Skip to content
WTA
WTA
  • Practice
        • People
        • Studio
        • Social Architecture
  • Projects
        • All
        • Institutional
        • Residential
        • Office
        • Hospitality
        • Mixed-Use
        • Commercial
        • Master Planning
        • Transportation
        • Homes
        • Retail
        • Interiors
  • News
        • Awards
        • Projects
        • Media
  • WTA Labs
        • Publication
        • Research
        • Lectures
        • Events
        • EQF
        • WTA Labs Videos
  • Affiliates
        • Artesan Prime
        • Izumi Bonsai
        • Art Stadium
        • Anthology
        • Partners
  • Contact
        • Careers
        • Press Kits

WTA explains its winning conceptual design entry to PSALM design competition

August 28, 2019January 12, 2021 Alyana Acacio | Bluprint/One Mega

The East Grid - Psalm Design competition winner aims to create centrality and convert the development into a major anchor point for the city

The rapid densification processes happening in Manila expose the tension between economic efficiency and environmental consciousness. In March 2019, the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) announced a design competition to develop their Diliman property into a high-rise mixed-use development, integrating retail and office spaces. The design contest also specifically required the entries would have to integrate into such development the existing two buildings designed by the National Artist Leandro V. Locsin, in compliance with the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009. WTA Design Studio’s winning entry is a multi-dimensional people-oriented and environmentally-friendly business center that integrates energy-efficient systems and innovative design ideas. 

The site 

The Diliman site, located in Quezon City’s central business district (CBD), will be an accredited economic zone that will also host the offices of PSALM, the National Power Corporation, TRANSCO and other energy-related agencies. Given the accessibility and centrality of the site’s location, the development is set to be a major anchor for the city. The 5.19-hectare property is located at the intersection of Quezon City’s Diliman, Bagong Pag-Asa, West Triangle, South Triangle, and Pinyahan. It is easily accessible through different public transportation along EDSA, Quezon Avenue, and Agham Road making it a strong hub. 

The Concept 

‘The East Grid’ is a masterplan development proposal named after its location in the East Triangle. The word ‘grid,’ of course, represents power grids representing the four major power sector companies it will host, as well as Locsin’s grid of columns. 

WTA synthesized five main design points in master planning the Diliman site. The first is the East Grid as a gathering point or hub. Second is the dialogue between old and new which WTA hopes to achieve by enhancing the presence of the Locsin building through open courtyards and grid reflections on-grid and mass. A multi-dimensional landscape is central to creating a holistic high-rise development. Engaging and active green spaces throughout the vertical floor space of the development will create a rich and dynamic program. This works in conjunction with the firm’s other design goals—to enhance work, life, and health through biophilic open spaces. 

WTA’s design scored high with the judges for its focus on sustainability. The design embodies energy-efficient systems and innovative and sustainable design ideas. The East Grid integrates pedestrian-friendly spaces, interactive installations, bike trails, green promenades, alfresco spaces, and play areas into a development that will ensure a net leasable space of about 400,000 square meters…

Bluprint publishes WTA explains its winning conceptual design entry to PSALM design competition. Click here to read more.

The East Grid - Psalm Design competition winner encourages relationship and connectivity between user and nature through bridges and decks
The East Grid - Psalm Design competition winner integrates a multidimensional landscape extends the greenery vertically to create diverse community experiences

Learn more about the East Grid

Related Articles

These 3 internationally recognized projects embody social architecture
July 27, 2018May 7, 2020
“The studio have also taken on community-driven projects that even won them slots and awards in international architecture and design...
Read More »
Imperial Palace Resort Design for Puerta, Puerto Princesa City, PalawanWTA in “Rebranding our paradise: Puerto Princesa”
November 8, 2017September 16, 2020
Written by Roger Pe, Rebranding our paradise: Puerto Princesa, Business Mirror articles, includes WTA Project, Imperial Palace Resort and Hotel...
Read More »
Archstoyanie Mirror 3d Model SchemeInspiring design triumph in Russia | Sousveillance
May 12, 2013September 19, 2020
The Varsitarian features, Arch. Royce Nicdao and WTA Concept, the Sousveillance, in ‘Inspiring design triumph in Rusia’ DESIGN champ Royce...
Read More »
AFP Inspector General LtGen Ramon Ang Lim together with Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro, AFP Chief Engineer MGen William Ilagan, 51st Engineering Brigade's BGen Emmanuel Anthony Ramos, and WTA’s Architect William Ti Jr. led the turnover ceremony of five EQFs to ARMMC in Marikina on Monday. (Photo vourtesy of AFP Public Affairs Office)AFP, EQF Project Team turnover new quarantine facility to ARMMC
May 5, 2020December 18, 2020
PASIG CITY, May 5 (PIA) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Marikina City Government, and WTA Architecture+Design Studio...
Read More »
Mega emergency quarantine facility opening ceremony with SMDC and WTAMEGA emergency quarantine facility sa Camp Crame
April 30, 2020January 12, 2021
Mega emergency quarantine facility sa Camp Crame, nai-turn over na sa PNP People’s Television (PTV) features EQF Team and WTA...
Read More »
WTA Architecture + Design Studio
  • Practice
  • Projects
  • News
  • WTA Labs
  • Affiliates
  • Contact
Copyright 2023 WTA Architecture + Design Studio. All Right Reserved.