Biking is another welcome activity at the secure enclave of Bali Mansions. The Walkable City by Rommel R. Orbigo Published in The Philippine Star, 22 September 2006 The US-based Urban Land Institute (ULI), a real estate forum that unites local and international industry leaders and policy makers to create better places to work and live, recently stated: “There is growing demand and under-supply for what is called ‘walkable urbanity'—mixed-use, walkable places. Far more complex to finance, design, and manage than conventional development, it promises to be the major development trend for years to come.” They couldn't have stated it better, as the trends in the United States are also more and more being adapted to the Philippine setting. One such project that defines walkable urbanity locally is the integrated golf resort city called South Forbes Golf City located in Metro Sta. Rosa. South Forbes's walkable features stem from the practice of its masterplanner, Arch. Jun Palafox of Palafox Associates. The firm, under the helm of Managing Partner and Founder Arch. Felino Palafox Jr., has designed award-winning and distinctive projects in the Philippines and 15 other countries over the past 17 years. It is the only architectural firm from the whole of Southeast Asia to be included in the world's Top 200 architectural firms by the World Architecture magazine. Palafox planned to make this city world-class by making everything within walking distance and by promoting good neighborhood interaction. To do these, he implemented the concepts of “New Urbanism” in the masterplan. The New Urbanism principles, as implemented in South Forbes, make this city comparable to the best masterplanned communities in America and Europe, according to Palafox. It brings residents back to the “old days,” where everything is walkable and bikeable. This closely-knit city seeks to encourage social interaction. Houses are free of constricting walls. Porches and wide open windows allow neighbors an unobstructed view of what's happening around, thus also providing a hindrance to crimes. The walkable feature also works well for highly active individuals and their families. Pocket parks with amenities and verdant foliage dot the residential enclaves, giving every resident a chance to enjoy tennis or ball sports after a short five-minute walk. Main clubhouses, meanwhile, were strategically located and were designed consistent with the architectural theme of each residential cluster. Linear parks were also generously added for residents to take that opportunity to plant more trees for fresh air. Trees, after all, add to the views while one takes a walk. Palafox narrated, “As you walk along South Forbes, you will appreciate the landscaped features and curved roads. The incorporation of the natural terrain into the development allows you to appreciate the changing vista of houses as well. On the other hand, rotundas and paved intersections create a strong sense of arrival. You realize you are now in a different place.” The walkable features also extend to the commercial area. For the mixed-use component along South Boulevard, Palafox designed a unique arcaded sidewalk to promote public safety and protection. This pedestrian-friendly plan allows residents to freely go from one restaurant to the next shop, convenience store, or Internet café. The restaurant row of the commercial area also brews social interaction, or “social intercourse” as Palafox likes to put it. “While the South Forbes area enjoys cool breezes, the atmosphere at the commercial area is designed to be warm, where people can be friendly and neighborly to one another,” he surmised. It is best to drive soon to South Forbes to appreciate its walkable features. After inspecting the gorgeous model homes, you will surely get a free golf membership as a bonus. Simply make a call at 633-9085 or visit www.southforbes.com for a free tripping to the site. <- Back to news