and landscaping are harmoniously merged and the overall atmosphere cultivates a sense of cohesiveness and belongingness. From the contour to the plans and spaces, every aspect seemed like it was made for the site. With all points considered, the project is a paragon for urban design as it exemplifies the real connection between people and places and the ties that bind nature and the urban fabric.
OUTSTANDING AND TOP THESES 00:00 Just when you thought it has become smooth-sailing, here comes a sudden burst of reluctance to carry on. You break out in cold sweat amidst your half-rendered plate and its blemishes you attempt to conceal. Will you make it in time for the deadline? Who knows? Apprehensive and perplexed, but you keep going anyway. Only you can finish what you've started.
ONE WORLD SCHOOL: An Inclusive School for Children with Developmental Disabilities in Cavite
OUTSTANDING THESES
QUINAO, CAMILLE DOROTHY G. 5AR-10
INCLUSION: ARCHITECTURE OF SEAMLESS CONNECTIONS Inclusion refers to a cultural and environmental feeling of belonging promoting exposure to different experiences and creating places for interaction of various scales and atmospheres. The concept, defined by a continuum of blurred boundaries with little distinctions, puts the needs of the primary users which are the students, both with and without disabilities, at the heart of the design process. Designing the structure that embraces diversity by removing barriers and supporting collaboration through interconnected spaces makes all the users feel included ultimately creating an inclusively designed learning environment.
ADVISER: AR. MARLON M. CARIÑO
AS ONE True to its name as “One World”, the project features inclusive spaces for children with disabilities in an environment conducive to learning. Such collective spaces are designed with collaboration, play, quiet, and focus areas to foster educational aids and unrestrictive interaction.
Design Center of the Philippines HQ, Pasay: A Mixed Use Creative Hub That Cultivates Learning, Innovation, and Filipino Design Value
SALAS, ROBERT LANCE R. 5AR-8
INTERLINK Reflecting the cause of the Design Center of the Philippines as a medium that serves as a link between Filipinos, economy, culture, well-being, and design, the concept strives to become an embodiment of linking these aspects through architecture. Architecture in its nature is a system of complex relationships and through mutualism; different organisms may be merged into one single organism harmoniously that functions better together. As a creative hub that allows diversity and unity at the same time the project will serve as a design salon for the creative community where knowledge, innovation, and connection can grow. ADVISER: AR. RIZALITO M. MERCADO
THE NEW DCP In response to the need for change in the Design Center of the Philippines, the project showcases well-crafted offices along with collaboration, private, and meeting spaces for an exemplary working environment. At the same time, the new and improved center accentuates authentic Filipino artistry which is reflective of the values of Philippine design.
UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITYOF OFSANTO SANTOTOMAS TOMAS
The Ifugao Center for Indigenous Archaeology
BORROMEO, JOSEPH FRANCIS B. 5AR-3
REDISCOVERING IFUGAO The concept aims to capture the slow decay cultural traditions in the Ifugao region and rejuvenate it into a spatial experience that rediscovers the beauty of Ifugao identity and culture.
UNIQUELY IFUGAO The project provides a design solution that stabilizes the Ifugao identity through a community centric approach whilst facing the problems of mass tourism. It features educational exhibits, communal centers, and facilities conducive for research which are significant to the growth of Ifugao's culture. The project also showcases different Ifugao design motifs that the people can easily recognize, making it an effective landmark that represents the Ifugaos.
THE AXON: Metro Davao Regional Cyber-Complex and Community IT Support Hub
CARONONGAN, DAN ADRIAN P. 5AR-3
TECHNOLOGY, A CONSTANTLY EVER-CHANGING SHIFT OF TIDES In today's ever-changing world, the only constant is change and change comes fast as new technologies are being developed everyday around the globe. Technology has drastically changed every industry there is in the world. Technological advancements have not only changed the processes followed and the speed of operations and communications, but also the overarching dynamics of the workplace and life. As a developing country we must compete and fight to open opportunities and earn our place in the world that is constantly on the move. The concept is manifested through the creation of a cyber-complex and community IT hub that focuses on the growth of the Davao's economy, with context to the comfort and supplements the local environment, and to the strategic planning and application of space design principles and interactive spaces.
ADVISER: AR. LEAH P. DELA ROSA
TECH IN DAVAO The Axon embodies the dynamism of technology and its role in the city of Davao. The project features sustainable design strategies using natural elements and factors providing a comfortable and efficient working environment.
Developmental Intervention Facility for Young Children with ASD
DAEZ, JOSE LORENZO T. 5AR-1
NATURALISTIC TRANSITIONS The world of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) requires spaces dedicated solely to the purpose of assisting individuals in proceeding from one room, environment, or setting, to the next. Often times, given an impaired sense of stimulation caused by ASD, individuals with ASD experience trouble upon transitioning between spaces. From the term “Naturalistic Transitions”, the project aims to promote a form of architecture that can proceed to catalyze self-awareness, confidence, and personality in children. Each transitional space may be represented and interchangeable between the metaphorical hardships any ASD child may experience and any other impairment or difficulty that a child with ASD may face, and also alleviating the sense of pressure where a child may re-assume control. These transition spaces therefore, bear weight and significance just as great as spaces that may come after or before, acting as the equalizer.
ADVISER'S CITATION The thesis proposal of Mr. Jose Lorenzo T. Daez is a product of research, collaboration, and passion. Despite limitations of the corona virus-19 (Covid-19) pandemic, the research process honed his resourcefulness in data gathering and validation. Aside from available online materials, the opportunities of collaboration within the thesis class and experts, through feedback and charettes, were tapped for the refinement of the design. The “Developmental Intervention Facility for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD),” is envisioned to contribute in empowering people with ASD and raising public awareness on this matter. As his personal advocacy, Mr. Daez successfully translated an honest and efficient design that suits and responds to the specific needs and demands of the key users.
A WORLD FOR ASD Through the design concept of Naturalistic Transition, the project provides a specialized facility for young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Its concept aims to assist the psychological interaction of the user with the architectural environment through the use of spatial transitions. FOOTNOTE Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that affects the social, communicative, and behavioral aspects of an individual.
LAMBANA WORLD: Indoor Theme Park for Philippine Folklore
LIBANAN, ALEXA JULIANNE L. 5AR-4
DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE ““Down the rabbit hole” is an idiom which means to transport someone into a wonderful or surreal environment and/or situation. It has various meanings where it may refer to being in an illusive place or seeing an altered state of reality or being in a situation where the occurrences defy logic in which once entered may be difficult to get out of. The form's concept is aimed towards being a magnet to wondering guests, just like the rabbit hole driving people to fall into it out of pure curiosity. The exterior design does not readily reveal what's inside which may be a concern for an indoor theme park where the attractions are all enclosed – losing the biggest attractor of theme parks which are the views of the attractions. However, the facade remains enticing, drawing users right into it.
ADVISER'S CITATION The project successfully interpreted the various Philippine mythology books written by Dr. Maximo D. Ramos into a world class indoor theme park that provided a different approach of advocating the Filipino culture. Lambana World was designed to overcome the restrictions of the outdoor environment by developing an indoor theme park facility in a highly urban setting – thus maximizing technologies that provide limitless possibilities. The two of the major design features of the project is the “underground” back of the house facilities based on the utilidoors of DisneyLand, and the personal rapid transit (PRT) system which efficiently provided a smooth controlled travel within the site that benefit the park patrons.
HIDDEN WONDERS In relation to the “Down the Rabbit Hole” concept, the indoor theme park brings forth an enticing take on native culture through recreation and entertainment. The project also highlights Philippine folklore with its state of the art attractions aimed towards cultural promotion and tourism boost. FOOTNOTE Down the Rabbit Hole” is a figurative expression used to convey entrance to an astounding world; an illusive space and altered reality.
A Technical Vocational Education and Training Center for Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Santa Rosa, Laguna
LIM, DANIELLE T. 5AR-4
ARCHITECTURE OF ACCOMMODATION “Architecture of Accommodation” in the context of this project pertains to the meticulous design of all the components of the school to adjust to the needs of persons with autism. The idea of “accommodation” is not limited to the user experience alone. It also addresses the needs of Persons with Autism (PWA) for an avenue where they can develop their skills to become productive members of society. Ultimately, the goal of the project is to provide a one-stop shop for PWAs who seek skills training and employment opportunities.
ARCHITECTURE FOR ALL The flexibility of architecture solves diverse types of problems which is truly manifested in this Technical Vocational Education and Training Center for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Through its concept of “Architecture of Accommodation”, it provides specialized learning spaces that develop the user's readiness for workplaces.
SOCIAL BRIDGING: Careful Intermingling in a Dementia Care Facility
SANTOS, MA. HANNE MARGARETTE L. 5AR-3
BIND The warmth of company is one of the few important comforts we yearn for as we face the “sunset”, but the proximity this dictates also allows one elderly to pass communicable diseases to another. Because of this, we are challenged to separate and connect at the same time. Social Bridging envisions a facility where its patients can safely move without feeling shackled, so they can focus on enjoying life and treasuring connections. Through zoning, the facility remains to be threaded together by routes that provide equal access from its core. This allows focused prevention and swift reaction without severing closeness outright. This, paired with the homely environment it provides, creates a semblance of liberty that makes it a snug haven for the elderly.
SAFE TOGETHER This elderly care facility keeps the right distance as it binds its patients together. Social Bridging prioritizes the safety of the elderly with the right amount of accessibility.
BAYAN-ANIHAN: Integrating User Experience in a UPLB Agriculture Student Hub in Los Banos
VILLANUEVA, ANGELO RAFAEL D. 5AR-8
CREATIVE COLLISIONS The concept of “creative collisions” comes from the design of Cornell Tech's New Roosevelt Island Campus explained by Arch. Kent Keinman as accidental meetings of different people of different perspectives derived from learning spaces that are open and flexible. The concept focuses on the function of the spaces that generates a fluid and multifunctional environment that is subsequently adopted for spontaneous interactions with different stakeholders,variety of activities, and study.
SOCIAL LEARNING BAYAN-ANIHAN is a student hub that allows “creative collisions” between various stakeholders. Encouraging this concept, this project provides seamless, versatile spaces for multiple activities.
PAMANAHON: The Intramuros Tourist Hub and Experiential Museum & Exhibition Center
WICO, PRINCE WILLIAM T. 5AR-6
PAMANAHON X TAORISMO As architecture being the most lasting evidence of civilization, design should be a frozen testimony of the past, a significance that was once and should be up to the present and the future, and be respected as part of one's (individualistic) or the community's (societal) identity. It marks our evolutionary aspect as Filipinos, on our national becoming and integrity of ourselves and to the state's posterity. With the changing landscape where settlement is found and the pressure of modernization in an urban setting, it changes the functions and the needs of the community, and requires a cohesive solution outside architecture yet interpretative in design that caters and addresses the socio-cultural economic and environmental aspect of a community. ADVISER: AR. WILLA R. SOLOMON
ADVISER'S CITATION “Heritage or “pamana” is anything that one values. It may be a tangible and an intangible thing that is worth cherishing and nurturing. It is the manifestation of our nation's development through history and it embodies our unique cultural identity. This project is very relevant in promoting the cultural significance of Intramuros as the seat of historic Manila. It consists of three structures: a tourist hub; an experiential museum featuring the WW 11 event and, an Exhibition center. One that lived throughout his life as a resident of Intramuros, Mr. Wico himself took this endeavor, to propose three important venues needed for the conservation of Intramuros as a culturally significant place. The fusion of the past and the technology are manifested in the output. A comprehensive process from the research, application of the principles of conservation, to the evolution of 2D and 3D presentations, augmented with an app for tourist/visitors are presented in coordination with the Intramuros Administration.”
LOOKING BACK Rooted in Intramuros, PAMANAHON pays respect to the Filipino identity that defines the past, present and future of both the individual and the community. In response to changes from modernization, this project features a tourist hub, a museum and an exhibition center that addresses the changing needs of the community.
FOOTNOTES Pamanahon is divided into three parts: Pamana (Heritage and History), Panahon (Day, Time) and Pag-ahon. TAO-rismo is a combi nation of the words Tao (People) and Turismo (Tourism). This concept creates spaces for peo ple to interact.
THESIS OF THE YEAR Epiphany in the AM Something promising is surfacing and last minute changes are springing up even though uncertainty is taking its toll on you. An epiphany is emerging and tonight's breakthrough is just about to unravel. You're cooking up a bunch of designs with fresh ideas arising, one after the other. Your nocturnal self is revitalized and your brain is functioning at its full potential just a few hours ahead of the crack of dawn.
HEADWATERSTECH HUB A Biotechnology Complex for Advanced Water Purification
THESIS OF THE YEAR
NG, STEPHANIE ANNE D. 5AR-7
INTEGRATION OF BIOPHILIA WITH HIGHLY DEVELOPED WATER TECHNOLOGIES AND SPACES Water and nature should be a strong pillar and a significant element in Siargao Island's green brand. HeadwatersTech Hub develops a strong platform for national and international branding of Siargao's proposed Biotechnology Complex for Advanced Water Purification. The activities in the HeadwatersTech Hub have the goal of redefining water through innovative approaches. The water purification system is designed as part of the landscape and interior spaces of the facility. This creates a number of richly experiential showrooms where ecological technologies are demonstrated.
SLOPE PROTECTION SYSTEM The project uses a Geocell Slope Protection system to stabilize the upper soil layer, resist sliding, prevent erosion from surface run-off, and enable steeper slopes to be built.
COASTAL PROTECTION SYSTEM Seawalls are used to protect the structures along the shoreline. These seawalls prevent overtopping and flooding of the site during storm surges and onset of big waves.
SITE FEATURES
BLUE AND GREEN The biotechnology complex aims to strengthen Siargao Island's green brand. It applies innovative tactics in its goal to redefine water by using different technologies that enables the preservation of nature while still pushing for the development of Siargao.
“The thesis work manifested a rigorous research and critical thinking process to arrive at an excellent evidence based creative design solution with exemplary social relevance and community impact.” - AR. LEAH P. DELA ROSA
CREDITS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Morning Rush So near, yet so far. The light of day is drifting in and you rush with all your might because this is the last stretch before submission. Everything's fast-approaching and you've got high hopes. Just a little more before you can celebrate the fruits of your labor and grasp that gratifying feeling of fulfillment. Better hurry before it's too late!
COLLEGE ADMINISTRATORS REV. FR. RICHARD ANG, O.P Rector, University of Santo Tomas REV. FR. MANUEL F. ROUX, O.P Regent AR. RODOLFO P. VENTURA Dean AR. MARLON M. CARIÑO Assistant Dean
THESIS ADVISERS AR. ROGELIO D. CARINGAL AR. MARLON M. CARIÑO AR. SYLVIA D. CLEMENTE AR. LEAH P. DELA ROSA AR. CARLOS ROMELLE M. HERNANDEZ AR. JONATHAN V. MANALAD AR. RIZALITO M. MERCADO AR. MANUEL MAXIMO L.C. NOCHE AR. WILLA R. SOLOMON
AR. VINSON P. SERRANO College Secretary
AR. FELICISIMO A. TEJUCO, JR.
AR. CARLOS ROMELLE M. HERNANDEZ Coordinator- Research Methodology in Architecture, Architectural Design IX and Architectural Design X
THESIS AWARDS 2021 JURY FACULTY JURY
STUDENT JURY
AR. ANDREA M. AMADOR
TIMOTHY JAMES ARAMBULO
AR. ARTEMIO D. GARCIA
SCHNEIDER ARBAS
AR. MELVIN G. PATAWARAN
PAUL CESAR CATAMA
AR. EMMANUEL FRANZ LISANDRO V M. PLAN
GIAN GARY CARINGAL
AR. CARYN VIRGINIA P. SANTILLAN
AR. ANNABELLE G. VERDOTE
ZION ENRICO LICUP NICOLE ANGELA TEÑOSO
Special Mention Vision Magazine would like to extend our gratitude to Ar. Carlos Romelle M. Hernandez for his guidance throughout the process of the selection of the winners of the Thesis of the Year, Faculty's Choice, and Student's Choice Awards. We would also like to send our thanks to Darla Salonga, Exel Agapito, Nathaniel Ro, and Neos Interino, previous members of Vision Magazine, for guiding us along the way, and to Danielle Balatan, our previous Head Writer.
CREDITS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
BACKSPACE Onwards At last! Your plate is polished and you couldn't be more proud. Hats off to you; the victory is finally yours! You're almost late for class, so go prepare your necessities and don't leave anything behind. The shower can wait, but don't forget to brush your teeth, at least. Surely, you'll be bombarded with more and more plates sooner than you think, but for now, give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done, Future Architect!
DANIELLE ISABELLE DALISAY
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
THE EDITORIAL BOARD
JANNA MURIEL BALASBAS
REGINA PATRICIA CORNISTA
ASSISTANT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SECRETARY
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
MACY RIANNA VILLADOLID
JAN KRISTOPHER ESGUERRA
HEAD OF WRITINGS
SARAH ANGELA TROVELA
HEAD OF LAYOUT
HEAD OF PHOTOGRAPHY
AR. PATRICK DE LA CUESTA PUBLICATION ADVISER
THE TEAM WRITERS
PHOTOGRAPER
EZEKIEL Z. LEGAZPI
KYLA PATRICIA VILLAPANDO
JULIANNA MARIE G. BALONGCAS
JANAE CHRISTABELLE S. NG
ANDREA C. LIBORO PAUL LESTER M. MIRADOR FRANZE AIRON B. SAAVEDRA LORENZO MIGUEL M. VIRAY
THE PROCESS THESIS CATALOGUE 2021 started off with the conceptualization of both the theme and layout. These were done through several meetings among the Editorial Board members and the Publication Adviser to ensure that the catalogue will effectively showcase the theses works of Batch 2021. Afterwards, the collection of theses was done by getting access to a Google Drive folder that contains all pertinent submissions provided by the EdTech Coordinator as well as the list of successfully defended theses from the Research Methods for Architecture and AD 9-10 Coordinator.
The determination of awardees for Thesis of the Year, Faculty's Choice, and Student's Choice was spearheaded by the Thesis Council and Vision Magazine through a judging process done by jury members from the faculty, student body, and the publication's editorial board. After all thesis works have been given their designated sections within the catalogue, each work was put on paper by members of the publication, headed by the Assistant Editor-in-Chief and Head Layout Artist. The Creative Director was in charge of creating graphic illustrations while the Head Writer handled the additional writeups. The Photography committee man-
aged and edited the images that accompanied the thesis works. All of these were overseen by the Editor-in-Chief to ensure that the catalogue brought the theme to life and accurately displayed Batch 2021’s theses. All of these processes were done online, due to the ongoing pandemic that hindered any physical meeting between the members of the publication. We would like to express our utmost gratitude to all the members of Vision Magazine and contributors who delivered their best efforts and rendered their talent to make Thesis Catalogue possible despite the challenges presented by the current situation.
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THESIS – ARKITEKTURA
The project required students to choose a societal issue that they wanted to tackle, be it a large-scale national issue or a smaller-scale local issue. They were then challenged to come up with an aspirational architectural solution while still being satisfactorily grounded in reality. The project may not necessarily be currently buildable but based on new studies, discoveries, or technologies found through meaningful research, can potentially be constructed a few decades from now.
The final projects aim to address the students’ chosen societal issues using discovered innovations while reasonably responding to the projected prevailing relevant forces of its time.
EXTENDDED REALITY EXPERIENCEE, 2021
Abad Santos, Martin Y.
CLEAN OIL RIG POWERED OCEAN CITY, 2021
Angeles, Arman
VERTICCAL FARMING FACILITY AGAINST LOOW LEVELS OF CROP DIVERSIFICATION AMONG THE AGRICULTUURAL SECTOR OF THE PHILIPPINES, 2021
Bangui, Renz
A SMART COMMUNITY PLAYSCAPE IN MANILA FOR THE SOCIAL PARTICIPATION OF CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, 2021
Calica, Bernadette
SMART HHYBRID VERTICAL VILLAGE, 2021
De Guzman, Norma
MOBILE, MOODULAR, AND SCALABLE HEALTHCARE UUNIT, 2021
Del Rosario, Christian V.
SANAGGMANA REGENERATIVE TERRACES
AN AMPHIBIOUS RURAL CITY FOR THE COASTAL COMMUNITIES IN NAVOTAS CITY, 2021
Espino, Marc Joseph
BAMBOO SKY VILLAGE
ELEVATED HOUSING ON AGRICULTURAL LAND, 2021
Gutierrez, Belle
OOCEAN HEIGHTSS
A VERTICAL FISHERY AND STORM SURGE BARRIER FOR THE COAST OF NAVOTAS, 2021
Ilagan, Gabriel Luis T.
AA MARITIME NEIGHBORHOOD, 2021
Juanson, Ivan
PUGADD OONE
A HIGH-IMPACT, MULTI-MODAL, VERTICAL, URBAN MOBILITY HUB IN NEW CLARK CITY
Mamonog, Jethro Philip M.
ISIP-GAALAW
A COGNITIVE SHAPE-SHIFTING THERAPY CENTER FOR MOOD AND ANXIETY DISORDERS, 2021
Mendoza, Victorina U.
CROPxFREIGHT DROONEPORT
A DISTRIBUTION CENTER FOR THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS OF LEGAZPI CITY, 2021
Oliveros, Trisha Anne S.
AB ESPORTS TRAININGG CENTER FOR EXTENDDED REALITY TECHNOLOOGIES, 2021
Presbitero, Aldritz
CONVERGENCE OF AN URBAN FARM AND PUBLIC MARKET, 2021
Resuello, Darlene
DDALAWANG TAHHANAN
A MIXED-USE RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX EXPLORING KINETIC ARCHITECTURE FOR NUCLEAR FAMILIES IN CARMONA, MAKATI, 2021
Tan, Ann Margaret R.
ANIHHANG DAGAT
A SEMI-SUBMERGED AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITY IN REPSONSE TO AGRICULTURAL LAND LOSS IN BULACAN, 2021
Tinio, Marco
A SOCIO-CULTURAL INCLUSIVE NETWORK OF FARMBOT COMMUNITIES IN ARMED CONFLICT-PRONE CITIES
Valentino, Ferdeanne G.
PUNONG BUHAY
ECO-BURIAL MORTUARY AND VERTICAL URBAN FOREST MEMORIAL PARK IN PASIG CITY, 2021
Ambrosio, Norman Joshua
THE BANGKAL VERTICAL
A ZERO-WASTE, SELF-SUSTAINING, HIGH-DENSITY HOUSING MODEL FOR RISING URBAN HOUSING AND RESOURCE DEMAND IN MAKATI CITY
Badiola, Angela Beatrice L.
PROMOTING LOCAL TOURISM ATTRACTIVENESS THROUGH A POP-UP RESORT FOR DIGITAL NOMADS, 2021
Bersamira, Maxine Ann H.
SHAPE-SHIFTING SUUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD AND MICRO-CONSERVATION HUBS FOR THREATENED PHILIPPINE BIOODIVERSITY REGIONS, 2021
Cunanan, Chester Neil D.
AQQUA FUTURA
A FLOATING AQUACULTURE AND AQUAPONIC FARMING LABORATORY AGAINST EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS AND FOOD INSECURITY IN MASINLOC, ZAMBALES, 2021
De Leon, Anna Patricia R.
A NEW BILIBID PRISOON FOCUSED ON COMMUNITY-BASED REHABILITATION AND IMPROOVED LIVING CONDITIONS, 2021
Dela Paz, Maria Violeta Angela C.
HHIGH RICCE
A RICE PRODUCTION FACILITY AND URBAN FOOD BELT FOR FOOD SECURITY IN A SMART CITY, 2021
Guerrero, Asia A.
BBALINTAWAK IN TRANSITIOON, 2021
Huang, Danielle
ECO-REVOLUTIONIZING THE MARITIME INDUSTRY THROUGH THE MANILA ENERGY PORT COMPLEX
Jose, Romina L.
THE OOASIS TOWERR
SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURAL SOLUTIONS FOR THERMAL COMFORT IN A MIXED USE HIGH RISE IN THE MIDST GLOBAL WARMING, 2021
Lao, Carlos Miguel D.
A FLOOATING HABITABLE BRIDGE AGGAINST RISING SEA LEVELS IN BRGY. TANZA, NAVOOTAS CITY
Medina, Russell Anthony F.
A PIONEERING INTERMODAL ECO TRANSPORT HUB IN LOS BANOS, LAGUNA, 2021
Napoles, Alyssa Rose C.
SUUSTAINABLE NEIGHBORHOOD TOWER
A RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEM AND VERTICAL FARM FOR A NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT IN LEGAZPI CITY, 2021
Orejo, Jhessa Marie S.
CITY REHABILITATION COMPLEX OF MANILA IN A POST-BIOWARFARE SETTING, 2021
Rance, Chealsy
A ROBBOTIC RESPONSE FACILITY COUNTERING THE EMERGENCIESS IN HIGH-RISE AND SUPER HIGH-RISE BUILDDINGS, 2021
Reyes, Ma. Patricia Victoria R.
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THHE EDIBLE DDISTRICT
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Architecture Thesis Projects: A Comprehensive List of 30 Topics to Pick From (Updated 2022)

Neha Sharma
12 mins read

Architecture Thesis: A culmination of all those years of intense training, sleepless nights, countless submissions and unforgettable memories. The grand finale!
It is a real test to showcase all the skills you’ve gained over the years in a single project. Naturally, choosing the right topic from an ocean of architecture thesis topics is one of the biggest challenges you can face as a final year student, as the topic itself may define the trajectory of your thesis!
To ease your conflicted mind, we have curated a comprehensive list of popular architecture thesis projects you might want to explore in your final year, along with links to relevant theses across the internet for your ready reference.
Go on, have a look! What sparks your interest?
Housing/ Residential Projects

Low-Cost Housing Community Development for Fishermen at Bangladesh, B.Arch Thesis by Nafiul Islam Farazi (Source: www.architecturelive.in)
1. Affordable Housing
“Housing for all” is a major goal developing countries are striving to achieve. Not everyone has the resources to own a house or even rent one out. Conscious and well-planned housing design can turn cities into places where owning a house is not merely a dream. And architects can play a pivotal role in achieving this noble goal.
2. Gated Communities
With the city centres choking with pollution, traffic congestion and over-population, many people are now moving to the suburbs in closed, secure and private gated communities. These colonies circumference almost every major city now, with more emerging as you read. A gated community design could be an interesting (though slightly controversial) architecture thesis topic to explore residential neighbourhood planning.
3. Modular/ Disaster Relief/ Emergency Shelters
Land and resources are limited but the demand for them only keeps increasing giving rise to environmental hazards like deforestation, pollution and depletion of natural assets. In a rapidly changing, calamity-prone world, the design of modular, mobile, disaster relief shelters is the need of the hour!
4. Slum Redevelopment
Urban informality may be a fascinating, complex issue to tackle for your architecture thesis projects. Many people have varied opinions on the dense, informal urban developments popularly known as ‘slums’ , but few are willing to tackle the difficult issue from top to bottom (or bottom up!). Are you one of the few?
Institutional Projects

Centre for Art & Architecture: Role of an Urban Catalysis, B.Arch Thesis by Mohammad Suhail (Source: www.architecturelive.in)
5. Educational and Skill-Training Institutions
Schools play an important role in shaping a person and are key in bringing up generations of bright individuals. Educational and skill-training institutions have vast options, ranging from kindergartens to higher-education institutes; schools of dance to special-needs institutes ! Ready to shape minds?
6. Rehabilitation and Wellness Institutions
A sound mind and sound body are key to a happy life!
Unfortunately, sometimes individuals have to be institutionalised to get their health back on track. Rehabilitation centres and centres for people with depression or trauma aim at people’s mental wellness, while public gyms and civic sports centres aim at people’s physical wellness. If healing architecture and landscape is something you like, this could be the best architecture thesis topic for you!
7. Research Institutions
Progress in science, technology and humanities improves our way of living and ensures our well-being. The Sheldon Coopers among us wouldn’t be happy to see any fewer research centres and laboratories than there are!
Public Infrastructure Projects

Suez Cruise Terminal by Mohamed Elbangy (Source: www.behance.net)
8. Hospitals
Healthcare services are undoubtedly the most important services any region needs. The pandemic has made us understand how under-equipped even the best hospitals can be and so there is an even bigger reason for every hospital, be it multi-speciality/ speciality , maternity, special needs, public or private , to be as well designed as possible. This, more than ever, is the need of the hour and can make for a pressing architecture thesis project.
9. Transit Hubs
Airports , Bus Terminals , Railway Stations , Inland Waterways, Seaports.
Do you love to travel? Have you ever waited for a train and imagined how much better that railway station could be? Then what are you waiting for? Be the change!
10. Sports Stadia
Remember that first stadium experience of watching a cricket or football match? The energy of the crowd, the adrenaline rush! Most group sports stadia ( Cricket , Football , Hockey, Baseball, etc) and sports cities require meticulous study before designing, making a very suitable architecture thesis project for students.
11. Urban/Street Redevelopment
How often do we walk the streets of our cities and almost die because a bike passed within inches of us? Street redevelopment projects catering to pedestrianisation are proven to improve the lives of millions and are rapidly gaining urgency in the urban design domain.
These projects often require extensive site study. Not sure what all to cover in your site analysis? Read - Site Analysis Categories You Need to Cover For Your Architecture Thesis Project .
12. Waterfront Development
Rivers are considered sacred and life-giving across the world. The pitiful conditions of water bodies today have led urban designers to take up River/Canal-front Development Projects which aim at minimising water pollution, a smooth transition from land to water, and ultimately encouraging visitors for leisure and fun activities.
13. Public Parks and Plazas
Parks are the lungs of the concrete jungles many of us live in. After a day of intense work, all we need is some greenery and fresh air; or to grab a beer at that corner cafe in the city square! The design of public parks, plazas and playgrounds could be the best architecture thesis topic for an urban/landscape enthusiast.
14. Social Infrastructure
A robust, well-functioning society accommodates and facilitates the wellness of all its citizens and living beings. Infrastructure like orphanages , nursing homes , animal shelters , night shelters , daycare centres, banks, prisons , juvenile schools, community development centres , and many more tend to those social needs of the society which cannot be overlooked. Inclined towards public welfare? Look no further!
Socio-Cultural Projects

Kolkata Museum of Modern Arts - Architecture Thesis Project by Dhruv Kohli (Source: curiousprojekt.com)
15. Community and Convention Centres
Humans are social animals. Now and then, we crave a meet-and-greet. Community and Convention Centres cater to this very need, and exploring the design angles for human interaction may be something worthy of your architecture thesis project. Be ready for competition though, this is one of the most popular architecture thesis topics students undertake!
16. Museums and Libraries
The culture-lovers among us would understand the value of a good museum or library and appreciate a well-designed one. Be it a museum of arts and crafts, culture, architecture , history or science, if the give and take of knowledge through some entertainment and delight (infotainment) is something you see yourself doing, then this could be the best architecture thesis topic for you.
17. Memorials
Memorials are the physical manifestations of the struggles endured, victories earned and life-changing events in history. They remind us to never forget the past, hoping for a better future at the same time, making memorial design both a fascinating yet weighted exercise.
18. Places of Worship/ Spiritual Centres
One cannot separate a human from their faith. Having a place to worship or connect with one’s spiritual self is as important to a human as going to school or a cinema hall. Places of worship like temples, churches, masjids, gurudwaras, monasteries , etcetera; and spiritual or meditation centres serve as places for gathering and become important landmarks in a settlement.

Conservation and Heritage Projects

Adaptive Reuse of Rajghat Power Plant, New Delhi - B.Arch Thesis by Aarushi Kalra (Source: www.architecturelive.in)
19. Conservation of Heritage Structures
Conservation of the priceless built heritage like palaces, monuments, places of worship, ancient settlements, etc has always been on the agenda of organisations like UNESCO and the Archeological Survey of India. If historical significance gets your heart rate up, hi history nerd! Help in conserving our heritage structures !
20. Adaptive Reuse of Heritage Buildings
History nerd, if you’re still here, here’s another architecture thesis topic for you. Some heritage can be conserved to attract tourists and some that are too out-of-order could be modified and reused for a different purpose, generating economy. Converting royal palaces into heritage hotels, a king’s court into an emergency ward for covid patients or factories into community spaces, adaptive reuse of the built form requires fine skill, respect for heritage, and an active imagination!
Offices/ Corporate Projects

Undergraduate Thesis by Yi Peng Liu, Ka Leung, Wilson Chan and Zixiao Kiwi Zhu at SCI-Arc (Source: www.sciar.edu)
21. Government Buildings
Workspaces for all government officials are mandatory for smooth administration. The scale of government buildings is diverse, from the Central Vista Redevelopment Project (*ahem*) to a district-sessions court. Some common categories are high courts, government-owned banks, secretariat and corporation buildings , income-tax offices, assembly and gathering centres , media offices and so on.
Sounds boring? Don’t be so sure. What originally sounds typical is where there is maximum potential to surprise your critics!
22. Corporate Office Towers
We all have seen or at least talked about the famous corporate jungles of our towns. They not only serve as important landmarks but help in increasing the economic value of a region (Very SEZ-y!). If you wanna tame the jungle, you could explore corporate office-building design for your architecture thesis topic.
23. Co-working and Remote-working Spaces
A popular trend before COVID was sharing workspaces, which now have the potential to be thought of as remote-working spaces! Rethinking the design of co-working spaces is very relevant to the times and has great scope for innovation.
With the times we live in, this could be the best architecture thesis topic!
Entertainment and Commercial Projects

Urban Entertainment Centre, Noida - B.Arch Thesis by Kunal Luthra (Source: www.architecturelive.in)
24. Theatres and Auditoria
Who doesn’t like good showtime with family and friends? Theatres, auditoria and performance centres are the core of spaces showcasing and witnessing talent, and fall under another typology which has the potential to be reworked post-pandemic. The design of such entertainment stations can test the knowledge of large-span structures without losing a strong grip on creativity and functionality.
25. Multiplexes and Malls
Malls and multiplexes are very popular among the masses as they possess multiple brands of shopping, entertainment and food centres. Whether or not you agree with the mall typology, more keep coming up in growing towns every year. So why not study how they work and improve the concept for your architecture thesis project? The consumerist urbania will thank you!
26. Marketplaces
Shopping for groceries and essential commodities is a frequent need, and most people head to a single marketplace for all their essential goods shopping. A place with a high frequency of movement requires meticulous and thorough design, but can also be one of the most fun challenges to take up! Think farmer markets, community-owned produce markets, mandis, harbour fish markets, and flea markets, the possibilities are endless!
27. Mixed-Use Hubs
Taking your design challenge up a notch is by taking up a mixed-use hub . This is a high-density area that caters to more than one function and has mega economic value. It could be a combination of residential, commercial, institutional, or hospitality, commercial and public space, or much more. This concept is taken to another level by bringing transit hubs into the fray with transit-oriented development!
28. Film, Photo and Animation Studios
The use of digital media has increased multifold in the past couple of decades. A lot of creatives express themselves through digital content, increasing the need for more film , photo, animation and integrated studios . Since these functions can be highly specialised, there is a lot of potential to do impressive research for your architecture thesis project!
Hospitality and Tourism Projects

Eco-Tourist Hub of KHONOMA Village, By Shanjo A. Kithan (Source: www.thearchitecturedesign.com)
29. Eco-Tourism Resorts and Visiting Centres
Imagine spending a weekend at a secluded place, close to nature, with all the facilities you need to relax and just de-stress! Ecological resorts and tourist visiting centres aim to cause as little damage to the environment as possible. Keen on environmental sustainability, eco-tourism resorts should be encouraged in the tourism and hospitality industry and make for very relevant architecture thesis topics.
Landscape architecture enthusiasts, where are you all at?
30. Backpacker Lodging/ Youth Hostels
While the question of travel arises, not everyone can afford finely kempt hotels or resorts to lodge at. The youth may opt for backpacking trips to save money as well as to have an interesting experience! Backpacking/ youth hostels like Zostel and Nomads World are buzzing for their affordability, convenience and prospects of networking with like-minded people. If this is your jam, consider creating innovative spaces for it!
Futuristic/ Sci-fi/ Conceptual Projects

Dragonfly: Concept of a Metabolic Farm for Urban Agriculture, by Vincent Callebaut (Source: www.weurbanist.com)
How about a settlement on Mars? Or a concert hall in the air? A transit hub of 2050? A forest within the city? Perhaps a residential colony on the water!
Such futuristic or conceptual architecture thesis topics are all the more enthralling as they might not have any precedents. They stretch a creative brain to its limit, and in the process may transform into a brilliant idea. Challenging conventions, thinking out of the box and taking up a futuristic architecture thesis project could be your achievement (both in design and in convincing the faculty) as a young designer!
Having read about some common architecture thesis topics, it is important to know that you must not be limited to the above list. Your architecture thesis is your own brainchild, and it does not need to conform or even fit within a category.
A great architecture thesis is also a key ingredient in creating a kickass architecture portfolio ! So give your all. Who knows, you may even end up receiving an award for your architecture thesis !
Hoping you found the inspiration you were looking for!
Need more guidance with your architecture thesis project? Head straight to our A-Z Architecture Thesis Guide !
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Harvard University Graduate School of Design
2023 landscape architecture thesis prize: kevin robishaw’s manatees and margaritas: toward a strange new paradise.

by Kevin Robishaw (MLA I ’23) — Recipient of the Landscape Architecture Thesis Prize.
Florida manatees gather in the warm water discharged from power plants, which they rely on during cold winters. The “55 and better” also seek warmth – and a life of leisure – at the state’s booming “active adult” communities. As human populations increase, human waste leaches into the lagoon and seagrass dies. Manatees starve in record numbers and are fed romaine lettuce in a last-ditch effort to keep them alive.
This project probes the strange ecologies of Eden in the Anthropocene – of romaine lettuce and power plants, manatees and margaritas. It finds, in landscapes of paradise, spaces where one can love nature, while killing it at the same time, where the “obscene” realities of the body – waste, aging, death – are concealed outside the figurative garden walls – to deleterious effects. This thesis proposes new visions of paradise for a world where this separation can no longer stand, where no ‘elsewhere’ remains and entanglement is unavoidable. A series of gardens, sited at Latitude Margaritaville 55+ Community, the wastewater treatment plan which receives its sewage, and the community’s beach club and along the shuttle route and waterways that connect them, serve as prototypes for a strange new Florida paradise. Between human composting, the conversion of human waste to heated water, and the replenishment of beach sand using crushed and smoothed glass from beer bottles, the obscene enters – and eventually becomes – the garden. New forms of coexistence – between the retiree and manatee, the human and the nonhuman – emerge.

- Climate Change
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Lakehouse end-to-end scenario: overview and architecture
- 3 contributors
Microsoft Fabric is an all-in-one analytics solution for enterprises that covers everything from data movement to data science, real-time analytics, and business intelligence. It offers a comprehensive suite of services, including data lake, data engineering, and data integration, all in one place. For more information, see What is Microsoft Fabric?
This tutorial walks you through an end-to-end scenario from data acquisition to data consumption. It helps you build a basic understanding of Fabric, including the different experiences and how they integrate, as well as the professional and citizen developer experiences that come with working on this platform. This tutorial isn't intended to be a reference architecture, an exhaustive list of features and functionality, or a recommendation of specific best practices.
Microsoft Fabric is currently in PREVIEW. This information relates to a prerelease product that may be substantially modified before it's released. Microsoft makes no warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to the information provided here.
Lakehouse end-to-end scenario
Traditionally, organizations have been building modern data warehouses for their transactional and structured data analytics needs. And data lakehouses for big data (semi/unstructured) data analytics needs. These two systems ran in parallel, creating silos, data duplicity, and increased total cost of ownership.
Fabric with its unification of data store and standardization on Delta Lake format allows you to eliminate silos, remove data duplicity, and drastically reduce total cost of ownership.
With the flexibility offered by Fabric, you can implement either lakehouse or data warehouse architectures or combine these two together to get the best of both with simple implementation. In this tutorial, you're going to take an example of a retail organization and build its lakehouse from start to finish. It uses the medallion architecture where the bronze layer has the raw data, the silver layer has the validated and deduplicated data, and the gold layer has highly refined data. You can take the same approach to implement a lakehouse for any organization from any industry.
This tutorial explains how a developer at the fictional Wide World Importers company from the retail domain completes the following steps:
Sign in to your Power BI account, or if you don't have one yet, sign up for a free trial .
Build and implement an end-to-end lakehouse for your organization:
- Create a Fabric workspace
- Create a lakehouse . It includes an optional section to implement the medallion architecture that is the bronze, silver, and gold layers.
- Ingest data , transform data , and load it into the lakehouse. Load data from the bronze, silver, and gold zones as delta lake tables. You can also explore the OneLake, OneCopy of your data across lake mode and warehouse mode.
- Connect to your lakehouse using TDS/SQL endpoint and Create a Power BI report using DirectLake to analyze sales data across different dimensions.
- Optionally, you can orchestrate and schedule data ingestion and transformation flow with a pipeline.
Clean up resources by deleting the workspace and other items.
Architecture
The following image shows the lakehouse end-to-end architecture. The components involved are described in detailed below:

Data sources : Fabric makes it quick and easy to connect to Azure Data Services, as well as other cloud-based platforms and on-premises data sources, for streamlined data ingestion.
Ingestion : You can quickly build insights for your organization using more than 200 native connectors. These connectors are integrated into the Fabric pipeline and utilize the user-friendly drag-and-drop data transformation with dataflow. Additionally, with the Shortcut feature in Fabric you can connect to existing data, without having to copy or move it.
Transform and store : Fabric standardizes on Delta Lake format. Which means all the Fabric engines can access and manipulate the same dataset stored in OneLake without duplicating data. This storage system provides the flexibility to build lakehouses using a medallion architecture or a data mesh, depending on your organizational requirement. You can choose between a low-code or no-code experience for data transformation, utilizing either pipelines/dataflows or notebook/Spark for a code-first experience.
Consume : Power BI can consume data from the Lakehouse for reporting and visualization. Each Lakehouse has a built-in TDS/SQL endpoint, for easy connectivity and querying of data in the Lakehouse tables from other reporting tools. Additionally, when a Lakehouse is created, a corresponding secondary item called a Warehouse is automatically generated with the same name as the Lakehouse. It provides users with the TDS/SQL endpoint functionality.
Sample dataset
This tutorial uses the Wide World Importers (WWI) sample database . For the lakehouse end-to-end scenario, we have generated sufficient data to explore the scale and performance capabilities of the Fabric platform.
Wide World Importers (WWI) is a wholesale novelty goods importer and distributor operating from the San Francisco Bay area. As a wholesaler, WWI's customers mostly include companies who resell to individuals. WWI sells to retail customers across the United States including specialty stores, supermarkets, computing stores, tourist attraction shops, and some individuals. WWI also sells to other wholesalers via a network of agents who promote the products on WWI's behalf. To learn more about their company profile and operation, see Wide World Importers sample databases for Microsoft SQL .
In general, data is brought from transactional systems or line-of-business applications into a lakehouse. However, for the sake of simplicity in this tutorial, we will use the dimensional model provided by WWI as our initial data source. We use it as the source to ingest the data into a lakehouse and transform it through different stages (Bronze, Silver, and Gold) of a medallion architecture.
While the WWI dimensional model contains numerous fact tables, for this tutorial, we will use the Sale fact table and its correlated dimensions. The following example illustrates the WWI data model:

Data and transformation flow
As described earlier, we will use the sample data from Wide World Importers (WWI) sample data to build this end-to-end lakehouse. In this implementation, the sample data is stored in an Azure Data storage account in Parquet file format for all the tables. However, in real-world scenarios, data would typically originate from various sources and in diverse formats.
The following image shows the source, destination and data transformation:

Data Source : The source data is in Parquet file format and in an unpartitioned structure. It's stored in a folder for each table. In this tutorial, we set up a pipeline to ingest the complete historical or onetime data to the lakehouse.
To demonstrate the capabilities for incremental data load, we have an optional tutorial at the end of this tutorial. In that tutorial, we use the Sale fact table, which has one parent folder with historical data for 11 months (with one subfolder for each month) and another folder containing incremental data for three months (one subfolder for each month). During the initial data ingestion, 11 months of data are ingested into the lakehouse table. However, when the incremental data arrives, it includes updated data for Oct and Nov, and new data for Dec. Oct and Nov data is merged with the existing data and the new Dec data is written into lakehouse table as shown in the following image:

Lakehouse : In this tutorial, you will create a lakehouse, ingest data into the files section of the lakehouse and then create delta lake tables in the Tables section of the lakehouse. You can find an optional tutorial, which covers creating the lakehouse with medallion architecture some recommendations.
Transform : For data preparation and transformation, you will see two different approaches. We will demonstrate the use of Notebooks/Spark for users who prefer a code-first experience and use pipelines/dataflow for users who prefer a low-code or no-code experience.
Consume : To demonstrate data consumption, you will see how you can use the DirectLake feature of Power BI to create reports, dashboards and directly query data from the lakehouse. Additionally, we will demonstrate how you can make your data available to third party reporting tools by using the TDS/SQL endpoint. This endpoint allows you to connect to the warehouse and run SQL queries for analytics.
Advance to the next article to learn how to
Create a lakehouse
Additional resources

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This thesis explores societal and municipal perceptions and meanings of urban public spaces in the City of Tshwane (CoT). ... The natural world is an interconnected system made up of ecosystems and an abundance of species diversity that inevitably supports all life on Earth, including humans. ... Sports architecture, through the standardisation ...
Advisor: Eric Höweler, Associate Professor of Architecture & Architecture Thesis Coordinator Duration: 4 min, 53 sec . From "Citing the Native Genius" by Taylor Cook Citing the Native Genius. Reconstructing vernacular architecture in Hawai'i. For over 120 years, Americanization has tried to demean and erase Hawaiian language, culture ...
Theses from 2021. PDF. Creating New Cultural Hubs in American Cities: The Syrian Diaspora of Worcester, Massachusetts, Aleesa Asfoura, Architecture. PDF. Firesafe: Designing for Fire-Resilient Communities in the American West, Brenden Baitch, Architecture. PDF. The Beige Conundrum, Alma Crawford-Mendoza, Architecture.
Design project ideas, examples, and sources of inspiration. The architecture thesis is a crucial part of your education as a student. You must develop a written paper as well as a design project that solves an issue related to architecture. For more information on this, check out our article, Architecture thesis - everything you need to know.
Here are eight tips to help you make an informed choice on the matter: 1. Dare to Be Un original. Thesis work at the undergraduate level strongly differs from that at the graduate or doctoral ...
While choosing an architectural thesis topic, it is best to pick something that aligns with your passion and interest as well as one that is feasible. Out of the large range of options, here are 20 architectural thesis topics. 1. Slum Redevelopment (Urban architecture) Slums are one of the rising problems in cities where overcrowding is pertinent.
said 2021. 2. university of cincinnati school of architecture and interior design master of architecture thesis catalog. said 2021. 3. acknowledgements said director:
5. Conclusion. Based on their experience in preparing and supervising masters and doctoral theses and after a thorough review of the literature on preparing thesis proposals, the authors drafted a conception of a successful thesis proposal comprising specific definitions, attributes and rules for each of the 13 components of a standard TP.
Published on Nov 20, 2021. USTCA | Vision Magazine. UST Vision Magazine proudly presents the official Thesis Catalogue of the UST College of Architecture Class of 2021. This year's Thesis ...
thesis - arkitektura The project required students to choose a societal issue that they wanted to tackle, be it a large-scale national issue or a smaller-scale local issue. They were then challenged to come up with an aspirational architectural solution while still being satisfactorily grounded in reality.
Career Choices of U.P. Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Program Graduates from 1975-2011. The fluctuating number of graduates, board examinees, and board passers in the field of Landscape Architecture (LA) coupled with an unchanging number of freshmen enrollees annually in the University of the Philippines College of... more. Download.
KILLING IT: The Life and Death of Great American Cities by Amanda Golemba, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, M.Arch '20. Advisors: Nikole Bouchard, Jasmine Benyamin, and Erik Hancock / Independent Design Thesis. For decades, post-industrial cities throughout the United States have been quietly erased through self-imposed tabula rasa demolition. If considered at all, demolition is touted as ...
UP Diliman, Institutional Repository. Sign In; Toggle navigation. Home; Search; Archival Resources. Personal Papers Presidential Papers ... College of Architecture (1,513) Theses and dissertations submitted to the College of Architecture. College of Education (22)
Architecture Theses & Dissertations Beyond Princeton. Harvard's Graduate School of Design: A guide for finding masters theses and doctoral dissertations specific to the GSD.. MIT Architecture Dissertations & Theses: A basic list organized by author of the thesis or dissertation. Each entry includes the title of the work, brief "where are they now" info, and links to the works in MIT's Barton ...
It is always interesting to see the architecture thesis projects students come up with every year. With each passing batch, there is more knowledge passed down and a better base to begin. The result is a rise in innovation and creativity by students, and overall a better mix! Architecture thesis is an ordeal all students are intimidated by.
Open Access Theses and Dissertations. OATD.org aims to be the best possible resource for finding open access graduate theses and dissertations published around the world. Metadata (information about the theses) comes from over 1100 colleges, universities, and research institutions. OATD currently indexes 4,678,222 theses and dissertations.
Choosing an architecture thesis topic can be quite challenging. Make it easy by checking out this list of 30 architecture thesis projects with examples. ... Challenging conventions, thinking out of the box and taking up a futuristic architecture thesis project could be your achievement (both in design and in convincing the faculty) as a young ...
Please accomplish Step 1 - OCG Clearance even before submitting your appeal. iii. True Copy of Grades (TCG) - to be requested to UPCA Student Concerns iv. Student Directory v. Health Declaration Form (if more than 1 semester AWOL) 2. UPCA College Secretary presents the appeal to the College Committee on Student Admissions, Progress, and ...
by Kevin Robishaw (MLA I '23) — Recipient of the Landscape Architecture Thesis Prize. Florida manatees gather in the warm water discharged from power plants, which they rely on during cold winters. The "55 and better" also seek warmth - and a life of leisure - at the state's booming "active adult" communities.
Build and implement an end-to-end lakehouse for your organization: Create a Fabric workspace. Create a lakehouse. It includes an optional section to implement the medallion architecture that is the bronze, silver, and gold layers. Ingest data, transform data, and load it into the lakehouse. Load data from the bronze, silver, and gold zones as ...