Manileño is a masterplan that focuses on the people who make up the storied and vibrant communities, from Chinatown to Tondo, from Quiapo to Baclaran, that define Manila and make it the distinct heart of our country. Instead of the usual top-level master plans, It stitches together diverse communities(or barangays) that come together to form a kaleidoscope. Each community is developed around unique public amenities and plazas that allow its residents to develop a shared experience. These unique features are never too far from the next, encouraging not just exploration and interaction, but also making sure that the next community will have its own features that define the boundaries between communities. Shared experiences and defined boundaries strengthen and reinforce communal identity.
The main highlight of Horizon Manila is the canal park, a unique and enriching feature that will define the lives of all its residents. The canal park not only connects the 3 islands but also provides Horizon with a public park at its core that stretches all the way to the water’s edge, ensuring that the Manila Bay sunset will always belong to the public. A viaduct with a monorail system allows direct access from Manila to the islands. From the Central Station, the trackless electric tram system loops around the development, and no place on the island will be more than a 5-minute walk away from a tram station. All the roads will be tree-lined and will feature 8m wide sidewalks with 3m arcades that ensures you can walk in the shade or away from the rain anywhere in Horizon. The development emphasizes personal mobility with pedestrian and bike lanes and looks to encourage a car-free lifestyle for most of its residents.
Horizon Manila will feature hyper-local public amenities that give residents a diverse mix of programs and activities in each community. These facilities include micro libraries and pop-up galleries and museums, as well as the country’s first e-sports arena. A state-of-the-art basketball arena will be enhanced by basketball parks throughout the islands that reflect the prevalence of streetball in our culture.
We see Horizon as the City of Tomorrow. It is envisioned to once again bring development and growth energy back to the City of Manila. It will reestablish Manila as the heart of our nation and provide a model and impetus for the rehabilitation of the old city center.
