Henning Larsen Architects has won a world competition for a brand new constructing in the guts of Manila, Philippines. Designed in collaboration with landscape architects SLA and BuroHappold Engineering, the dramatically tapering Bonifacio Global City skyscraper is a sculptural beauty that mixes Filipino traditional design with contemporary influences. The mixed-use constructing might be crammed with natural daylight and can prioritize access to nature.
This iconic tower, rising to a height of 308 meters, is about to redefine the skyline of Bonifacio Global City, Manila’s centrally situated financial district. The skyscraper will include state-of-the-art workspace, restaurants, a civic center with exhibition spaces and a public observatory at the highest of the constructing. The large public plaza surrounding the constructing might be densely planted with tall trees and can mimic the shade and atmosphere of a Philippine rainforest. The plaza serves as a protected public space for big gatherings and celebrations, a convention emphasized in Filipino culture.
“Our goal was to create a project that would be a reference point for how a skyscraper can give back to the city and its residents. The design is characterized by a high degree of responsibility, not only in terms of materials and production, but also in terms of positive, social spaces that encourage intimacy and community,” says Claude Bøjer Godefroy, partner and design director at Henning Larsen’s Hong Kong office.
“This building is a milestone for Manila and the Philippines. We wanted it to be a truly Filipino building by understanding and integrating elements of Philippine nature, culture and climate.” Trees grow contained in the constructing and might be visible through the glass facade. At night, the tower is illuminated and doubles as a beacon for the town.
Source: This article was first published on inhabitat.com on September 6, 2017 under the title “Henning Larsen Architects’ Drastically Pointed Skyscraper Will Transform Manila’s Skyline”
