CITIES FOR ALL. The earth is for everyone, and cities and communities should be designed and built for the enjoyment and use of all. Regardless of social status, race and background we are re-envisioning our cities to be designed for people instead of being developed because of profit and politics.
TRANSFORMATIVE LANDSCAPES. The developments we help create spur lasting change in the setting and context they are built. The designs that we produce resonate with people and are intended to make positive impacts on society and on the environment.
Encouraging our clients to support the government’s tree-planting program
We availed of these free seedlings from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. This is part of their efforts to reforest the country and fight climate change by way of tree-planting. Through Team AJM, our clients are encouraged, in their own little way, to take part in this noble initiative to preserve and protect the environment by planting these trees in their properties. Even doing something small can make a big difference and saving the planet starts with each one of us. Thank you very much, DENR!
Creating green spaces together with friends. The best work is produced when like minds and hearts come together for a common goal. Transformations take a lot of work and dedication, and we are grateful for a team of collaborators that realize visions and dreams of a greener Metro Manila.
”Let’s put the green back…” IS OUR CLIENT’S goal-oriented battle cry. Construction is underway, and the green spaces are coming soon. We’ll soon show our “finished product” as we look on forward towards the new Greenhills.
DESIGNING WITH NATURE – WE LOOK TO NATURE FOR DESIGN STRENGTH AND INSPIRATION. WE WORK WITH CREATION AND NOT AGAINST IT. INTENTIONAL AND CAREFUL STUDY OF THE AREA AND THE REDUCTION OF WASTE IN DESIGN BY INCORPORATING SUSTAINABLE PROCESS AND IDEAS LESSENS THE NEGATIVE IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT.
a STREAMS IN THE CITY. Did you know that there is a series and network of natural streams flowing through Quezon City? And one is in the vicinity where the AJM HQ is located.But these streams need to be rehabilitated and brought into the limelight. Let us restore creation even in our cities.
This one is close to our hearts. Working with Mayor Ninya and her Team for Plaza Salcedo, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. It is a joy and privilege to work with visionaries and leaders who have the best interest of their constituents in mind.
This is what designing for people is all about.
Connecting Communities
The role of landscape architecture in bridging the gap between and within communities is far more important than we think. Open spaces bring communities together while the access to these areas in terms of bikeways and walkways may be within the realm of landscape architects.
Nevertheless, to be able to design communities and their open spaces well, landscape architects should be able to immerse themselves in communities and listen. Whether this be in an urban setting, or up in the mountains, landscape architects have to be able to meet people where they are to draw out the dreams and visions for their community.
It is only when we truly listen and go to the people can we design landscapes that align with the community’s way of life. When this happens, the landscape now becomes a venue for people to communicate and connect with one another.
Biodiversity
The La Mesa Watershed is the only major water shed in Metro Manila and is the primary source of water for millions of residents in the Philippines’ capital city.
There is a delicate balance to be maintained in this protected area and plans were made to dedicate a five hectare parcel of the watershed focused on educating citizens about biodiversity.
According to the World Wildlife Fund, “Biodiversity is all the different kinds of life you’ll find in one area—the variety of animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms like bacteria that make up our natural world. Each of these species and organisms work together in ecosystems, like an intricate web, to maintain balance and support life.”
The plan left the site virtually untouched allowing nature to take its course. This is our commitment as landscape architects in being stewards and keepers of our planet.
Nature-based Solutions
PLANTS IN THE CITY | In an increasingly urbanizing world, people will still be seeking out nature. A few plants here and there can surely make a substantial difference.
The Trees Of Kalaiyaan Coast
(Laiya-Aplaya, San Juan, Batangas, Philippines)
For years the trees at the project site of Kalaiyaan Coast stood watch over the changes in this leisure destination. The project is a nature resort envisioned to be a haven for those who seek rest and relaxation away from the busyness of urban life.
During the landscape design process, trees were considered, selected and given respect. Instead of being cut down the sentinels were kept to watch over their domain as the landscapes and structures meandered underneath their canopies. Keeping their locations undisturbed the trees continue to keep the environment cool and serve as a home to birds and other wildlife.
The importance of choosing green over steel and concrete cannot be stressed enough. In today’s climate we need more trees in the landscape. And Kalaiyaan Coast is a testament that when we work with trees we harvest benefits that stretch throughout the years.
