MOLINO SKYWALK

PROJECT TYPE: Personal Project

SITE LOCATION:

Brgy. Molino IV, Bacoor City, Cavite

WORKFLOW:

AutoCAD + Sketchup + Lumion + VRay + Photoshop

“Is this a revolution?”

Molino !V, one of the main commercial and residential districts of Bacoor City, Cavite. A gateway to the Capital of the Philippines, Manila. It is home for the working class in which their workplace spreads to its neighboring cities: Dasmarinas City, Imus City, Muntinlupa City, Pasay City, and to itself, Bacoor City. In here also lies the biggest malls in the district: Vista Mall Daanghari and SM Molino with transport terminals spread throughout the malls’ perimeters. Along with these malls that promotes walkability inside, walkability in its permeters are almost impossible for vehicles govern the roads and sidewalks are not prioritized resulting to overcrowdedness and pedestrian accidents. In addition to this, with the spread of urbanism, green areas are not prioritized. In fact, the nearest green area is 3km away from the malls.

The project “Molino Skywalk” is a green pedestrian overpass that links the 2 main malls, the drop-off points, and the transport terminals. It will basically serves as an “Oasis” to the barren, concrete jungle in which opposes the ongoing construction of the vehicular “skyway” by the LGU. The skywalk promotes the walkability, recreatioanl activities, breathable areas, convenience and continuous flow of pedestrians without worrying about their safety. Thus, starting a revolution to the built enviroment of the area.

The Fountain

The “Fountain” is a common area which consists of 10 jet pumped fountains, which serves as an attraction for water and light shows. This area also serves as lounging with benches accompanied by medium-height palm trees for proper shading. This area interconnect Vista Mall Daanghari to the transport terminal and drop-off point located at the other side of Molino-Paliparan Road.

Wing Passage

The “Wing Passage” or the “Flügel” is a passage that leads to the skywalk’s central piece and to the fountain (located on the left wing) and the commercial area (located on the right wing). This serves as the skywalk’s resting area for it contains parametric benches, drinking fountains, and shady trees suitable for lounging, walking, running, jogging, and other recreational activities.

Commercial Area

The Commercial Area also known as the “Kommerziel” is allocated to provide the need of the users such as food, water, and similar products. Aside from acquiring needs and eating, this area can also be used to lounge, chat, meet, and socially interact with others. This area interconnects SM Molino with the transport terminal on the other side of Molino-Paliparan Road.

Central Passage

The “Central Passage” or the “Kunst” is located at the very center of the skywalk. It houses a parametric tunnel made of heat-treated bamboo that gives its curved and overlapping character. This tunnel can be used for exhibits such as art, history, and others. At the perimeter of this tunnel are alternative routes that is adjacent to the lounging benches associated with small palm trees for shading and atmospheric comfort.

Molino Skywalk is an urban oasis found in the heart of the commercial district of Bacoor City. This ‘green overpass’ promotes walkability, PWD friendly pathway, and a breathable space in the middle of a concrete jungle. This project revolutionizes and/or opposes the local government’s erecting skyways in which they transform cities into a vehicle centered city. Problems with the pedestrians’ safety and their walkability are currently visible today. There were no sidewalks, no proper crossing and speeding vehicles thus being a threat to humans not on vehicles. The skywalk contains a commercial area with al fresco for lounging and eating, curvy benches to promote interactions accompanied with shady trees for comfort, a centerpiecein which Bacoorenos can display their exhibits regarding history or art, a walkable jet-powered fountain for water and lights show, and a PWD escalator for our PWDs making road crossing more convenient, healthy, and safe.