Rosarium- UST - Kalaw, Roy

UST Rosarium

-Roy Kristianne Adolf R. Kalaw

The UST Rosarium is a roughly 1125sq.meters irregularly shaped park located inside the UST grounds beside the Main building.

The Rosary garden was built to maximize the space of the UST open parks in order for the University to promote its religious mission among the students and the personnel of the University.

The plan on building the Rosarium was approved on July 26, 2011. It was blessed on the 29^th day of September of the same year. They have organized a procession starting from the UST grounds and had a mass on Sto.Domingo church for the blessing.

It is considered as one of the 21^st century parks for the reason of its elements and Architectural Design and it was just constructed last 2011.

It is uncomplicated and the design of each monument signifies the beads of the Holy Rosary. They have added the Fluidity concept on its design that can be seen through its water features which covers on every part of the park. It has a central shrine where the icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary is situated.

It’s primarily Tropic in its atmosphere and it is a Contemporary Zen garden style with a bundle of water features along its vast and patterned stone monuments which serve as its main inspiration. A Generic park is perceptibly full of trees and pavilions for the function of accommodating a large quantity of people who desires to loosen up from mind stressing environment.

The Oasis of Gateway

The Oasis of Gateway

by: Samantha Deoferio

The Oasis in Gateway Mall, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City, is a 406 SQM courtyard in a shopping mall, designed by PDAA Partners Landscape Architects under the employment of Araneta Center Inc. It serves as a breathing space for shoppers who want to relax and unwind and is actually a high-end food court for some restaurants in the Gateway Bistro.

As soon as I stepped into the Oasis, it felt as if I was entering a paradise in the middle of the hustle bustle of the shopping mall. There were really high palm trees in the center of the courtyard which stretched up to the top floor. The reception desk was a fancy bar-like counter with a waiter behind it. From there, you could choose which restaurant’s menu you would take and order from, or in my case, I took the menu of all the restaurants.

The waiter then assisted me to my table in one of the podiums across the bridge. From there I could actually hear water fountains and the breeze sweeping across the trees. There were even koi ponds surrounding the garden. Yes, it was paradise.

Being constructed last 2004, the Oasis garden is deemed as a 21^st century garden primarily because of its fusion elements. The garden is actually a tropical landscape by its softscape, and Zen by its hardscape, primarily because of the koi ponds, waterscape, and the Chinese temple-like bridges and pathways connecting podiums of different elevations. The garden is also wrapped by curtain wall three storeys high on all sides and the sky as its ceiling. On the podiums, dining sets are assembled under a large picnic umbrella. The air inside the garden, unlike outside the mall, feels like a cool refreshing one, probably contributed by the high volume of plant life and dynamic waterscape. The reception desk as mentioned above is of modern architecture – glass and steel – another element that makes Oasis garden in-line with modern, 21^st century gardens. 

Robinsons Magnolia Park - Harold Guda

Robinsons Magnolia is Robinsons Land Corporation’s most anticipated shopping center project in the metro. For this generation, it will be a gathering place for family, friends and loved ones, the setting for a cache of new memories.

Conceptualized by global design firm RTKL,Robinsons Magnolia's lay-out highlights both the relaxing ambience of an outdoor setting and the cool comforts of sleek interior spaces. Inside, the mall boasts of a grand entrance lobby, and spacious hallways that lead to a four-level al fresco area that overlooks The Plaza, a lushly landscaped open space dotted with water features and an area for live entertainment. The Plaza is where the new Ice Cream House can be found, serving the same old concoctions that we so love. 

 A highlight of Robinsons Magnolia is “The Plaza,” a lush, landscaped open space lined with al fresco restaurants offering wide-ranging cuisines to please every palate. From Filipino to Mediterranean, Asian to Western, and many more, the area will make for a unique dining experience. To satisfy hungry mall-goers or adventurous gourmands, interesting restaurants serving distinctive cuisines will be located at all levels of Robinsons Magnolia. These are placed overlooking The Plaza to give diners a visual feast as they eat.

As for the design principles, (Line) the walkways are spacial, round, and rotating. (Color) warm colors for the interior of the mall and the park with green spaces so as to create a healthy ambiance. (Shape) the mall is shaped geometrically, what you see on the left is also what you see on the right while the park is shaped spherically to maintain a well-balanced zoning. (Space) The plaza itself located at the back of the mall is somewhat considered as its focal point. (Texture) the flowy ambiance makes the mall achieve a soothing environment not only for the kids but also for the adults. 

For the Principles of Composition: (Rhythm) The over-all planning/design has a "Mirror" effect on the site, what you see on the right is what you see on the left. (Variety of shape and sizes) The different shapes and forms of the mall and the park shows more interest in the artwork. (Emphasis) The two shops of Magnolia Ice Cream located at the park gives somewhat an emphasis to the park. (Balance) the balance of the green design of the mall and the park creates a relaxing ambience of an outdoor setting and the cool comforts of sleek interior spaces. (Unity) The calm and eco-friendly environment ensures the mall and park a secured, healthy and fun place for the public.

At Robinsons Magnolia, Robinsons Land combines modern architecture, efficient design and a commitment to quality service. As a place for fun and safe shopping, combined with exceptional dining and entertainment options, this exciting new lifestyle hub will surely delight. It is set to open in the second quarter of 2012.

Bonifacio High Street - Teo Halaguena

Being the first of its kind here in the Philippines, Bonifacio High Street incorporates a new stage for its 400m by 40m wide interactive park. This park is a cross over of a Strip mall and a Park offering various cuisine, up-to-date fashions, even events around the place. This proclaims the modern aspects of fine lifestyle for health and beauty, sports, technology,and home-living. Being the center of Bonifacio Global City, Bonifacio High Street redefines the walk in the park experience.

As for the principles of design is concerned, (Line) the walkways of the site are smooth and parallel to each other. (Color) cool colors of the structures and the grass green of the park give the feeling of coolness. (Shape) the buildings around the park are pretty much made up of squares while the figures around the park are comprised of organic shapes which are characterized with free flow. (Space) The sculpture of the elevated rock fountain, as the rock being the focal point is the object that everyone tends to see. (Texture) the smoothness of the place invokes a good sense of path flow around the park. (Form) It is the three dimensionality of the structure hence the eight buildings along twin promenade is a good example.

Principles of Composition focuses on the following: (Rhythm) the repetitive design of trees aligned along the park. (Variety of shape and sizes) the different shapes and sizes of the sculptures around the park stimulates more interest in the artwork. (Emphasis) the sizable water feature along the park and the elevated rock fountain give emphasis on the park itself.(Balance) the balance of the green and the structure creates a static yet predictable formal effect. (Unity) the serene, peaceful and calmness of the park produces a dramatic effect.

The Landscape architects in this park are EDAW, with GF & Partners. EDAW, is a pioneer in creating distinctive and attractive places. They are all about collaborative and smart approach which is about imaginative and sustainable solutions that enhances the degree of excellence of life and ensure every project's a long-term success. GF and Partners, Architects, Co. merges aesthetic, specializes the aspects of design with human and functional considerations.

The park is uniquely a refreshing environment. Flagship stores and popular brands are lined up on both sides of the park. A “kinetic” park that is exemplified with  interactive art pieces is also set right in the middle of the high street, multifaceted water plaza, garden islands, all perfectly designed for the cross over of strip mall and a 21st century park.

UST's Quadricentennial Park - Macas, Del Angelo

Terra 28th and Track 30th at Bonifacio Global City by Margot Maglinte

In the thick of the highly charged, fast-paced life of a premier district, it’s a cool surprise to discover playgrounds and landscape parks where we can relax and indulge in recreation or bonding activities.

BGC is more than just a busy community of successful companies, classy residences, plush restaurants, and avant-garde shops. Espousing an active lifestyle, BGC extends the energy and excitement to the green environment, the arts and culture, and sports and fitness. BGC has allocated fifteen percent of its land to open spaces suitable for a variety of outdoor activities. It is most pleased to provide its residents and visitors with safe, quality venues for play and wellness with the recent opening of theme parks, Terra 28th and Track 30th. 

TERRA 28TH AND TRACK 30TH 

TERRA 28TH 

A park that is about 8,344-sqm park in 28^th street which has a picnic ground, open play fields, a dog park, a jogging path, interactive art installations, and a ‘Larong Pinoy’ area where families can revive old Pinoy games such as Piko, Holen, Patintero, Luksong Baka, and Habulang Taya.

REST AND PLAY RIBBON PLAYGROUND

 Principles of design:

1. Line- uses curve pathways that is safe for a playing area
2. Color- apply bright colors that will attract families especially the kids
3. Space- the space allotted for this theme park is located across the bonifacio high street and the maridien- residential tower

Principles of composition:

1.  rhythm- the site applied a contrast design wherein it uses different patterns and forms to create an intriguing and interesting public area for the visitors
2. emphasis- focuses on interactive art installations that are built for the kids
3. balance- uses an asymmetrical plan for the themed park
4. unity- the space is in accordance to the existing structures and establishments 

FEATURES:

Interactive art. This Color Me Chameleon changes its skin color with the turning of its colorful glass beads.

     At the Larong Pinoy area, there's a luksong baka lawn, as well as permanent piko lines and space for habulan, holen and patintero. Stick figure drawings show the kids how to play. Everything is designed with kids in mind - even the trash can is colorful. Nearby, kids can jump on the steel and glass Musical Steps designed by Rico and Chachu Lascano. There's also a fascinating Color Me Chameleon that changes color as its glass beads turn.  The Rest and Play Ribbon playground is brightly colored, with unusually-shaped monkey bars, swings and a seesaw. 

Terra 28th’s Larong Pinoy area where traditional Filipino games ofpiko, habulan-taya, holen, luksong baka, and patintero can be played.

TRACK 3OTH 

On the other side of Bonifacio High Street is Track 30th, an outdoor space designed for fitness enthusiasts. Even couch potatoes can appreciate the playgrounds, if only to look at the interesting installations. They might even get inspired to work out. Jogging trails run through lush greens and wide lawns, big enough for circuit training and group exercises.

FUNKY TREE

principles of design:

1.     line- just like the terra 28^th , this open area uses curved pathways
2.     color- more of the neutral colors since the park is intended for meditation and physical activities
3.     space- basically Terra 28th’s counterpart on the other side of Bonifacio High Street

principles of composition:

1.     rhythm- it uses an alternative design layout wherein what you see on the other side reflects on the other
2.     emphasis- stresses on their disc and poles which is a recycled exercise equipment
3.     balance-  application of asymetrical plan that denotes different forms and shapes
4.     unity- as a counterpart, it is also in line with the existing structures 

FEATURES

DISC AND POLES

The notable features of Track 30^th are two functional art installations – the Disc and Poles- designed by  Gary and Ae Pastrana and Coco Anne and Baby Imperial, respectively.  These installations are made of recycled materials which can be used as exercise tools. These Earth-friendly facilities promotes sustainable living — a way of preserving and nurturing nature.

Track 30th’s Raised Running Disc helps track the distance the runner has covered. It is made of recycled shredded rubber.

Terra 28th and track 30th is open to public from 6am to 10 pm. 

One Serendra by Janny Janeo