DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: BONIFACIO GLOBAL CITY: Big Delta and Portion of North Bonifacio

A. LAND USE ZONING

1. Mixed Use (M1, M2)
All buildings in the Mixed Use Zone should provide separate and exclusive entrance for the residential
portion of the development to ensure its privacy and security.
B.

TRANSPORTATION
1. Road
Multiply connections will be created between the site and the surrounding highways and roadways. Greater
road capacity and more convenient access will be created without encouraging vehicles to use the Global City as
a through road.
2.

Public Transit System

An integrated mix of local and regional transit systems are envisaged to form the backbone of the Global
Citys transportation network.

3.

Pedestrian Circulation
A special feature of the Global City is the comprehensively designed pedestrian system which will be
provided through a mixture of elevated skywalks, arcades, ground level passageways and at underground level
along the transit system. The intention is to create a convenient functional and interesting pedestrian circulation
system that cohesively links the main areas of the Global City.

C.

UTILITY SERVICES
The city is to be serviced with water supply, drainage and sewage systems. It will also be provided with
electricity, telecommunication facilities and piped LPG.

D.

IMPLEMENTATION
Source: Design Standards and Guidelines: Bonifacio Global City: Big Delta, Expanded Delta and Portion of
North Bonifacio.
The Master Plan for Fort Bonifacio provides a broad land use framework to guide the development of the
Global City. While plans for Big Delta, Expanded Big Delta and Portion of North Bonifacio of the Global City have been
detailed, the latter phases will be subject to supplements and/ or amendments, reflecting changing circumstances. All
development proposals must conform to the zoning on the plan as indicated. The enforcement of the zoning rests
with the declarant. The endorsement and approval procedures required in these Design Standards and Guidelines and
the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions are general guidelines which shall be supplemented by a
detailed Manual of Endorsement/Approval Procedures to be prepared by the Declarant.

E.

ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN DESIGN

1. General Principles
The design of buildings within Bonifacio Global City must conform to the Declaration of Covenants,
Conditions and Restrictions, to the Design Standards and Guidelines detailed below, as well as all laws,
ordinances, design standards and codes, rules and regulations related to land development, and building
construction including the National Building Code, the various planning and safety codes the Philippines and any
amending or new legislation. The objective in drawing up the Design Standards and Guidelines is to encourage
the creation of a detail that constantly delights residents and visitors alike. Vernacular architecture is strongly
encouraged to reflect the culture of the Philippines. The building massing of the Bonifacio Global City is governed
by several design standards and guidelines including Floor Area Ratio (FAR) or development density, building
coverage, building setback, easement and building height.
2.

Development Density
There is a permitted development density for individual lots within Big Delta, Expanded Big Delta and
Portion of North Bonifacio. The calculation of the FAR has been developed in accordance with the development
guidelines established by the Declarant and must be based upon the definition of gross floor area.Where retail
and entertainment components are allowed, these shall not exceed a FAR of 3.
This FAR is a component of the total permissible FAR of the lot. The total permissible GFA of any building or
buildings constructed or to be constructed on any lot shall not be more than Floor Area Ratio (FAR) multiplied by
the land area of the lots, as defined in the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CCR) and this

Design Standard and Guidelines (DSG). In case of discrepancies, e.g. rounding off of FAR, the GFA indicated in the
Lot Information Plan shall govern. In addition, the minimum GFA to be built in any lot developed or to be
developed to residential use (as per the Design Standards and Guidelines in accordance with the Master Plan)
shall not be less than an amount that will result in FAR 4.
3.

Gross Floor Area

Gross Floor Area (GFA) is defined in the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions as the area
contained within the external faces of the external faces of the external walls (or in the absence of such walls,
the external perimeters) of any building(s), to be erected on a lot measured at each floor or level ( including any
floor below the level of the ground) together with the area of each balcony in such building(s) which shall be
calculated from the overall dimensions of the balcony(including the thickness of the sides).

4.

Basement
Basements are permitted up to the property line, subject to public and roadway easements. Grade areas
above basements must be designed and landscaped so as to integrate with their immediate surroundings.

5.

Building Height
The building height of all buildings must conform to the requirements of the Air Transport Office. There
must be continuous and unhampered access (with no abrupt grade changes) between buildings and required
skywalks. The recommended ground level to second level floor-to-floor height is 6 meters for buildings with
required skywalks and 5meters for buildings without required skywalks.

6.

Building Character
Building character relates to the range of exterior visual patterns expressed through cornices, columns,
glazing and variations in massing, colors, texture, and materials, etc. In identifying the particular character for a
building it is important that:

It respects the character of buildings in the same block/district.

Facades should employ different but related architectural elements so as to avoid repetition and
monotony. The expression of building character should include horizontal and vertical banding and
rhythm, storefront cadence and lintel, cornice and molding, tower to podium proportion and the
organization of glazing, etc. Comparable and compatible design details should be employed at all sides
of the building. Vernacular architectural elements are strongly encouraged to reflect the culture of the
Philippines. In addition, the design of the building should respond to the local climate in both the
overall form and materials used.

7.

Building Materials
Building and other improvements, including, landscaping, lighting and signage must be consistent with and
blend with the character of the environment in which they are located as well as the requirements of the Design
Standards and Guidelines. The use of environment-friendly materials is encouraged. External reflective glass
should be clear with an outdoor reflectance of 20% and the shading co-efficient of 0.3or anything with an
equivalent performance in terms or reflectivity and energy efficient. The actual specific minimum construction(s)
cost of buildings may be determined by the Declarant in supplemental declaration to these Design Standards and
Guidelines that it may issue for time to time.

8.

Faade
All building walls, including the parking structures, should be designed with sufficient architectural details to
create identity and still be in harmony with the context. Building should provide for a hierarchy of horizontal and
vertical expression and patterns that should relate to the particular form and proportion of a building. The
purpose of detailing is to create consistency among the building frontage (tower) and other architectural
features, such as the building entrance, corner and variation inset back, etc. Relentless grids and eggrate
fenestration should be avoided. All parking above ground shall be confirmed in parking structures and be visually
screened with architectural treatment. Parking structure side openings shall be covered with grills or similar
treatment of no more than 50% open and/ or transparent in area. Balconies are allowed and encouraged.

9.

Building Entrance and Store Front

The main entrance to a building should be clearly defined by its size and form as well as in the use of colors,
texture, materials and lighting. Its size, however should relate in scale to the overall configuration of the building
base. The main entrance doorway should be recessed into the faade and /or located under an arcade or

canopy. Also, entry doors must not project beyond the property line when open and must comply with all access
requirements as required by the Law to enhance the Mobility of Disabled Persons. The design of a storefront
should reflect the activity which is accommodated behind it as well as the urban setting in which it is located.
Unifying elements with respect to sign age, graphics, awning and lighting etc. should be adopted. Storefront
along pedestrian routes should at least be 75% transparent. Glass block, etched, sand blasted, mirrored, or
stained glass are allowed but are counted as opaque material.
The design and use of materials in both main entrance and storefront must comply with the requirements
outlined in the local building fire and other relevant codes. The materials used should be durable and weather
resistant. Storefronts must also take into account the requirements contained in Section 2.12and Section 4
regarding faade and the Pedestrian System, respectively.

10. Roof + General

Roofs should be designed in accordance with the architectural treatment of the tower and podium below.
11. Podium Roof
Utilities and equipment on podium roofs must be screened from top and sides with appropriate structures
that are visually in conformity with the building design. In mixed use developments, podium roofs should be
designed with access and amenities for tenants and residents.
12. Fences, Walls, and Gates
Gates in exclusive residential areas should be recessed to a minimum of 5 meters, towards the interior
property, providing free and unimpeded movements along sidewalks and roads. Fences should act as visual
screens as well as physical screens. They are to be developed according to these Design Standards and
Guidelines. Fences and wall designs and materials are subject to design approval by the Declarant. Fences are to
be maintained by the lot buyer/owner.
13. Planned Unit Development Blocks
As used in this Design Standards and Guidelines, selected blocks shown are classified as Planned Unit
Development Blocks. While an indicative lot subdivision of PUD blocks are shown, final lot
subdivision/configuration for each block shall be prepared by Declarant.
The Floor Area Ratio(FAR) and Gross floor Area (GFA) indicated in the blocks indicative lot subdivision may
be re-allocated/ re-assigned within the same block during the development of the final block-lot subdivision
configuration.
F.

PARKING AND VEHICULAR ACCESS

1. Parking
The parking strategy that has been devised for Bonifacio Global City is the result of an in-depth study to
examine travel demand patterns within the Global City. The study looked at the trips that would be generated by
residents and the workforce living or working within the global City as well as those trips that would be attracted
to the Global City for reasons of work, entertainment, visiting friends, etc. The strategy took account of the fact
that the Global City is to be serviced by both a public transportation system as well as private vehicles. As part of
the overall public and private transportation strategy for the Global City, there is a need to constrain vehicular
movement and consider a parking strategy. This strategy looks to provide the Global City with both private and
public car parks. Private car parking spaces as well as provision for loading/ unloading bays will service residents
or those working in or utilizing the particular development or building in which they are located. All residential
developments, whether in R 1, R 2, R 3 or in mixed use M 1, M 2zones, shall accommodate 100 percent of the
required car parking provision on site. This standard reflects both market or end-user demand as well as the
fact that residential users generate less vehicular trips than For commercial uses (office, retail, entertainment,
etc.) including hotels, the Lot Buyer/ Owner shall provide 100 percent of the required car parking provisions onsite. Where different type of development ( e.g., residential development, hotel, office, retail, community
facilities) are included on the same site, some reduction in car parking standards may be considered by the
Declarant if it can be clearly demonstrated, through detailed traffic impact and car parking study, that a
relaxation in the standards of the provision is beneficial. The dimensions for standard parking space, loading/
unloading bays and lay-bys areas follows:

MINIMUM HEADROOM
Private Cars, Taxi 5x2.5x2.4; Coaches, Buses 12x3.6 x3.8 Lorries; Container Vehicles12x3.6x4.5 The
Lay bys are drop off points for private vehicles and taxis. The minimum headroom relates to the
clearance between the floor and the lower most projection from the ceiling including any lighting
units, ventilation duct, conduits or similar. The first 5 meters of entrance and exit ramps to car
parks abutting sidewalks shall have a slope of not greater than one percent (1%). No portion of
either the entrance or exit ramp shall intrude into the sidewalk pavement.
a. Standards of Car parking Provision for Mixed Used (M1,M2 Zones)

Minimum of 1 slot per unit size of 100 square meters and above

Minimum of 1 slot per aggregate floor area of 1 sqm GFA or fraction thereof, for
units below 100 sqm.
b. Standards of Loading/Unloading Requirements for Mixed Used (M1, M2)

Minimum of 1 loading/ unloading bay for lorries within the site for every residential
lower or as determined by the Declarant.
c. Standards of Loading/Unloading Requirements for Convention Facilities

A minimum of 1 loading/ unloading bay for lorries for every 500sqm,or art thereof
GFA
LENGTH WIDTH MINIMUMHEADROOM
For sites of at least 500sqm net site area, 1 picking up/ setting down lay by for taxis and private
cars for every 20,000sqm of GFA or part thereof, or as determined b the Declarant. The Lot Buyer/
Owner shall contribute a reasonable amount to the development and maintenance of off-site car
parks in proportion to the number of parking rights owned by the Lot Buyer/ Owner. Every
development application to the Declarant must contain a Car Parking Plan as detailed in Section
13 of these Design Standards and Guidelines and the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and
Restrictions. In case of redevelopment, the Lot Buyer/ Owner will be required to comply with
parking requirements as a result of the redevelopment.

G.

2.

Loading and Unloading Requirements

Loading and unloading requirements must be provided within the lot boundary.

The point of access for loading/ unloading activities should not interrupt any main shopping frontage

The maneuvering of lorries should be within the lot except where access is onto vehicular service lane.

Loading/ unloading bays should be located close to the service entrance

Wherever possible, loading/ unloading activities should be accommodated underground.

3.

Space for Parking Service Vehicles

Space for the maneuvering, parking, loading of refuse collection vehicle or any other service vehicles
shall be provided on the ground floor, basement or vehicular service lane, as appropriate.

The space so provided shall be designed to allow vehicles to enter and leavethe lot without reverse
movement. Exceptions to this provision must be with prior written approval of the Declarant.

PEDESTRIAN SYSTEM
1. Comprehensive System
Developments within the Bonfacio Global City are encouraged to adopt an integrated pedestrian network
that accommodates circulation on and between there levels:

Above grade-skywalk and galleria

At grade-arcade galleria, greenway, passageway

Below grade underground concourse and passageway Certain development locations are required to
provide and comply with arcade and greenways shown in the Pedestrian System Plan.
A.

Above Grade Linkage

A1. Skywalk Planning Guidelines:
Covered pedestrian passageways located above grade and forming part of the public pedestrian
circulation network are categorized as part of the skywalk system. Wherever possible, the skywalk must be
integrated into the internal circulation system of the individual developments into which it links.

All skywalk bridges must be perpendicular to the roadway over which they pass and no part
of the skywalk system running parallel to the lot line shall protrude beyond the exterior wall
of the development.

2.

Wherever possible, skywalks should link into other pedestrian circulation systems such as
arcades, ground level passageways and underground concourse level of transit system to
create a convenient, functional and interesting pedestrian circulation throughout the major
parts of the Global City.
Any commercial/ soliciting activities within/ on a skywalk bridges shall require the prior
written approval of the Declarant.
Adjoining property owners are encouraged to coordinate their plans so that the connection
point is mutually agreeable. In case of conflict, the parties shall submit the issue for the
Declarants resolution.

A2. Skywalk Design Criteria

The design criteria of the skywalk system must be compatible with the overall character of the
neighborhood(s) in which they are located with the architectural treatment of the individual building(s) that
they form part of and/or connect into. Detailed requirements of the planning and design of the skywalk
system must comply with the guidelines.
o WIDTH - 3.5 meter minimum interior clearance
o HEIGHT - 2.5 meters minimum interior height
o CLEARANCE - 5 meters minimum from the street surface to the bottom of the bridge
structure
o ACCESS FOR THE DISABLE - connection point between building and skywalk bridges shall be
accessible to the disable.
o ENCLOSURE/ COVER - the entire system shall be covered overhead; all bridges must be
partially glazed on side with 75% f the surface being transparent; and provided with heat
insulation.
o ACCESSORIES - lighting shall be provided throughout the entire skywalk and trash cans must
be provided at appropriate locations.
Pedestrian Edge Treatment
In the planning and layout of all lots, due considerations shall be given to the pedestrian. The use of
colonnades, arcades, canopies, skywalk and covered walks is generally encouraged.

H.

LANDSCAPRE WITHIN PRIVATE OPEN SPACE

1. Within lots, internal publicly accessible landscaped areas are encouraged, in particular, in all large scale
developments. If such spaces are integrated into the comprehensive pedestrian network, such space may be
utilized for public art.
2. Open space within lots shall be designed with amenities for residents and occupants, including garden, pools,
shades, structures and play areas. In the case of the residential buildings, the podium roof should be developed
to maximize use by residents.
3. Private open spaces within use or commercial parcels must be designed to enhance the use of outdoor spaces,
particularly at the podium level.

I.

UTILITIES
1. General
These guidelines are a supplement to the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, existing
National Building Code and appropriate Philippine and utility agency codes which must be fully complied with in
addition to the guidelines sated within this document.
2.

Water Supply

There will be a single water supply system provided inside the Global City.

Water service will be a single water supply system provided by the Declarant to each lot. It will be the
Lot Buyers/Owners responsibility to verify the location of the water service connection to his lot. The
Lot Buyer/Owner shall, prior to his connection, obtain from the Declarant the means and method of
connecting to the water distribution system and shall provide advance written notification to the
Declarant. Location and space requirement of the metering equipment will be provided by the Lot
Buyer/Owner.

The service must be connected to storage tank/s provided by the Lot Buyer/Owner within the lot
property limits.

No water pumps directly connected to a water main of the Declarant shall be permitted. Booster
pumps may be installed to pump water from a ground storage tank of adequate capacity supplied by

natural pressure from the Declarants water mains. The installation of booster pumps shall require the
prior written consent of the Declarant and shall comply with other applicable requirements provided in
this Declaration and Design Standards and Guidelines issued pursuant thereto.
The Lot Buyer/Owner shall provide a minimum storage for water equal to the average day use for
domestic use in the lot and/or building/s. Water requirements for fire in the lot and/or building/s will
be in addition to the minimum storage for domestic use.
The Lot Buyer/Owner shall provide a pace within the lot and/or building/s for a meter room accessible
from the outside at all times. No rent or charge for the meter room shall be charged to the Declarant
and/or the Water Supplier.
The Lot Buyer/Owner shall, in the required provisions to accommodate water supply, also comply with
the utility agency requirements.

3.

Electricity Supply
The Lot Buyer/Owner shall, in the required provisions for accommodations for utilities comply with the
National Building Code, Philippine Electrical Code, and/or the utility agency requirements.

The Lot Buyer/Owner shall provide a space to accommodate the electrical components to the
specifications of the utility agency. The Lot Buyer/Owner shall allow reasonable access to this space. It
is the responsibility of the Lot Buyer/Owner to obtain design and construction criteria and building
code compliance from the appropriate government and utility agencies.

4.

Sewer and Storm Water Drainage

Localized collection of solid waste shall be done by the Declarant.

The strategy for solid waste collection and disposal shall be compatible with the management plan of
the Metro Manila Development Authority and the Declarant and/or ESC whichever is more stringent.

The solid waste strategy shall consider implementation of obligatory garbage segregation, recycling
program o resource recovery at source and point of disposal.

The Lot Buyer/Owner is required to comply with the recycling requirement and other requirements
and guidelines of the Declarant regarding solid waste.

The Lot Buyer/Owner shall provide and maintain within the lot a comprehensive and nuisance-free
system of refuse collection and disposal to serve the lot and the buildings constructed or to be
constructed thereon.

5.

Fuel Restriction

The Lot Buyer/Owner shall not use any fuel or store any fire hazardous materials on the lot or any part
thereof or in any building or any part of any building erected or to be erected therein other than gas,
liquefied petroleum gas, natural gas, kerosene or conventional liquid fuel. Use of any other fuel or
storage off fire hazardous material shall require the prior written consent of the Declarant.

6.

Telecommunication

The lot Buyer/Owner shall provide a space to accommodate the telecommunication requirements of
the service provides. The Lot Buyer/Owner shall provide reasonable access to this space.

It shall be the responsibility of the Lot Buyer/Owner to obtain design and construction criteria and
building code requirements from the appropriate government agency and service providers.

The Lot Buyer/Owner shall construct as an integrated component of the building, install, provide and
maintain a communal television antenna on the roof of the building constructed or to be constructed
on the lot.

Any radio transmitter operated within the Global City will require prior permission from the Declarant
and the appropriate authorities before installation.

7.

District Cooling

The Declarant advocates district cooling where applicable especially in high density areas. This is
recommended in view of the high energy conservation aspect of this technology.

The supply and maintenance of temporary utilities within the lot required for he works shall be the
responsibility of Lot Buyer/Owner. The Lot Buyer/Owner shall remove all temporary utilities and
services on completion of the works or when directed by the Declarant.

The Declarant may arrange for the utility supplies to be made available on site prior to the
commencement of construction. In such instances, the Declarant shall provide a point of connection on
or adjacent to the site. Subject to the approval of the Declarant, the Lot Buyer/Owner shall be

8.

responsible for connecting into this point of supply at his own cost. The cost of all the utility consumed
shall also be for the account of the Lot Buyer/Owner.
A Lot Buyer/Owner will not be permitted to obtain water from the existing ground water wells nor drill
new wells. The Declarant may provide a limited water supply distribution network to provide water
supply distribution network to provide water to the Lot Buyer/Owner at a cost. The water supplied will
be non-potable and the declarant does not guarantee the continuity, quality or capacity of the supply
provided.
Temporary electrical supply and distribution shall include, but not be limited to the following:
o Temporary electrical supply and distribution system including design, statutory approvals,
connections and consents, fees equipment, utility charges, cabling, and the like as required
to complete the works.
o Temporary lighting supply distribution system will be installed by the service provider as
required to maintain a well-lit site during all hours of operation. The minimum levels of
safety lighting as per the Philippine Code and guidelines must be provided at all times.
o Before finalizing arrangement for supply of temporary electricity, the Lot Buyer/Owner must
submit for the Declarants approval any temporary overhead or underground routing of
electricity cables which traverse the Global City.
o Temporary sewerage and surface water drainage to temporary accommodation and facilities
will be installed in account of the Lot Buyer/Owner. Pumps and devices to efficiently
maintain the installation will be provided by the Lot Buyer/Owner.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas

All plumbing and pipe works of any buildings or building constructed or to be constructed on the lot shall be
concealed accordingly. For gas pipe, concealment should provide for free vent.