We are dedicated to conducting in-depth research to inform our design process and ensure that our solutions are cutting-edge and relevant.
Embedded Files
TIPS IN RESEARCH WRITING
TIPS IN RESEARCH WRITING
Keystone Creative offers a platform for individuals to enhance their creative skills and capabilities. The organization is committed to equipping learners with the necessary resources and support to excel in their creative pursuits. Through the guidance of experienced professionals, participants can progress towards their objectives and explore new opportunities for growth. Interested individuals are encouraged to engage with the Keystone community to commence their learning journey without delay.
CHOOSING A RESEARCH TOPIC
is one of the most important decision you'll make as a researcher. Here are four tips to help you select a topic that will keep you motivated and engaged throughout the research process:
1. IDENTIFY YOUR INTEREST
Consider what topics excite you and align with your personal goals. This will help you ensure that you stay interested and engaged throughout the research process
e sustainable and impactful architectural solutions that inspire and enrich communities.
2. DO YOUR RESEARCH
2. DO YOUR RESEARCH
Before committing to a topic, make sure you have enough information and resources available to support your research. Conduct a preliminary literature review to check what has been done before and what gaps in literature you ca fill.
3. NARROW YOUR FOCUS
3. NARROW YOUR FOCUS
Once you have identified a general topic, narrow your focus to a specific research question or problem. This will help you stay focused and avoid getting overwhelmed by the scope of the topic.
4. CONSULT WITH OTHERS
4. CONSULT WITH OTHERS
Seek advice from your mentors, professors or colleagues. They may offer valuable insights and suggestions, and help you refine your topic.
RESEARCH 101 A guide to thesis writing
RESEARCH 101 A guide to thesis writing
Led by these seasoned instructors, the curriculum includes essential topics such as formulating research questions, navigating literature reviews, and mastering data analysis techniques.
Led by these seasoned instructors, the curriculum includes essential topics such as formulating research questions, navigating literature reviews, and mastering data analysis techniques.
The research methods and techniques speakers, Sir Nico Ogarte, Sir Martin Cris Buenafe, and Arch. Casey Abalayan, bring a wealth of expertise and insight to this class tailored for individuals aiming to enhance their research capabilities and grasp the intricacies of the research process. Whether participants are students, professionals, or simply intrigued by research, this course offers valuable learning opportunities for all.
The research methods and techniques speakers, Sir Nico Ogarte, Sir Martin Cris Buenafe, and Arch. Casey Abalayan, bring a wealth of expertise and insight to this class tailored for individuals aiming to enhance their research capabilities and grasp the intricacies of the research process. Whether participants are students, professionals, or simply intrigued by research, this course offers valuable learning opportunities for all.
Beyond imparting theoretical knowledge, the class emphasizes interactive and engaging learning experiences, fostering active participation and practical application of research methodologies. Attendees can expect a dynamic environment where they can refine their research skills and acquire practical tools essential for academic and professional pursuits alike.
Beyond imparting theoretical knowledge, the class emphasizes interactive and engaging learning experiences, fostering active participation and practical application of research methodologies. Attendees can expect a dynamic environment where they can refine their research skills and acquire practical tools essential for academic and professional pursuits alike.
Research & Publications
Research & Publications
Elevating Ecclesiastical Excellence: A Holistic Approach to Design and Construction Management in the Archdiocese of Caceres
Elevating Ecclesiastical Excellence: A Holistic Approach to Design and Construction Management in the Archdiocese of Caceres
Doctor of Philosophy in the Designed and Build Environment, University of the Philippines Diliman
PhDDBE_Abalayan_CN_Video Essay.mp4Abstract
In the Archdiocese of Caceres, an administrative solution is required to address the design and construction management of churches effectively. One proposed solution is the creation of a dedicated department responsible for formulating and executing guidelines pertaining to the design of new church buildings, as well as the maintenance, renovation, and preservation of existing and heritage structures within the archdiocese. This department would play a crucial role in ensuring that all construction projects align with the values and principles of the Archdiocese.
Establishing a dedicated department for managing church construction in the Archdiocese of Caceres can bring benefits such as streamlined processes, heritage preservation, quality control, professional expertise utilization, community engagement, and long-term planning for sustainability and longevity of church structures.
The statement of the problem currently faced in the Archdiocese includes a lack of cohesiveness in the design and construction processes, a lack of coordination with qualified professionals who must be accredited by the archdiocese, and the absence of a comprehensive masterplan for the development and preservation of church properties. By establishing a specialized department tasked with overseeing these aspects, the Archdiocese can streamline its construction projects, maintain consistency in design aesthetics, and ensure that all work is carried out by reputable and approved professionals.
Through the implementation of this administrative solution, the Archdiocese of Caceres can enhance the overall quality, sustainability, and cultural significance of its church buildings. By centralizing decision-making processes and enforcing guidelines crafted by qualified experts, the Archdiocese can safeguard its architectural heritage, promote unity in design, and uphold the sacredness and sanctity of its religious spaces for generations to come.
Identifying the spirit of place of University of Nueva Caceres campus
Identifying the spirit of place of University of Nueva Caceres campus
Master of Architecture, University of the Philippines Diliman
Video Essay_M Arch_Abalayan CNY.mp4Abstract
Architecture plays a vital role in evoking emotions in the users of a space. The same is especially true for school campuses. Much of the memory students and alumni alike associate with their emotions occur not only within the classrooms, but also the spaces that surround them - hallways, green spaces, and everything in between. This is probably the reason why there is a greater sense of pride and identity in students from the best campuses in the country, and less so for students of campuses that are not as well designed in terms of master planning, ang the character of the buildings as a whole. The instilled sense of pride is so strong that the students carry it with them even after they graduate and leave the school. Having a distinct character uniquely associated with one’s former school triggers memories and evokes emotions of nostalgia and pride. In order to pin-point the architectural character of a specific campus such as the University of Nueva Caceres in Naga City, Camarines Sur, one must first look into its historical background. A review of existing literature on the university’s architectural history from its founding in post-war 1948 as it relates to the context needs to be conducted to understand how the institutions’ architectural character will move forward into the future while paying tribute to its roots. Comparison with other school campuses with distinct architectural character will also be beneficial in establishing the research hypothesis. Successfully identifying the campus’ spirit of place and cross-referencing it with the institution's values, the research will be able to provide a guide for future new buildings and possible renovations. Establishing a school’s architectural character will subsequently result in a deeper sense of pride in anyone associated with the university - past, present and future.
RE-IMAGINING: University of Nueva Caceres & Its Surroundings
RE-IMAGINING: University of Nueva Caceres & Its Surroundings
Master of Architecture, University of the Philippines Diliman
ARCHI231_ABALAYAN, CASEY_Presentation.mov
Links and Bonds: The correlation between university campus physical environment, students’ degree of place attachment, and academic performance
Links and Bonds: The correlation between university campus physical environment, students’ degree of place attachment, and academic performance
Master of Architecture Thesis, University of the Philippines Diliman
Presentation:
Architectural Research Colloquium 2022 - University of the Philippines Diliman, College of Architecture
2022 International Conference on Geographical Studies (ICGS)
Abstract
Architecture provides the venue for the conduct of activities within university campuses that enable higher education institutions to foster wholistic student development. This study seeks to answer the research question: What is the effect of the university campus physical environment on students’ degree of place attachment, and consequently their academic performance? The theory of place attachment is rarely studied in the context of campus master planning, especially in a local setting. This study explored the correlation between the physical environment of the University of Nueva Caceres campus, students’ degree of place attachment, and academic performance. Focus group discussions, interviews, and surveys were conducted to understand the relationship between these three theories. Since the degree of place attachment of students is highest in their senior year, a sample of 4th year students from each of the seven colleges in the University of Nueva Caceres were surveyed. Selected senior students with high or medium general weighted average were part of the sample group. The findings of this study concluded that there is a relationship between the physical environment, students’ place attachment, and academic performance. The results suggest that the physical environment of the campus has a direct influence on students’ degree of place attachment, which in turn affects their academic performance. The findings of this study offer implications for university administrators, educators, and policymakers. Aside from this practical purpose, higher education institutions will have an additional strategy on how to improve school pride, community involvement, and perhaps more relevantly, students’ academic performance.
Keywords: Physical environment, university campus, place attachment, academic performance
ARCHI231_ABALAYAN, CASEY_Presentation.mov
Trash to Lush: A comparative study on the application of Miyawaki method of afforestation on brownfields
Trash to Lush: A comparative study on the application of Miyawaki method of afforestation on brownfields
Presentation:
Architectural Research Colloquium 2022 - University of the Philippines Diliman, College of Architecture
6th Philippine Solid & Hazardous Waste Management Conference with the 3rd International Conference on Circular Economy-based Waste Management Philippine Trade Training Center-Global MSME Academy
Abstract
After 40 years of operation, the old sanitary dumpsite in Brgy. Balatas, Naga City, Camarines Sur reached its full capacity and was closed in 2017. With a new sanitary landfill already in place 6 kilometers away in Brgy. San Isidro, the city government of Naga has proposed that the old dumpsite be converted into a green space as part of the Forests-In-Our-Midst (FOM) program. Using the Miyawaki method of afforestation, endemic non-food plants and trees will be planted on the trash hill with the goal of supplementing the city’s dwindling beathing spaces. Based on the FOM handbook, this study seeks to examine the steps that the FOM project has already taken and analyze the future intended developments. These will be compared with other dumpsite or landfill projects that are contextually similar to that of Naga City that have already employed the Miyawaki method of afforestation. East Delhi’s Ghazipur Landfill in India has been chosen for this comparative study. Naga City’s old dumpsite rehabilitation project’s background, current site conditions, potentials and eminent success will be gauged vis-à-vis the accomplishments of Ghazipur Landfill. Analyzing the plans and progress of the afforestation project through an architectural point of view will create a more holistic approach to a problem that affects not only waste management and agriculture, but also the municipal economy, urban landscape, and the well-being and safety of nearby communities. The result of this study will be valuable in delivering a more informed standpoint on the importance of a well-studied, and intentional design of the built environment.
Keywords: brownfields, sanitary dumpsite, landfill, Miyawaki method, afforestation
Drawing parallels from the colonial past:
Drawing parallels from the colonial past:
Unearthing the foundations of modern tropical architecture in the Philippines
Unearthing the foundations of modern tropical architecture in the Philippines
Presentation:
SIRANG: Perspectives and Prospects: An International Conference on Understanding the Contemporary Landscape through the Lens of History and Heritage.
Abstract
There has always been architecture in the tropics. But when did tropical start to be formalized the way we know it today? Have we ever wondered why in the study of Philippine architecture, there is the simple and practical bahay kubo, then there is the casa mestiza that has evolved from the bahay kubo. Then all of a sudden the Filipino house has abruptly morphed into something very modern and detached from the logical architectural responses to climate. The easy answer is modernization. As we become more aware of the international style, we develop aspirations of a more modern future with modern-day amenities. But the more controversial answer would be because of our colonial past, we have developed an obsession for the world class. This paper aims to find the missing link in the Filipino vernacular from the turn of the twentieth century Spanish- influenced architecture. This paper takes the standpoint that that the meanings connected with tropicality are not a priori but rather develop through a variety of bodily activities and situational factors. When viewed in this way, tropicality is a politicized strategy rather than a natural phenomenon. As a result, tropical architecture, which appears to relate to and suggest the natural environment, is actually a complex cultural production that has been influenced by several power networks based on race, gender, and class.
Keywords: tropical architecture, colonialism, post-colonial, orientalism, regionalism, tropicality, decolonization
CORREO: Conveying a relic into the future
CORREO: Conveying a relic into the future
A Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for the old post office complex in Naga City
A Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for the old post office complex in Naga City
Presentation:
BISCAST, College of Architecture and Design National Architecture Week 2023
Committee Hearing on Culture and the Arts - SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD NG NAGA
Citations:
Manila Bulletin Lifestyle Section Article by: Eliza Romualdez-Valtos (December 16, 2023)
NCCA / Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Naga As justification for the conservation
Naga City Sangguniang Panlungsod Resolution No. 2024-264
Dateline Ibalon Article "Spanish-era Buildings Declared as Important Cultural Properties in Naga City (July 9, 2024)
Introduction
I. Background
This Conservation Management Plan (CMP) has been prepared as partial fulfillment for the course ARCHI 242 in the Master of Architecture Program in the College of Architecture, University of the Philippines - Diliman.
II. Goals and Objectives
The purpose of this CMP is to provide a jump-off point for the conservation of a heritage structure.
III. Significance
This CMP will serve as a model for the conservation of all other heritage sites and structures in Naga City, Camarines Sur.
IV. Scope and Limitations
This CMP intends to assess the significance of the site, evaluate the issues, and provide conservation policies to guide the future development and use of the site and structures within.
A CMP does not include the design strategies for its development.
V. Methodology
Desk research on the historical background of the site
Photo documentation of the existing site conditions
Conditions Survey and analysis of the existing site, buildings, fence, and vegetarian
Assessment of the deterioration on the buildings and fence
“Spirit of Place” extraction to assess the Significance of the Heritage Site
Developing conservation policies and strategies
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse