PLAZA BALANGHAI
URBAN EXPLORATION OF COMMUNITY AND IDENTITY
TYPOLOGY      INSTITUTIONAL
LOCATION       PASIG CITY, METRO MANILA, PHILIPPINES
YEAR                2018

Entitled PLAZA BALANGHAI, it takes inspiration from the Balangay and its representations.

PLAZA BALANGHAI consists of two main elements: the Object (The Balangay Tower) and the Blanket (Alon Park). The idea of an Object hovering above a vast Blanket abstracts the notion of the MMDA – as the administering body that oversees the different cities of Metro Manila.

Instead of creating separate structures to form the complex, PLAZA BALANGHAI divides the complex into two entities: a vertical tower and a horizontal park. The tower contains the main offices whereas the park encapsulates the different supporting facilities of the MMDA.

Inspired by the gracious lines of the balangay, the tower gently undulates to respond to climatic and contextual considerations. The sails of the balangay are abstracted into an articulated skin pattern of transparent and fritted glass panels – to maximize natural daylighting while avoiding unnecessary heat gain within the building.  An undulating, elevated park, Alon Park acts as an urban blanket than can be pushed or pulled to accommodate the different programs of the MMDA. This elastic concept will be able to incorporate any requirement or program demand.

Guided by the concept of community, PLAZA BALANGHAI creates an urban juxtaposition of elements to create a cohesive development. The architectural marriage of the tower typology with the park satisfies the executive and public functions that define the esteemed MMDA – giving it functional flexibility while creating a new public place for the people. The balangay translation provides the perfect inspiration in creating a contemporary Filipino icon – through its symbolism of unity and community.

PLAZA BALANGHAI becomes a testament to a sense of place, of purpose, of community, and most of all, of what it means to be Filipino.