The city government of Manila will unveil by the end of August the renovated Lagusnilad, an underground walkway that will feature motion-sensor and touch-screen installations, the city mayor’s spokesperson said on Monday.
Lagusnilad has been renovated to become an interactive walkway that will house murals and installations inspired by the works of National Artist Botong Francisco, Manila Public Information Office chief Julius Leonen said during an interview on ABS-CBN News.
"In line with the goal of making Manila a smart city, an interactive wall will be installed, and it will feature city promotions and tourism," Leonen said.
Leonen said each interactive wall can accommodate up to five persons at a time.
The new Lagusnilad was designed by city architect Antonio Toledo, who took cues from Intramuros' Spanish colonial heritage and fused it with modern-contemporary design features, Leonen said.
"Key issues such as flooding, vagrants and security has been addressed by key agencies," he said.
"It will have 24-hour security. A separate security office will be built inside the underpass," he said.
Last June, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso showed actual pictures of the new underpass that would also feature vertical gardens and stone walls.
The project is part of the city's plan to redevelop the Lawton area, which began months after Domagoso won the mayoralty race in May 2019.
Among the other improvements in the area are the installation a dancing fountain and free WiFi kiosks beside the Manila City Hall.
Domagoso has been pushing to rebuild and modernize Manila to attract more investors, while preserving the capital city's history and culture.
