Resilience to natural disasters and sustainability are guiding planning for a new 23,350-acre city on the site of Clark Air Base in the Philippines.
The Philippines, vulnerable to typhoons and earthquakes among other calamities, is one of the most disaster-prone places on Earth. Resiliency for the new city, expected to eventually house 1.2 million people, begins with its location where the lowest point will be more than 177 feet above sea level.
Only a third of the city’s land will be developed—the rest reserved for green spaces and agriculture, which will improve drainage and reduce flooding. Development will be sited away from earthquake fault lines. Developers will use concrete mixed with a local organic building material that will withstand shaking better than conventional concrete.
The city will be pedestrian-friendly with efficient mass transportation. One commentator remarked that “the right metaphor for Clark is iCloud—a backup for when Manila fails.” The development is expected to take 25 to 30 years to complete.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Aug 3, 2017
ASID headquarters is first space in the world to earn both LEED and WELL Platinum Certification
Washington, D.C. office is showcase for top levels of the two standards.
Codes and Standards | Aug 2, 2017
OSHA to release web-based injury and illness reporting form on August 1st
Employers can use the application to submit forms electronically.
Codes and Standards | Aug 1, 2017
Zoning that restricts housing construction also dampens other economic development
Land use restrictions reduce U.S. GDP by 9% annually.
Codes and Standards | Jul 27, 2017
Five fire scenarios tested on full-scale mass timber building
Results will help inform code changes.
Codes and Standards | Jul 26, 2017
New ISO standard on video fire detectors will help identify fires more quickly
The standard marks the first comprehensive international specification for this equipment.
Codes and Standards | Jul 25, 2017
Geotechnical solutions prevent building distress due to expansive clay soils
The condition is the most common geologic hazard in the U.S.
Codes and Standards | Jul 24, 2017
Non-union labor gaining ground in New York City
President of contractors’ group says competitive pricing is spurring more open shops.
Codes and Standards | Jul 20, 2017
New tallest tower west of the Mississippi built to stringent seismic standards
L.A.’s new 1,100-foot skyscraper dominates city’s skyline.
Codes and Standards | Jul 20, 2017
Chicago rises to the top of U.S. cities in percentage of LEED or Energy Star office buildings
Certified office buildings reach 66% in windy city.
Codes and Standards | Jul 19, 2017
Economic impacts of climate change will jump over next two decades
Average annual cost to buildings and infrastructure from eastern storms to rise by $7.3 billion.
