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CENTRAL PARK, MANILA, PASAY 360

Manila, Philippines

05_A robust framework_non-hierarchical and adaptable

20_Suds-sustainable urban drainage systems_stormwater collection

21_Biodiversity-plants from Manila and neighbourhood region

Discipline

Landscape Architecture

Typology

Public park, waterfront

City

Manila, Philippines

Date

2024

Status

Completed 2024

Client

SM Prime Holdings

Program

pedestrian bridge, jetty, playgrounds, public swimming pool, amphitheatre, art installations, community gardens, rain gardens, restaurants and bars, and landmark visitor building.

“A rhizome has no beginning or end; it is always in the middle, between things, interbeing, intermezzo. The tree is filiation, but the rhizome is alliance, uniquely alliance. The tree imposes the verb ‘to be,’ but the fabric of the rhizome is the conjunction, ‘and … and … and …’” Deleuze and Guattari “A Thousand Plateaus”

BAU along with Snohetta, Sasaki, Turenscape and SWA, were selected for the invited competition to design a new Central Park for Manila. Located on a reclaimed island in the Pasay district of Manila, the lineal park is a catalyst project for Manila’s new central business district.

Manila Coral Gardens – Evolving Spaces for Culture, Nature, and Community

Manila Coral Gardens is more than a place – it is an evolving platform designed to ignite transformation. It integrates nature, art, and urban life so as to empower Manila’s citizens to shape their environment and build a creative, inclusive public realm. As the city grows and adapts, so will this space – an open-ended system that welcomes change, fosters innovation, and inspires collaboration. Through ecological restoration, cultural expression, and inclusive design, the park becomes a living, breathing force that propels the district toward a responsive and surprising future.

Place and People: a tapestry of diversity

The Philippines features remarkable environmental and cultural diversity. Located at the apex of the Coral Triangle, it hosts the most biodiverse marine environment on Earth. The archipelago of 7,641 islands enhances this diversity, encompassing 195 local language groups.

Exuberance: vibrancy, expression, and inclusivity inspired by coral reefs

Like coral reefs, the cultures of the Philippines are vibrant in character and expression, ranging from traditional to popular culture, including Manila’s contemporary art scene. Coral reefs are non-hierarchical and inclusive, providing habitats for diverse life forms. Diversity, inclusivity, and adaptability are key goals for this park.

Strategy: a dynamic, coral-inspired Voronoi design framework

A coral-like Voronoi cellular structure offers a robust framework, allowing each cell to differ and change independently over time without disrupting the overall park design. This reef will support various gardens with diverse functions and characteristics, fostering collaboration with Manila’s artists and designers. This space will continuously evolve and renew.

Eco-corridor: restoring biodiversity through a connected landscape

The central park and the island perimeter park are free from roads, allowing a healthy indigenous ecosystem corridor that extends into the water with artificial reefs. The eco-corridor includes rain gardens that connect with the larger park network and street swale system during rain, ensuring only clean urban runoff reaches the bay.

Iconic Entrances: seamless access and architectural identity

The island’s pedestrian and cycling networks continue across the central park. Each entry point features a basement courtyard and a vertical circulation hub connecting the basement car park to all building levels. Iconic canopies are visible from adjacent streets, enhancing the park’s accessibility.

Unprogrammed spaces: weddings, parties, anything.

Various sizes of lawns and plazas provide unprogrammed spaces for diverse activities. Central to the park is a lawn large enough for a football field, complemented by a sound shell.

Globe Terrace A hub of circulation and information with mythological inspiration

The coral bridge leads to a raised terrace that cascades into the park. This is an information and circulation hub. The client’s iconic globe sculpture is supported on structure alluding to the Philippines’ mythological Balete tree.

Active Edges + Promenades: an active urban interface and civic corridor

The park features active commercial edges in lineal buildings on both sides. The massing of these structures has been broken up, and colors toned down to create a humane scale, allowing vegetation to be forefront. These buildings low-carbon timber structures and set a benchmark in sustainability. A continuous array of porticos along the park edge creates a sheltered grand civic promenade.

Solar Farms: sustainable infrastructure powered by the sun

The park’s infrastructure is powered by rooftop solar PV arrays that span its entire length. These photovoltaic pergolas provide shade for green roofs, community spaces, and restaurant gardens.

Pavilions + Logistics: a coral metaphor for adaptive growth

Colorful kiosks, pavilions, and amenity buildings extend the coral metaphor and the strategy of flexible growth. Four management nodes, allow for the circular handling of the park’s green waste.

Sunset Plaza: an event destination framed by Manila’s famous sunsets

This area features a permanent stage designed for spectacular events, strategically positioned to showcase Manila’s famous sunsets. Surrounding this space continuous pavilions support regular markets, while underground facilities enhance event logistics. Renowned local artist Leeroy New’s Bakunawa sculpture resides here. This is a dragon-like sculpture, the moon eater, after a mythical creature in pre-colonial Philippine mythology.

Public Swimming Pool: a tropical urban retreat overlooking the bay

Celebrating Manila’s warm climate, a large public beach-swimming pool is located at the end of the axis with panoramic views of the bay. Featuring islands and an infinity edge, it offers a spectacular space for island residents and visitors.

Manila Ring: a suspended landmark offering stunning views and civic engagement

The plaza is encircled by a suspended ring-building that serves as a landmark, providing stunning views of Manila Bay. This structure functions as an observatory and includes cafes, art gallery, and exhibition spaces, enhancing the plaza with captivating lighting displays.

Art: an engagement with of Manila’s mythology and futuristic vision

The park features large-scale installations by acclaimed Manila artist Leeroy New, exploring the intersection between pre-colonial Philippine mythology and sci-fi. This initiative marks the launch of a vibrant art program.

Staging: a strategic approach to phased development and adaption

The site can be staged, in lengths of two to three hundred meters. This gives the project the opportunity to refine the design and construction as it progresses. Large elements including the ring building, jetty and swimming pool can be built at later stages, with footings prepared at an earlier stage.

Place and People: a mosaic of culture and nature

This park supports environmental goals: to restore biodiversity, combat climate change, clean the waters of Manila Bay, and raise awareness of the coral triangle’s environmental issues. Its civic mission is to create a welcoming and loveable space for all ages, abilities, subcultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Manila Coral Gardens, literally reclaimed from the sea, embodies an urban myth of becoming, filled with extraordinary cultural forms and exquisite tropical flora and fauna. This concept originates from the oceans of the Philippines and empowers the vibrant spirit of Manila’s people.