M E T R O F L E X

THE GREAT WALK OF EDSA

People powered to walk on Edsa

Part 1

Two years ago, I was planning to submit a competition entry to JA (Japan-Architect) Magazine’s Shinkenchiku Competition for a town landmark. Unfortunately, I was not able to set aside time for it. But my idea for the entry was to reverse our negative impression of Edsa by improving its experience. Edsa has two (If I am not mistaken) notable landmarks that both depict the history and aspirations of the Avenue (World’s Original Peaceful People Power plus sequels). My question was, in what other ways can we strengthen the essence of the place? With the existing conditions I mentioned in my previous post, can we still afford to cramp EDSA with another landmark when it is already visually cluttered?

Tisha B, a colleague, saw the potential of elevated walkways in the Makati CBD. She wanted to propose under Urbanscape, (a department in our former office, Archipelago) an elevated walkway along the entire stretch of EDSA. This way, people will not just have safe and comfortable public space to walk on; they will have the option to walk, should traffic becomes unbearable.

Her idea sprung a concept for a landmark. I developed it further.

Since the MRT is already there and a vision for sidewalks looks dim, instead of just a walkway, why not propose an elevated street for people!?

Imagine a new Edsa with a new and elevated street, where vehicles or train underneath are just small glimpses. In effect, we expand, elevate, reclaim Edsa’s sidewalk. The MRT will function like a subway. The undulating levels of the concourse can provide variations in height and configuration for the different areas of Edsa. Also, existing buildings can renovate their second levels to provide access to the elevated street. Buildings along Edsa will have two floors that are leasable for retail or F&Bs, resulting to a vibrant street life. We make Edsa more viable as a place to live, work and play. The immense and long open space can give Manila its much needed open space. Technology for landscaping and trees will also help us to finally “green” our city where Edsa becomes our potential Central Park (the longest and leanest in the world). This strip is like a humongous version of Bonifacio High Street but this time more utilitarian, as it provides Manilenos an alternative means to travel and experience the city.

Water Lilies

We walk on what seems to be discs floating above Edsa. The discs give the elevated street a lighter impression. The openings provide daylight to the road and concourse underneath. Instead of the usual overpass, or elevated access, the discs can seemingly hover towards the second level of the buildings along Edsa. Imagine a vibrant street life on the discs. Enjoy the sights of cafes and restaurants people walking, jogging, or biking. At night, the underside of the discs emits yellow light providing the floor surface a diffused glow.

Flores de Yellow

If trees are not possible, let’s use vines! We construct giant arbors where yellow flowering plants can creep or crawl on. The elevated walkway or street becomes like a stretched tree canopy where you see movements of people inside. It will be an elongated blob that will soften our perception of the concrete MRT concourse. For access and overpass, the blob can stretch to
reach both sides of the road.

Both schemes will introduce yellow flowering plant or tree. It will be ideal to find plant specie that flower during the Anniversary of the first People Power. Imagine on ordinary days, Edsa is a lush tree-shaded road. During the season of People Power Anniversary, these trees or plants bloom its yellow flowers. While walking on the elevated street or driving, petals will fall, reminding us of Edsa’s story. Wind will also sweep the petals, providing the road a shower of yellow flower-confetti. That way we do not only green the city, we also romanticize our history.

CREDITS

Photo of Edsa by Angry little Boy of Flickr