Where do you think is this artistically inspired pedestrian underpass located? London? New York? Nope, this is not in London, Europe’s art capital, nor New York, known to be the world’s art capital.
It is in (or I should say under) the City of Makati, in the not so artistic Philippines. Surprised? And, believe it or not, it is the longest pedestrian underpass system in South East Asia!
Makati City houses the biggest business district of the Philippines—Makati Central Business District (MCBD), second being Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig City and the Oritigas Center in Pasig City as third largest—all three cities are situated in Metro Manila where some 20 Million Filipinos live in a rather jam-packed manner.
And, what is the biggest problem when you enter Makakit City? Trafficcccccccccc! Hence, this pedestrian underpass, beneath it, is a brilliant work of architectural engineering with a touch of artistic humanity and common sense.
This has reduced traffic problems in MCBD by about one-third and, forced the mostly unhealthy, rice-eating, 40% diabetic Filipinos working in Makati to walk some 2-3 kilometers daily to their offices and back to the centralized transport terminal.
This underpass network connects seven underpasses: Legaspi Underpass which showcases “Coexistence” mural arts of J & J Samson, Salcedo Underpass showcasing the ”Ang Lakbay ng 105 MIlyon” depicting the journey of the Filipino nation, V A Rufino Underpass, showcasing the rich marine life in the Philippines, Makati Avenue Underpass showcasing the various facets of Filipino expressions, Paseo de Roxas Underpass depicting the rich greenery of rural Philippines, Paseo Villar Underpass depicting the simplicity of Filipino living and, Apartment Ridge which connects various building.
Truly, it makes walking underground the busy district of Makati less tiring, subliminally educational and comfortably healthy.
