This project involved the creation of a vision plan for a new central business district, as well as the detailed planning, urban design and landscape guidelines necessary to make it reality. The objective, as defined by a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team, was to create the following:

• A design sensitive to the local culture, context, and climate.

• An integrated land use strategy which is flexible and compatible with all phases of development.

• A series of urban neighborhoods which focus on distinct open spaces.

• A design that optimizes the use of transit and de-emphasizes cars

• A set of guidelines and controls to ensure correct implementation of the master plan.

The rapid development of Manila in the 90s outstripped the capacity of its infrastructure, resulting in a crowded, traffic congested environment that is hostile to pedestrians. There is little open space, few trees, and pollution is a serious problem. A goal of the project was to create a new urban center that avoids these conditions through careful planning and skilled urban design.

The project lies within the site of the old Fort Bonifacio, a former Philippine Army Base. It has distant views of Manila Bay and surrounding mountain ranges, as well as the skyline of Makati, Manila’s older central business district.

Role: Brian Jennett served as an Urban Planner and Designer while employed at HOK during the implementation phases of the project, creating drawings, diagrams, 3D models, presentations and reports, travelling to Manila frequently for meetings with the client: BCDA - The Philippines Bases Conversion and Development Authority.