Multi-awarded Italian Architect, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Italpinas Development Corporation™
On this #WorldHabitatDay, I am delighted to share this captivating photo of Ayala Triangle, formerly known as Nielson Airport, taken approximately 86 years ago. Back then, the Nielson Airport was surrounded by charming old town centers and lush greenery. It served as Manila's main airport from 1937 to 1948. In less than a century, the entire Metro Manila transformed into a sprawling metropolis of towering skyscrapers and vibrant urban spaces. Our dependence on urban development has grown exponentially. In fact, it is projected that by 2050, two out of three people will reside in cities. However, this rapid urbanization has brought about various consequences that we are currently experiencing in Metro Manila, such as heavy traffic, urban congestion, a deteriorating environment with fewer green spaces, and significant pollution from water to air. It is important to note that urbanization itself is not inherently negative. The challenges we face are the inevitable side effects when urban development is not carefully planned. I would like to commend the home of Ayala Triangle, the Makati Central Business District, the Bonifacio Global City, the Greenhills District, and other townships for their efforts in making the best out of our urban landscape. They have strived to create better living conditions for everyone. In light of this, I want to emphasize the significance of drawing inspiration from nature to strike a balance between human needs and environmental stewardship. In our case, this principle is embodied through #LivingByDesign. Today, as we observe World Habitat Day, let us not only reflect on how fast we can progress, but also on how far we can go without sacrificing our shared habitat: Earth. #HabitatDay #AyalaTriangle #Makati #Philippines
