Relighting the Jeepney 1

Re-lighting the Jeepney: A Closer look on the Interior Lighting of the UP Philcoa Jeepney

Frances Leana L. Capellan

ARCH 143 THW

Research Update

Submitted to:

Arch. Cristopher P. Espina

7 July 2009

CAPELLAN, FRANCES LEANA L. / BS ARCHITECTURE / UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES -DILIMAN

 Relighting the Jeepney 2

Abstract

This paper is an attempt to study the existing lighting configuration of the local

jeepney. Due to the limited time (and for more focus), I will be using the UP-PHILCOA

jeepneys as primary study model. I will, however, still touch on the general and existing

interior configurations of the jeepney through site visits on local manufacturers such as Sarao

Motors, Inc. The study will be conducted through a mixture of interviews, random passenger

and driver surveys and literature research.

The psychology of light suggests that interior lighting have the ability to inject

subjective impressions of a space. (e.g. A simple jeepney ride can make us feel uncomfortable,

sleepy, or may even bring fear, etc.) I believe that as future architects, we have a responsibility

to continually improve the public realm. I am proposing this paper with the primary goal of

being able to have a chance on enhancing the interior lighting scheme of one of our main

cultural icons.

CAPELLAN, FRANCES LEANA L. / BS ARCHITECTURE / UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES -DILIMAN

 Relighting the Jeepney 3

I.Paper Title
Re-lighting the Jeepney: A Closer look on the Interior Lighting of the UP Philcoa Jeepney

II.Objectives
a.) to document/classify the existing and most common lighting configuration(s)

inside the local jeepney ;

b.) to suggest schemes and show the importance of good interior lighting for the

UP Philcoa jeepney ; and

c.) to come up with a lighting plan that signifies an environment that is more

inviting, inspiring and secure.

III.Methodology

Data gathering will be done primarily through a combination of literature and 

personal surveys. A light meter will be used to scientifically measure the amount of 

light inside the jeepney. Interviews will also be conducted so as to probe deeper into 

the psychology and effects of the existing interior space. A company visit (Sarao 

Motors, Inc.) will be scheduled to observe how a jeepney is built/customized. 

IV.Timeframe / Schedule

Date / Day Work Plan

Week 1 (30 June – 4 July) Brainstorming for research topic. (includes the

study of the feasibility of chosen topic)

Week 2 (6 July – 11 July) Letter distribution, set interview schedule. (must

be able to start the surveys by this time)

CAPELLAN, FRANCES LEANA L. / BS ARCHITECTURE / UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES -DILIMAN

 Relighting the Jeepney 4

Week 3 (13 July – 18 July) Conduct Interviews.

Data analysis and survey interpretation.

Week 4: (20 July – 25 July) Formulation of prospective lighting schemes.

28 July (Tuesday) Final Research Paper ready for submission

V.Work Done by far:

 Established contacts

Called the National Center for Transportation Studies (NCTS),

Sarao Motors, Inc. and the UP Diliman Police for possible

interviews and data-gathering.

 Accomplished letters for signing

Secured the letters for Dr. Jose Regin F. Regidor (NCTS Director),

Mr. Edgardo Sarao (Sarao Motors, Inc. VP for Operations), Major

Bernie V. Baltazar (UP Diliman Police Officer-in-Charge) and the

UP-PHILCOA TODA President.

 Started with the Literature Survey

CAPELLAN, FRANCES LEANA L. / BS ARCHITECTURE / UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES -DILIMAN