Portico
Can a residential complex combine the best qualities of traditional villages and contemporary urban living?
Portico reimagines residential life in Manila by merging the intimacy of traditional villages with the dynamism of modern cities. Designed as a resilient, pedestrian-oriented district, Portico employs principles of metabolic architecture and distributive networks to support a vibrant and sustainable urban lifestyle.
Location
Manila, Philippines
Research Areas Regenerative Health
Typology Urban Design
Size
Large
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.
This mixed-use neighbourhood features a carefully balanced energy flow between private and public spaces, creating a self-sustaining micro-community within the city. The area is car-free at street level, with vehicular access relegated to a system of underground ramps and parking structures connected to four surrounding roads. This minimizes surface traffic while maintaining accessibility and efficiency.
At ground level, a network of twelve interconnected courtyards anchors the site, each one uniquely planted and programmed to encourage a variety of outdoor activities and foster community engagement. This network not only distributes green space equitably but also enhances ecological resiliency and supports the microclimate of the district.
Our approach is strategically driven and informed. Click here to learn about our process.
Portico’s architectural diversity includes high-rise towers offering panoramic views of the Ortigas skyline and intimate townhouses arranged around private courtyards. Together, they form a district that demonstrates how eco-industrialization and urban density can coexist to create a lively, energy-conscious community that feels both traditional and contemporary.
