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 | Nov 17, 2016
Santa Monica, Calif., passes historic net-zero ordinance
Includes more stringent commercial, multifamily building standards.
Codes and Standards | Nov 14, 2016
Six more states approve legal marijuana, creating opportunities for developers
Federal prohibition complicates the picture.
Codes and Standards | Nov 14, 2016
Los Angeles voters approve billions to tackle traffic and homelessness
The approved measures will create new rail lines and permanent housing.
Codes and Standards | Nov 9, 2016
NRMCA updates environmental impacts of concrete
The EPD now includes 88 companies, 72 mixes.
Codes and Standards | Nov 9, 2016
Louisiana flood projections require urgent action, officials say
The 'no net loss’ prediction now seems unrealistic.
Codes and Standards | Nov 8, 2016
American Concrete Institute offers new guide for repair of concrete buildings
The guide provides assistance on assessment and rehab.
Codes and Standards | Nov 7, 2016
The AISC prequalified seismic moment connection standard is now available
You can download the 2016 version for free.
Codes and Standards | Nov 4, 2016
Obama Administration makes a push for denser, more affordable cities
The administration calls for zoning code changes and other measures to create more housing.
Codes and Standards | Nov 3, 2016
OSHA proposes safety standards changes to reduce employer costs
The changes include clarification on excavation standard and reporting job-related hearing loss.
Codes and Standards | Nov 2, 2016
New resources available to reduce plug loads using advanced power strips
A tenant education program can boost efficiency in office buildings.