Megamall Bowling
What kind of bowling alley befits the largest mall in Asia?
When the SM Megamall opened in Manila in 2014, it became the largest mall in Asia and the second largest in the world—a commercial hub designed to accommodate thousands of visitors daily. CAZA was commissioned to create one of the mall’s main public amenities: a 15-lane bowling alley complete with a billiards area, refreshments bar, and communal seating.
Location
Manila, Philippines
Research Areas Parametric Design
Typology Commercial
Size
Small
Status Complete
Project Team Carlos ArnaizLaura del PinoJessy Yang
We consider each project on its own terms and develop tailored responses. Learn about our vision and mission.
To meet the scale and dynamism of the mall, CAZA employed modular planning and parametric design strategies, ensuring that the space could adapt to different crowd sizes and maintain a cohesive visual language. The colorful accents and zig-zagging linear lights on the walls and ceilings create an animated, playful atmosphere that echoes the energy of the surrounding retail and entertainment environment.
Malls are often criticized for being impersonal and disconnected from community life. In response, CAZA’s design integrates commerce, leisure, and social interaction into a modular spatial system that fosters a sense of belonging. By layering programmatic elements—bowling, billiards, dining, and casual gathering—within a single cohesive design, the project activates the space as more than just a recreational venue: it becomes a lively node in a larger urban network.
Our approach is strategically driven and informed. Click here to learn about our process.
Megamall Bowling exemplifies how modular and parametric approaches can transform a commercial amenity into a community-centered experience, balancing efficiency with vibrancy to create a memorable leisure destination.
