Tropical Retail Architecture Projects

Department of Architecture Company Completes Corner House

Department of Architecture Company has completed the Corner House in Manila. This commercial building in San Juan rethinks tropical retail architecture by embracing openness rather than enclosure.

Department of Architecture Company's Corner House features a responsive envelope of operable aluminum louvers and motorized roller blinds that independently adjust to sunlight, wind, and rainfall. This functionality allows the perimeter to open almost entirely under favorable conditions while closing only affected façades during heavy monsoon storms. At the center of the building, a four-story open-air atrium is wrapped by a gently sloping 500-meter ramp that connects every level. This design element functions simultaneously as a jogging track, viewing promenade, and elevated public street.

The generous open-air spaces support diverse activities beyond retail, including remote work, informal meetings, exercise, children's workshops, and everyday gatherings during the week.

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