(SPOT.ph) For the 10th edition of the Prix Versailles, a.k.a the prestigious World Architecture and Design Award of UNESCO,there is a familiar name in the list that stands out to Filipinos. To be more specific, in its 2024 “World’s Most Beautiful Emporiums” category. It is none other than the fairly new mall in Parañaque: Parqal. Yep, cue the “Uy, Pilipins!” meme here.
Here’s what we know about the Parqal Prix Versailles award:
Parqal is alongside Dior in Geneva, Switzerland; SKP in Chengdu, China; Nouvelles Galeries in Annecy, France; Sabyasachi in Mumbai, India; Bookshops at the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, and Boucheron Ginza in Tokyo, Japan—a total of seven newly opened or reopened emporiums.
According to the press release, the seven emporiums will be “competing for the 2024 World Titles: Prix Versailles, Interior and Exterior.” The laureates will be announced at the UNESCO Headquarters on December 2.
The mixed-use development in Parañaque boasts lined-up buildings—housing retail, wellness shops, restaurants, services, and even offices—connected by a 300-meter-long canopy. In the middle of the mall are open spaces like an amphitheater and a courtyard, with bouts of greens. Its architecture and design are courtesy of Aedas Architects and Visionarch.
Parqal opened around September of last year and is the flagship development of Aseana City.
“Emporiums are amongst the top identifiers and influencers of today’s changing societies. Because of their heightened sensitivity to visitor numbers, they are compelled to reinvent themselves in the most promising ways,” says Jérôme Gouadain, Secretary General of the Prix Versailles.
“This collection, this sample, of the world’s most beautiful emporiums, demonstrates the many paths that lead to business that is truly open to the aspirations, needs, well-being and environment of local inhabitants,” he added.
The Prix Versailles recognizes not only the “world’s most beautiful” emporiums but also airports, campuses, passenger stations, sports, museums, hotels, and restaurants. They highlight the “primary role of the Laureates in beautifying and improving the living environment.” ICYDK, the Clark International Airport was also included in last year’s “World’s Most Beautiful Airports.”
The next World Selections: Airports, Campuses, Passenger Stations, and Sports will be announced on September 30.
Parqal is located along President Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard., Barangay Tambo, Aseana City, Parañaque City.
