Necropolitics, a concept developed by Achille Mbembe, examines how political power determines who lives and who dies, whether through direct violence or systemic neglect. This project investigates necropolitics within Manila North Cemetery of the Philippines, an informal settlement where impoverished families live among the dead. These families reside in makeshift dwellings or inside mausoleums owned by the families of the deceased. This project explores how this marginalised community navigates and resists necropolitical forces that reinforce their exclusion from society.

Introducing the concept of necrourban acupuncture, this research proposes architectural interventions that respond to the complexities of graveyard living. It seeks to answer: How can architectural interventions within Manila North Cemetery act as resistance against necropolitical forces while addressing the needs of both the living and the dead?

Using a multidisciplinary approach—including ethnography, making, and site observation—this study draws from speculative architecture, particularly the work of Teddy Cruz, to propose five design interventions. These aim to amplify resident voices, reimagine the cemetery as a dignified space, and address the entangled marginalisation of the living and the dead.

Ultimately, this project challenges architects and governing bodies to confront necropolitics in urban landscapes and advocate for more inclusive, equitable built environments.