Building 6
How can a building mediate the space between private and public?
Building 6 is a mixed-use building with offices and retail spaces that sits above a major bus station in Manila, Philippines.
Location
Manila, Philippines
Research Areas Parametric Design
Typology Commercial
Size
Medium
Status Complete
Project Team Carlos ArnaizLaura del Pino
We consider each project on its own terms and develop tailored responses. Learn about our vision and mission.
Building 6 is a 24-hour multimodal hub. It connects the global city with the old central business district, and is an important point of connection for buses, jeepneys, and tricycles. Our design leverages this activity and adds a 7-story retail and office program to create a marketplace, as well as areas for business processing units and offices.
Because the project site straddles Manila’s busiest business district and a wealthy and quiet suburban area, we had to mediate between these two vastly different neighbors, while also serving the variety of needs of the building’s tenants. Our design differentiates public vs private space in the building. We designed a facade system that gradually transforms from an open, public grid in front to a private one towards the back. The public-facing retail spaces and entrances to the bus station turn towards the business district while the private offices above face the calmer suburb.
Our approach is strategically driven and informed. Click here to learn about our process.
The design applies modular elements, parametric design principles, and distributive networks to manage circulation, access, and program adjacencies efficiently. The building also incorporates regenerative health, resiliency, and eco-industrialization strategies, fostering a healthier and more adaptable urban environment that responds to both community and ecological needs.
