Ayala Triangle Gardens

Creation of new green areas, Maintenance and management of urban nature

The project had the following objectives: - utilise the available open space more effectively; -provide a habitat for a diverse collection of trees; - serve as a place for people to relax, rejuvenate or exercise; - encourage a sense of community among the people working and living in the area; - serve as a place for family bonding; - lessen carbon footprint by encouraging people to walk and promoting car-free transportation in the central business district; - become the lung of the central business district, where people can breathe fresh air - challenge people to think about the environment and get in touch with nature; - serve as a testament to the Philippines' rich cultural heritage. [1, 2,3, 4 and 6]

The area now known as Ayala Triangle Gardens was formerly the Nielson Field, which served as Manila's airport before World War II [2]. The airport area has later become the central business district of the Philippines, Makati. The original site of the garden behind Tower One, although abundant with trees and thick grass, was rarely utilized [4]. When the Garden was revitalized in 2009, the Master Plan of the park was dictated by the existing mature trees in the area that had to be preserved, its central location in the Philippines main business district and the history of the property as a former airstrip during WWII [6]. The planning was also inspired by various public spaces, plazas and parks in different parts of the world, such as Stanley Park in New York and Hyde Park in London [2,6]. The park's borders are adorned with orange jasmine and podocarpus hedges, dita trees, buho, and yellow-striped bamboos, while the paths are decorated with a variety of palms, including palms-royal, African oil, Manila palm, and fishtail [3]. The central area of the garden is emphasized by ornamental shrub beds that display vibrant mixes of green, red, and yellow. The rest of the garden features a range of shady trees, such as mango, bignay, bangkal, talisay, kalumpit, alibangbang, raintree, Thailand acacia, caimito, rubber tree, palosanto, and Talisay bagras. Modern street lamps provide general lighting, while underlighting along the footpaths and uplighting highlight the garden's features. Tivoli lights hanging from the large trees create a festive atmosphere, particularly for workers after office hours [3]. The Ayala Triangle Gardens has recently introduced a new attraction, consisting of a selection of open-air restaurants situated behind the Makati Stock Exchange building. In addition, a modern 80,000-square-meter office building called Ayala Triangle Tower Two is currently being built at the park's northern corner, with a connection to the gardens [2, 5].

• Private sector/Corporate/Company
• Citizens or community groups