SM Mall of Asia Complex: A benchmark for resilience and innovation

The Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex higher seawall and elevation prevent damage to the structure from rising sea levels. (Inset) In addition, the drainage channels along the MOA Complex are wide and deep enough to fit two buses side by side, helping prevent flooding from storm surges

The SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex, a 67-hectare landmark on Manila Bay, exemplifies SM Prime Holdings' commitment to using technology and innovation to improve disaster resilience and community protection across all of its projects.

Originally conceived as a pioneering mixed-use development on reclaimed land spearheaded by the Philippine government, it has evolved into a benchmark of safety and stability, fulfilling the vision of founder Henry Sy, Sr., who wished to create “a destination that brings joy and opportunities to millions.”

Hans Sy, SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman and co-chair of ARISE Philippines under the United Nations Office of Disaster Risk Resilience (UNDRR), builds on his father's vision by emphasizing the importance of creating resilient, sustainable spaces that prioritize both safety and community well-being. 

"We believe that safety is the cornerstone of thriving communities." ~Mr. Hans Sy, SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman and co-chair of ARISE Philippines under the United Nations Office of Disaster Risk Resilience (UNDRR)

In affirmation of this belief, he is the first Filipino elected to the UNDRR ARISE Global Board.

ARISE Philippines, founded in 2015, is the country's premier private sector alliance, with 157 members united by a common vision of a resilient and prosperous future. The organization, the UNDRR's first country network, aims to reduce disaster-related fatalities, ensure risk-informed investments and assets, and build infrastructure that can withstand both natural and man-made hazards.

SM Prime's commitment to resilience is evident in the MOA Complex's design, which includes cutting-edge disaster resilience features to protect against the unique challenges posed by its coastal location.

Before construction began, SM Prime enlisted the help of Jan de Nul, a well-known Belgian coastal development company. Their extensive research and studies ensured the project's viability while accounting for the complex interplay of land and sea. To build a resilient structure, the company conducted risk assessments, which included the following steps: identify, analyze, plan, mitigate, and monitor. This meticulous pre-engineering phase laid the groundwork for a structure that, when completed in 2006, could withstand the test of time and natural elements.

One of the most important issues addressed was soil erosion. To combat this, the team installed a sophisticated system of wick drains. These drains act as pathways for pore water in soft, compressible soil, effectively preventing erosion and maintaining land stability. This technology, while more expensive than traditional methods, offers significantly greater protection, particularly against liquefaction during seismic events.

The threat of ground liquefaction, which occurs when soil loses strength and behaves like a liquid during earthquakes, was also mitigated by innovative foundation design. Driven and bored piles, combined with precise excavation methods, give the complex strong resistance to liquefaction and seismic activity.

Reference photo for the driven piles methodology, which protects against soil liquefaction and provides strength against earthquakes.

A strong seawall protects the complex from storm surges, which are common in coastal areas. This seawall, which is 4.5 meters higher than the Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) mark, is reinforced by a wave return system. This inverted structure deflects large waves back into the sea, reducing their impact on the complex. A network of drainage channels improves flood prevention during storm surges.

These features were critical in protecting the complex during Typhoon Pedring (international name Nesat) in 2011, as well as all subsequent severe weather disturbances this year, where the MOA Complex emerged largely unscathed while assisting nearby areas to avoid being inundated with prolonged deep flooding.

The wave return feature redirects water back into the bay, providing protection from high waves

The complex's resilience goes beyond its foundation. The main road and all structures are elevated well above the National Building Code requirements, further reducing the risk of flooding. Buildings are outfitted with Earthquake Recording Instruments (ERI), which monitor seismic activity and provide critical information for disaster preparedness. 

The structural integrity of the buildings themselves is also important. The roof deck, for example, is built to withstand heavy loads, allowing it to serve as a safe haven during an emergency. The exterior façade consists of concrete masonry walls with Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems (EIFS), which are designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 270 kph while also providing excellent insulation. This commitment to safety transforms SM Supermalls, such as the SM MOA, into safe havens for the community in times of crisis.

SM Prime's commitment to disaster resilience is more than just a reaction to potential threats; it is a proactive strategy built into the fabric of all of its business operations.  The company automatically allocates a significant portion of its capital expenditure to disaster resilience research and construction, recognizing that investing in safety is a long-term investment.

SM Prime's long-standing reputation as a responsible property developer stems not only from its contributions to the country's economic growth and the development of dynamic lifestyle destinations, but also from its unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and livelihoods of the communities it serves. The MOA Complex is a powerful symbol of this dedication, a beacon of perseverance in the face of natural disasters.