Arya Ready For The Future

April 4, 2010

Low-impact meets the high life in an eco-friendly condo

Modern Filipino lives have evolved in the last two decades to new paradigms for where and how we can best live, work and play. A generation ago we looked at living in the suburbs, working in the central city and playing in far off leisure destinations. Today, we realize that the best models are those which acknowledge that living at or near our urban centers provide the best formulas for living well—close to work, to leisure and recreation; and living right—expending less energy in architecture designed with, and not against, nature.

Unnaturally long commutes to and from suburbia, schools or shopping are things of the past in a number of new developments in Metro Manila. Central urban sites, exemplified by Bonifacio Global City, provide exciting new forms of city living. These innovative models are pushed by a few forward-thinking developers who know that looking to the future is the only way to sustain projects, as well as nurture high-quality contemporary living.

Intrigued by what I had seen in initial reports and press releases, I recently scrutinized an example of this new way of building and living. The Arya Residences is the initial and flagship project of the new development company, ArthaLand. The company’s tagline “Future proof by design,” is catchy and something I wanted to check out for myself.

I did just that by meeting with the head of the new company and the visionary architect of the new development. Angie Lacson, is a real estate veteran, having previously been Vice President of the country’s biggest property firm. Lacson confides that Arthaland, being a new player (but with seasoned key executives), is quick to adapt to the fast-changing landscape of real estate development, as well as to be open to new ideas.

All this, Lacson says is tempered by a welldefined purpose—that of becoming the country’s premier “entrepreneurial, boutique developer;” using their accumulated knowledge (over a hundred cumulative years of experience between the key officers of the company) to create “significant” projects that ensure a “wealth” of opportunities for modern living.

ArthaLand chose to create their first project using all these themes. They have also selected a site—Bonifacio Global City—that that is the metropolis’ best, in terms of access to established business and shopping districts, as well as one that already boasts of numerous topquality educational institutions, as well as hospitals, and soon, cultural venues and museums.

The project, Arya Residences, is what urban designers call a ‘residential mixed-use development.’ Simply put, this is a project that provides high-rise, high-quality residential condominium units in two towers that sit on ‘podium’ block with a variety of amenities like convenience stores, laundry shops and cafes.

ArthaLand, with its Arya Residences, takes this paradigm several steps further. First, it made sure that it got a whole block of land, not one that had to be shared with other developments. This ensured that each side of the development was a ‘front door.’ The situation also meant that the towers would not be too close to neighbors and that views would not be blocked.

Arya Residences’ location bounded by McKinley Parkway, 8th Avenue and Rizal Drive puts it across from the low-rise Singapore Embassy and the wide expanse of the immaculately- green American Memorial rotunda. Lots of breathing space is ensured, along with access to Bonifacio Global City’s main avenue, McKinley, which, in the future will have a cutting edge transport system called a BRT. For resident’s convenience, a tunnel will be built from Arya to the BRT and to link the development with the other side of the road.

I spoke with Jojo Tolentino, principal of AIDEA, the Filipino architectural firm that collaborated with Crone Partners Architecture Studios for the project. Aidea is one of the leading design firms in the country with a track record enhanced by the international experience of its principal and key staff. Tolentino cut his teeth in Hong Kong before coming back to the country. His experience there and projects overseas with high-rise buildings in developed urban settings has given him and his team a creative edge.

The second level of improvement is literally Arya Residences’ levels. The first level is the ample sidewalk that encircles the plot. The second level separates homeowners and guests from pedestrians in an elevated ‘plaza’ level. This Plaza rises above the McKinley Parkway side for great views while having coffee or dining at what will be a favorite dining destination, why? The whole plaza is roofed and protected from sun and rain! Finally someone has acknowledged our tropical reality.

The third level is set four stories above this spacious plaza and is called ‘The Terrace,’ a private open space that includes pools (a 25-meter lap pool, a kiddie pool and a leisure pool,) playgrounds (indoor and outdoor), yoga and exercise spaces, all in a lush landscaped setting. Three function rooms are also available, which can be combined into a large banquet hall. The developers obviously understand the needs of Philippine condo dwellers, expat or local.

“Just as mankind has the power to push the world to the brink so, too, do we have the power to bring it back into balance.” 
– HRH The Prince of Wales addressing UN Climate Conference COP 15, Copenhagen (December 2009)

For inquiries please call or text 0917-559-8000. Just look for Keith Ortiz.