Iconic buildings and smart technology are often associated with modern cities. People, however, keep these cities vibrant and alive because of what catches their attention along the streets.

 

Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI), which is marking a milestone anniversary this year, has been transforming practical spaces into ideal places for 30 years. Their aim is to go beyond creating communities with basic infrastructure to developing communities with soul.

 

Their mixed-use developments take three elements into consideration: open spaces, art and traditions, and theming.

 

Open spaces

 

Parks like the Ayala Triangle Gardens, Legazpi Active Park, Washington Sycip Park, Jaime Velasquez Park and Greenbelt offer breathing spaces.

 

The Legaspi Sunday Market, Salcedo Saturday Market, and Street Meet at Paseo give people the chance to interact with their neighbors.

 

Arts and traditions

 

Centers for the promotion of art and culture are “anchor institutions” in Ayala Land developments.

 

There is the Ayala Museum in Makati, and the Mind Museum and Maybank Performing Arts Theater in BGC.

 

Soon, there will be the Circuit Makati Performing Arts Theater .

 

Makati’s street lighting ceremony and Ayala Triangle Gardens’ Festival of Lights are examples of place making through traditions and events

 

Theming

 

Sports enthusiasts in Vermosa, Cavite have a place to work up a sweat at the Vermosa Sports hub. The active sports theme was inspired by the community that regularly jogged in the Daanghari area.

 

Circuit Makati which used to be the Sta. Ana Racetrack is now Makati’s entertainment district. It is the venue of the Globe Circuit Grounds where large groups can converge for concerts, exhibits or bazaars. Plays and musicals are staged in the PowerMac Center Spotlight. – Raoul J. Chee Kee