Turf competition

Education is a powerful weapon that can be wielded by students to change the world. This makes students a valuable asset to every nation, and the manner in which they are taught and guided will be reflected in the future. While academic spaces are responsible for being conducive to creativity and problem-solving, other spaces in students’ lives are given less thought. Students spend a lot of time in different forms of student accommodations, and these places are capable of largely influencing their physical and mental health.

Student accommodations are generally designed to function as living spaces, through minimal interventions. Even so, it is important that these spaces be as open and creative as we want the student’s minds to be, and design plays a major role in creating such quality environments. Achieving quality is a difficult goal to achieve since it is often governed by economic factors. But with the demand for housing solutions rising, maintaining a balance between quality and quantity becomes more complicated.

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The Crisis
In countries like the Philippines, the authorities are pitching ideas for condominium and dormitory-type housing for students to foreign stakeholders, as the high demand for such accommodations in the country makes it a beneficial investment. So, while the money front is being taken care of, the reliance on architects and designers has increased to deliver high-standard spatial design for these accommodations. What role can architects play in achieving efficient solutions for these accommodations?

Brief
The main challenge to be addressed is to find ways of making the design economical but in a charming way. This housing must be designed to cater to a diverse group of students, so access and layout must be planned accordingly. The units must be designed in a modular manner so that they promote equality. Creating safe and comfortable spaces must be a top priority. Community housing is all about group living and it is necessary to provide ample opportunity to occupants to engage with nature as well as their peers.

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Site
Manila is the most densely populated city in the world. The city has a huge population of students who are enrolled in institutes and universities, but the high density and demand are creating a shortage of living accommodations. The site is located in the Pandacan region of Manila and is located close to the neighborhood universities that act as an advantage for the location of such a provision. The site has the Pasig river to the north providing an additional vista. Source and images Courtesy of UNI.

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