Our very own Iloilo Provincial Capitol is one of the most modern and beautiful capitol buildings in the country, and it will get even better after the major make-over of its complex is finished.
Iloilo provincial government has hired the services of renowned Architect Paulo Alcazaren, who also master-planned Singapore’s River Quay and Iloilo River Esplanade. He has created an urban design that will make the Capitol complex the most amazing unified government center in the country.
In his vision of the new Iloilo capitol complex, Alcazaren explains that it should “integrate its (often) disparate structures added over the decades, in a framework of green, and a circulation network that provides for easy public pedestrian access, along with parking and vehicular paths that don’t compromise the overall composition.”
Thus the complex will integrate Casa Real de Iloilo (the original provincial capitol which has been restored and used as gallery and venue) fronting the Arroyo fountain, the present multi-story capitol building, the 1960s Iloilo Museum and the adaptively re-used old provincial jail which will house a National Museum branch.
Current front spaces and landscapes will also be reconfigured to expose the face of the main building, walkways will be re-integrated in a new pedestrian network, perimeter fence will have a mural wall featuring the province’s history, and a six-story parking will rise in the vicinity.
The rear of the complex will feature an events venue on a large geometric lawn framed by palms, integrated with the continuing Esplanade project.
The transformation of the complex “reflects the progressive and comprehensive direction the province is taking to ensure that Ilonggos are provided a sustainable future, and that public service is embodied in a civic complex that will also be a source of pride, as well as provide a distinctive sense of place to an already exciting metropolis,” said Alcazaren.
A budget of P430 million was recently approved for the proposed project, which is expected to start before the year ends.
The redevelopment of Iloilo Capitol Complex is one of the pet projects of Governor Arthur Defensor, and he’s hoping to complete it before he steps down from office in 2019.
Truly, the provincial government is making a significant contribution in making Iloilo the most beautiful and livable city in the country! [via Paulo Alcazaren Facebook]
