PERSONALIZING SPACE : A STUDY OF IMPLICATIONS ON DOMESTIC SPACE IN LOW COST SOCIAL HOUSING IN THE PHILIPPINES

Abstract

This dissertation seeks to examine and study the notion of domestic space in the context of low cost social housing in Metropolitan Manila, Philippines. The housing problem in Manila has brought about several low-cost social housing projects that were implemented by non-governmental organizations, such as Gawad Kalinga (GK Philippines), Homeless People Federation Philippines (HPFP) and Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HfHP), which provide basic shelter and improve the quality of living conditions for the urban poor.

The dissertation identifies the essential reasons that cause the residents to personalize their spaces and how personalization of spaces has affected their living spaces. It also identifies and discusses environmental, physical and social implications of such personalization of space.

The methodology of this dissertation includes field trips, on-site observations, interviews, surveys and photo-documentations on how GK residents re-configure and personalize their home interior, front entrance and back yard spaces. Synchronic and diachronic readings of the various GK houses design typologies are analyzed in relation to the process of personalizing spaces.

This dissertation presents the notion of personalizing space by GK residents within the limited area of domesticity while abiding the standard GK regulation. The dissertation attempts to gain a holistic understanding of how architecture is continually produced and reproduced through the transformation of domestic spaces and activities performed by the residents. The dissertation desires to provoke rethinking and re-evaluation of the GK house designs, and proposes recommendations for future GK house designs that would enhance community building and add value to its living environment.