DAIICHI Properties sees a need for quality and performance in office buildings in the Philippine property market. “Given that quality is Daiichi’s corporate DNA, we took note of the fact the definition of quality has already evolved. Quality is now redefined with additional concepts, such as sustainability, technology, innovation and design,” Daiichi Vice President for Business Development Eric Manuel said in a recent news briefing held at the Bonifacio Global City (BGC).
To pursue this objective, Daiichi formed a partnership with major global architectural firm Gensler. The company designed the Facebook headquarters, Airbnb offices, Uniqlo and the Incheon International Airport.
Aleksander Zeljic, senior associate at Gensler, said he observed Filipinos commonly looked for the cost of the rent, the utilities available, proximity to leisure, landmarks and other establishments. “It’s not really how the building looks, but how it performs,” he said.
At present, Manuel said Daiichi is currently looking for opportunities in BGC, as it is being positioned as a major masterplanned business community as global companies seek to expand or establish operations in the Philippines.
Zeljic noted that the former military base holds great potential for business and Daiichi is in a strategic position to be a part of the developments in the area.
“With its consistent focus, Daiichi is going to be able to establish major business landmarks in BGC,” he said.
“We’re positioning BGC as the top business hub in the Philippines,” Manuel said.
Zeljic said the partnership with Daiichi has become very productive and fruitful as they have developed One Taipan Place and Orient Square—Daiichi’s first two buildings in Ortigas.
Manuel said their alliance with Gensler goes beyond the developer-contractor relationship. “We are partnering with a firm that studies global trends in office design with the idea of creating a building that meets or exceeds international standards relevant 30 years from now,” Manuel said.
“It is a different type of relationship and what it means is that our buildings are no longer just about the taste of a local developer, but what is globally important,” Manuel added.
Daiichi was noticed by Gensler when it cited the developer’s The Finance Center for designing a workplace to boost productivity of the millennials. It was the only building in the Philippines to be recognized in the report.
Furthermore, Daiichi’s One World Place in BGC is a Grade A premier corporate center that is Philippine Economic Zone Authority-accredited and pre-certified Leading Engineering and Environment Design Gold.
One World Place was awarded by the Asia Property Awards as the Best Office Development in the Philippines for two consecutive years, starting 2013.
Rey Fuentes, Daiichi vice president of the management group, said that the company supports the development of green buildings because it also allows workers to be more productive. “Green buildings will also be a major factor in development as investors will give preference to these facilities when they invest in the country,” he said.