The Sky Park: The greening of SM Aura
MANILA, Philippines -Since it opened last May, SM Aura Premier has redefined the retail and lifestyle scene in the country with its groundbreaking architecture, global brands, and innovative promotions.
The recent opening of the Sky Park, the mall’s multi-level roof garden, provides a much- needed green space in the dense urban environment of Metro Manila. More than that, it highlights SM Prime Holding’s commitment to sustainable design and energy efficiency, actively taking bold steps toward the reduction of our carbon footprint and preparing for a cleaner and better environment for the future.
Located on the mall’s fifth level, the Sky Park is bathed in glorious sunlight the whole day. Landscaped gardens and delightful water features — and a wonderful sculpture by Impy Pilapil — provide customers with the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and the benefits of the outdoors. As soon as the sun sets, the clear evening sky and the cool breeze will add a touch of romance and elegance that one cannot find anywhere else.
Given its sculptural form, many images can be read into the composition: the flow of water, the turbulence of air, or the strata of the earth. Inspiration is thus drawn from the elements of nature itself.
Or alternatively, the various green terraces can be described as
Floating or Hanging Gardens, creating a cultural and historical reference for the contemporary shopper. Whichever way it is interpreted, the design is a functional solution to the site and the project’s programmatic content. But it also responds to the need for a distinct identity and a meaningful setting for the communal activities happening within the development, and proves to be an interesting architectural landmark and addition to the city.
The Sky Park itself has al fresco coffee shops, bars and restaurants; open air performance places and sculpture courts; with the lawns and gardens providing a cool green setting. The dining mix itself is wonderfully global and contemporary: Thai restos Tamarind Taste and Coca; Le Family, which serves Vietnamese cuisine; Yabu, with its famous Katsu; Lugang, which is known for Taiwanese cuisine; as well as Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf and Happy Lemon.
There are more restos soon to open: NBA Café, The Food Hall by Todd English, Ramen Nagi, Ogetsu Hime, and Barcino.
The Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod is located at the top of the ribbon. With an unorthodox yet highly aesthetic tubular design, the Chapel is an exercise in quiet elegance – the perfect place to stop, rest, and reflect in this fast paced city. The chapel’s modern simplicity is highlighted by sculptures of the Blessed Mother, San Pedro Calungsod, and the 14 Stations of the Cross by Eduardo Castrillo.
The Samsung Hall, a performance hall, which can be used for concerts, parties, and other events, tops the roof. This takes on the iconic shape of an egg to provide a highly visible symbol for the roof garden. This, in turn, will be reflected in the smaller, egg shaped skylights scattered along the roof’s length, which glow like lanterns in the like lanterns in the lush evening landscape.
The Sky Park is located at the fifth level of SM Aura Premier.
