SM Megamall: A vision inspired by the Philippines
Inspired by the beauty of the Philippines, known as the “Country of a Thousand Islands,” SM Megamall is undergoing an ambitious transformation led by Benoy, encompassing interior, architectural, wayfinding & signage, and landscape designs.
This reimagining aims to establish a unique retail destination in the heart of the Ortigas Business District, where shopping harmoniously blends with the vibrancy of nature.
Crystal Islands: A nature-integrated experience
Under the theme “Crystal Islands,” the transformation integrates natural elements into a dynamic retail experience, enhancing both aesthetic appeal and the connection between shoppers and their environment.
The design vision merges vibrant landscape design with modern architecture, interiors, and wayfinding designs, inviting visitors to engage with their surroundings. The project seeks to create an indoor atmosphere that mimics the outdoors, featuring abundant greenery and natural light to enrich the overall ambiance.
The elevated Level 5 Garden: A green oasis
A highlight of the redevelopment is the elevated Level 5 Garden, an air-conditioned oasis adorned with tropical plants and topped with an ETFE roof. This refreshing space serves as a central hub for social interaction and relaxation, complete with food and beverage areas, pop-up spaces, and comfortable seating. It exemplifies the mall’s commitment to creating inviting environments where visitors can unwind and connect.
Sustainability remains central to this transformation, focusing on low-maintenance plant species and self-sustaining irrigation systems that minimise water usage and maintenance efforts while contributing positively to the mall’s ecological footprint.
A bold, contemporary façade
Complementing these natural enhancements, the mall’s entrance and façade are undergoing a significant upgrade that showcases a contemporary, vibrant aesthetic tailored to today’s consumers.
The new façade design engages with the streetscape by incorporating dynamic LED panels and replacing existing billboards with multimedia advertisement screens, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere that entices visitors to explore further.
The main entrances along Bank Drive are redesigned into “urban jewel boxes,” featuring a series of louvered sunscreens and full height glazing, adding a touch of subtle prominence while the crystal-like transparency of the main entrances contributes to the overall wayfinding strategy.
Retail zoning: The archipelago concept
Inside the mall, the layout beautifully echoes the Philippines’ archipelagic charm through distinct “Crystal Islands” that extend over 400 meters, reinterpreted into three themed zones.
These islands are characterized by their accent colors and materials, fostering a strong sense of community while offering a diverse mix of retail options, including fashion, beauty, food and beverage, entertainment, and pop-up experiences.
The zoning and clear signage enhance accessibility, facilitating easy navigation and exploration within the large-scale complex.
A dynamic and immersive shopping journey
mall’s main atrium showcases eye-catching cascading balconies inspired by the “Crystal Islands” positioned at various levels.
The corridors are designed to evoke the feeling of flowing rivers connecting the three islands, with rippled metal ceilings reflecting the movement of water.
The flooring, with a gradient of differentiated layers, flows along the shopfronts and corridors, creating a sense of dynamic movement. These design element invites exploration, encouraging visitors to wander and discover new offerings.
A holistic approach to design
Benoy’s integrative approach, including architecture, interiors, landscape, wayfinding and signage, ensures an engaging flow that encourages interaction and exploration.
The revitalised SM Megamall exemplifies the power of this holistic design strategy, blending natural beauty with exceptional design and commercial acuity. This project not only provides an unparalleled customer experience but also sets a new standard for future developments in the heart of Manila.
Project overview:
Scope of services: Architecture Façade, Retail Planning, Interior Design, Wayfinding & Signage, Landscape
Category: Retail
Client: SM Prime
Gross Floor Area: 87,207.05 sqm
Team members:
Architecture - Teri Tsang, Jason Tan, Charlie Zhu, Christopher Chiu, Jonathan van der Stel
Interior — Kali Chan, Sunny Yu, Marsh Chung, Kennex Hung, Crystal Pang, Francesca Au, Doris Hung
Landscape – Rayvees Goh, Bartosz Majchrzycki, PeiXi He, Shuyue Tan, Eming Yeoh
Signage — Samantha Yuen, Karen Leung, Amanda Lo
