Spatial Utilization in Informal Settlements

  • Gemma Sheila C. Gonzaga College of Architecture University of the Philippines Diliman
  • Godesil G. Lejarde College of Architecture University of the Philippines Diliman
  • Romeo B. Santos College of Architecture University of the Philippines Diliman

Abstract

This paper looked into the nature of spatial utilization in informal settlements.  A survey of two informal housing settlements with contrasting locations was conducted to determine the way space is ‘utilized’ in relation to the geographical and demographic `characteristics of the localities.  Preliminary results of this initial study show that considerable differences indeed are manifest, altogether obvious though, coming as it should from the effects of geographic & economic factors involved.  But the informal settlers’ utilization of the spatial elements of the house shows a number of things more.  Among others, it points to a common tendency among informal settlers to rationalize and to rise above geographic and demographic limitations, such that the resultant spaces being created are manifestations of an attempt to privacy, organization and utility –however crude these might be.

Author Biographies

Gemma Sheila C. Gonzaga, College of Architecture University of the Philippines Diliman
Gemma Sheila C. Gonzaga finished her Bachelor of Science in Architecture at the Cebu Institute of Technology. She is currently enrolled in the architecture graduate program of the University of the Philippines Diliman majoring in housing.
Godesil G. Lejarde, College of Architecture University of the Philippines Diliman
Godesil G. Lejarde is finishing her master’s degree in architecture at the University of the Philippines after graduating at the Bulacan State University with a bachelor of science degree in architecture.
Romeo B. Santos, College of Architecture University of the Philippines Diliman
Romeo B. Santos is an associate professor and the current director of the Master of Architecture Program at the UPCA. He finished his BS Architecture degree at the U.P. He has a graduate degree in Architecture and Building Engineering from the Tokyo Institute of Technology and a doctorate degree in Engineering at the Chiba University, Japan. He specializes on project & construction management economics and building production system.  He is also the executive director of the Home Earth Foundation, a research oriented non-profit organization.
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Issue Number 2
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