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.