A new design for the Malcolm Square that restored it to its original concept was officially unveiled to the people Thursday.
Designed by architect Aris Go, the square known also as the People’s Park, after the popular uprising in 1986, reverted to its original concept as a public square filled with open spaces.
Go led a team from 90 Design Studio in conceiving the design which took in consideration the whole block as a heritage zone that starts from the old Mido Inn to Tiong San.
Go’s father, Baguio Rep. Mark Go, with mayor Mauricio Domogan led city officials in unveiling the park which turned into a celebration including a concert later in the night.
Rep. Go in his speech praised the work of his son and associates who did it pro bono.
The older Go said: “I applaud the design which restored the original concept of Malcolm Square as a people’s park filled with open spaces.”
He added: “What we see now is flexible space suitable for a variety of functions. I agree that this park can be a part of a so-called ‘heritage zone’ together with other structures surrounding it that denotes and symbolizes the heritage of our beloved city.”
Now, the congressman said, the square will “perfectly serve as a venue for significant functions such as cultural presentations and theatrical plays that would greatly contribute to the enrichment and awareness of our cultural heritage and traditions.”
Rep. Go added: “This venue will publicly manifest our deep love for our past, our culture and traditions that should pass on and inculcate in the minds of our youth to be forever nurtured and cherished.”
The younger Go earlier said the design of the space will now allow the flourishing of the seven surrounding buildings in the area which are all structures which denote the heritage of the city.
The architect’s design will see the square blend well with the buildings around it and added that the street on the side will be open to pedestrians but not to heavy traffic while deliveries will only be allowed for the establishments and prohibiting parking in the area.
The rehabilitation of Malcom Square saw the removal of structures that enclosed the spaces and has veered away from the old design both for security purposes and freedom of space.
For locals who have been hooked to the habit of chewing momma, a spitting bowl has been included.
Go’s design has been described to be a wedge shape and it has a gradual slope where a stepped surface has been introduced that may also function as platforms for viewing during speaker-led events as well as a stage for others.
The space could also allow the setting up of mobile stages allowing it to be used for different purposes.
“The change has to start with us, we decided to take on this risk,” the younger Go said in a recent interview with a local daily.
RAJ Construction implemented the rehab work worth P10 million.
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