2014 National Architectural Thesis Competition - Entry No. 06

Entry No. 06

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The project came from the issue of the outnumbered capacity of the only Airport serving Metro Manila, the NAIA terminals, catering 40% more of its standard capacity. The government authorities saw the potential of Clark International Airport as the Clark Freeport Zone is composed of 4,500 hectares, the proposal of the twin airport solution will link the two future main gateways of the Philippines, NAIA and CIA by providing the Stations catering High-Speed trains or also known as Bullet trains. The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) has given its approval of the project last May 18, 2013 and announced that the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) and other International Investment companies are willing to fund the development with P123 Billion.

The proposal of twinning the NAIA and Clark will be accompanied by the modernization of both gateways and 3 sub stations in Metro Manila (Balintawak/near SM north Quezon City, Gil Puyat Makati, Dimasalang Manila). Their primary objective of this development is to link of the said airports, turning the 3 to 4-hour drive to 15 to 20 minutes.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Clark International Airport Corporation have long envisioned this project as part of their Full Legacy development, aiming for the Philippines to have the world’s largest airport, with Clark as the future aero polis, as well as to fulfill their ambition to develop a green city.

The Clark’s bullet train station will not only serve the passengers from the airport but will also bring the localities of Clark to Manila and vice versa. According to DOTC planning director, Engr. Deo Manalo, the DOTC and CIAC are dreaming big on this project, after the completion of the corresponding terminals, the train station in Clark will be the focal point of the full legacy. Taking off from this, there is a call to design the Clark’s Train Terminal Station to maximize its efficiency and become the focal point of the future world’s largest airport.

PROJECT HYPOTHESIS

An innovative train terminal station design that can give a remarkable identity to Clark and to the country, intended to provide a more positive and better experience through façade design and better flow of movement inside, would help create a better image of our public transportation facilities. The design will focus on improving building character and efficiency, and providing a unique quality; resulting to a safer, faster and easier experience for the users that can help increase their interest and eventually change their negative impression towards train terminal stations.

CONCEPT

“THE LINK”: A FORM AND FUNCTION CONCEPT

The concept is to provide a design that will answer the primary FUNCTION of the structure. Clark's train terminal station is designed to link air to land transportation, cities, people from different places –local and foreign,and highlight our culture to the rest of the world.

The link as the FORM was derived from the different origins of the users and their movement. It is characterized by free flowing form and curves, promoting smooth movement. The building will serve as a focal point or sculpture-like accent as it sits at the center of the airport complex.

  RESEARCH FOCUS

The design is focused on movement and transparency in architecture. Movement is based on the flow, sequence, and continuity, which are very applicable and critical when it comes to a train station or to a transport facility. This will be one of its basis of efficiency and sustainability. Transparency applied in the train station design will translate to providing natural lighting, allowing the light to enter the structure to give a sense of openness and a more positive ambiance. This openness results to a space that is quite defensible, providing a feeling of security for the users, as they feel that they can be easily seen from outside the structure and vice versa.

The “linkage” concept is not limited to connecting the interior to the exterior but is further translated to the movement systems. There is a convenient access to the structure through the ramps, vegetated parks and pathways, railings, and safe connection of people from vehicles to pedestrians entering and leaving the structure.

 THE SITE

Considering different movements of vehicles coming from different directions along, the site’s network of circulation paths can give the most convenient road access to various transportation modes. The zones of the anticipated departing and arriving passengers are designed separately from the users that desire to go to the commercial zone (middle portion), so that the smooth movement of the passengers will not be interrupted. As the site is planned incorporating THE LINK concept created the “connecting” experience, not only as the landscape merge with the structure, but also the road passes under a link bridge and through its center. Portions on the ground level also includes enclosed openings to get a glimpse of the platform level below, where it boasts of the high speed trains visible as they pass by.

PLANS

Curved forms promote smooth movement. This is the main idea of formulating the space planning of the terminal station. The plan is dictated by the sequence and flow of movement of users to achieve continuity. Its passageways, facilities, and other areas are calculated based on anticipated peak hour number of users. Free flowing experience is induced as they enter the building, buy the tickets, and walk towards the platform. There will always be a clear visual access to the next point of movement. Pleasant views inside and outside the buildings were also maximized while queuing, walking, and going around the commercial areas. The service area is located to the west portion of the structure near the parking building, to serve as buffer for heat, vibration and noise. Vegetation as thermal control is applied on certain portions of the exterior.

ELEVATIONS

The building form showcases the concept of a link with its flowing and smooth forms. THE LINK, as translated on the roof, which visually seems to link with the walls, and the walls, which eventually merges with the landscape. The façade design is intended to be iconic. From the road, the curved forms can provide a breath-taking experience for the observer. From the air, the form also provides a point of interest that can make the whole airport complex a truly remarkable landmark.

CONCLUSION

The project translation applied the concept of “the link” as an effective way to move people around in a smooth and efficient way. This was also translated in the façade and the form concepts to represent a unique and iconic structure that will serve to highlight one of the most visible structures, the airport. The main function of the structure, which is a train terminal station, clearly represents a link of transportation modes, people, culture, and architecture.

Posted in: Thesis 2014