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Holy Angel University

School of Engineering and Architecture
Architecture Department
Research Methods for Architecture

Research Manual for Architecture

Module 4: Research Proposals of Students

Students shall accomplish this form for every research proposal to be reviewed by the course facilitator.

IMPORTANT: The proposals should have been pre-approved before submission.

Name of Researcher: Gutierrez, Raissa B.

Section: AR - 402
Course Facilitator: Ar. Lou Morena Bianaca Delos Reyes

Research
Revitalizing Open Spaces through Eco-Technological Innovations for Park Development in
Proposal Mabalacat City
#____:

Project
Location Mabiga, Mabalacat City
Issue
[ / ] Social [ / ] Economic [ / ] Environmental [ ] Others: Please Specify: ____________________
Addressed
[ ] No Poverty
[ ] Zero Hunger
[ / ] Good Health and Well-being
[ ] Quality Education
[ ] Gender Equality
[ ] Clean Water and Sanitation
[ ] Affordable and Clean Energy
[ ] Decent Work and Economic Growth
UN SDGs
[ / ] Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Alignment
[ ] Reducing Inequality
[ / ] Sustainable Cities and Communities
[ ] Responsible Consumption and Production
[ / ] Climate Action
[ ] Life Below Water
[ / ] Life On Land
[ ] Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
[ ] Partnerships for the Goals.
Project
type
(Architectu [ ] Residential [ / ] Commercial [ ] Institutional [ ] Industrial [ / ] Recreational / Tourism Related
ral [ ] Religious [ ] Transportation-related [ ] Environmental-Conservation related
Solution) [ ] Agricultural-related [ ] Planned Unit Development [ ] Others: Please Specify: _____________
Nature of [ / ] New Development [ ] Redevelopment [ ] Rehabilitation
Project [ ] Adaptive Reuse [ ] Reconstruction [ ] Conversion
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[ ] Restoration [ ] Others: Please Specify: _________________________

[ ] Residential, Commercial, Institutional and Industrial Designs (Design and Evaluation model)
[ ] Architecture topics relating to Food Security, Agriculture, Agri-tourism, Agri-business and Agro-
Industrial
[ ] Biotechnology
[ ] Green Building and Sustainable Architecture
[ ] Information and Communication Technologies in Architectural Design
[ ] Sustainable Energy in Buildings
[ / ] Smart and Intelligent Buildings
[ ] Tropical and Bio-climatic Design
[ ] Building ventilation and Diagnostics
[ ] Material Characterization
[ ] Architecture and Religion
[ ] Construction Technology and Management
[ ] Environmental Psychology
[ ] Security
[ ] Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
[ ] Architecture and the Arts
Research [ ] Healthcare Design
Theme [ ] Building Utilities
[ ] Environmental Conservation with the aid of Architecture
[ ] Social and Recreational Spaces
[ ] Indigenous People and Vernacular Architecture
[ ] Socio-economic sciences and Humanities such as Urban sociology, History of Architecture and
Architectural Theory
[ ] Culture and Heritage (Conservation Management and restoration Plans)
[ ] Indigenous Building materials
[ ] Lighting and Acoustics
[ ] Contextual Response
[ ] Skyscraper Designs
[ ] Structural Concepts for Architecture
[ ] Color Theories in Design
[ / ] Environmental Design (Urbanization, Environmental Planning, Water use, etc.)
[ ] Transport Design
[ ] Vertical Urbanism
[ ] Space
[ / ] Environmental Psychology
Project
Funding [ / ] Government Project [ ] Private Sector [ ] Public–private partnership
Rationale
• Rationale
(Include
Research One of the nations in the East Asia and Pacific Region that is urbanizing the fastest is the
Problem
Philippines (Baker, 2017). Nearly 60% of Filipinos now reside in towns and cities, according to
and
Significanc Roxas (2019). Due to their rapid growth and consequent loss of open space and green spaces—two
e of the crucial components for boosting an area's livability and quality of life—these are rapidly becoming
Proposal) crowded and uninhabitable. The modernization of the country parallels the advancement of
Incorporat technology. Most modern technologies are conflicting with environmental protection efforts.

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e necessary However, technologies like solar panels and rainwater harvesting can help us live in harmony with
Related the environment in the future (Fletcher, 2023). This research aims to address the lack of green
Literature
spaces with the integration of eco technological innovations and explore how emerging
Note: In
Bullets technologies can address the challenges of urbanization in the Philippines while promoting
sustainability and environmental synergy.

• Research Problem

According to Estonido (2017), the Philippine Association of Landscape Architects (PALA) and
the Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners (PIEP) are extremely concerned about the lack
of support and appreciation for the country's parks and public open spaces. In addition to the fact
that our parks and open spaces are insufficient in number and of poor quality, they are particularly
concerned about the improper conversion of the few that remain to commercial activities. This
research aims to create multifunctional park that promotes biodiversity, mitigate climate change
impacts, enhance public health, and foster social inclusion by integrating parks and public open
spaces with eco technological innovations.

• Significance of the Study

To the community, this development will benefit the community from having access to well-
designed, inclusive, and sustainable green spaces that improve quality of life, foster social
connections, and provide opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and environmental education.

To the government, the research can help inform policies and urban planning strategies that
prioritize green spaces for environmental resilience, public health, and social equity, guiding
decisions on land use and resource allocation.

To the public health professionals, The insights from this research can support efforts to promote
active lifestyles, mental well-being, and stress reduction, linking urban green spaces to better
public health outcomes.

To the developers and investors, real estate developers and investors can benefit from
understanding how integrated green spaces can increase property values, enhance neighborhood
livability, and attract residents and businesses, creating more sustainable and desirable urban
environments.

To the environment, this research will help reduce the environmental degradation caused by rapid
urbanization by promoting the integration of eco-technological innovations that preserve green
spaces and natural resources. By fostering sustainable urban development, it aims to create a
harmonious balance between technology and the environment, supporting long-term ecological
health.

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• Related Literature

Eco-Technological Innovations

In accordance with Fletcher (2023), humans may live more sustainably and safeguard the
environment with the aid of modern technologies. Blockchain technology and 5G networks are
two recent technological advancements that can help the world's attempts to switch to cleaner
energy sources. Similar to this, remote sensors powered by AI can aid in climate science research
and stop environmental deterioration.
Some innovations that can be integrated to parks.

Smart energy benches: These benches harness renewable energy, often from solar panels, to
provide charging stations for devices like smartphones or laptops. They promote energy efficiency
and make use of public spaces in innovative ways.

Smart solar flooring systems: These systems convert the energy produced from human movement,
such as footsteps or vibrations, into electricity. It’s a great way to generate power in high-traffic
areas like public squares, malls, or transport hubs.

Permeable pavers: These allow rainwater to pass through the surface, reducing water runoff and
enhancing the recharge of groundwater. It’s an effective way to manage stormwater and prevent
flooding, especially in urban environments.

Green roofs: These rooftops are covered with vegetation and can help in reducing the building's
energy use by providing insulation. Green roofs also contribute to improving air quality and
increasing biodiversity in urban areas.

Rain gardens: These are specially designed gardens that help manage stormwater runoff. They
absorb excess rainwater, which helps in reducing flooding, filtering pollutants, and improving
local water quality.

Solar lighting: Solar-powered lighting systems use photovoltaic cells to capture energy from the
sun, providing light at night without drawing from the grid. It’s an energy-efficient and cost-
effective solution for public spaces and streets.

Wildlife habitats: Urban areas can incorporate spaces dedicated to supporting local wildlife, such
as birdhouses, insect hotels, and green corridors. These habitats can help maintain biodiversity in
cities.

Recycling stations: Dedicated bins or stations designed for collecting recyclable materials.
Encouraging recycling in public spaces can reduce waste, promote sustainability, and raise
awareness about the importance of recycling.

Smart Parks

Parks are essential components of cities because they promote biodiversity, personal

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relationships, mental wellness, life between buildings, and climatic resilience. More and more
technology is being incorporated into urban parks as cities get smarter. According to Hassell
Studio research, smart parks gain from technology that improves the sustainability of the green
area. The park can gather more climate-relevant data, forecast usage patterns, and offer climate
adaption solutions by integrating technology throughout the area. Furthermore, parks that are
smarter and more appealing are frequently cleaner and better maintained, which can affect rents
and raise the cost of living in the neighborhood.
In line with climate adaptation and mitigation, smart irrigation, energy-efficient lighting,
self-healing and energy-generating paving, and the use of sufficient trees and plants all contribute
to a park's ability to use less water and harsh chemical cleaning or fertilizing products, save
energy, and lower CO2 emissions (Puttkamer, 2023). In addition to offering its citizens safe and
appealing green areas, a livable city also tries to increase its resistance to climate extremes. More
people will be drawn to nature by smart parks, which will promote mental wellness and an active,
healthy lifestyle. In fact, smart parks are essential for cooling the city and securing our urban
environments for the future.
Health and well-being

The generally fast and bustling nature of urban life can be quite stressful surroundings.
Additionally, it puts a lot of effort into our brains to filter out impressions of things like crowding,
noise, and air pollution. Furthermore, headaches, irritability, and depression could result from this
process (Rakhsandehroo, 2015). Although it is challenging to establish causal connections, there is
mounting evidence that urban areas' access to nature improves public health and well-being.
Additionally, it improves the standard of behavior and residential life.
According to Magdalena (2015), a green, natural setting improves self-perceived health,
lowers mortality rates, minimizes health complaints, reduces headaches, increases longevity for
the urban elderly, and helps avoid childhood and adult obesity.

The social benefits of urban open green spaces: a literature review

Lifestyles have changed as a result of the fast urbanization process and the dominance of
concrete over natural. Given that the majority of people will live in urban areas and that natural
landscapes and greenery are essential to our quality of life, discussions about urban planning and
sustainable development frequently center on urban open green spaces as the "lungs of the city"
(Rakhsandehroo, 2015). This study came to the conclusion that open green spaces in urban settings
offer advantages beyond recreation and social interaction. Open green areas improve the area's
identity, lower crime rates, improve aesthetics, and have an positive impact on people's mental
health and general well-being.

Impact of Green Spaces on Mental Health in Urban Settings

According to Callaghan (2021), 55% of the world's population (4.2 billion people) already

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reside in urban areas, and by 2050, that number is expected to reach to 70%. This indicates that
our planet is currently going through the biggest urban expansion wave in history. The majority of
mental health conditions are treated initially in primary care. Examining how well Nature-Based
Solutions work to treat mental health is helpful because there is an inherent connection between
the urban environment and health. According to this study, 23 of the 25 included research
demonstrated a positive correlation between green space elements and mental health.

Baker. (2017). Unlocking the Philippines’ urbanization potential. Retrieved from

https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/eastasiapacific/unlocking-the-philippines-urbanization-potential

Callaghan. (2021). The impact of green spaces on mental health in urban settings: a scoping
review. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32310728/

Estonido, (2017). PALA, PIEP issue Statement on the Importance and Benefits of Public Parks
and Open Spaces. Retrieved from https://palaorg.weebly.com/events/pala-piep-issue-statement-on-
the-importance-benefits-of-public-parks-open-spaces

Fletcher. (2023). 10 Technological Innovations That Help Protect The Environment. Retrieved
from https://earth.org/green-technological-
innovations/#:~:text=Most%20modern%20technologies%20exist%20in%20conflict%20with%20e
nvironmental,responsible%20for%20widespread%20environmental%20degradation%20and%20m
ethane%20production.

Magdalena. (2015). Health benefits of green spaces in the living environment: A systematic
review of epidemiological studies. Retrieved from
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1618866715001016

Puttkamer. (2023). What are smart parks?. Retrieved from https://www.beesmart.city/en/smart-

city-blog/what-are-smart-parks

Rakhsandehroo. (2015). THE SOCIALBENEFITS OF URBAN OPEN GREEN SPACES: A

LITERATURE REVIEW. Retfrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/285596013_THE_SOCIAL_BENEFITS_OF_URBAN_
OPEN_GREEN_SPACES_A_LITERATURE_REVIEW

Roxas. (2019). Public parks, open and green spaces. Retrieved from
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P8d-
jRSUPICg5xGwAT8kgF0A9RWdWabV/view?pli=1&fbclid=IwY2xjawHLXNRleHRuA2FlbQIx
MAABHcXyzKwUXfsVO4uTS2eURBR9RYRCj0S9YGUJk_pHwqD3EN4rtJLX7Dnjxg_aem_V
rbLvfls_0fvG2EBcC6L7Q

Zhang. (2024). A comprehensive review of the environmental benefits of urban green spaces.

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Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935124007412

____________________________________________
Signature of the Proponent w/ Date of submission

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Rubric for Research Proposal

Criterion based on SMART 10- 8 7-5 4-0 Total

Very Specific: both the
Specific. Nonetheless,
course facilitator and the Needs Improvement
there are still few Max of 10
Specific (10) researcher were able to on the proposed
statements that are points
clearly identify the research question
vague.
purpose of the research.
There is a clear idea on
how will the course
facilitators and the
The ideas are clear
researcher knows whether
and there are criteria
the objectives have been Needs Improvement
established. However, Max of 10
Measurable (10) achieved. There are on the criteria
there are some points
specific criteria that will established
criteria that need
measure the progress
further review.
toward the
accomplishment of the
goal
Research proposal
Research proposal Research proposal is
needs to be reviewed
Achievable, Attainable or appears interesting and achievable. However, Max of 10
if this can be truly
Assignable (10) challenging but the scope should be points
achieved given the
achievable. reviewed.
criteria set.
There are 2-3 UN There is only one
There are more than 3 UN
Sustainable evident Sustainable Max of 10
Realistic or Relevant (10) Sustainable Development
Development Goals Development Goals points
Goals being addressed.
being addressed. being addressed.
The scope (i.e. The scope (i.e.
The scope (i.e. research
research writing) can research writing) may
writing) can be perceived Max of 10
Time-bound (10) be perceived as not be accomplished
as doable before the end points
doable at the end of at the end of the
of the semester.
the semester. semester.

Research Methods for Architecture I Research Manual Module 4