Metro Manila’s urban landscape is often dominated by concrete, but Mapúa University is helping to change that by providing a research-based blueprint for revitalizing green spaces. The university’s commitment to urban greening is a core part of its mission to improve the quality of life, environmental health, and biodiversity in densely populated areas.
As the Philippines’ leading engineering and technological institution, Mapúa equips its students with the skills and mindset to create sustainable urban solutions. By introducing important insights such as Place Theory and placemaking principles, a design approach that prioritizes people over infrastructure; imparting the latest global best practices and skills; emphasizing sustainability; and motivating learners to spearhead research and initiatives that address environmental challenges, Mapúa has been at the forefront of balancing aesthetics with functionality.
The university’s work is exemplified by a recent thesis from Architect Sharmaine B. Baes, who explored the potential of transforming underutilized urban spaces into green areas. Her research, titled “Improving Quality of Urban Residual Spaces Through a Place Theory Approach: A Case Study of District 1, Pasay City,” proposed converting “residual spaces”—such as vacant lots and plots under elevated infrastructure—into safe, vibrant public areas. This work has been presented as completion of her Master of Science in Architecture–Major in Urban Design program.
Architect Baes’ study addressed the challenges of densely populated cities like Pasay by recommending underutilized residual areas as alternatives for parks and gardens. She proposed converting residual spaces, such as easements, vacant lots, and plots under elevated infrastructures, into safe, open areas with vegetation to reduce urban heat and provide areas for rest and recreation.
Her research, which included spatial analysis, site observations, stakeholder interviews, and surveys, revealed that residents frequented residual areas for walking, resting, selling, and socializing even if they were not safe, picturesque, or accessible.
She, however, stated that by applying the Place Theory, an Assessment Framework, and participatory design from concerned communities, residual areas can be transformed into sustainable, vibrant public spaces that have site-specific facilities like pocket parks, open green spaces, modular libraries, mist-cooled waiting sheds, gender-inclusive comfort rooms, and PWD-friendly amenities.
Architect Baes also integrated environmental sustainability into her work by introducing concepts like reverse vending machines and modular green infrastructure to promote recycling and climate resilience. Her proposal is not only practical but also highly replicable due to a newly developed Assessment Framework, which could serve as a catalyst for future urban policy reform if adopted by local government units (LGUs).
Mapúa University’s Dean of the School of Architecture and Planning, Industrial Design, and the Built Environment, Dr. Junar P. Tablan, affirmed Architect Baes’ findings by saying that scaling up green spaces in Metro Manila is possible if done incrementally.
“This can be included in the 25-year development plan for each LGU in Metro Manila. The realistic timeline for this to see significant results would be at least 10 to 20 years of strong enforcement and a strong campaign of environmental policies, as well as a cultural shift in how the spaces are being valued and utilized,” said Dr. Tablan.
He also stated that the success of green space projects depends on local urban development policies, such as zoning reforms, public realm contributions, and designated community gardens for food access and greenery, as well as the formal recognition of residual spaces as vital public infrastructure.
Urban greening initiatives would also prosper if they had the collaborative support of industry partners to provide technical expertise, local communities that will share lived insights which will inspire context-sensitive, inclusive designs, and the academia to lead research, guide execution, and evaluate impact.
Through research like Architect Baes’s and the intentional efforts of institutions like Mapúa, urban greening is becoming a key priority on the national agenda.
To learn about Mapúa’s Master of Science in Architecture – Urban Design program and its other globally competitive offerings, visit mapua.edu.ph today and begin your journey to a world-class, future-focused education today.
