“Art is an evolutionary act. The shape of art and its role in society is constantly changing. At no point is art static. There are no rules.”-Raymond Salvatore Harmon
While roads are necessary to get from one point to another, they are often overlooked by the very pedestrians that use them.
After all, they seem to be nothing more than inconsequential installations made to ensure vehicles of all sorts can pass by. However, one should keep in mind that although roads are primarily made to serve cars, it also helps pedestrians and in this regard, several pedestrian lanes are peppered along significant roadworks. If you have been cruising around or taking a stroll around Makati (particularly in areas in Circuit Makati), you are bound to notice the fantastic pedestrian art. Circuit Makati has taken it upon themselves to ensure that individuals who would rather walk than drive will readily see how the city has injected a bit of personality into their pedestrian lanes.
Of course, street art is rather prevalent in Metro Manila but among them is an exciting mishmash of graffiti and nonsensical vandalism. What you get to peruse in Circuit Makati, however, is so much more different than the street art in Manila. It is an eclectic fusion of functionality and design that is sure to amaze and entrance onlookers and visitors. One of these street arts is the piano and 3-D floating lane located right across Riverfront Drive and another one that has a giant-sized Pac-Man in West Gala. As these pedestrian lane arts dominate the area, they have been making rounds on social media and even on the news. In fact, social media enthusiasts and constant news feed updaters will find that some of these installations and pedestrian arts are ideal for peppering your Instagram feed.
Although this is quite common in places abroad, it is quite an innovative feat here in the Philippines as it can be found nowhere else in the nation as of writing—apart from Makati City that is. Road engineers and road safety analysts have accurately surmised that these designs are effective not only in capturing the eye of pedestrians but also in highlighting safety features. Furthermore, it is an excellent way to add character to a particular area in an estate. Very much unlike the graffiti and usual vandalism found in dilapidated and dingy parts of the neighborhood, this street art initiative was established after Sherwin Saavedra, the estate manager of Circuit Makati noticed that pedestrians would neglect to use pedestrian lanes despite all efforts in installing typical ones. It has come to his attention that if he made use of more visual ones that are appealing to the eyes, he might grab their attention better and as a result, further his endeavors in pedestrian safety. Floating pedestrian lanes were somewhat of a challenge according to Saavedra as they were the pioneers of this kind of project.
Moreover, the project was made even more challenging considering that a 3D effect was essential to make it look the way it should upon project completion. However, after several trials and errors, they were able to finish the project the way they wish to finish it.
Today, apart from the readily visible and observable design changes made to the pedestrian lanes, Circuit Makati patrons are now seen to be more proactive when it comes to pedestrian safety by using these same zanily designed pedestrian lanes whenever they make their way across the street.
And all in good time, as apart from providing pedestrian safety, it advertently delivers a safety message to pedestrians all over the country owing to its wide social media and news coverage.
With this in mind, one can be assured about the fantastic things they can expect from Circuit Makati—from having its patron’s safety at the forefront of their minds to ensuring their road safety.
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