Cover Architect Jun Palafox (Photo: Palafox Associates)
Architect Jun Palafox (Photo: Palafox Associates)
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As a potential counter-magnet to Metro Manila, renowned architect Felino "Jun" Palafox bares his plans for the Clark Freeport Zone, a future business centre, residential area, industrial estate, and leisure destination for all
In the recently concluded Archi+Dex 2022 conference hosted by the Enderun colleges last week, Asia's Most Influential 2021 honouree Arch. Felino "Jun" Palafox appeared with his highly ambitious master plan for the Clark Freeport Zone. The project, which is one of the Palafox Associates' biggest undertakings, is an emerging business and leisure hub meant to "enhance the productivity of surrounding business establishments and attract many investors to the region".
"Clark is an airport driven city. It is 4,000 hectares, and Makati is less than 3,000 hectares. The Clark International Airport [that is] being upgraded now is about 2,000 hectares. We are also doing the detailed plans around the airport and we plan it to be a '15-minute city' divided into seven districts. Every destination from your home or from your place of origin [in Clark] is very well connected to Metro Manila," Palafox explained.
"We have also master-planned the Global Gateway city; that's 70 hectares, designed to bring at least 70,000 jobs. We'll have bus rapid transit railway connection to Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon," he added.
In case you missed it: The Archi+Dex Learning Summit in April 2022
In the coming years, Palafox seeks to inspire the modern architectural groundworks of the Philippines through his pre-existing plans for Clark. Here's what we have picked up from him:
High-Speed Railways
There are a lot of things to expect from the Clark Freeport Zone, these include a high-speed railway that connects Metro Manila to the Clark International Airport, a Bus Rapid Transit trunk line service, Manila-to-Clark railway service and other efficient means of transport.
"Hopefully, our plans and this concept will inspire other architectures for future buildings," Palafox shared.
(Photo: Palafox Associates)
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Walkways That Cater to Pedestrians
Palafox envisions a public space that takes care of pedestrians. Elevated walkways and modernised bicycle lanes are just some of the examples of public-friendly spaces that the Palafox Associates make.
"Hopefully, there will be more streets, walkways, dock lanes, bus lanes, car lanes, bicycle lanes, and more that we can consider."
Related: Architect Bill Bensley Reveals his Inspirations and Design Techniques
City With 'Lungs'
Also in the area are restaurants, business parks, and open spaces that will serve as the 'lungs' of the city. "Palafox Associates worked closely with the Clark Development Corporation and the Bases Conversion Development Authority, and several stakeholders in the redevelopment master plan for Clark to consider today’s environment in transforming the former military base since lands were made available for development as part of the special economic zone."
Palafox believes that in the coming years, the Philippines can achieve what other first world nations have done for themselves.
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Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
