We are thrilled to announce that Parqal, designed by the Aedas Singapore Office, has been recognised as one of the World’s Most Beautiful Emporium at the prestigious Prix Versailles this year. The award pays tribute to innovation, creativity, reflection of local heritage and ecological efficiency and the values of social interaction and participation, which the United Nations holds in high regard.

Parqal is a mixed-use development located in Manila, Philippines, and is Aseana City’s flagship project in the district and the first naturally-ventilated development of its kind in Manila. In a city dominated by cars, Parqal reimagines urban life in Manila - creating a pedestrian-friendly experience for the community that prioritises connectivity and walkability. The development features a retail strip integrating Spanish-inspired plazas with retail and F&B, offering various leisure and work experiences in a walkable environment.

At the heart of Parqal's design is a commitment to connectivity and place-making. The development features a central promenade with plazas strategically placed in 5-minute walks to encourage exploration and create a dynamic civic environment for social gatherings. The innovative approach also breaks down the building mass into village-like clusters, enhancing porosity and integration with neighbouring developments.

Parqal's architectural expression draws inspiration from the 'Bahay na Bato', a traditional Philippine architectural typology. This modern interpretation features pitched roofs, subtle excavations for gathering spaces, and a layered façade that combines various materials to create a strong volumetric profile.

The entire length of the development is enveloped by a "floating canopy" that serves as the flagship spine of Aseana City's sidewalk masterplan. The lightweight ETFE canopy takes an undulating and organic form that protects the retail environment from the rain while also allowing for natural ventilation, reducing the need for air-conditioning in the tropical climate.

Announced at UNESCO each year since 2015, the Prix Versailles is a series of architectural competitions that shine a light on the finest contemporary projects worldwide. The Prix Versailles World Titles, granted by Prix Versailles, recognise the ‘World’s Most Beautiful’ Achievements and highlight the projects in beautifying and improving the living environment. The awarded projects pay tribute to innovation, creativity, reflections of local heritage, ecological efficiency and the values of social interaction and participation.