4.

6 LEGAL FRAMEWORKS

DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: BONIFACIO GLOBAL CITY: Big

Delta and Portion of North Bonifacio1

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 City’s 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

1
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 5
meters 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 Material

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 0.3
or 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. Façade
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 in
setback, 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 Storefront

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 façade 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
signage, 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 2.12
and Section 4 regarding façade 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 block’s
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 2

zones, 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 on-
site.

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 are
as follows:

MINIMUM
MINIMUM
LENGTH WIDTH
HEADROOM
HEADROOM
Private Cars, Taxi 5 2.5 2.4
Coaches, Buses 12 3.6 3.8
Lorries, Container 12 3.6 4.5
Vehicles

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
  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 o f 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.

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 leave
the lot without reverse movement. Exceptions to this provision must be with
prior written approval of the Declarant.

G. PEDESTRIAN SYSTEM
1. Comprehensive System

Developments within the Bonfacio Gobal 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
greenway s 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 he development.
 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 he issue for the Declarant’s 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.

 WIDTH: 3.5 meter minimum interior clearance

 HEIGHT: 2.5 meters minimum interior height
 CLEARANCE: 5 meters minimum from the street surface to the bottom
of the bridge structure
 ACCESS FOR THE DISABLE: connection point between building and
skywalk bridges shall be accessible to the disable.
 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.
 ACCESSORIES: lighting shall be provided throughout the entire
skywalk and trash cans must be provided at appropriate locations.

2. 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. LANDSCAPE 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 Buyer’s/Owner’s 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 e 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
Declarant’s 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. Sewerage 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 which ever is more stringent.
 The solid waste strategy shall consider implementation of an 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 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 Declarant’s 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.
8. 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.