Let there be light. Because of the massive floor areas of the structure, oval and trapezoidal skylights were allocated in different areas of the mall. This brings a lot of natural light to come in, significantly saving on the energy that huge amounts of artificial lighting would otherwise require.

BACK when I was still an architecture student not so long ago, my classmates and I would always talk about the latest developments all over the world. I remember one of my classmates coming to class excited to share with us his latest discovery that there was going to be another competitor for the tallest building in the world. I had another classmate who told us about Dubai’s reclamation project that would take the shape of a monumental palm. My stories, on the other hand, would focus on local developments, one of which was SM Mall of Asia. I was fortunate enough to apprentice in the architectural firm that masterplanned SM’s reclaimed property along Macapagal Boulevard, so I knew a thing or two about the buildings that would eventually be erected in that area. Being as young as I was, I naturally exaggerated my stories just a little so that I would be the one who brought the best story to the table. I told them that SM was going to build the largest mall in the world! The mall would be so huge, it would have the first-ever “drive-through shopping”! Ok, I admit, that wasn’t just a little exaggeration.

Not boxed in. SM Mall of Asia is the giant conglomerate’s successfull attempt to break out of the “shoebox” design.

A thousand tons of steel, millions of cubic feet of concrete, and a few years later, SM Mall of Asia was finally completed. It did not have the “drive-through shopping” experience I bragged about, and it also only turned out to be the sixth-biggest mall in the world. It did turn out to be a structure with a design that could compete in the global scene.

With a gross floor area of 386,224 square meters, SM Mall of Asia consists of four buildings interconnected by elevated walkways and bridges: the Main Mall, the Entertainment Mall, and the North and South Carpark Buildings. In between each building are courtyards and open spaces where al-fresco dining is encouraged, as these areas are lined with restaurants. These courtyards are also where a 20-seater tram has stops for mallgoers eager to explore the mammoth mall from point to point—pretty close to a “drive-through shopping” experience.

The Main Mall is the biggest among the four structures. It houses shopping and dining establishments and the food court. Because of the massive floor areas of the structure, oval and trapezoidal skylights were allocated in different areas. This brings a lot of natural light to come in, significantly saving on the energy that huge amounts of artificial lighting would otherwise require. These skylights create very dramatic spaces that  enhance the shopper’s experience. The Philippines’ first Olympic-sized ice-skating rink can also be found here. At 61 by 30 meters, the rink is the biggest of its kind in Southeast Asia. Recreational and competitive figure skating can be done here, as well as ice hockey. Along with plain access and skate rentals, people can also undergo training programs for different ice-related activities.

The structure facing Manila Bay is the Entertainment Mall. It is a two-story complex that is mostly open air and naturally ventilated, as the shoppers are encouraged to enjoy the views of the sea and the sunset as opposed to the usual air-conditioned interiors of a mall. Another group of restaurants is located in this area, definitely a perfect place to have a romantic dinner with a significant other or a bonding session with family. Also in this structure is an open-air music hall directly facing the sea. This activity center is a venue for different events, contests and concerts.

The mall has a capacity of 5,000 parking spaces, and is divided into two six-story parking buildings—the north and south parking buildings. The south building also houses SM Department Store, while SM Hypermarket is within the north building.

One of the mall’s main attractions is the first-ever IMAX Theater in the country, a premier cinema, and the CenterStage Cinema, which can be used for live musical concerts and theatrical performances. This is, of course, aside from the standard six regular two-tiered movie theaters. There is also the Director’s Club Theater for intimate screenings which houses 30 La-Z-Boy seats.

SM Mall of Asia carries a lot of “firsts” for the Philippines. The first IMAX, the first Olympic-sized skating rink, and even the first major mall project located right beside the scenic Manila Bay. For those who haven’t gone yet—and I would wager that your numbers are small—do make the trip, as you will no doubt have a rousing good time at this globally competitive mall. 

 You may e-mail the author at design@buensalidoarchitects.com and visit his web site at www.buensalidoarchitects.com.

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