Aseana City: Elevating Urban Living Through Innovative Public Spaces

09 May 2023

In today’s dynamic and fast-paced world, where high productivity often leads to exhaustion, there is a growing desire to find retreat in an urban setting that caters to all our needs – a secure community that is easily accessible, offering a wide range of recreational facilities that enable us to relish life to the fullest. This is precisely the vision that Aseana City has meticulously crafted for families and enterprises alike – a masterfully designed community that embodies top-notch living standards, while providing seamless access to all modern amenities and world class public spaces.

Located along the picturesque shorelines of Manila Bay, Aseana City is a vibrant mixed-use development that spans an impressive 107.5 hectares. Developed by D.M. Wenceslao and Associates (PSE: DMW), one of the country’s leading integrated real estate developers and pioneers in land reclamation, Aseana City is dubbed as the ‘Next Generation City’ that offers a diverse range of residential, commercial, and leisure facilities.

About the photo: Stunning aerial view of Aseana City, showcasing its developments along Pres. D. Macapagal Boulevard

If you build it, they will come

In a well-designed city, one would expect to see fewer vehicles on the roads, secure and spacious sidewalks, and ample recreational amenities. Unfortunately, rapid urbanization and the lack of people-centric urban designs have led to the neglect of pedestrian facilities. As a result, people are often confined to narrow sidewalks, and the needs of private vehicles take precedence. Recognizing the lack of open spaces and safe pedestrian lanes in the country, D.M. Wenceslao has adopted a holistic approach to developing Aseana City.

“Horizontal pedestrian infrastructure is just as important as vertical real estate. As master developers of Aseana City, we see the last mile of pedestrian mobility as our responsibility. As the famous movie quote goes, ‘If you build it, they will come.’ In line with our commitment to sustainability, we are currently striving to establish the largest network of climate-protected sidewalks in the country,” said Delfin Angelo “Buds” C. Wenceslao, CEO of D.M. Wenceslao Group, emphasizing the company’s longstanding commitment to sustainable development.

Aseana City takes pride in having wider sidewalks which are shielded from inclement weather through a well-designed network of arcades, corridors, alleyways, and canopies. The creation of a climate-protected solution for pedestrians was made possible through the collaborative effort between DMWAI and its locators, with Aseana City’s design guidelines mandating the installation and construction of canopies and sky bridges. These structures are seamlessly interconnected, providing the walking public with an unparalleled walkability experience. With a pedestrian-centric philosophy in place, the vision is that one day one can walk from the LRT 1 Station at Redemptorist-Aseana City, stroll through Aseana City’s numerous landmarks and attractions, and walk all the way to the Manila Bay waterfront without having been exposed to heat or rain. Moreover, the estate is adorned with creative mural installations in various alleyways and buildings, further enhancing the ambiance and charm of the city.

Parqal – Aseana City’s Main Street

DMW’s flagship development of Parqal highlights the importance of effective accessibility and efficient mobility in Aseana City. With its design focusing on walkability and multiple entrance and exit points, Parqal serves as an excellent example of how urban planning can promote health and wellness and enhance the overall livability of a city.

About the photo: Parqal’s “floating canopy” made of ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) serves as the flagship spine of Aseana City’s sidewalk masterplan, covering about 5,000 sqm of the development’s linear greenway spine.

Parqal, a portmanteau of the words “Park” and “Kalye” (the Filipino word for street), is a sprawling five-hectare mixed-use development that boasts an impressive gross floor area (GFA) of 70,000 sq.m. The entire expanse of the development is enveloped by a “floating canopy” made of ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene), a sustainable material that is known for its natural light permeability, lightweight nature, and exceptional durability. This canopy serves as the flagship spine of Aseana City’s sidewalk masterplan, covering about 5,000 sqm of the development’s linear greenway spine. With multiple entrance and exit points, Parqal is designed to be porous, promoting an active lifestyle for both visitors and residents. The development offers an array of leisure activities, with lifestyle and retail shops offering everything from dining, fashion, and wellness to DIY options. Parqal is anticipated to open by Q3 of 2023.

Aseana City’s transformation from water into land is just the beginning of its ambitious journey towards creating a more aesthetically compelling and beneficial urban landscape. The city’s commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure, products, and services has established it as one of the most competitive central business districts in the metro. Aseana City’s strategic location, connection to key transport linkages such as the NAIA Expressway, LRT Line 1 Extension, and the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITx), is further enhanced by its focus on public security, open spaces, and walkway systems. These features combine to make Aseana City an irresistibly great and valuable urban destination. The city’s progressive approach to urban planning and development sets a high standard for other urban areas to follow.