Nicole Kirk

Project Manila

Retrofitting a Manila transport hub towards net zero, with rain, sun, breeze and footsteps doing the work.

Queen Mary University of London · 2025 · Group work

‘Air pollution was responsible for 66,230 deaths in the Philippines in 2019 alone’

WHO

The brief

Redesign and/or retrofit buildings to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with the aim of achieving net zero; pick any country and any context.

Group Work

Concept development

Rain

Ink sketch of a tree-like column: a wide canopy of triangular cells on a tapering trunk, surrounded by palms and low planting.

Rainwater Harvesting: Reused for irrigation + toilet flushing – Eliminating need for potable water

Dual purpose: rain water pumped through the walls to create a passive cooling system

Maximizing the natural climate (Manila = yearly avg 2,000 mm rainfall)

Project
Manila
Sheet
Rain
Scale
NTS
Date
2025

Sun

Render of a shallow dome roof: a lattice of crossing black ribs over clear glass, open at the crown.

Glass Roof of triangular celled transparent solar panel

Project
Manila
Sheet
Sun
Scale
NTS
Date
2025

Breeze

Ink sketch of a tall tapering mast with a fin swept back from it, airflow lines streaming past and small rotors set between them.
Line drawing of a wind turbine on its side: curved blades held by three-armed hubs on a long shaft.

Maximising the use of prevailing breeze

Project
Manila
Sheet
Breeze
Scale
NTS
Date
2025

Footsteps

Ink sketch of a station platform beside a train: a tiled floor of triangles pressing down under footsteps, outlines of feet stepping onto it.

Piezo electric tiles - energy generated by passengers can be harnessed and converted

Community Engagement: passengers see the tangible impact of their movements

Project
Manila
Sheet
Footsteps
Scale
NTS
Date
2025