A ‘crown jewel’ of Ayala Malls, Buchan was engaged to revitalise Glorietta, to offer unparalleled experiences across retail, dining, entertainment, and leisure.

Buchan’s architecture, interior design and brand experience teams worked together to create seamless, sophisticated, and timeless design concepts across the development comprising 115,000sqm (GLA) of specialty retail and 192,000sqm (GFA). This includes transformation of the exterior façade and interior spaces, with an emphasis on enhancing the overall guest experience.

Following an extensive collaborative design process with Ayala Land, Buchan developed a conceptual framework for Glorietta’s reinvention, anchored in five key design pillars: Urban Sanctuary, Organic, Sensual, Fluid, and Pivotal. These pillars guided the design, engaging guests through immersive experiences and thoughtful placemaking, underpinned by a deep understanding of movement throughout the site.

The approach involved crafting a grand arrival experience by replanning drop-off and entry zones to set the tone for the entire visit. Buchan revitalised the indoor activity centres, interior malls, concourses, vertical transport routes and lobbies. A clear circulation strategy was implemented through the introduction of pedestrian ‘highways’ and ‘laneways,’ improving the flow and connectivity of the space. This was further supported by a comprehensive signage, digital acceleration, and wayfinding strategy. Expansive green spaces were seamlessly integrated into the retail environment, offering guests an alfresco dining experience amid lush surroundings.

Glorietta’s transformation forms part of a larger mixed-use precinct strategy, integrating hotels, serviced apartments, and commercial and residential buildings. The design successfully complements the diverse architectural styles while enhancing connectivity with stand-alone department stores.