Epistemological Chirality in Landscape Architecture Pedagogy: A Dual-Method studio at Angkor Wat Temple, Cambodia

Authors

Keywords:

Landscape architecture, Pedagogy, Narrative inquiry, SOPARC

Abstract

This study introduces epistemological chirality, a framework for examining two knowledge systems that are comparable but non-superimposable: a Western-centric quantitative approach and an Indigenous-informed qualitative approach. Eight students in two teams completed 10-minute scans at four selected stations. Group A used modified SOPARC. Group B used narrative inquiry, sensory mapping, and micro-interviews. Analysis using a Chiral Matrix and Chiral Divergence Index (CDI) revealed convergence at ritual nodes, complementarity in transitional and construction spaces, and dissonance where counts suggested activity, but narratives conveyed emptiness. In this setting, divergence presented a pedagogical resource for reflexivity, ethical translation, empathy, and responsive design.

Author Biography

Nappy Navarra, College of Architecture, University of the Philippine Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines

Nappy L. Navarra finished his BA Political Science and B in Landscape Architecture from the University of the Philippines Diliman. He completed his Master in Tropical Landscape Architecture degree in the same institution. He proceeded to take his Doctor of Engineering, Major in Environmental Planning and Design from the University of Tokyo. He currently serves as Professor in the College of Architecture, University of the Philippines-Diliman. Aside from handling teaching loads, he is the present Coordinator of the Integrated Graduate Program and the Coordinator of the Environmental Landscapes Studio Laboratory. Aside from his practice in the academe, he is involved in design consultancy and projects in landscape planning and design that aim to create positive impact to the environment and to the community.

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Published

2026-07-25

How to Cite

Reyes, S., & Navarra, N. (2026). Epistemological Chirality in Landscape Architecture Pedagogy: A Dual-Method studio at Angkor Wat Temple, Cambodia. Environment-Behaviour Proceedings Journal, 11(38). Retrieved from https://ebpj.e-iph.co.uk/index.php/EBProceedings/article/view/8029

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 38 (2026): Sep. AQoL2026Bangkok, Al Meroz Hotel, Bangkok, 04-06 Sep 2026 (DRAFT)

Section

Landscaping Environment

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Copyright (c) 2026 Shaira Reyes, Nappy Navarra

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