The Transformative Power of Landscape Architecture: A Conversation with Architect Joaquin Zialcita
- Three Seven Realty
- Nov 14, 2016
- 3 min read
Joaquin Zialcita’s warm, down-to-earth demeanor belies his stature as one of the Philippines’ pioneering landscape architects. Among the first to enroll in UP Diliman’s Landscape Architecture program in the ‘70s and one of the earliest licensed professionals in the field, “Jacko,” as he is fondly called by close friends, is behind many stunning landscape projects in Metro Manila and key cities around the country.
First Impressions Matter
Architect Zialcita is the first to admit that landscape design is not very high among most developers’ priorities: “Typically, in the real estate industry, landscape architecture always comes in last. The biggest chunks of the budget usually go into developmental costs, architectural, structural, electrical, the interior design… and then finally, landscape architecture.”
However, he emphasizes that: “[Landscaping] is like the icing on a cake or the wrapper on a gift. It’s what gives you the first impression.”
Sharing the same view, Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev), a longstanding real estate developer best known for its masterfully crafted communities in Davao City, knew that Architect Zialcita was the right person to lead the landscape design of Northtown, its 116-hectare township under its Alsons Properties brand.
“In Northtown, the value of green, open spaces was highly emphasized when we were developing it,” shared Architect Zialcita.
This should come as no surprise as Alsons Dev has built a reputation for creating beautifully landscaped communities, including its flagship project Ladislawa Garden Village—which happens to be named after the Alcantara Family matriarch, Ladislawa, who was well-known for her love of flowers and plants.
A Treat for the Senses
To differentiate Northtown’s landscape design from the developer’s earlier projects, Zialcita relied on a unique theme: engaging the senses.
“When we were conceptualizing the landscape, we wanted to focus on the senses. Sense of smell, an array of colors—to be able to walk around the subdivision and feel the different materials of the landscape. We’ve done combinations of trees we’ve never tried before, and we feel good that it’s such a visual mix.”
Zialcita and his team also paid close attention to the details of a landscape: “We’ve always emphasized sub-scape—the planting details—in our projects. What you see during the day becomes a completely different sight when it’s lit up at night. We tried to help future residents focus on those subtle changes—how day turns into night, and how the seasons change from summer to the rainy season.”
A Sight to Remember
You see this attention to detail from the minute you enter the township. ZBA Landscape Architects designed the entrance to have colorful flowering shrubs immediately greet the residents. “We want to encourage the residents to take a stroll or bike around. Get them to say: ‘Oh, look at this plant. Smell it,’” Zialcita says.
Northtown will also have eight pocket parks designed to suit different needs and strategically spread across Phase 1. A 5-minute walk from any point of the development leads to places of interest, such as the clusters of outdoor exercise stations at the Fitness Parks, the shaded seating areas, barbecue pits and lush lawns of the Picnic Parks, and the cozy nooks amidst trees and shrubs of the Reflection Parks.
The township will also feature a 2.5-hectare clubhouse complex called The Club, which features green spaces and man-made recreational facilities in equal measure, proving that you can have modern spaces without compromising the environment.
A Modern Haven
At the heart of every Alsons Properties community is the comfort and happiness of its residents, something that Zialcita is keenly aware of: “I think their concept is really to provide a good product that caters to all the market segments. They want to give the residents opportunities to be outdoors. I see this in the open spaces, the parks, the nice, big roads. I’m proud of this project. It’s a good one.”
Original post from http://alsonsproperties.com/the-transformative-power-of-landscape-architecture-a-conversation-with-architect-joaquin-zialcita/
