19/01/2025
Meet the Master Planner of Paseo de Lipa, a 100-hectare, master-planned mixed-use community! Arch. Joel De Luna.
Joel Luna and JLPD: Shaping Cities for the Future Joel Luna is the founder and principal of JLPD (Joel Luna Planning and Design), a master planning and design practice based in Manila, Philippines. He brings over 26 years of experience in master planning, having previously served as Chief Architect, Vice President, and Head of Ayala Land, Inc.'s Innovation and Design Group. JLPD specializes in large-scale, mixed-use townships, community planning, tourism estates, and urban place-making. Their work extends to diverse projects, including the Panglao Bay masterplan, campus master planning for Holy Angel University, and the conceptual Manila 2060 project.
JLPD's Approach to Urban Planning JLPD's approach is characterized by a holistic perspective, analyzing projects at various levels and across multiple timelines. They emphasize an iterative design process, incorporating feedback and testing designs against project goals, user needs, and business feasibility. The firm also explores multiple scenarios to identify optimal strategies, ensuring projects are memorable, unique, and competitive. A key element of their philosophy is the belief that business, community, and environmental considerations are not mutually exclusive but rather integral components of sound planning.
A People-Centric Vision Luna's vision for urban planning centers on creating more people-centric cities. He advocates for abandoning outdated paradigms and embracing sustainable, livable urban environments. This includes a strong focus on inclusive mobility, advocating for solutions that address the needs of all citizens, not just those with private vehicles. He highlights the importance of incorporating green spaces, bike lanes, and vibrant community hubs into existing urban areas.
Responding to Challenges and Embracing Innovation JLPD has actively adapted to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, adopting a hybrid work model that prioritizes flexibility and productivity. Luna observes that the pandemic highlighted deficiencies in urban resilience, prompting a greater focus on healthy environments, active mobility, and equitable access to resources. He emphasizes the need to move beyond car-centric infrastructure and embrace innovative solutions, including exploring the potential of marine environments for addressing energy, food, and resource scarcity.
Collaboration and Future Plans JLPD maintains strategic alliances with firms like ArchiGlobal, Inc. (specializing in architecture and interior design), leveraging expertise to deliver comprehensive solutions.
Looking ahead, Luna expresses excitement about incorporating AI-generated illustrations into their designs and integrating regenerative features and nature-based solutions into large-scale projects. He envisions a future where urban planning addresses climate change, resource scarcity, and inequality, creating truly sustainable and equitable cities. JLPD has a diverse portfolio of projects, showcasing their expertise in large-scale, mixed-use developments, community planning, tourism estates, and urban place-making.
Here are some of their key projects: Large-Scale, Mixed-Use Townships
Marquinton: This five-hectare urban infill development in Eastern Metro Manila is part of an existing residential and commercial township. JLPD developed a development strategy, master plan, and architectural concept for both interim and ultimate development, positioning the property as a new hub connecting existing developments and the surrounding community.
Tourism Estates - Mactan: Located in Mactan, Cebu, this leisure-oriented township project was developed in collaboration with ArchiGlobal, Inc. Anticipating growth driven by the expansion of the Cebu-Mactan International Airport and new transport infrastructure, JLPD and ArchiGlobal developed a framework master plan for the properties of Johndorf Property Ventures, Inc. The plan captures opportunities for leisure/tourism, commercial, and residential growth, forming a tri-district for Cebu. The initial focus was a 33-hectare site in Cordoba, envisioned as a leisure-oriented residential enclave.
Community Planning and Urban Place-Making - Panglao Bay Masterplan: This project demonstrates JLPD's expertise in planning for tourism destinations.
While details about the specific scope and outcomes of the project are not provided in the search results, it highlights JLPD's involvement in shaping the development of this popular tourist area. - Holy Angel University Campus Master Planning: JLPD's work extends to educational institutions, as evidenced by their master planning for Holy Angel University. This indicates their ability to plan and design for diverse needs, including academic, residential, and recreational spaces. - Conceptual Manila 2060 Project: This project showcases JLPD's forward-thinking approach to urban planning. While details about the project are limited, it suggests their ability to envision and plan for long-term urban development, addressing challenges and opportunities for the future. Beyond Specific Projects: JLPD's Approach JLPD's approach to urban planning is characterized by a holistic perspective, analyzing projects at various levels and across multiple timelines. They emphasize an iterative design process, incorporating feedback and testing designs against project goals, user needs, and business feasibility. The firm also explores multiple scenarios to identify optimal strategies, ensuring projects are memorable, unique, and competitive. A key element of their philosophy is the belief that business, community, and environmental considerations are not mutually exclusive but rather integral components of sound planning.
Note: The search results provide limited information about specific project details, particularly regarding the scope and outcomes of each project. Further research and direct contact with JLPD would be needed to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their specific achievements in each project. However, the available information highlights their expertise in diverse areas of urban planning and their commitment to creating sustainable, livable, and people-centric cities.
-Credit to the owners of the pictures
