SM Prime Holdings has highlighted their Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex, a 67-hectare development along Manila Bay, as a model for using urban infrastructure and technology to promote disaster resilience.

Initially conceived as a government-led mixed-use development on reclaimed land, the complex has stood as a beacon for stability and safety while maintaining its role as a significant cultural and economic landmark.

Promoting resilience through innovative design

Hans Sy, SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman and co-chair of ARISE Philippines under the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), emphasized the importance of integrating resilience into urban planning.

“Safety is the cornerstone of thriving communities,” Sy noted, reflecting the company’s broader mission to minimize disaster-related risks and ensure sustainable development.

ARISE Philippines, which Sy co-chairs, is part of a private-sector initiative to enhance disaster resilience. Established in 2015 under UNDRR, the organization works to reduce loss of life, secure investments, and develop infrastructure capable of withstanding both natural and man-made hazards.

Engineering resilience at the MOA Complex

The MOA Complex’s design incorporates measures to address its unique challenges as a coastal development. Before construction, SM Prime enlisted Belgian coastal engineering firm Jan de Nul to conduct research and risk assessments.

One of the key challenges addressed was soil erosion. To combat this, the team implemented a sophisticated system of wick drains. These drains act as pathways for pore water in soft, compressible soil, effectively preventing erosion and ensuring the stability of the land. This technology, while more costly than traditional methods, provides a significantly higher degree of protection, particularly against liquefaction during seismic events.

The threat of ground liquefaction, a phenomenon where soil loses its strength and behaves like a liquid during earthquakes, was also mitigated through innovative foundation design. Driven and bored piles, combined with precise excavation methods, provide the complex with robust resistance against liquefaction and seismic activity.

To counter storm surges, the complex features a 4.5-meter-high seawall with a wave return system, which deflects high waves back to the sea. A network of drainage channels complements these features, further reducing the risk of flooding. These systems proved effective during Typhoon "Pedring" (called Nesat internationally) in 2011 and continue to safeguard the area against severe weather events.

Structural and operational safeguards

In addition to addressing coastal challenges, the complex includes elevated roads and structures exceeding National Building Code requirements. Buildings are equipped with Earthquake Recording Instruments (ERI) to monitor seismic activity, while materials like wind-resistant masonry ensure durability against extreme conditions.

These features are designed not only for disaster resilience but also to provide safe spaces for the community during emergencies. Roof decks and other structural elements are reinforced to serve as temporary shelters, reflecting a broader commitment to public safety.

SM Prime integrates resilience planning across its projects, allocating significant resources to disaster research and mitigation efforts. This proactive approach aims to protect lives and property while contributing to long-term economic stability and development.

The SM Mall of Asia Complex stands as a testament to the potential of integrating resilience and sustainability into urban development, setting a standard for safe and adaptive infrastructure in the Philippines.