Foster + Partners BDO Unibank Campus Breaks Ground in Manila, PhilippinesSave this picture!BDO Unibank Inc. Campus - The sheltered ground plane incorporates lush planting and an array of artworks. Image Foster + PartnersFoster + Partners has announced the breaking ground of BDO Unibank's new headquarters in Makati, Manila. The design aims to offer a climate-responsive approach inspired by vernacular architecture. The campus integrates five separate plots into a cohesive whole, featuring two high-rise towers flanking a sheltered public space incorporating lush landscaping and artwork.Save this picture!The building's massing employs a stepped-back profile, incorporating triple-story amenity spaces with outdoor terraces at each setback. This design prioritizes views and employee well-being, while an integrated urban farm contributes to a farm-to-table approach in the staff canteen. Extensive solar analysis informed the faade design, utilizing woven metal mesh screens inspired by traditional weaving patterns to provide shading and create a soft illuminated effect at night.Save this picture!From a structural perspective, the exterior exoskeleton, positioned to shade the faades, creates column-free interior spaces and supports external solar shading screens. This approach also improves the structure's resistance to seismic activity. A lightweight construction system reduces concrete usage by over 65,000 tons, contributing to the building's overall sustainability. Related Article The 25 Most Anticipated Projects of 2025 In addition to the reduced use of concrete, the project incorporates a range of measures to improve its impact on the environment, including a 40%+ reduction in operational energy, over 70% potable water recycling, and radiant cooling systems. The proposal aims to achieve a Green Mark Super Low Energy certification, a first in the Philippines, and potentially a Net Zero Energy status in the future.Save this picture! The structure of the buildings is intentionally placed on the outside of their envelopes to actively shade the faades while achieving an efficient structural design in a seismic zone. The exoskeletons create column-free spaces internally and support external solar shading screens. - Roland Schnizer, Senior Partner, Foster + Partners Save this picture!In other similar news, Foster + Partners has recently begun construction on a new mixed-use project within the Sanlin Riverside development in Shanghai. The office is also expected to complete the construction of the Sheikh Zayed National Museum in Saadiyat Island's Cultural District in UAE this year, representing one of the most anticipated projects to be inaugurated in 2025.Image gallerySee allShow lessAbout this authorCite: Maria-Cristina Florian. "Foster + Partners BDO Unibank Campus Breaks Ground in Manila, Philippines" 08 Jan 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1025464/foster-plus-partners-bdo-unibank-campus-breaks-ground-in-manila-philippines&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream