Landscape Architecture in Metro Manila

Over the weekend, I've travelled to some parts of Metro Manila in search of beautiful landscapes.

I passed by North Avenue and saw the facade of the TriNoma mall and found its landscape aesthetically pleasing. Too bad, I wasn't able to take pictures of it which I intended to include in this blog.

I decided to visit my sister who is currently residing in her condominium at the Robinson's Residences in Ermita, Manila. I went to the 7th floor and found out that it had a beautiful landscape. I had the chance to take pictures, so I included them here:

A part of the garden landscape at the 7th floor of Robinson's Residences

The garden had a tropical design, perfect for the tropical climate and hot weather in the Philippines, especially in Metro Manila. As you can see, the main/typical element in a tropical garden design is the date palm. Birds of  Paradise are planted around the palm trees to add accent and aesthetic value to the design. Lamp posts are also placed for lighting during the night so the residents could not only enjoy the place during the day but also at night. The boxes in which the plants are placed can also serve as seating area because as we all know, we Filipinos like to seat anywhere when we feel like seating. It's a good place to relax especially after a hard day's work.



In this part of the garden landscape, benches are placed where people could seat whenever they feel tired. There is not much shade in this garden landscape but it is not a problem because this garden is located between the two Robinson's Residences towers and it is windy in this floor so people should not worry about getting exposed to too much heat and sunlight.

This is the playground area where the children could play and enjoy. Slides, seesaws and swings are located here for the childrens enjoyment. There is also a seating area beside this playground so that the parents could watch over their children as they play. Tall plants are planted in these planter boxes for aesthetic value and to serve as buffer.

Extension of the playground area. (Overlooking the University of the Philippines, Manila Campus)

Pool deck area

Another part of the garden landscape (Near pool and pool deck area.)

A part overlooking the Philippine General Hospital-- (planter boxes also serve as seating areas)

This tropical-design garden landscape provides both aesthetic and functional values. It gives the users of this place peace and serenity. It allows them to relax and contemplate and renew their energy from a tiring and stressful day, whether at work or at school. The elements found in this garden(seating areas, palm trees, ornamental shrubs, etc.) perfectly complements the tropical climate here in Metro Manila.



After visiting this place, I decided to head for home. But before that, I thought of passing by the Araneta Center in Cubao. As I was walking inside Gateway mall, I passed by "The Oasis" garden located at the middle part of the mall. I took some pictures to include here in this blog. 

The place was small but the way it was designed was amazing. This garden is also a restaurant for customers who like to experience this type of dining. It has a tropical design just like the one in Robinson's Residences, only it is denser and it has more elements compared to the first. This garden resembles a tropical rainforest because of its tall trees and thicker shrubs which are also seen in tropical rainforests in our country.

Aside from palm trees, other trees are also planted here to give it a more "rainforest" atmosphere.

Wooden bridge surrounded by thick shrubs.

Water feature with a statue of Buddha found at the side of the garden.

Umbrellas are placed for shade in case of rain or intense sunlight.

(Elements found in this garden design gives a tropical atmosphere.)

Outside the mall, I noticed that the landscaping near the Araneta Colliseum was also nice. It also had the tropical design with palm trees and ornamental plants.

 The side walks are also planted with palm trees and plants, giving it a tropical feeling for the pedestrians. The design is pleasing to the eyes of the pedestrians as they take a stroll in this Mediterranean-Tropical inspired landscape.

Even the center island along Aguinaldo Ave. is landscaped and given a tropical touch.