Woods Bagot has unveiled its designs for a 36-storey Grade-A office tower in the Manila's prominent Makati financial district. Developed by BPE Asia Real Estate Fund, L.P., the building will provide a first-class environment for a mix of international companies operating in the Philippines' flourishing business process outsourcing sector.
Rising around 170 meters above the city, Woods Bagot's vision will create a strong vertical presence and a prominent new addition to Manila's skyline. The ground floor will include double height lobbies and reception spaces as well as retail outlets, creating through-site pedestrian connections for the adjoining streets.
For the wider community, a network of green and open spaces will feature throughout the development, including a permanent installation celebrating the work of local artists and sculptors. The podium top and rooftop will also be open to the public and activated with F&B for tenants and the public to enjoy.
Inspired by patterns and rhythms associated with coding, digital technology and data processing, the overall design concept masterfully balances texture and shadow to create a striking façade and internal environment that emphasizes the verticality of the tower.
Across the façade, staggered vertical louvers both contribute to an impression of a series of barcodes and minimize solar heat loading throughout the year. This project will also include one of the largest green walls in this district, covering most of the 10 level high parking floors.
"This is an important milestone for Woods Bagot, as we celebrate the progress of our first major project in the Philippines' capital city," commented Amarindra Rana, Woods Bagot's Principal. "We are proud to be collaborating with BPEA and passionately share their commitment to establishing a new benchmark for workplace architecture in Southeast Asia."
Across the 56,000 square-meter complex, flexible planning of floor-plates will create a superior environment, with open stairs and voids creating an engaging and well-connected workplace.
Environmental efficiency is also high on the agenda, with passive façade design, usable green roofs, energy saving lighting, solar water heating, heat pumps, integration of solar panels and water recycling features throughout the building design.