Rethinking Global Business Services from Urban Decay

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN 6

The "Architectural Design 6" course at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde introduces students to the foundational concepts of urban planning and design. This studio equips students with essential skills in site analysis, urban design principles, and sustainable development, employing tools like AutoCAD, GIS, and other visualization platforms to craft site plans and presentations.

In tackling urban challenges, students are trained to balance aesthetics, functionality, and regulatory compliance while analyzing spatial relationships and understanding urban systems. The course emphasizes collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication, ensuring students address diverse community needs while integrating sustainability and inclusivity. By fostering critical thinking and professional presentation skills, the studio prepares students to develop well-rounded design proposals.

STUDIO GUIDANCE

Architect Harvey Vasquez leads the studio, bringing extensive experience from local and international architectural firms. His mentorship emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and ontological approaches to design—skills that guide students in the conceptualization and realization of their projects.

Through his guidance, students explore the intersection of technical precision and creative problem-solving, applying these principles to real-world urban challenges.

Context

Congestion in Metro Manila

In the heart of Metro Manila, where the streets pulsed with life and the skyline stretched ever upward, the daily struggle of commuters was a testament to the city's rapid growth. During President Benigno "Pnoy" Aquino III's administration (2010-2016), the metropolis faced an escalating crisis—one measured not just in hours lost on the road, but in billions drained from the economy.

Every morning, EDSA, the city's main artery, transformed into a snaking river of red taillights. Around 350,000 commuters relied on this highway daily, packed into 156,000 vehicles inching forward at a painfully slow pace. With 565 vehicles crammed into every kilometer, drivers, bus passengers, and even pedestrians felt the weight of a system struggling to keep up.

For many, the delays were more than just an inconvenience. Workers left home before dawn to beat the traffic, yet still arrived late. Parents missed dinner with their children, swallowed by the never-ending congestion. Businesses suffered, losing an estimated 4.6% of the country’s GDP to inefficiency and lost productivity.

Public transport, meant to be the backbone of mobility, groaned under the pressure. Buses clogged the roads, competing for passengers, while the city's railways—though promising—were plagued by maintenance issues and overcrowding.

Despite high-capacity corridors designed to move the population efficiently, the surge in private vehicles and a lack of alternative routes left Metro Manila at a standstill. Traffic was no longer just an urban issue; it was a crisis shaping daily lives, the economy, and the very rhythm of the city.

Through it all, the people of Manila persevered—hustling, adapting, and dreaming of a smoother ride ahead.

Global Business Services on the rise

In the heart of Metro Manila, where skyscrapers stand as testaments to progress, a silent revolution is reshaping the city's economy. Once known primarily for call centers, the Global Business Services (GBS) industry has evolved into a powerhouse of innovation, driving employment, technological advancement, and economic growth.

In 2023, the Philippine outsourcing sector was valued at a staggering $35.4 billion, and by 2024, it was projected to grow by 7%, reaching $37.87 billion. The city’s Global Capability Centers (GCCs), serving Fortune 500 companies, were on an even steeper trajectory, expected to more than double by 2032, growing at a 12.04% annual rate.

But the industry’s transformation wasn’t just about numbers—it was about reinvention. No longer limited to voice-based support, Metro Manila’s GBS firms had expanded into high-value services, from healthcare analytics to financial consulting and legal outsourcing. The once-bustling floors of call centers now housed data analysts, cybersecurity experts, and AI specialists.

With this shift came jobs—1.82 million people were expected to be employed in the IT-BPM sector by 2024, a 7% increase from the year before. These workers weren’t just answering calls; they were shaping global business strategies. The sector’s impact on the national economy was undeniable, contributing 7.5% to the country’s GDP.

Yet, looming over this progress was the rise of automation and artificial intelligence. Many feared that AI would replace jobs, but industry leaders saw it differently. AI wasn’t a threat; it was an opportunity. Companies that embraced AI-driven tools found themselves more competitive, their employees more efficient. "Those who learn to work with AI," experts said, "will outperform those who don’t."

The future of Metro Manila’s GBS industry looked promising. By 2028, estimates suggested the workforce could swell to 2.55 million, generating as much as $59 billion in revenue. As companies poured investments into upskilling employees and adopting cutting-edge technologies, the city cemented its status as a global outsourcing leader.

For Metro Manila, the GBS boom wasn’t just about business—it was about transformation, resilience, and a future where innovation powered the economy.

The Philippine Development Plan 

The Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 serves as the blueprint for this transformation. At its core, the plan aims to create more jobs, reduce poverty, and propel the economy forward. It envisions a future where every Filipino has the opportunity to thrive in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

One of the most ambitious undertakings is the Metro Manila Dream Plan, a roadmap designed to address the city’s long-standing struggles with congestion, inadequate housing, and environmental issues. Developed with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the plan follows five guiding principles—the "Five Nos":

• No Traffic Congestion – New infrastructure projects are being built to ease the city’s notorious gridlock.
• No Households in Hazardous Conditions – Safer, more sustainable housing options are being prioritized.
• No Barriers to Seamless Mobility – Public transport is expanding to improve connectivity.
• No Excessive Cost Burden on Low-Income Groups – Affordable transportation solutions are being developed.
• No Air Pollution – Green initiatives are shaping a cleaner urban future.

To make this vision a reality, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has taken the lead, managing projects in transport, traffic, waste management, flood control, and urban renewal. With 16 cities under its jurisdiction, the MMDA plays a crucial role in ensuring that every development effort is coordinated and effective.

Change is already visible. New bike lanes weave through the city, hop-on hop-off tour buses cater to tourists, and historic districts like Intramuros and Binondo are undergoing revitalization. Meanwhile, modern urban centers like Bonifacio Global City (BGC) showcase eco-friendly designs and cutting-edge infrastructure, setting the standard for future developments.

Yet, this transformation is more than just new roads and buildings—it’s a shift in how Metro Manila functions. It’s a promise that the city can rise above its challenges, offering a better quality of life for its people. As construction cranes dot the skyline and new policies take effect, one thing is certain: Metro Manila is stepping into a future defined by progress, resilience, and ambition.

Cities

Multimodal Transportation & Connectivity

Mixed-Use Development for Work-Life Balance

Case Study: One-North, Singapore – A Model for Mixed-Use Development and Work-Life Balance

Impact & Lessons for Other Cities

Conclusion

• Economic Growth: One-North has attracted major tech firms, startups, and multinational companies.

• Urban Efficiency: Its compact, transit-oriented development (TOD) model is replicable in high-density cities.

• Challenges: Balancing affordability with premium living costs remains a consideration.

One-North exemplifies a holistic mixed-use development, blending work, living, and leisure seamlessly. Its emphasis on sustainability, smart mobility, and community-building offers a blueprint for urban planners worldwide seeking to foster work-life balance in modern cities.

Smart & Sustainable Infrastructure

Case Study: Iskandar Malaysia – A Model for Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure

Impact & Lessons for Other Cities

• Economic Growth: Attracted investments in tech, education, and manufacturing.
• Carbon Reduction: Integrated urban policies have led to sustainable resource use.
• Challenges: Dependence on private transport still a concern.

Conclusion

Iskandar Malaysia demonstrates how smart infrastructure and sustainability can drive economic growth while ensuring resilient and eco-friendly urban development. Its integrated transport, digital governance, and green urban planning offer a replicable model for other emerging cities.

Public Realm & Placemaking

Case Study: Kampung Admiralty, Singapore – A Model for Public Realm Placemaking

Introduction

Kampung Admiralty, designed by WOHA Architects, is a mixed-use, integrated public development in Singapore that redefines placemaking by blending housing, healthcare, social spaces, and green infrastructure into a vibrant community hub. It was awarded the World Building of the Year in 2018 at the World Architecture Festival for its innovative public realm design.

Context & Challenges

• Aging Population: Designed to support Singapore’s rapidly growing senior citizen demographic.

• Limited Land Space: Needed a high-density, multi-functional design that optimizes land use.

• Social Integration: Aims to create an inclusive and engaging public realm that fosters community interaction.

Key Features of Successful Placemaking

1. Multi-Layered, Human-Centric Design

• Three-Dimensional Public Space: Kampung Admiralty stacks public, commercial, and residential functions vertically, creating a seamless public realm.

• Integrated Social Services: The ground level includes a hawker center, community plaza, and retail spaces that encourage social interaction.

• Senior-Friendly Housing: Upper floors feature assisted living apartments with access to health services and green spaces.

2. Green & Sustainable Public Realm

• Large Communal Greenery: The development includes a rooftop urban farm and park that serves as a public gathering space.

• Passive Cooling Strategies: Open-air design, natural ventilation, and shaded walkways enhance comfort.

• Rainwater Harvesting & Solar Panels: Reduce environmental impact while promoting sustainability.

3. Walkability & Accessibility

• Seamless Connectivity: Direct access to the Admiralty MRT station, encouraging transit-oriented development.

• Barrier-Free Design: Ramps, elevators, and shaded pedestrian pathways improve accessibility for seniors and families.

4. Social & Cultural Activation

• Public Spaces for Community Activities: The plaza hosts markets, performances, and social gatherings, reinforcing a strong sense of place.

• Intergenerational Interaction: Schools, clinics, and elder care facilities are co-located to foster multi-generational engagement.

Impact & Lessons for Other Cities

• Urban Efficiency: Maximizes land use by integrating multiple functions in a compact footprint.

• Stronger Social Bonds: Public spaces are designed to encourage spontaneous interactions and a sense of belonging.

• Scalability: Similar vertical community hubs can be replicated in high-density urban environments.

Conclusion

Kampung Admiralty exemplifies placemaking in the public realm by creating a socially vibrant, sustainable, and accessible urban environment. It demonstrates how cities can design people-centered spaces that foster community well-being, inclusivity, and environmental resilience.

Public Spaces

Flexible & Adaptable Workspaces

• Modular Furniture
• Multi-Use Zones
• Technology Integration
• Adjustable Workstations
• Biophilic and Wellness Design
• Hybrid Work Solutions

Sustainable & Climate-Responsive Architecture

• Passive Design Strategies
• Sustainable Materials & Construction
• Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
• Water Conservation & Management
• Climate-Responsive Façades & Green Solutions
• Smart & Adaptive Building Technologies

Transit-Oriented & Walkable Design

• Mixed-Use Development
• Pedestrian & Cyclist Infrastructure
• Transit Accessibility & Integration
• Compact & High-Density Development
• Green & Sustainable Design
• Community-Oriented Public Spaces

Human-Centered & Biophilic Design

• Natural Light & Airflow Optimization
• Nature Integration & Sensory Experience
• Flexible & User-Centric Spaces
• Psychological Comfort & Well-Being
• Connection to Outdoors & Urban Nature
• Sustainable & Regenerative Design

Smart Building Technologies

• Smart Energy Management
• Intelligent Space Utilization
• Smart Security & Access Control
• Automated Water & Waste Management
• Automated Water & Waste Management
• Personalized User Experience & Comfort

Branding & Architectural Identity

• Defining the Brand through Architecture
• Spatial Experience & User Perception
• Iconic Façade & Visual Recognition
• Interior Branding & Environmental Graphics
• Sustainability & Brand Responsibility
• Consistency Across Locations & Digital Branding

Way Forward

Building the Future: A Story of the GBS Enclave

In the heart of Metro Manila, where the skyline is constantly evolving, a new kind of urban hub is taking shape—a Global Business Services (GBS) enclave designed to redefine the way people work, live, and connect. This wasn’t just another cluster of office buildings; it was a vision for the future, a place where sustainability, smart technology, and human-centered design came together to create something truly transformative.

For years, professionals in the city had struggled with long commutes, crowded streets, and uninspiring workspaces. But this new enclave promised to change all that. It was built on a foundation of mobility, sustainability, and innovation, ensuring that workers didn’t just come to the office—they thrived in it.

A City Without Barriers

The first step was fixing one of Metro Manila’s biggest problems: transportation.

Wide sidewalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian bridges wove through the enclave, connecting people to a transit hub where trains, buses, and even e-scooters awaited. No longer did employees have to battle through hours of traffic—public transport was now integrated, efficient, and accessible.

Architects had designed the enclave with "car-lite" streets, prioritizing walkability over parking spaces. Skybridges linked buildings, allowing workers to move effortlessly between offices, retail spaces, and leisure areas. The result? A stress-free, connected city within a city.

The Green Revolution

But it wasn’t just about mobility. The enclave was built for sustainability.

Solar panels lined rooftops, green facades cooled buildings naturally, and rainwater harvesting systems helped combat urban flooding. Parks and open plazas weren’t just for show—they served as the lungs of the enclave, providing fresh air and spaces to unwind. Office buildings followed climate-responsive designs, reducing the need for excessive air-conditioning and artificial lighting.

Even inside, smart sensors adjusted room temperatures based on occupancy, and offices featured daylight-optimized workspaces to reduce energy use. Work no longer felt like a task—it felt like an experience.

A Work-Life Balance Redefined

The people working in this enclave weren’t just employees—they were part of a new way of urban living.

Instead of rows of cubicles, offices featured flexible layouts, soundproof pods, and co-working lounges. Need a break? Just head to the rooftop garden, wellness room, or an outdoor café that lined the pedestrian pathways.

Housing was built right within the enclave, ensuring that young professionals didn’t have to leave the area for a good night’s rest. Serviced apartments and co-living spaces allowed workers to stay close to their offices, turning daily life into a seamless cycle of work, leisure, and social interaction.

A Blueprint for the Future

This enclave wasn’t just about today—it was built for what’s next. With its smart infrastructure, future-proof offices, and sustainable urban planning, it became a model for GBS hubs around the world.

And so, Metro Manila’s Global Business Services enclave stood as a testament to what a well-designed urban space could be—a city where work was fulfilling, mobility was effortless, and sustainability was at the core.

The future had arrived, and it looked brighter than ever.