I have always thought that Camp Aguinaldo, sitting on prime real estate could do more for Metro Manila and become an anchor and congregating point with its strategic location and proximity to many parts of the metropolis.
The first step is to obviously create a masterplan and an eventual privatization of the property. The government can raise funds to modernize its military by selling off parcels to private developers but carefuly urban planning and design is imperative here. What's important is the opportunity to create a more permeable urban space and breakdown physical barriers. Currently its hideous fortress surrounded by giant walls, blocked away from the rest of the urban fabric. It really has left a void in the community and Metro Manila can really benefit if we unlock this low density/open space.
One thing critical that should be developed is a visible and vibrant public space. No, not the pitiful Bonifacio High Street type of public space, but let's make it into a true public park, one that Metro Manila desperately needs. Think Central Park.
I would NOT like to see another BGC/Taguig development, but a more intimate mid-rise/garden-style development a la Washington DC to complement its neighboring residential enclaves. And definitely would NOT want the same drastic land use NO NO like Makati Business District & its Bel-Air/Forbes/Dasma/Urdaneta around it. High rise building typologies adjacent to to single family low-rises on the same street is preposterous. Human scale must be kept in mind. Of course we're there yet and there is still time before this begins to happen.
I'm just glad BCDA is starting to see Camp Aguinaldo's potential and is doing something about it.
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