The wave return feature redirects water back into the bay, providing protection from high waves. Photo source: SM Prime Holdings 

Developing infrastructure on reclaimed coastal land in a disaster-prone country helps address risks such as storm surges, soil erosion, flooding, and liquefaction during earthquakes. Advanced engineering and design features help ensure safety and stability for the community, safeguarding lives and protecting investments by minimizing disaster-related losses and enhancing the resilience of critical infrastructure. 

By integrating disaster resilience into its design, the development sets a benchmark for sustainable practices and serves as a model for similar initiatives. It prioritizes community well-being by creating a secure and functional environment that fosters economic growth while serving as a refuge during emergencies. Compliance with national building codes and global disaster resilience standards demonstrates leadership in responsible property development and contributes to international disaster risk reduction efforts.

A benchmark in resilience and innovation

In the commitment to leverage technology and innovation for disaster resilience and community protection for all its projects, SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex, a 67-hectare landmark along Manila Bay, showcases engineering solutions and sustainable design features that help address the unique challenges of its coastal location. 

From its elevated structures and robust seawalls to innovative foundation systems and flood prevention mechanisms, the complex serves as a model for creating resilient and secure environments in disaster-prone areas.

Initially conceived as a mixed-use development on reclaimed land spearheaded by the Philippine government, it has evolved into an example of safety and stability, fulfilling the vision of founder Henry Sy, Sr., who aspired to create "a destination that brings joy and opportunities to millions."

Expanding on his father's vision, Hans Sy, SM Prime Holdings Executive Committee Chairman and co-chair of ARISE Philippines under the United Nations Office of Disaster Risk Resilience (UNDRR), emphasizes the importance of creating resilient, sustainable spaces that prioritize both safety and community well-being. 

"We believe that safety is the cornerstone of thriving communities," Sy stated. 

In affirmation of this belief, he stands as the first Filipino elected to the UNDRR ARISE Global Board. 

Launched in 2015, ARISE Philippines is the country's 157-member-strong premier private sector alliance united by a shared vision of a resilient and prosperous future. The organization, the first country network established by the UNDRR, aims to help minimize disaster-related loss of life, ensure investments and assets are risk-informed, and build infrastructure capable of withstanding both natural and man-made hazards.

SM Prime Holdings' commitment to resilience is evident in the very design of the MOA Complex, which incorporates disaster resilience features to protect against the unique challenges posed by its coastal location.

Before construction began, SM Prime Holdings engaged the expertise of Jan de Nul, a renowned Belgian coastal development company. Their extensive research and studies ensured the viability of the project, taking into account the complex interplay of land and sea. 

To create a resilient structure, the company conducted risk reviews in which the following components are incorporated: Identify, analyze, plan, mitigate, and monitor. This meticulous pre-engineering phase laid the groundwork for a structure, completed in 2006, that was capable of withstanding the test of time and nature.

One of the key challenges addressed was soil erosion. To combat this, the team implemented a system of wick drains. These drains act as pathways for pore water in soft, compressible soil, preventing erosion and ensuring the stability of the land. This technology, while more costly than traditional methods, provides a high degree of protection, particularly against liquefaction during seismic events.

The threat of ground liquefaction, a phenomenon where soil loses its strength and behaves like a liquid during earthquakes, was also mitigated through innovative foundation design. Driven and bored piles, combined with excavation methods, provide the complex with resistance against liquefaction and seismic activity.

Reference photo for the driven piles methodology, which protects against soil liquefaction and provides strength against earthquakes. Photo source: SM Prime Holdings 

To protect against storm surges, a common threat in coastal areas, the complex boasts a robust seawall. This seawall, standing 4.5 meters higher than the Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) mark, is further reinforced by a wave return feature. This inverted structure deflects high waves back towards the sea, minimizing their impact on the complex. A network of drainage channels further enhances flood prevention during storm surges. 

These features were instrumental in protecting the complex during Typhoon Pedring (international name Nesat) in 2011, as well as in all succeeding severe weather disturbances this year, where the MOA Complex emerged largely unscathed while helping nearby areas avoid being inundated by prolonged deep flooding.

The Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex higher seawall and elevation prevent damage to the structure from rising sea levels. (Inset) In addition, the drainage channels along the MOA Complex are wide and deep enough to fit two buses side by side, helping prevent flooding from storm surges. Photo source: SM Prime Holdings 

The complex's resilience extends beyond its foundation. The main road and all structures are elevated significantly above the National Building Code requirements, further minimizing the risk of flooding. Buildings are equipped with Earthquake Recording Instruments (ERI) that monitor seismic activity and provide valuable data for disaster preparedness. 

The structural integrity of the buildings themselves is also paramount. The roof deck, for instance, is designed to withstand substantial loads, ensuring it can serve as a safe refuge during emergencies. The exterior façade is concrete masonry walls with Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems (EIFS), designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 270 kph and provide excellent insulation. This commitment to safety transforms SM Supermalls like the SM MOA into havens for the community during times of crisis.

SM Prime Holdings's dedication to disaster resilience is not merely a response to potential threats; it is a proactive strategy integrated into the DNA of all its business operations. The company automatically allocates a portion of its capital expenditure to disaster resilience research and construction, recognizing that investing in safety is an investment in the future.

SM Prime Holdings's longstanding reputation as a responsible property developer is built not only on its contributions to the country's economic growth and the creation of dynamic lifestyle destinations, but also on its commitment to protecting the lives and livelihoods of the communities it serves. The MOA Complex stands as a symbol of this commitment, a beacon of resilience in the face of natural adversity. 

This development exemplifies how innovation and sustainable practices may create safe and resilient spaces in disaster-prone areas.

By prioritizing disaster preparedness, community protection, and long-term stability, it demonstrates the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding lives, investments, and infrastructure. The integration of advanced engineering and thoughtful design not only ensures durability but also sets a standard for future developments to follow, fostering a vision of sustainability and resilience for communities worldwide.

To know more about SM Prime Holdings visit their website.