Centric

Counterpart of the Skyway

One of the problems in Metro Manila is traffic congestion, prominent in main avenues and roads in the city. The dependency of people on automobiles has existed since the past centuries with wide road networks developed to help the mobility of the trade of resources for commerce, and at the same time to give comfort to the travel of different status groups. As time went by, more vehicles were manufactured for the growing urban need that adopts this system leading to traffic congestion and chained problems like air and noise pollution. In this case, more road networks got constructed, even though there were very few plans and developments addressing the shortage of pedestrian-friendly infrastructures. The main problem with Metro Manila is the imbalance between vehicle-oriented road networks and pedestrian-friendly walkways. People choose to use private vehicles and public transport because of safety, security, and comfort. It also serves as a status symbol discriminatory to the majority who can’t afford to own cars and other private vehicles.

Eliminating the problem of pedestrians, solving traffic congestion, addressing pollution and climate change, promoting renewable energy, and providing disaster-resilient infrastructure are the key points considered in conceptualizing Urban Link. Urban link is an ambitious design solution for the modern generation of road networks, public transport systems, and pedestrian infrastructure design. It allows people to have the freedom to choose from waiting in long lines in public transport terminals (e.g., MRT, LRT, UV Express services, and Busses) or avoid the depressing traffic-congested road networks.

The big challenge with the conceptualization of Urban Link is the lack of available areas for pedestrian infrastructure development at the ground level. Road networks and sidewalks for pedestrian access in Metro Manila were already permanent. Another challenge in the crafting stage of the design is the flooding in most areas in the city, disabling pedestrian capability to pass during disasters. In addition, safety, security, comfort, and ambiance were concerns in the current condition of pedestrian infrastructures. They are the reason why people choose automobiles and public transport over walking.

The design of the Urban Link revolves around one of the United Nation’s sustainable development goals (SDGs). Industry, innovation, and infrastructure were the driving force of urban growth. Most of the time, we forget that the cause of urban development is the people. We must prioritize them in all our design of infrastructures and incorporate innovative solutions that will give people the power to maximize their full potential and expand the capability of the industry to grow and evolve. Urban Link features Skywalk or the pedestrian-centric counterpart of the Skyway project of the government. The Skywalk is strategically located on top of the MRT and LRT lines and stations with a fully air-conditioned facility, using renewable energy through kinetic tiles or power generated from footsteps. Through this, people can choose from waiting in long lines in public transport stations and the freedom to walk safely in an area equipped with a full-blown security system (e.g., CCTV Camera). Elevating the walkway also addresses the accessibility problem during a typhoon with flooding on the ground level. Several accessory concepts were also included such as the use of green walls, affirmation walls for mental health and positive mindset, and reverse vending machines in all station entrances and exits to give people the ability to get paid from returning and recycling their plastic bottles and caps.