The thesis was made in collaboration with Mapúa Univeristy, Philippines. The thesis is based on a case study conducted on the Estero De San Miguel pilot project, where a Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) study was carried out on the housing project. The findings revealed that relocating people from slums to the housing project and providing them with a home led to an improvement in the quality of life and sustainability in the project area. The aim of the study was to use the POE study to assess the changes in the area's quality of life and identify areas for improvement in future low-budget projects.

This thesis focuses on the housing situation and sustainability in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. According to a report from the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) (2020), approximately 25% of the population in Manila lives in substandard living conditions and informal settlements. Manila is home to a population of around 12 million individuals, with approximately 3 million residing in slums. These slums represent informal settlements on state-owned land with usually very harsch living conditions.

This thesis is based on a pilot project in Estero de San Miguel, in Manila, where a participation based low-budget construction project has been implemented to reduce the impact of floods, earthquakes, and uplift the urban poor community. The Estero the San Miguel Pilot Project is the target of this bachelor thesis, which was initiated to rebuild the existing slum and strengthen the living conditions of the local population. The study evaluates various sustainability aspects within this participatory, cost-effective construction project, aiming to provide insights into its societal impact and potential for further improvements. The expected outcome of this research is to provide valuable knowledge that can inform future urban development initiatives in underprivileged nations.

The Estero De San Miguel Pilot Project has made a significant impact on improving the quality of life and sustainability within the project area. Previously, informal settlements were typically reconstructed outside the city center, resulting in limited access to employment, education, and social services. The residents lived in poverty within these informal settlements, with their needs neglected by both society and the government. Since relocating to the EDSM housing project, 72% of the residents have experienced notable improvements in their lives. This project has provided them with an opportunity to enhance their quality of life and foster a stronger, more supportive community.