72852 SOM066

The World Center

Design/Completion 1992/1995

Manila, The Philippines

MegaWorld Properties & Holdings Inc.

34,000 square meters

Concrete frame

Glass and metal curtain wali

Located in the Salcedo/Legaspi area in Makati, the core of Manila’s financial district, the 30-story tower is clad in metal and blue-green glass. The design scheme is unusual for the surrounding “party wali” context in that it places the tower adjacent to a low-rise element, allowing for three fenestrated facades rather than two.

The curtain wali design varies from facade to facade in response to climate and solar considerations, featuring brises-soleil on the south, and a slight angling of the east facade.

Built to the maximum allowable height, the project features a 500-foot spire that identifies the building on the Manila skyline and functions as a telecommunications tower. The enclosed balconies punctuating the upper floors of the curtain wali indicate the execudve club areas. The three-story component incorporates a two-story lobby entrance and retail.

1 Entry perspective

2 Model