MONOCLE’S TOP 20 MOST LIVABLE CITIES

TOP 10

MUNICH 1

COPENHAGEN 2

ZURICH 3

TOKYO 4

VIENNA 5

HELSINKI 6

SYDNEY 7

STOCKHOLM 8

HONOLULU 9

MADRID 10

NEXT 10

MELBOURNE 11 / MONTREAL 12 / BARCELONA 13 / KYOTO 14 /VANCOUVER 15 / AUCKLAND 16 / SINGAPORE 17 / HAMBURG 18 / PARIS 19 / GENEVA 20 ... MANILA ??

Monocle’s July/August 2007 Issue

One might notice that most countries in the top ten are European Cities. We may think that Monocle is biased. Based in London, the magazine started by saying:

You may be sitting in an egg-shaped Sir Norman Foster design building on the Thames, and wondering why your city didn’t make the top 20 there are some very sound and simple reasons…

In the past years, I have always looked at London as a hotbed for architecture experimentations, the only reason why I thought the city is fantastic. I was surprised that the city didn’t make it in the ranking. But Monocle explained why. It mentioned that while London enjoys an economic boom and influx of talents from around the world, it faired poorly in …

Public Transportation / Health

/ Sustainability Initiatives /

Drinking Hours /Airport / Crime

Furthermore, the magazine suggests that the city should invest on ...

Public Infrastructure / Built environment

/ Essential Services
Other Criteria:

Tolerance / Local Media

/ International Flight Connections

It was clarified that the ranking was a quality of life survey and not about the best financial centers of the world. This was done by identifying the components why the city is not just attractive and wealthy, but truly livable. The survey was done in three months period. Monocle claims that their survey is 50% subjective and 50% scientific, a mixture of raw data and opinion. It also explained that a truly livable city is the one that gives endless opportunities. He made Baghdad as an example because it offers many opportunities at the moment, but not necessarily giving you a high quality of life. It also set Berne as an example for a city that provides the ideal quaint life. But since Berne does not have an international airport, it was cut from the list. Crime, excluded a lot of U.S. cities and London flanked in healthcare, education, communication, connectivity, tolerance and drinking hours (See Mayor Lim!? Drinking is not too bad. Culturally, we like to drink!). It is interesting to note how Monocle brought up London’s 2012 Olympics as festival-style adventures to divert the public’s attention from the city’s crumbling infrastructure (similar to ours). As the article progresses, the magazine explained why some popular cities didn’t make it. They even reviewed the fairness of their research because none of the South American, African cities made the list. Then the magazine affirmed that there were no anomalies in their ranking. The paragraph ended with a statement “Could we happily live in any of the remaining cities (Monocle’s top ranking cities) for the rest of our days? Yes”

I discussed this with my colleague and he gave me a challenging question. “Most livable” in whose standards? The magazine’s? The West? or Tyler Brule’s? It remained unanswered, until now. If Monocle’s standards are the ones in the list they mentioned, I ask myself, aren’t these the standards of cities of developing countries (including Manila) already? Some criteria Monocle enumerated are necessities for a modern city to function and become livable. How can anyone relax in an unsafe neighborhood? Or how can a city dweller be efficient or more productive, when time is wasted on the road because of traffic? The addition of a standard like a good international airport, may not instantly relate to the concept of livability. The magazine aimed for higher standards, by adding a criterion. But again, Monocle agrees that livability will always be subjective. I wonder how the magazine will rate Manila. While the city has a lot of shortcomings, Filipinos still has the love and dream for its country if not for their city. Current boom in investments from Filipinos abroad for a retirement home in the Philippines proves, that no matter how livable or unlivable your city is, home is where your heart is. I guess it is not the city that has a high tolerance level but its people. And it’s a good thing.

But isn’t it better if we are emotionally attached to a Manila that meets good standards of livability?

HERBERT MUSCHAMP, ARCHITECTURE CRITIC, IS DEAD

Herbert Muschamp, a writer for The New York Times whose wildly original and often deeply personal reviews made him one of the most influential architecture critics of his generation, died on Tuesday night in Manhattan. He was 59 and lived in Manhattan..............His openness to new talent was reflected in the architects he championed, from Frank Gehry, Rem Koolhaas, Zaha Hadid and Jean Nouvel, now major figures on the world stage, to younger architects like Greg Lynn, Lindy Roy and Jesse Reiser and Nanako Umemoto.

New York Times

(Click the title to read the rest of the story)

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

E D S A 4

EDSA is a major artery that connects North and South of Metropolitan Manila.
Whether you drive a car, commute or ride the MRT, Edsa will always be the highway we either dread to go (because of terrible traffic) or the highway we dread to go (because of visual, air and noise pollution). I just can’t imagine liking it, except for one very rare moment. When my friends parked in front of Megamall and walked comfortably on the car-less thoroughfare towards Robinsons to join its last and coolest Street Party, Erap’s Despedida. I also remember the yellow themed EDSA People Power in 1986.The road was still very wide and flooded with people wearing yellow shirts holding yellow flowers and banners.

Edsa today is defined by a Metro Rail Transit concourse that splits the road into two. Stand on one side of the road and you will feel a bit lost and alienated. In order to cross, you will have to go two flights of up and another two flights of down on the pedestrian overpass. Let’s just say, it is trying to be consistent with the undulating levels of the MRT concourse. Despite traffic, Edsa is still categorically, a highway. Being a major spine that serves more than 50% (I think) of the commuting and driving population, it opened some areas for business opportunities even without the presence of decent sidewalks. For now, the road connects major commercial, financial shopping centers of Metro Manila but sooner or later, Edsa will be a long road of side by side mixed-use developments. This is evinced by the several condominium buildings along Edsa that take advantage of the MRT’s proximity.

Ideally, MRT should be underground. This way, street-life is more visually pleasing because it enjoys natural daylight. Rizal Avenue with its good mix of post and pre-war architecture suffered the effect of an elevated LRT. Taft (especially PWU Building, La Salle Building and Luneta Areas) and Avenida still look very promising if you don’t see any visual blockage on the street. For Edsa, without thinking of the cost implications of the subway system, the concourse space could have been better used as Edsa’s sidewalks.

Another issue Edsa faces is visual pollution. Billboards, static or moving are everywhere. I remember a British photographer’s note of his photo of Morayta’s billboards, at the corner of Espana. He sarcastically said that you will never find billboards, these many and high in London. I said to myself,¨Wait til he sees Edsa.¨

Time to do something! (MetroFlex)

CREDITS

chad041893 of Flickr

THE MODERN FILIPINO HOUSE

My colleague, Edson Cabalfin will have the second of his lecture series at the Silverlens Gallery along Pasong Tamo Extension on September 29, 2007, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Entitled The Modern Filipino House: Philippine Residential Architecture of the 1960’s, Cabalfin will discuss how modernity in homes was translated by Filipinos at that time. In his last lecture, he presented an impressive overview of Philippine Modern Architecture as support to the Photo Exhibit of Iza Lorenzo. Do not miss this rare architecture event.

Seen in the many buildings and homes being constructed all over the Metro show that the Philippines is experiencing a building boom. In the financial districts, you see these condominiums look desolate and unoccupied. But wonder why another one is being built at the next corner. Why? More and more Filipinos abroad are sending in money to invest in a retirement or a vacation home. I remember Daphne Osena’s byword “The dream of owning a Filipino home” in her show Urban Zone. The show features newly built houses and interiors of condominiums done in different “styles” of design. One style emerges as the most popular, Modern Asian. Contemporary Asian is used as the more appropriate term. But what is it exactly? Magazines, books and even television shows depict Contemporary “Asian” Design in Interiors and Architecture as space in warm colors, rich details, with the bonus of making a small nook for a tropical garden or koi pond. The caboodle is sometimes accented with Asian rare items the owner or designer boasts. Seeing these houses make me feel like I am in spa or a hotel, relaxing and calming. It is interesting to link the city’s other “booms” such as spas, facials, fitness and (artificial) teas - SOMEHOW a related lifestyle concept that influenced us to make our house, our very own spa. Why not? However, I rarely see an “Asian” Modern house addresses its being Asian SPATIALLY, except in the little cutesy items that adorn the space. But then again, what is Asian in the first place? It is so diverse, your Chinese Buddha might conflict with your Indian Buddha, side by side with the Quiapo’s Holy Nazarene. I guess it’s all a matter of mixing the right stuff to make it look well made (arranged). And why was it called Modern or Contemporary? Is it because it is housed in a space made of concrete with interiors rich in varnished moldings and halogen lamps? Is this the Modern Filipino House Today?

COLLEGE OF SAINT BENILDE SCHOOL OF DESIGN & ARTS

Photos taken by Tristan Granados

MANILA'S NEW GIANT

“That even a “balut vendor” (duck egg vendor) will stop to see it.” It is a memorable quote from a mentor, while he was pushing us to break the mold in designing our buildings. In the entire cityscape of Manila, nothing had come close to that reality. Not until Ed Calma’s CSB-SDA Building (College of Saint Benilde –School of Design and Arts) rose to say hey!, look at me.

Ride the MRT, the bus or even the jeepney, you will overhear comments from people on how modern, big or white the building is. It is fascinating when you see people turn their heads to glance at the white behemoth along Pablo Ocampo Street. Some CSB students even delayed their graduation in order to attend a semester in the new building. Whether the feedbacks are negative or positive, the building can stir curiosity and reactions. Is it because, it’s something new to the eyes of Manilenos? Or the building simplylooks magnificent. The answer will always be subjective.

The first time I saw the completed CSB-SDA Building, I must admit I was awestruck by its size and godlike presence (the magic of white paint and cladding). A colleague once told me that its whiteness makes it glow like a giant lamp at night. Approaching the building is through an inclined piazza, where you notice a number of protruding volumes, meant to function like benches (I assume). I didn’t bother to stick around because it was too hot. I thought, the bold folding gesture of the building would have made more impact, had it shaded (my entry) the piazza. I was still in the impressed mode, when I saw something familiar. Folding strips on the ceiling that crawls to an enclosed mezzanine space, reminds you of the details of the now-closed Restaurant 12 at Greenbelt Mall. Later on, through an interview of Calma by a friend, it was confirmed that the New CSB-SDA building is indeed a blown up vers
ion of that restaurant he also designed. Near the lobby, visitors are screened in Metrorail-like swipe-card pedestals. While waiting for the elevator, you look up and see the folding gestures, and repeating balconies in a 4-5 storey high atrium. It reminded me of the balconies of Winka Dubbeldam’s Greenwich Project. The first area we visited was the administrative office on the topmost floor. The office enjoys an impressive view of Manila. Adjacent is the faculty room. Inside, you see visual connections between different programs, a classroom below, director’s lounge on the left and further beyond, the student cafeteria below. You get a feel of the quality of spaces that some star-architect’s like Thom Mayne or Rem Koolhaas make. The design was further explained by Ed Calma in the Manila Times August 12 2007 ISSUE:

“This is probably the first building of its kind that manifests the multidiscip
linary teaching approach of the school,” says Calma. “The building takes its form from the spirit of design creativity; nothing was pre-conceived. This way, it would provide a much more stimulating learning environment compared to the usual box with corridors and flat lines.” Though the aesthetic elements of glass and steel are omnipresent, it is astounding to learn that no two rooms and no two floors of the SDA building are the same. A masterpiece of form and function, hallways of the SDA building were designed in a way that they can be converted into impromptu exhibition space whenever needed. In addition, the glass windows allow natural light to get in as well as provide ample ventilation, thus reducing the building’s energy consumption. “If you have a place that already teaches you a vocabulary of space, then you already establish a kind of language for design and arts,” explains Calma, adding, “That makes the building a tool for education.”

Areas of the buildings were designed to fit different design and art programs, intended to be reactive and dynamic with each other. The Performing Arts Department was planned cleverly. The studio spaces are ideal preparatory spaces, as they were conveniently located right behind the backstage of the Auditorium. The studios and classrooms are visible from the corridors as some of the walls are made of glass. Some complaints include, distractions of students and even teachers from people passing by. The windows along the hallways utilized glass louversto shield it from rainwater. From the outside, you see the louvers form an abstract pattern, repeating the design’s linear and folding gestures. While I tour the well-lit corridors, I noticed that some areas are warm and lacks good air circulation. It made me curious how much the building spends for electric bills. My jaw dropped when I was told of the 3 Million Pesos or 64,000 USD worth of monthly electric bill, and at that time, the building was not fully operational yet. I have always thought that the combo of avant-garde and sustainable design is like oil and water, they don’t mix. Apparently, a lot of people (architects and non-architects) I interviewed also say that the building doesn’t mix well with the surroundings. Small houses near or right beneath SDA building complain how the structure deprived them of sunlight. To many of us, its design is not site sensitive. While I agree of SDA’s visual alienation, I also thought that modernist design especially of the avant garde, is most of the times aggressive. So why question it? What if, it is intended to yell at us? Or awaken us from the obsession of building the face of the past? I still have questions about the overall design though. While we see a strong formal folding at the front of the building, we don’t see it happening at the back. We read the rear area as a maximized and boxy volume, that doesn’t translatethe dynamic program inside. Imagine the building without the backside, or the backside employs same folding language, the building appears stronger and probably lighter. But as it is, the building is already notable for its features new and unique to Manila.

Sure, it is not as internationally famous as the media frenzied OMA’s CCTV building in Beijing or the HDM’s nest-like stadium for the Bejing Olympics, but in a third-world country like the Philippines, it is already big star. It was already 3 decades ago since the city enjoyed an architectural madness when the former first lady, Imelda Marcos built a Brasilia-like complex, the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Somehow, the 1.5 Billion Pesos (30 Million USD) SDA building created some buzz in the architecture scene. The design was a product of a competition, a practice that local companies and institutions should implement to bring out the best of local talent. The word “best” might sound too bold, but it was only Calma’s design that radically veered away from the University’s Neo Classical theme. There was a last minute request from School officials to change the design direction back to Neo-Classical. But Calma’s expertise does not, and will never speak the language of traditional architecture. To laymen, his office is known for its minimalist designs. To architects, Ed is either the under-board architect or better, an adamant modernist. I personally like how the project turned out, because I could not imagine another oversized Parthenon built, envisioned to inspire its users to create “NEW” designs. How the Calma-designed SDA building will influence students? Let’s find out in five years.

(A PICTURE GALLERY SHALL BE UPLOADED)

MANILA POOL CITY

Because the old baywalk redevelopment brought back Filipinos to a public space, I learned to appreciate it. It is sad that it is gone. The recent development at the baywalk prompted me to work on some ideas.

Roxas Boulevard shall retain its trademark image: the flank of coconut trees. The lollipop lights stay as memory of Atienza’s efforts. At the baywalk, we jog, skate, or walk along the promenade while we either watch the sunset or take the plunge into the the landscape / waterscape? of Manila Pool City. We swim at the pools with the illusion of swimming in the waters of Manila Bay. We create a destination that is like no other in the city. This will bring back Manila city-zens to the baywalk promenade without having to rely on commercial establishments.

Pool with a Boardwalk

Axes and Archipoolago

Axes

The image does not show real coordinates, but lines (boardwalks) should point the direction to the country’s best beaches and other resort destinations. Paving design can integrate information about these resorts.

ArchiPOOLago

Proposal for an archipelago of pools and floating open spaces, accessible via floating raft or a small boat. The design is a rhetoric of how the country’s archipelagic setup created a divide in transportation and communication. This will be experienced in the inaccessibility of other pools and open spaces of Archipoolago. Some pools can be operated by the hotels along Roxas Boulevard.

The next area to be redeveloped is the service road of Roxas Boulevard. Historically, this was a linear park that connected Rizal Park and another huge park where Central Bank and Harrison Plaza now stand. Since the other side has the Pool/s as its magnet for people. Manila Mayor Lim might find legitimacy in putting the commercial structures along the service-road. This former linear park can be made over and accommodate island-type kiosks of retail and F&B’s (food and beverages). This way, Ground floor spaces of buildings along Roxas Boulevard, especially the Art Deco ones are integrated in the commercial development of the area. Outdoor seating for dining and unwinding will bring Roxas Boulevard back to life while the famed Manila Sunset remains viewable.

Points:

Manila Bay Pool City - A New Landmark and Destination for Manila

Manila Bay - Tourist Visits will increase

Manila Sunset - Tourist Visits will increase

Roxas Boulevard Service-Road - Redeveloped for Commercial Purposes

Roxas Boulevard property - More Commercially Viable

Roxas Boulevard Hotels - More bookings

BYEWALK

The newly elected Mayor Alfredo Lim recently removed the commercial establishments along the baywalk. A project of former mayor Lito Atienza, I was not a fan of the baywalk development because the structures block the view of the bay and the sunset. I like a clean and sweeping stretch of coconut trees along Roxas Boulevard. I remember exchanging friendster messages in 2004 with a resident in the area, regarding how “baduy” (flashy) the lamp posts are. I disliked it, with the notion that no public consultation was solicited. He told me that there was a consultation, and the existing design is far better from what City Hall originally proposed. He also convinced me that it is probably what the locals wanted. Like the jeepney, it is an eyecandy that easily attract majority of the Filipinos. I remember touring a German friend in the area. While making him try halo-halo” (a local iced goody) from Aristocrat, the place was so festive. There were marching bands playing Filipino songs that made people dance and sing. And then I remember Cuba, how it is described to be a country that lives its own music. The streets of Santiago de Cuba and Havana are filled with dancing and singing as well. I just realized that we were actually doing the same thing already. Although it is in the tune of Otso-otso, Boom tarat tarat and Spaghetti Dance, it is music to them and probably what best represent Pinoys today. I still think that the new father of Manila just wants to ensure that peace and order are maintained in the city. But as an architect and an aspiring urban designer, I know that there are better ways of achieving security while Filipinos still enjoy "fun" filled public spaces.

Catch it if you can.

The National Museum is about to close the exhibit: Building Modernity, A Century of Philippine Architecture and Allied Arts. It showcases how architecture and urbanism in the Philippines evolved in the twentieth century, within the framework of Modernism. The curator Gerard Lico, categorized the buildings into different tropes based on how they were influenced by movements and ideologies.These are Modern as a Civilizing Project, Modern as Vernacular, Modern as Technological Progress, Modern as Statecraft and Modern as Global Enterprise. The pictures, drawings, blueprints and even artifacts displayed, tell us that there is a substantial architectural history in the Philippines. Just a thought.... If we pay little value to our older and ornate buildings, how do we value Manila's modernist architectural heritage?

Located at the fourth floor of the Museum of the Filipino People, I was informed that the exhibit will close on the first week of September. We need more exhibits like this!