The timeless simplicity of Japanese weave will highlight the unique living experience at the soon-to-rise Grand Midori Ortigas, the latest development of Federal Land.
The versatile weave concept will be brought to life by Tange and Associates, the Japanese architecture firm responsible for Tokyo Olympics structures like the Yoyogi National Stadium in 1964 and the Tokyo Aquatics Centre in 2020. They also designed the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Jadescape in Singapore, and The Grand Midori Makati
Founded by Kenzo Tange, the 1987 Pritzker Laureate, the firm is known for combining traditional Japanese artistry with modern perspectives. His son, Paul Noritaka Tange is the current chairman and principal architect.
Recently, the younger Tange led a forum hosted by Federal Land together with local architects to discuss the “Synergy of Culture and Design” in Japanese architecture. The discussion focused on the significance of culture and environment in modern design, and how they challenge existing boundaries.
Tange and Associates has over 400 projects in more than 35 countries, successfully merging the Japanese creative elements into towering structures worldwide.
Stylish living at the Grand Midori Ortigas will be defined by the pattern of the aforementioned interlacing fibers. “The simplicity of the weave gives a welcoming gesture, this is our inspiration,” explained Architect Paul Tange, adding that the design team has studied the concept from all levels – the urban scale, the architecture scale, down to the human scale.
But while the intricate pattern will be a show-stopper, the renowned architect emphasized the quality of life behind the massive structure. “What is important is the life behind the façade.”
“What activity takes place inside? There must be sensitivity in design to create warmth. We are designing spaces for people so people should be happy and comfortable. If you have a nice building, then people would look forward to coming home,” he said.
Equally important is the structure’s contribution to the city. The building must fit into the landscape, “it should not be offensive,” he added.
With the global concern for environmental impact, sustainability is now a major consideration in building designs. “Nature is the foundation of Japanese architecture. We can never fight with nature. One way to restore it is to bring nature into the building,” he said.
On a global scale, Architect Tange believes environmental sustainability is everyone’s responsibility. “We’ve been talking about environmental impact for the last 10 years. The progress is dramatic, and architecture is making an impact in reversing its ill effects. We just have to come to reality with sustainability. We cannot live like this and continue to destroy the world. Global warming is a serious issue. Everybody has to contribute to make this world a better place.”
Moving forward, he remains optimistic on the industry challenges brought about by the current pandemic. “Design will move forward, [but] physical distancing is a must. All architects join me in this thought: We don’t know what to design anymore. Do we need an office? Do we need a hotel? Residence is needed, but the functionality is changing. Home is not just a family space, it is also a work space.”
“So now we must think out of the box.”
The Grand Midori Ortigas will rise from a 5,090-square meter lot. The two-tower condominium will house 782 units, offering a mix of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom configurations.
According to Tange, he met Metrobank founder George Ty several years ago, “when I was much younger,” he quipped. “I was so happy when his son Alfred Ty called me to work on Grand Midori Makati, and now we are working on Ortigas.” he enthused.
He looks forward to working with the “very talented” Filipino architects. “I am very scared because they are very talented,” he said. “I am a member of the jury of the Asia Young Designer Award. Filipino students present good designs. Their English speaking ability is very good. They have great potential.”
