Archinect - News

Manila's new "wavy" mixed-use tower opens in the city's booming financial district

2016-12-13T17:12:00-05:00

Despite recent geopolitical tensions, The Philippines is projected to have one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, and one seeming indicator of that is the increasing number of tall corporate towers — some with, uh, distinctive designs — that are sprouting up throughout Metro Manila. Another one of those developments is the newly opened City Center Tower, a mixed-use building that will house the Philippine headquarters for major tenants like Google, Filipino telecommunications giant Globe Telecom, and American healthcare companies.

Designed by Brooklyn-based Carlos Arnaiz Architects (CAZA), who also has an office in Manila, the 30-story tower was completed this month in the booming Bonifacio Financial District. The building also features three floors of commercial retail and a rooftop restaurant. The building distinguishes itself by the "organic wave pattern" on its exterior facade, formed by a series of concentric circles that extend across the horizontal axes of each flo...

Despite recent territorial disputes over the South China Sea, a Chinese company has been awarded a major contract to build artificial islands off the coast of the Philippines

2016-11-01T12:41:00-04:00

Located on the eastern edge of the body of water commonly referred to in English as the South China Sea, the Philippines is among the countries that dispute China’s claim to the area and its islands. Earlier this year, a Hague-based tribunal, constituted under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, ruled that China has no historical claim or sovereign rights to the islands in a case brought by the Philippines against the People’s Republic of China.

But the Philippines, under the leadership of the controversial President Rodrigo Duterte, has pivoted away from its relationship with the United States and towards China. Now, following a state visit by Duterte to Beijing, a state-owned Chinese company named CCCC Dredging has received a major contract to build the Philippines its own artificial islands.

As reported by the state-owned Chinese paper People’s Daily, the Philippines will gain four artificial islands off the coast of Davao City—incidentally where Duterte served as ...

The “world’s largest indoor arena” by Populous officially opens in Manila, Philippines

2014-07-21T21:02:00-04:00

Since construction began in 2011, Populous just announced the opening of the Philippine Arena in Manila, Philippines. Commissioned by Iglesia Ni Cristo (the Church of Christ), the structure is described to be the world's largest indoor arena and will be able to accommodate up to 50,000 people. The arena was also designed to host a variety of church gatherings and major entertainment events.

Daniel Libeskind’s 60-story Century Spire breaks ground in Metro Manila, Philippines

2014-05-30T20:51:00-04:00

Daniel Libeskind is at it again with the recent unveiling and groundbreaking of Century Spire, a 60-story tower that will be built in the city of Makati in Manila, Philippines. Showrooms officially opened on May 28, and Libeskind joined Century Properties and Armani/Casa officials at the groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting. The tower is scheduled for completion in 2018.

Daniel Libeskind collaborated with Robbie Antonio of major Philippine real estate firm Century Properties Group and Giorgio Armani's Armani/Casa Interior Design Studio in designing the office and residential tower — which they all believe will reshape Metro Manila's skyline (It sure will...)

So, Archinecters, any thoughts on Libeskind's latest project? (I know you do). Feel free to share them in the comments below.

Support Architecture for Humanity's work after Super Typhoon Haiyan

2013-11-11T16:16:00-05:00

With Architecture for Humanity's experience helping communities beyond the relief phase of disaster, we are currently mobilizing to assist in long-term reconstruction. Through speaking with local stakeholders and construction professionals, we are working to begin understanding the on-the-ground situation to prioritize rebuilding needs and help affected regions build back better and stronger.

Donate now and help support Architecture for Humanity's response in the typhoon-affected region. #Typhoonhaiyan

Dozens Die In Philippines After Powerful Earthquake

2013-10-15T12:26:00-04:00

"Low-rise buildings collapsed on at least two islands and historic churches cracked and crumbled during the quake," , "which sparked panic, cut power and transport links and forced hospitals to evacuate patients." The quake also damaged tourist attractions, such as the famed Chocolate Hills of Bohol. A photo of the damage to one hill that was by tourist Robert Michael Poole. Churches that have stood for hundreds of years also suffered damage...

Architecture for Humanity Launches Philippines Floods Response Program for Long-Term Disaster Mitigation

2012-08-09T18:01:00-04:00

On August 6, the Tropical Storm Haikui brought two days of heavy rains that caused massive flooding and landslides throughout the capital city of Manila in the Philippines. Over 800,000 people were evacuated from their homes and 250,000 people have moved into emergency shelters. [...] Architecture for Humanity is committed to helping communities in Manila rebuild and prevent future disasters. We need your help.

Paris Hilton "designs" a beach club in the Philippines

2011-09-15T13:53:44-04:00

“Just finished putting together all the designs for my meeting with Century Property for my new Paris Beach Club at Azure,” Paris Hilton excitedly share the great news to her million fans on Twitter.

Via the forum

Rudy Yu's architecture of whimsy

2011-08-12T16:18:23-04:00

Blind alleys laid out like labyrinths. Steps climbing seemingly to nowhere. Roads crisscrossing and crossbreeding smaller roads. But despite the elaborate shapes and impossible angles, the cityscapes created by Filipino artist Rudy Yu make their own sense, aesthetically. They are cities [...] mapped out playfully, whimsically by an artist who, though inspired by the likes of M.C. Escher and Manuel Baldemor, puts his own idiosyncratic spin on space and matter that occupies it.