By Architect Felino "Jun" A. Palafox, Jr. December 24, 2020

PAMPANGA has the potential to be the urban growth center that could be the counter-magnet to congested Metro Manila. It is three times the size of Singapore and twice that of Hong Kong. With its Clark International Airport, it is a gateway to the rest of the world.

Postcard for Pampanga River Rehabilitation

Palafox Associates and Palafox Architecture Group’s urban design and master plan for the Pampanga Megalopolis categorizes the province into four metropolitan clusters to optimize the province’s rich natural and manmade resources. A megalopolis is a cluster of metropolitan cities, and the province is envisioned to have the following clusters:

– Agropolis. This is where the farm and the city form the center for food production, agri-industrial businesses and research.

– Ecopolis. This cluster is the center for environmental tourism, education and natural heritage.

– Aquapolis. The center for waterfront development and marine food production.

– Aerotropolis. Coined by Dr. John Kasarda, this refers to an airport- driven city that serves as the center for business, logistics, technology, innovation and education.

To further enhance access and connectivity within the megalopolis, an inner and outer circumferential road and growth corridor was proposed. In addition, it is also highly recommended to establish an integrated and intermodal mass transportation system comprising a bus rapid transit (BRT) that will connect the Clark international airport with Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon. Feeder loop systems for medium capacity passenger transport will connect to the BRT line, creating seamless integration. Elevated pedestrian walkways, sidewalks and bike lanes with ample street lighting, landscaping, parks and open spaces — the lungs of the city — are also in the plan.

Another rising economic engine for Pampanga is tourism. The urban master plan creates various tourism circuits to suit different types of tourists. Riverfront development can also be a source of cultural tourism, ecotourism and urban renewal for the megalopolis, and the transformation of the Pampanga Riverfront will interconnect the various communities with promenades and linear parks.

Pampanga Megalopolis has a high development potential and the opportunity to become one of the most livable, sustainable and resilient places.

Source: https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/12/24/opinion/columnists/topanalysis/architecture-planning-and-urban-design-of-pampanga-megalopolis/816782/