In the 21st century, technology’s integration into our lives is nothing out of the ordinary.
Every step we take has some sort of modern touch to it and it is these advancements which have led to changing city skylines. One such pioneer of modern architecture is British-born Norman Foster who has been transforming landscapes for more than half a century. With work which can be found in almost every continent in the world, he has developed a reputation not only for being one of the most prolific architects of his generation, but also for incorporating high-tech and green practices in his designs.
With his company Foster + Partners, which he founded in 1967, he and his team have worked on hundreds of projects all over the world, including the Hong Kong International Airport, the HSBC Headquarters in Hong Kong, and the Apple Headquarters in Silicon Valley.
A firm advocate of the need for the industry to evolve, Foster believes technology should be utilised and maximised to serve the people who will eventually inhabit a space. Even as he incorporates technology, he never loses the original environment surrounding his design, frequently making use of natural light and ventilation, and even finding ways to incorporate renewable energy. “Many of the green ideas we explored in early projects are only now becoming a reality because of the new technologies at our disposal,” he says.
SMDC and Federal Land, Inc., two of the biggest real estate developers in the country, are collaborating with the celebrated architectural firm W.V. Coscolluela & Associates and the world-renowned design firm to build its first project in the Philippines located along Ayala Avenue called The Estate Makati. The landmark structure, which will boast new and pioneering technologies seen in any high rise residential development, is set to become the latest jewel in the Makati skyline.
As with every Foster + Partners project, the design team studied the topography surrounding Ayala Avenue, carefully taking note of considerations like where the wind blows and natural light falls in designing the interior and exterior of the building.