Hilton Manila

This ten-story Hilton hotel in Manila, the Philippines, is conveniently located nearby Ninoy Aquino International Airport, within the lively community of Newport City – an urban mixed-use development featuring hotels, residences and entertainment and retail facilities, as well as the first and largest casino resort in the country, Resorts World Manila. The hotel is sited prominently along Newport Boulevard – the main drive leading to the complex – and shares its podium structure with the adjacent casino, retail areas and other hotels.

Tasked in developing an architecture style that echoes Hilton’s vision of a ‘modern traditional’ character, WATG designed the exterior of the building with a sleek glass and metal façade that is defined by a multi-story, rectangular ‘floating’ glass box above the entry drop-off. The rectangular box is cladded with glass that showcases bold and intricate custom patterns inspired by local and traditional cloth and basket weaving techniques.

The geometric patterns mimic that of Yakan weaving, found in the southernmost region of the country. Interspersed are floral emblems that celebrate the century-old tradition of sewing beautiful patterns onto formal clothing, known as barong tagalog. Overall, the glass pattern design pays homage to the island nation’s deep artistic history and culture through a distinctly contemporary lens.

Higher above, a series of weave basket patterns, expressed in the guest room glass window mullion, grace the façade – resulting in an architectural style that brings refreshed energy to the casino resort development, which opened in 2010.