Transport Oriented Design Challenge

The Affordable Housing Lab is launching the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Innovation Challenge focusing on the transformative potential of the Northrail and Southrail projects in the Philippines. We invite innovators, urban planners, architects, developers, community groups, and technology enthusiasts to contribute groundbreaking ideas that will shape the future of these critical transportation corridors.

The Challenge:

The Northrail and Southrail projects represent significant investments in the Philippines' infrastructure, aiming to improve connectivity and stimulate economic growth. However, to truly maximize their impact, these projects must be integrated with well-planned, sustainable, and inclusive TODs.

We are seeking innovative solutions that address the following key areas:

• Affordable Housing Integration:

  • Develop innovative housing models that provide diverse and affordable options within TOD areas.

  • Explore strategies for land use optimization and mixed-use development to maximize housing capacity.

  • Propose financing mechanisms and partnerships that support affordable housing development.

• Sustainable Urban Design & Green Spaces:

  • Design pedestrian-friendly and bikeable environments that prioritize accessibility and safety.

  • Integrate green spaces, parks, and urban agriculture into TOD designs.

  • Implement sustainable building practices and renewable energy solutions.

• Community & Economic Development:

  • Create vibrant public spaces that foster community interaction and social cohesion.

  • Develop strategies to support local businesses and create employment opportunities within TOD areas.

  • Explore innovative approaches to integrate informal settlements and existing communities into the TOD framework.

• Smart Mobility & Technology:

  • Leverage technology to improve transportation efficiency, accessibility, and connectivity within TODs.

  • Develop smart solutions for traffic management, parking, and public transportation integration.

  • Explore the use of data analytics to inform planning and decision-making.

• Resilience & Climate Adaptation:

  • Design TODs that are resilient to climate change impacts, such as flooding and extreme weather events.

  • Implement strategies for disaster risk reduction and emergency preparedness.

  • Integrate nature based solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Focus Areas (Northrail & Southrail):

• Northrail: [Specific locations/challenges along the Northrail route, e.g., addressing congestion in specific stations, revitalizing specific municipalities].

• Southrail: [Specific locations/challenges along the Southrail route, e.g., integrating with existing communities, addressing the needs of specific demographics, revitalizing specific cities].

Eligibility:

The challenge is open to individuals, teams, organizations, and companies from the Philippines and around the world.

Possible Challenges for Teams to Work:

Data & Information:

1. Real-time Transit Data Visualization: Developing user-friendly apps or dashboards displaying train schedules, delays, and passenger loads in real-time.

2. Accessibility Mapping: Creating interactive maps that identify accessibility barriers along the rail lines and at stations for people with disabilities.

3. Land Use Data Analysis: Utilizing geospatial data to analyze land use patterns surrounding stations and identify opportunities for TOD development.

4. Passenger Flow Analysis: Developing algorithms to analyze passenger flow data and optimize train schedules and station layouts.

5. Environmental Impact Monitoring: Creating tools to monitor and visualize the environmental impact of the rail lines, such as air and noise pollution.

Technology & Innovation:

6. Smart Ticketing Solutions: Developing mobile ticketing apps or systems that integrate with other transportation modes and offer personalized travel options.

7. Wayfinding & Navigation Systems: Designing indoor and outdoor navigation systems for stations, including augmented reality (AR) applications.

8. Security Enhancement Systems: Developing innovative security solutions for stations, such as AI-powered video analytics or sensor-based monitoring systems.

9. Energy Efficiency Solutions: Creating smart energy management systems for stations and trains, optimizing energy consumption and reducing carbon emissions.

10. Disaster Resilience Tools: Developing mobile apps or web platforms for disaster preparedness and response, providing real-time information and emergency alerts.

11. Informal Settlement Integration Technologies: Creating tools to help integrate informal settlements into the TOD plans. This may include digital mapping tools, or community feedback platforms.

12. Freight Logistics Optimization: Develop applications to optimize freight delivery along the rail lines, integrating with existing logistics networks.

Community & Engagement:

13. Community Feedback Platforms: Creating online platforms for residents to provide feedback on the rail lines and TOD plans.

14. Gamified Public Engagement: Developing games or simulations to educate the public about TOD concepts and encourage participation in planning processes.

15. Local Business Support Tools: Creating mobile apps or online platforms to promote local businesses and connect them with rail passengers.

16. Cultural Heritage Preservation: Developing digital tools to document and showcase the cultural heritage of communities along the rail lines.

17. Tourism Promotion Apps: Develop apps that promote tourism around the stations, showcasing local attractions, food, and culture.

Affordable Housing & Urban Planning:

18. Affordable Housing Matching Platform: Creating a platform that connects individuals and families with affordable housing options within TOD areas.

19. Urban Farming Integration: Designing systems that integrate urban farming into station design and surrounding areas.

20. Micro-Mobility Integration: Creating solutions for integrating micro-mobility options (bikes, scooters) with the rail system, including parking and charging infrastructure.