Armani, Libeskind headline Century Properties project

Century Spire, a 60-story mixed-use establishment at Century City in Makati, will offer more than 500 residential units, 67 percent of which had been taken up even prior to the public launch, CPG managing director Robbie Antonio said during the project launch Wednesday.

MANILA, Philippines—Property developer Centuries Properties Group (CPG) has teamed up with Polish-born international architect Daniel Libeskind and iconic Italian luxury brand Giorgio Armani to develop Century Spire, a 60-story mixed-use establishment at Century City in Makati.

Century Spire, the first Century-branded building in Century Towers, will offer more than 500 residential units, 67 percent of which had been taken up even prior to the public launch, CPG managing director Robbie Antonio said during the project launch Wednesday.

The tower will devote 35 floors to residential units. It is expected to be completed in 2018. Units range in size from 30 square meters to 400 square meters. A unit sells for about P250,000 per square meter.

CPG is investing P4.7 billion to build the tower, said Jose Antonio, CPG chair and chief executive officer.

Century Spire is designed to be a “glass-clad high-rise tower that expands with a dramatic crown” as it rises.

“Daniel Libeskind’s design brings another dimension to Century City. He has given us something really iconic in Century Spire. This building will not only change the architectural landscape of Makati but will likewise elevate the Philippines’ image as a world-class destination,” the CPG chair said.

The elder Antonio said he first got to know of Libeskind’s work during a visit to the Jewish Museum in Berlin several years ago. He said he was overwhelmed by the structure.

He also said he would personally go to the launch of another museum designed by Libeskind in Venice.

Libeskind established his architectural studio in Berlin in 1989 after winning the competition to design the Jewish museum. In 2003, he moved the studio to New York City where he was designated master planner of the World Trade Center redevelopment.

“I am delighted to be part of a project destined to reshape Manila’s skyline and to make a bold and optimistic statement about the future of the Philippines,” said Libeskind, who attended Wednesday’s launch of the project, his first in the Philippines.

In a briefing in Manila, Libeskind said sustainability was akin to building a legacy.

“Sustainability is seen today as an application of modern technology. (That’s) correct, but there’s much more to sustainability. Sustainability is memorable. The structure is created with the heart and, in a way, it is memorable. It is also maintained and passed on from generation to generation,” he explained.

The common space and amenities—such as the lobby, swimming pool, juice bar and relaxation area—will be designed by Armani Casa, a leading player in luxury furnishings.

“I am very happy with this collaboration and I think that the combination of my vision with that of Daniel Libeskind will lead to the creation of a truly special place, characterized by elegance and a unique charm,” Giorgio Armani, president of the Armani group, said in a press statement from Milan.

Among Armani’s most recent projects are Macka Residences in Istanbul, Turkey and The World Towers in Mumbai, India.

Century Spire’s lower third will be dedicated to office space while the upper floors will be for residential use.