A ceremony was held for the groundbreaking of the new BDO Unibank Inc. campus on Makati Avenue in Manila, signaling the start of construction on a project of environmentally responsive workplaces in the Philippines. Designed by architects Foster + Partners, the development transforms five urban plots into a cohesive campus with two high-rises framing a lush, triple-volume public space, blending vernacular architectural influences with modern design.
Tailored to the humid tropical climate, the design maximizes energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. Extensive solar analysis shaped the use of woven metal mesh shading screens inspired by traditional patterns. A lightweight structural system reduces the concrete content of the building by over 65,000 tons, while improving seismic performance, and supporting column-free interiors. Radiant cooling systems and recycled water usage, coupled with a 40 percent reduction in operational energy, pave the way for achieving Green Mark Super Low Energy and Net Zero Energy certifications.
The project emphasizes employee and community engagement, incorporating green terraces, an urban rooftop farm, and a 3,000-square-meter meeting and event space. A public museum and art installations enhance the cultural value of the campus, while panoramic terraces on stepped setbacks foster wellbeing. The open ground plane incorporates lush planting and an array of artworks, to enhance the public realm and improve the quality of life in the city.
Learn more about this story at Foster + Partners.