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AIA Southeast Asia Symposium - Philippines: Aseana City – Urban Mobility & Community-Centered Design; Parqal – Mixed-Use Diversity & Sustainability

David Zaballero, Delfin “Buds” Wenceslao

by

Hybrid - Online/Singapore & Philippines

12 September 2025

“At Aseana City, we believe that a progressive city that cares for its people puts them at the center of its design,” says Buds Wenceslao, Chief Executive Officer of DMWAI. “By designing and building a walkable city, we’re not just creating convenience—we also want people to have a more active, healthier, and more connected life.”

This vision comes to life through wide, shaded walkways, dedicated bike lanes, open parks, and inviting recreational spaces that encourage residents and visitors to stay active throughout the day—whether walking to a nearby café, jogging before work, or enjoying a leisurely stroll. By investing in green open spaces, integrated transport hubs, and people-first infrastructure, DMWAI is shaping a more livable, low-carbon urban environment that reduces car dependency, lowers emissions, and makes sustainable choices effortless.

A flagship of this vision is Parqal, a five-hectare mixed-use development whose very name—derived from park and kalye (street)—captures its dual role as both a leisure hub and connective space. Designed with walkability, accessibility, and community wellness at its core, Parqal offers multiple entry and exit points, creating a porous and fluid environment that blends seamlessly with Aseana City’s masterplan. Its defining feature is a striking “floating canopy” of ETFE, a durable, lightweight, and light-permeable material that shelters 5,000 sqm of the city’s linear greenway spine.

With lifestyle, retail, dining, and wellness options set within a shaded, pedestrian-friendly framework, Parqal demonstrates how thoughtful urban planning can transform everyday movement into opportunities for health, connection, and community—embodying Aseana City’s mission to build a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future.

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