“Always think big.”
Delfin Angelo “Buds” C. Wenceslao had this seed planted in his mind at an early age thanks to his parents. And to this day, proof of the mantra lives on in his work. It’s evident on how he leads D.M. Wenceslao and Associates, Inc. (PSE: DMW) and in the stunning feats of urban design his company is developing such as Parqal, Pixel Residences, and now, Aseana City. The latter is one of Manila’s most highly anticipated development projects that is set to shake up the world of urban planning.
As the CEO of DMWAI, it’s this idea of always thinking big that fuels Buds. Aseana City is indeed a future-forward, smart city of its own: “a city within a city, within a megacity”, as the visionary puts it. Here, he and his team are doubling down on enhancing the urban experience through “aesthetically compelling, inclusive, and functional city layouts and concepts.”
A large part of the vision has to do with livability, with people at the center. While innovation is key in developing commercial, residential, and infrastructure projects, Buds says something refreshing: “Holistic city development is essential. In cities, the whole is more than the sum of its parts.” At the end of the day, it’s about providing the diversity of uses, spaces and services that are needed by its citizens and focusing on livability measures like transport accessibility and integrating public mobility in its masterplan.
Aseana City is also championing walkability. “Why walkability?” ponders Buds. “In the age of increasing traffic, energy costs, and accessibility considerations, the amount of time each person spends traveling from one place to another has been linked with the overall quality of life.” Indeed, walkability has a lot to do with a city’s livability.
The Early Years
Long before his urban development stint came along, the thrill of pursuing a big vision had already taken root. Again, it’s to always dream big. He had a role model for this that led by example too. “My dad was an infrastructure guy and the projects he conceptualized were always grand, big-ticket, and large-scale even if the problem he was trying to solve was simple and small,” says Buds. “From reclaiming 200 hectares to conceptualizing subways, power plants and port projects, he never let things like funding, track record, or resources hinder him from pursuing these projects.”
These are the footsteps Buds followed. After his father endeavored to secure funding and partners to complete his dream project (Aseana City), he and his brothers endeavored to work to continue this story, changing the game along with the company.
As CEO, Buds is steering DMWAI’s transformation to a fully integrated real estate development & construction company. This meant Buds had to dip his toes into the world of office, residential, and retail developments quickly. Along with this, he took on the service-oriented part of the industry such as property management and estate management.
But as daunting as this all was, Buds shares: “The bigger and scarier the challenge, the greater opportunity. Working hard(er) is always a great solution to any problem.”
The Vision Behind Aseana City
Aseana City, according to Buds, is being master-planned to be a next-generation city. For him, the term ‘next-generation’ entails focusing on two major facets: setting sights on becoming an urban recreation destination and creating a global community.
A space that caters to all types of lifestyles due to its unique positioning between two major entertainment and tourism anchors. “This is why Aseana City attracts locators, such as international schools, car dealerships, discount superstores, institutional uses, hospitals, hotels, and even large-scale mixed-use retail,” elaborates Buds. “We aim to build a development that will also compete with other international, large-scale developments, which is why Aseana City has been investing in global standards and designs for public space infrastructure and services.”
A Stroll Through Parqal
With his alike shoot taking place in Parqal, the Main Street of Aseana City itself, Buds was able to showcase a glimpse of the next-generation city. Parqal, derived from the words “park” and “kalye,” is the property’s primary street: a focal point for shops and commercial establishments.
But there’s something more to Parqal than the average Main Street format. It was created to serve as a beautifully constructed harmony of open and enclosed public spaces. “Parqal is porous with rest of the city and connects Aseana City’s main developments. It also has four major plazas where people can congregate
The Future of Filipino Urban Planning
As someone who undoubtedly spends a lot of time abroad, Buds utilizes travel as an opportunity to seek inspiration. “Pre-pandemic, I would be out on investor roadshows around three to four times a year,” he says. “I would usually spend at least once a year traveling to a new city I’ve read about to see if there are new elements we can incorporate into our projects.”
The cities that spark inspiration for his work include Singapore, Stockholm, and Copenhagen, points of inspiration that all share three key elements. Buds expounds: “[These] are my usual choices because of the quality of public spaces accessible to everyone, the availability of public mobility and transport infrastructure, and the diversity of experiences (food, culture, etc.).”
For Buds Wenceslao, what matters most in urban planning, at the end of the day, really is people. People-centricity in urban planning design and development is the past, the present, and, indeed, the future. He borrows from urban planner Jan Gehl, to drive home a point he’s very passionate about: “First life, then spaces, then buildings – the other way around never works.”
The Future of Filipino Urban Planning
As someone who undoubtedly spends a lot of time abroad, Buds utilizes travel as an opportunity to seek inspiration. “Pre-pandemic, I would be out on investor roadshows around three to four times a year,” he says. “I would usually spend at least once a year traveling to a new city I’ve read about to see if there are new elements we can incorporate into our projects.”
The cities that spark inspiration for his work include Singapore, Stockholm, and Copenhagen, points of inspiration that all share three key elements. Buds expounds: “[These] are my usual choices because of the quality of public spaces accessible to everyone, the availability of public mobility and transport infrastructure, and the diversity of experiences (food, culture, etc.).”
For Buds Wenceslao, what matters most in urban planning, at the end of the day, really is people. People-centricity in urban planning design and development is the past, the present, and, indeed, the future. He borrows from urban planner Jan Gehl, to drive home a point he’s very passionate about: “First life, then spaces, then buildings – the other way around never works.”
Get in touch with Buds Wenceslao through:
info@aseanacity.com or follow their facebook page @AseanaCity
—alike.com.ph
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