This course offers the opportunity to explore the area of the Baseco Compound, one of the densest informal settlements in Manila. In the last 10 years, the district has suffered from natural disasters and high levels of crime and poverty. Due to its proximity to Manila Bay, it is particularly vulnerable to river flooding and storm surges (Perez et al.,2015).
The need for housing and the extremely high population density have put incredible pressure on the basic infrastructure and community services, leading to overcrowded and environmentally unsustainable urban areas. The spontaneous growth that characterises the development of informal settlements must be systematised with innovative methodologies to establish a long-term planning strategy.

The course offers an intensive learning experience by combining field studies and a design exercise.
We will use the informal city as a living laboratory for trying new ideas of upgrading and design solutions for low-income districts.
By exploring a series of incremental interventions, students will learn about the different characteristics and issues that distinguish the urban structure of the informal settlements. The knowledge of the urban environment through the upgrading approach represents a key aspect in which students could come to understand just how important minor improvements could be for the local community.

The outcome, based on the students’ analysis, could be the identification of potential projects to improve the condition of low-income neighborhood through a series of community facilities. They could include kindergarten, educational center, library, playground or projects based on the regeneration and implementation of open spaces. This elective course is organized in collaboration with the University of Santo Tomas in Manila and the National University of Singapore.