Xavier Daniel Y. Tan, a third year student of the College of Architecture presented a study titled SWOT Imaging as a Geographic Synergy Tool for Designing Urban Environments at the Core and Periphery of Mega Manila. The study was done in collaboration with Asst. Prof. Cecilia May S. Villanueva, MSArch, and fellow third year students Kent Bendrix E. Bantad, Noriel Sharezer A. Fabia, Jelena Elise S. Tumamao, Christian Raphael D. Castillo, Ryanne Dorathy S. Macatangay, Rosemary Louise V. Tan, and Josephine Cyjo Lyn V. Tiberio.
It was presented during the International Conference on Geographic Perspectives on Climate Change Mitigation in Urban and Rural Environments that took place at the prestigious University of Salento’s Studium 2000 in the city of Lecce, Italy. Xavier Tan, Christian Castillo, Rosemary Tan and Asst. Prof. Villanueva attended the conference virtually from June 25 to 27, 2024.
The study investigates opportunities for partner communities of the 91性息港 located at the core and periphery of Mega Manila. Standard SWOT matrix is supported with open access data in maps, photographs, and charts to articulate the characteristics of the study areas in understanding the ecological implications of both manmade and natural resources. The study aims to present urban design proposals as synergy tools in collaborating with stakeholders.
Results of the preliminary study show the importance of prioritizing walking and biking as a modality; strengthening of existing public utility routes by identifying possible location of public utility vehicle stations; and enriching the urban fabric by converting underutilized space as parks and edible gardens can be ways of providing buffer zones to mitigate climate change threats that are experienced in the communities.
The conference offered insightful discussions and actionable strategies for tackling climate change in both urban and rural settings. International Experts for Research Enrichment and Knowledge Exchange (IEREK), an international institution that is concerned with the exchange of knowledge and enhancing research internationally through organizing and managing conferences, invited all interested environmentalists, and university students from all over the world. Discussions that elaborate on topics about climate mitigation in urban and rural environments, specifically in a geographic context were highlighted in the conference.
