Community Engagement for Environmental Lighting and Acoustics in the Manila’s University Belt

Abstract

Environmental lighting and acoustics is highly compromised in developing countries such as the Philippines. In urban centers such as the City of Manila, the night time population which compromises mostly the younger generation experience difficulty in mobility. Furthermore the exposure to too much noise may render the population indifferent to their surroundings.España Boulevard is a main thoroughfare connecting the city of Manila’s University Belt to the eastern metropolis. The study focuses on examining the current situation of pedestrian infrastructure in the City of Manila where community and pedestrian wellbeing should be a primordial concern in one of the densest cities in the world. Universal design is a basic consideration to support the pressing need for safety and mobility of residents and transients travelling to and from the City of Manila.This initiative is in consonance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Number 3 on Good Health and Wellbeing as a part of the third UN’s SDGs of 2015-2030. This serves as a foundation for programs and projects that concern the general public, specifically pedestrians and communities.A foot-survey was conducted using downloadable apps on lighting and sound intensity to assess whether they are in compliance with prescribed international standards. Photomontage on urban design proposals are presented as possible imagery of green urbanism solutions in attaining ideal metrics for both environmental lighting and acoustics.