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Page 1: final ifc-13.pmd 2-3 1/18/2007, 9:24 AMmediaopendoors.com/sm-mall-of-asia.pdfa small, family-run general merchandise store in Quiapo, Manila. From 1985 to mid-2000, the standard building

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Page 2: final ifc-13.pmd 2-3 1/18/2007, 9:24 AMmediaopendoors.com/sm-mall-of-asia.pdfa small, family-run general merchandise store in Quiapo, Manila. From 1985 to mid-2000, the standard building

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Page 3: final ifc-13.pmd 2-3 1/18/2007, 9:24 AMmediaopendoors.com/sm-mall-of-asia.pdfa small, family-run general merchandise store in Quiapo, Manila. From 1985 to mid-2000, the standard building

SM MALL OF ASIASM CENTRAL BUSINESS PARK

BAY CITY, PASAY CITYMETRO MANILA

PHILIPPINES

Developer/Owner

SM PRIME HOLDINGS, INC.

Design Team

ARQUITECTONICAROBERT CARAG ONG & ASSOCIATES

ESCA, INC.L.M. CAMUS ENGINEERING CORPORATION

E.H. TAN & ASSOCIATESVM DESIGN ASSOCIATES, INC.F.L.FIGUEROA & ASSOCIATES

ELWE ENGINEERSURBIS LIMITED

BO STEIBER LIGHTING DESIGNGRAPHIA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

Construction Project Manager

GHT SERVICES, INC.

General Contractors

HILMARC’S CONSTRUCTION CORPORATIONMONOLITH CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION

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8The SM Mall of Asia–Manila’s Modern MarketplaceThe SM Group commissions anexciting new mall complex in theheart of Bay City.

14Q&A Forumwith Bernardo Fort-BresciaThe founder of Arquitectonicaexplains the big picture behind theSM Mall of Asia.

18Realizingthe SM Mall of AsiaA first-hand account of the developmentof the world’s third biggest mall.

Contents

40Bay City–Beyond the SM Mall of AsiaThree new projects are coming up soon:OneE-comCenter, SM X ConventionCenter, Bay City Arena.

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8 SM MALL OF ASIA

ust at the outskirts of the natural harbor of Manila,the reflective gleam of glass and white façade of theSM Mall of Asia beckons thousands. No local mall

development before or since its inaugural on May 21, 2006has attracted so much attention or press, for its architectureand volume of business and retail trade.

In the bustling corridors of the 386,000-square meter retailcomplex, an atmosphere of comfort, efficiency, andenjoyment pervades. The SM Mall of Asia is MetroManila’s new grand character, and it may well restore thevibrant commerce for which this side of the world wasfamous more than four centuries ago.

Today, Metro Manila is experiencing a resurgence of theseglory days, with many development plans underway. Justas their industrious ancestors did in centuries past, presti-gious Spanish, Chinese and Filipino families based in thecapital are championing socio-economic change. One suchfamily is known to all as the SM Group. In the last 50years, its businesses have included shopping mall opera-tions, retail merchandising, banking, real estate develop-ment and tourism under its flagship SM Prime Holdings.

Henry Sy, Sr., the tireless octogenarian Chairman of theSM Group, has been quoted in media numerous timesregarding his optimistic view of the local economy. Ridingon the back of P50 billion in annual revenues of his own

J conglomerate, his fearless forecast is that the countrywill soon experience a tourism boom that may equal ifnot surpass that of Thailand, Singapore, and Hong Kong.He stresses that this positive long-term view of theeconomy drives the SM Group to fast-track plans fordeveloping the SM Central Business Park, on which thecrown jewel of SM Prime Holdings now stands.

The SM Mall of Asia out-sizes all other shopping mallsin the country in terms of gross floor area, number ofmerchants, parking space, and anchor tenants and ranksas the third largest mall in the world. The mall is ac-cessed by many roads from all points of Metro Manila,but the most direct route is by driving all the way souththrough Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA). Wel-coming motorists to the area is a rotunda, in the center ofwhich a steel frame globe measuring 26 meters indiameter stands.

Just beyond the circle is the sweeping façade of the two-storey Main Mall. Parking is located on the north andsouth wings which also house the Hypermarket andDepartment Store respectively. At the back of the MainMall lies another building for entertainment and recre-ation activities. One of two smaller structures, built oneach end of this Entertainment Mall, houses the country’sfirst IMAX theater; future items may include a discoverycenter and aquarium.

The SM Mall of Asia:Manila’s Modern Marketplace

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The entire mall complex covers more than 190,000 squaremeters in land area, with a total floor area of 386,000square meters. There are 600 retail shops, 150 diningestablishments, and 10 anchor stores all arranged withinthe Main Mall, around the arcades of the Department Storeand Hypermarket buildings, and along the promenades thatserve as outdoor breathing spaces within the complex.

A casual tour of the whole place would require sturdy butsoft-soled shoes and probably more than a full day ofshopping, dining, playing, and movie-watching. But theintimidating expanse and volume of the mall is not theonly clear change that SM Prime made in showcasing itsflagship development. So much clearer is its departurefrom the architectural design of other SM shopping mallsthat has been a familiar landmark to the general public.

As the biggest but also the most conservative shoppingmall developer in the country, the SM Group consistentlyerected structures reflecting its solid and steady rise froma small, family-run general merchandise store in Quiapo,Manila. From 1985 to mid-2000, the standard buildingdesign meant mammoth concrete angular structures withminimal interior and exterior adornment.

Usually covering an entire block in a large commercialdevelopment, or serving as a wall that fronts the city’smain arteries, SM supermalls reflected a simple businesspremise: customers stop and shop and we’re here to servethem. The SM Group provided comfortable air-conditionedsurroundings, put in place amusement and entertainmentcenters, and enclosed all the stores and service establish-ments within one roof. Well-stocked supermarkets anddepartment stores served as anchor tenants and ensuredthat foot traffic was high.

By the end of 2005, the SM Group has launched a total of23 supermalls throughout the country, all resembling oneanother in the tried-and-tested structures that shoppersknow. Their ubiquitous and uniform presence in strategiclocations has made them widely popular. Why change whatworks?

The basic premise of customer service and conveniencecontinue to underlie the SM Group’s retail approach.But nothing dramatizes its new vision and optimism for aresurgent Philippine economy more than developing ashopping mall that evokes light, vibrance, and rebirth.

These three elements, stamped on the SM Mall of Asia’sarchitectural design, also illustrate the transformations thatare taking place as the Group increasingly trusts dynamicprofessionals outside the family in its operations andundertakings.

One such “outsider” is Arquitectonica, who was ap-proached by SM five years ago to work on the SM Mall ofAsia. It is a world-class architecture and design firm basedin Miami, Florida which was founded in 1977. The com-pany has received critical and popular attention andacclaim for its bold and modern designs in many capitalsof the world.

10 SM MALL OF ASIA

Benches designed by Archion.

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Founded by the husband-and-wife team of Bernardo Fort-Brescia and Laurinda Spear, Arquitectonica has the distinc-tion of developing award-winning innovations by usinggeometry, pattern, and color to introduce a brand of human-istic modern design. In many projects it has undertaken,particularly in their hometown of Miami, Arquitectonicahas influenced the renaissance of the urban landscape.

Its satellite offices around the world have produced worksas varied as performing arts centers, mixed-use complexes,high-rise hotels, an embassy, and a courthouse. The rangeof projects goes on, with 255 current works being devel-oped all over the world today.

Arquitectonica’s modernist premise considers not just thebasic function of the building or its place in the environ-ment. Its approach to architecture is that it must alwayscommunicate an idea, a concept, or a theme. InArquitectonica, an eponymous book that surveys its pastworks of 25 years, Fort-Brescia stresses that “even the mostmodest idea is a starting point that can make a buildingcohesive and can become a framework for making eachdesign decision along the way. A building without an ideacan house the program, fit into its environment and evenlook interesting. But a building with an idea has the equiva-lent of a soul…”

The SM Mall of Asia, conceived to reflect the owner’sdynamic optimism for the future, is designed with a logicalas well as an aesthetic raison d’être. The modern yet simplelines of the Main Mall deliver a punchy, welcoming mes-sage: come in, we’re here to serve you. This is evident fromthe glazed main entrance oval, with its sweeping canopy;the open, inviting pedestrian streets; and the terraces withbars and restaurants overlooking Manila Bay.

sense of belonging, of shelter and protection. As thesource of natural light, these elliptical sky windowscreate a more pleasant interior atmosphere, allowingvisitors a more relaxed experience than is common inmany malls in Manila.

In previous works, Arquitectonica has employed organiclines and geometric forms just as liberally, often balanc-ing simplicityand complexity to create a fresh approachto scale and spatial relationship. Varied examples fromaround the world include the Festival Walk Mall in HongKong; the American Airlines Arena on the Miami Water-front; the Performing Arts Center in Dijon; and theWestin Hotel in Times Square. In their works, culture andarts are enhanced, public events energized, shoppingsprees encouraged, and rest and recreation guaranteed.

To provide a focal point for the curvilinear theme of theexteriors facing the bay, the designers incorporated a bluefunnel-shaped arena as a place for hosting shows, con-certs, corporate and marketing events. The open-airframes are reminiscent of coliseums and amphitheaters,while maintaining a certain playfulness like a giganticpre-school jungle gym. The contrast of whimsy andsolidness, of vibrant colors and natural daylight, ofopenness and security, of celebration and purpose, speaksvolumes of the way Filipinos live. A shopping mall thatwould communicate all that in its patterns, space andlines, has a beguiling quality.

SM MALL OF ASIA 13

The exterior walls are juxtaposed; where one starts anotherends, in a mathematical cadence that pleases the businesssense of those who own the building, and the modernistperspective of those who designed it. The flowing contourof the exterior façades, complemented by the angular walltreatment of the interior streets, connotes action, energy,and vitality, while being balanced by spatial pauses. Lushfoliage is interspersed with the architecture to provideshade, comfort and a green environment. The sound ofchildren hopping up to the main doors adds a cheerfulatmosphere.

At the center of the front eastern façade, a semi-ellipticalglass foyer acts as the main entrance and creates a nearlyinvisible volume that reaches well beyond the height of thebuilding. It throws light into the Mall during the day, andreflects the city skyline during the night. This grid-likeglass monument is reminiscent of refinement and grace,and adds to the feeling of inclusion and welcome.

As a visitor enters, the perspective expands, with numerousdetails of light, color, and vistas to consider; like theshopping experience itself, visitors are faced with a wealthof architectural choices. There are useful guideposts,designed to offer plenty of options in going around themall. A shopper may go up the escalator to start theshopping spree; take a coffee break near the verge on theleft or right; go beyond the concierge and stroll around. Hecould circulate around the mall as leisurely or as briskly ashis purpose demands.

Once inside the Main Mall, a new sense of security andsafety dawns. Perhaps this is evoked by the ovum-likeskylight renditions, ellipses that subtly hint of the womb.The ceiling treatment also details this oval motif, creating a

In the Philippine setting, the sway of a culture of festivalswas considered in the design of the Mall’s dining scene.The Filipinos’ love for merriment and a vibrant social liferevolves around food and drink, and nothing shows acelebration of life better than assembling 150 diningplaces to entice the palate. The complex was designed sothat the indoor and outdoor dining areas allow small turnsand surprises, in much the same way as an appetite isunpredictable and diverse.

In the 21st century urban lifestyle, the hierarchy of physi-cal, social, cultural and economic needs is often addressedin the mall, where family, friends, business associates, andorganizations come together. The stress of city life is shedoff at the spa, washed down in pubs and coffee houses, ordrowned out by invigorating music. The cinemas offer anescape from humdrum reality, and lethargy is brushed offwith a swirl around the skating rink or in a fast game ofbowling. The normal, everyday chores of getting grocer-ies, having shoes repaired, booking an airline ticket,enrolling in a driving school, having a gown altered ordry-cleaned, would all be done within the same complex.The shopping mall has replaced the agora or town plaza; itis now the new social center of families and communities.Welcome to the SM Mall of Asia. •

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14 SM MALL OF ASIA

Question and Answer Forum with

Bernardo Fort-BresciaBernardo Fort-Brescia, FAIA, Principal of Arquitectonicaand based in Miami, responds to questions about the SMMall of Asia, Manila, the Philippines.

1. What is the big idea behind the SM Mall of Asia? BERNARDO FORT-BRESCIA (BFB): A mall is themicrocosm of a village center. It has streets, plazas, andplaces of interest. The city is the inspiration. But in a mall,more creativity is possible. The restrictions of city plan-ning, weather, topography – all disappear. Plazas becomeinteresting forms; streets curve and bend to create a senseof discovery and visual stimulation. SM Mall of Asia turnsthe plazas and streets into multi-level sensory stimulantsthat lead the eye to the merchandise. The mall is the stage,the shops the actors, the customer the audience.

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SM MALL OF ASIA 17

2. How are efficiency and aesthetics balanced in a projectsuch as the SM Mall of Asia?

BFB: Efficiency has to be invisible. It is there, but you don’trealize it. Aesthetics is the focus. So is functionality. Ease offlow facilitates finding the store you are looking for. Architec-ture with a circulation structure becomes its own way-finding,with an emphasis on the merchandise, the restaurants, and thefun of shopping. The architectures takes you on a circuit withdifferent stimuli, with forms that energize the shopping experi-ence. The efficiency is behind the scenes, but it cannot beunderestimated. It makes the stores functional, service-friendly,and economically viable.

3. You’re very fond of ellipses and swirls. Why is thata recurring theme in many works of the firm?

BFB: SM Mall of Asia is next to Manila Bay, so the ocean’sfluid forms were an inspiration. The ellipses are like hugedrops of water, or big swimming pools. And the curving streetstake the customer around like currents, flowing from space tospace.The blue and green tones also take a cue from the bay.But the ellipses also avoid sharp corners and turn the trafficeffortlessly around the space. I like ellipses. They implymovement, yet they provide a center of focus. Like the paths ofthe planets around the sun, they are dynamic, unlike the staticnature of circles. Malls are dynamic, they are about movement.

4. How do you see the SM Mall of Asia changing thelandscape in the metropolis? BFB: SM Mall of Asia, with its nautical forms and modernexpression brings back Manila Bay as the historic center of thecity. It re-establishes the bay as the focal point of the metropo-lis for the new millennium. Its unique retail and entertainmentenvironment and its sheer size redefine the meaning of themall. It re-creates the energy of a downtown in a single multi-function structure. It is like no other in Asia; it is the SM Mallof Asia. •

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18 SM MALL OF ASIA SM MALL OF ASIA 19

On the SM Mall of Asia as a new,exciting shopping experience andthe process of getting it built

DAVID ZABALLERO (DZ):The SM Mall of Asia is interestingon several levels. Firstly, it breaksout of the traditional mould of theenclosed mall, and re-introducesexterior retail, dining and entertain-ment experiences to the shoppers–something which, until a few years

ago, was rarely done in tropical SE Asia. It doesthis through the pedestrian streets (which seek tore-create traditional streetscapes), as well as theterraces and balconies overlooking Manila Bay.It also brings the exterior inside, throughgenerous skylights and expansive arcades,which make it distinct from more traditional,cramped malls. Finally, it creates variousarchitectural statements throughout the mall,which means that the shopping experience isgrounded in distinct localities– whether it is thezigzagging earth-tones of the pedestrian streets,

On the location of the SM Mall of Asia

PETER BRANNAN (PB):Our first reaction was how impressive thelocation was on the waterfront. We alsohad to think about all the other buildingsthat would be built in the future around theSM Mall of Asia. It has to be rememberedthat this is the first building at the heart ofa new district with many different buildingtypes in an urban form that has to ensurethey properly interact with each other.

There was an extensive master planning review thatwent into the concept design for the SM Mall of Asiabefore we were able to come to terms with the corerequirements for the design. We could immediately seethe dining experiences on terraced restaurants alongthe waterfront and the romance of dining alfresco asthe sun went down over the bay. Once the basicelements and site were understood, the concept movedfast and came to fruition quite quickly as a naturalresponse to the site and its setting.

Peter Brannan and David Zaballero, Asia regional director and director of Arquitectonica, respectively, have afree-wheeling discussion on the SM Mall of Asia.

Realizingthe SM Mall of Asia

the random play of the oval skylights, or the sheermonumentality of the performance bowl overlookingthe sea. These localities allow the shoppers to orientthemselves – which is important for a mall of thissize– and permit the zoning of specific store typesaround distinct architectural features.

Circulation around the mall is also important; it needsto balance the convenience of shoppers with the needto irrigate as many of the shops as is possible. This inturn had to be tied in with operational considerations:how to maintain the mall, set up events, and get goodsdelivered to the shops without inconveniencing thepublic.

Visibility is another consideration. The mall had tofeel open and spacious: hence, columns are minimizedin the public arcades; balustrades are clear glass; and aminimal, uniform store-front design with floor toceiling glazing was introduced. This last is importantas it gives a greater illusion of depth and spaciousnessto the public arcades; it also unifies the mall interiorsand gives greater exposure to the merchandise. Finally,the mall atmosphere is further enhanced by the exten-

sive skylights which bring in much natural daylightto the interiors; it makes the mall feel less like anenclosed box and more like a natural environment.

And in the end, apart from all these issues, the mallhad to do something different from what has beendone in the Philippines before– something lessrigid, more fluid, with a little bit more fun in it.

It was good to get the mall built pretty much as itwas envisioned. A lot of things can often getbetween the original idea and the final buildingwhich ends up diluting the design.Luckily, theclient has a certain amount of faith in the originalidea; and, even if they initially did not grasp all thedetails involved, they enthusiastically went aheadwith the big picture. It was also good working withthe client’s operations, marketing and leasingdepartments, as well as a qualified and enthusiasticteam of project managers, consultants, contractorsand suppliers. Finally, it was also good workingwith Robert Carag Ong & Associates on the mall.Thanks to them, we think it all came together prettywell.

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20 SM MALL OF ASIA SM MALL OF ASIA 21

On designing a mall complex at the waterfront ofManila Bay

PB: The waterfront had a huge impact on the design andarchitectural form. You can clearly see the response in theshapes and forms employed, some of which remind theobserver of sails on the water of Manila Bay. The fluidityof water, wind and waves can be seen in the flow of thebasic planning and in the exterior architectural forms withcurving and swooping planes intersecting with one another.Many open air spaces were specifically located along thewaterfront of the building to provide visitors with beautifulviews over Manila Bay and its fantastic sunset in settingsthat are relaxed and informed. Breezeways were created tochannel cool air flows to the occupants of outdoor alfrescodining outlets and also to the open air elements behind thewaterfront. There are many open air spaces in the SM Mallof Asia that were created in an environmentally friendlyway to reduce power consumption and make maximum useof the natural elements in creating a comfortable, yetexciting environment that visitors will remember and wantto return to.

On the significance of the SM Mall of Asia as a land-mark in Manila

PB: The SM Mall of Asia is a significant landmark forManila – and also for Asia. It is the third largest mall in theworld and is intended to reflect the strengths and aspira-tions of the Philippines and its people. The design isintended to inspire optimism and confidence in a fresh andenergizing manner. The aim was to bring a lightness andairiness to the development by designing it with excitingforms that translate into movement and dynamism en-hanced by the connection of buildings with open spaces inavoiding the ‘box’ approach to conventional malls. Thematerials and colors selected were in response to thisdesire for a breezy and exhilarating environment.

On the key vision of the plan

DZ: The big picture was simply to create a memorablesetting wherein people would enjoy shopping, dining andbeing entertained. The architecture had to create a mean-ingful place which people would remember and want tocome back to. There is some obvious commercial value inthis: for example, though the visitors on opening daynumbered nearly a million, a lot more shoppers cameduring the following weekends. So there must be some-thing about the place which they liked, which raised itabove the average Manila mall.

Working on malls is enjoyable in the sense that they arepublic projects. Architects get a quiet satisfaction out ofseeing people walking around their work and enjoyingthemselves, pointing out interesting bits of architecture orjust simply having a good time. That’s something you getout of public - or publicly accessible - architecture whichyou don’t often get with private developments.

PB: A mall is in many ways the modern high street of thetraditional town, or village, where residents congregate tosocialize and carry out the many functions involved in day-to-day living. The aim was recreate this environment withthe mall by designing the many components into efficient,human scale spaces. The spaces are connected with streetsand plazas, some indoor, some outdoor, to provide a senseof adventure and an enjoyable journey whilst ensuring theretail tenants have the maximum exposure to display theirgoods and services. At the SM Mall of Asia, this sensoryapproach has been achieved with the multiple activitiesthat can be undertaken seven days a week and literally 24hours each day. Aside from shopping for basic necessitieslike food and clothing, one can dine there, visit the cinema,ice skate and generally be entertained in as many ways aspossible. There are many large open plazas and spacescreated to cater to seasonal events or promotions all year

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22 SM MALL OF ASIA

Shrine of Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life

round. The end product is a destination with all the mostconvenient amenities one can imagine, one that is memorableand will encourage visitors to return time and again.

DZ: Back in the old days, every village or town had a market-place or plaza around which the church, the shops and variouscivic buildings were usually congregated. Whenever there wasa holiday or a fiesta, people would gather there. The commu-nity would often take pride in these places, and spend lavishamounts of money in beautifying both the plazas and thebuildings around them.

There are still pockets of these communal spaces aroundManila, which can hopefully be preserved. Unfortunately, withthe rush to modernization, a lot of these old places just tend todisappear, after being bulldozed and built over in the name ofprogress. To make matters worse, the traditional mall, which inmany ways has taken on the role of the old town square, has inthe past often been devoid of the aesthetics and architectureinherent in the older communal places.

What’s encouraging in the current trend of architecture is thatthe value of such spaces is being re-discovered. The moreprogressive developers have realized that you don’t have toignore the social or communal aspects. This is what wascreated in the SM Mall of Asia– an architectural setting whichmatches the commercial and social importance of the activitiesit contains. •

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Bright colors of pavement and walls by interior decorators attract shoppers andstimulate the senses. Department Store design by The Retail Element.

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26 SM MALL OF ASIA

Multicolor L-shaped store frontage is a recurring element that lends a festive look to the servicemerchants.

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The juxtaposition of walls evokes dynamic movement while earth tonesblend with neutrals to add variety and excitement.

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SM MALL OF ASIA 3332 SM MALL OF ASIA

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SM MALL OF ASIA 35

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SM MALL OF ASIA 39

The IMAX theater is the first in the country and is cited as the best for large-format,special-venue film presentations. The sweeping lines in the theater connote actionand vibrancy to enhance viewer experience.

Coca-Cola lounge by interior decorator complementsassymetrical architectural design.

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SM MALL OF ASIA 41

T

Bay City–Beyond the SM Mall of Asia

he SM Mall of Asia is only the first phase in thewider SM Bay City masterplan, which will provide anew CBD by Manila Bay. The mall will provide allthe convenience and casual shopping for future

residents and workers, as well as a center for them to dine,socialize and be entertained. Community activities can alsotake place in the interior oval courts and the large perfor-mance bowl facing the bay; while schools can hold day-trips to visit the ice-rink, the IMAX, or future entertain-ment facilities such as a potential science center andaquarium.

A range of different projects are currently under design orconstruction which will further develop the Bay Cityfabric. These include the One E-com Center, a series of

medium-rise office blocks which will cater to the growingcall-center service industry in the Philippines; the SMXcenter, which will host exhibitions and conferences; andthe 15,000 seat Bay City Arena, which can host basketballgames, boxing matches and live, world-class concerts. Allthese facilities will complement the Mall of Asia, wherepeople can dine and unwind after their work or major event– which in turn will make the other facilities more desir-able as work-, exhibit- and events venues.

These projects start to form the nucleus of the Bay CityCBD, to which other developments will soon gravitate.Hotels and serviced apartment developers will find theCBD desirable, being next to a world-class mall, confer-ence venues, the airport and various Manila tourist spots.

Offices will also be drawn to the convenience of the mall,the SMX conference facilities, and the various transportstations. Finally, residential developments will also beattracted to Bay City, given the potential proximity ofwork locations and the incredible views over Manila Bay.

One final component proposed for Bay City is a longlinear park for the waterfront promenade facing ManilaBay. This is proposed to be heavily landscaped, with lushexpanses of grass and trees, and turned into a public parkwhere people can have picnics, go jogging, play games, orsimply enjoy the famous Manila sunset over the bay. Thispark will serve to tie the CBD together, giving it thepotential to compete with other world-class waterfrontsaround the world, while at the same time providing a muchneeded green-space for the people of Metro Manila. •

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OneE-comCenter

Located directly north of the SM Mall of Asia, the OneE-com Center is conceived as the initial phase of a totaloffice development composing four blocks, with a totallot area of 46,960 square meters, and a total gross floorarea per block of 74,00 square meters. With futurephases extending over another three blocks, the centerwill answer the initial need for grade-A offices in theCBD. Function and aesthetics combine in the design toprovide a conducive work environment for its occupants.

SM X Convention Center

A modern glass and steel structure, the SM X ConventionCenter is expected to provide an alternative venue toexisting facilities in Metro Manila, and will cater to bothlocal and foreign exhibitions and conferences. It offers9,150 square meters of exhibition space at ground level,which can be reconfigured into four smaller halls forseparate and simultaneous exhibits and shows. Another8,550 square meters of function and banqueting spaces, aswell as smaller meeting rooms, are also available at thesecond level for a range of varied events.

Bay City Arena

Still in design stage, the Bay City Arena is scheduled forconstruction in 2007. Situated next to the SM X Conven-

tion Center, the multi-purpose development is designed tohost huge public assemblies, concerts and sports events.

The lot area measures 19,150 square meters, while thegross floor area amounts to 47,000 square meters, withseats for 15,000 spectators. 20 corporate suites are in-

cluded in the design. The Bay City Arena will answer thegrowing need for world-class performance and assemblyvenues in Metro Manila; while its striking, iconic design

will turn it into another landmark in the city’s urban fabric.

SM MALL OF ASIA 43

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46 SM MALL OF ASIA

Acknowledgments

Production ConsultantFides Garcia

Write-ups and InterviewsDebbie Lozare

EditingMaria Erika Santiago

Cover and LayoutJoel Lozare

PhotographySuiee Suarez x, xx, xxJohn Tinga x, xx, xxJoey Fernando x, xx, xxJoel Lozare x, xx, xxIgnacio Fornoles x, xx, xxIan Ong and Magic Caraig x, xx, xxIo Martin Guballa x, xx, xxTim Darwish x, for the 7th Art– used by permission

Production AssistantsNancy Grace VillanuevaAlberto Dollente

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