SM Podium
Type: Mixed-Used Development with Office and Retail
Architect: Arquitectonica and Felix S. Lim and Associates
Floor Area: 140,000 sqm
Location: 12 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City Philippines
The Podium Perspective
Retrieved From: https://thepodium.com.ph/gallery/
SM Podium is a known shopping mall in Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, Philippines. It is part of
the SM Supermalls complex, which is owned by SM Prime Holdings, Southeast Asia's largest mall operator.
SM Podium opened its doors in the year 2002. The mall was built to appeal to a more affluent
demographic, with a mix of local and foreign brands.
The original architecture and design focused on modern aesthetics and spacious interiors. The
mall was designed to be an urban paradise, with wide corridors and a welcoming environment. In 2014, SM
Prime Holdings demonstrated motives to significantly expand SM Podium. The development sought to
extend the mall's store space and improve its services to the public. The reconstruction of SM Podium
featured sustainability measures. The mall has been recognized for its green building methods, such as
natural lighting, energy-efficient technology, and maintained sections. Podium property has a total net
leasable area of around 140,000 sqm, which includes approximately 50,000 sqm of retail space and
approximately 90,000 sqm of office space.
Methodology
The SM Podium case study shows how vertical planning, green design, and strategic location can
help create a successful and environmentally responsible retail attraction. How the green walls and rooftop
gardens help to filter pollutants from the air, minimize noise pollution, and regulate temperature, resulting in
a more pleasant shopping experience for visitors. The unique facade design is also a visually appealing
and special landmark, attracting customers and improving the mall's brand image. SM Podium's strategic
location near a train station and SM Megamall, a major transportation hub, makes it more accessible and
convenient for people or tourists.
The Podium has a 2,000-square-
meter garden wall, the country's largest
vertical green wall, with over 6,500 plants
that serve as a green lung for the
property's environment.
In acknowledgment of its
sustainable characteristics, The Podium
was given the LEED Gold Mark pre-
certification by the US Green Building
Council and is the first building in the
Philippines to receive the provisional
Green Mark Gold Award from the Building
and Construction Authority of Singapore.
The Podium Vertical Green Wall
Retrieved From: https://thepodium.com.ph
The exterior facade of The Podium in Manila is a stunning combination of materials that contribute
to the building's modern and eco-friendly appearance. The windows are made of vast expanses of glass,
which allows plenty of natural light into the building. This results in a light and airy environment that also
offers views of the surrounding cityscape. The facade's structure and structural elements are made of metal
panels, most likely aluminum or steel. These panels are frequently coated with a slick, metallic coating that
enhances the modern aesthetic. The glass and metal pieces add to a sleek and modern appearance.
Concrete is utilized to construct the building's fundamental structure and foundation. It offers strength and
durability.
The visual cues of the Podium is its intriguing interior design, which includes stylish escalators,
high ceilings, and clever lighting fixtures, contributes to the establishment's refined feel. Visitors are easily
guided through the mall due to good signage. The skylight, a dominant visual feature, floods the inside with
natural light, creating an airy and open atmosphere. The mall's auditory cues include gentle background
music to create a relaxing atmosphere, as well as clear, audible speakers to make effective
announcements. Olfactory cues, such as the alluring odors emanating from numerous restaurants and food
halls, improve the shopping experience. And tactile cues, such as Braille numerals on elevator buttons, are
installed in mall elevators to enable accessibility for visually impaired users.
SM Podium Floor Plans
Level 1 of The Podium Mall
Retrieved From: https://www.smsupermalls.com/mall-directory/the-podium/information#store-
directory
The mall centers around a central atrium that unites the various wings. The east and west wings
concentrate on luxury labels and dining, and the north and south wings offer a combination of fashion,
lifestyle, and food alternatives. The mall's center core, which frequently hosts large exhibitions, installations,
or events. It is bordered by a diverse selection of businesses and eateries. The layout is generally simple to
navigate, with excellent signs and escalators connecting the various levels.
Level 2 of the Podium Mall
Retrieved From: https://www.smsupermalls.com/mall-directory/the-podium/information#store-
directory
The Level 2 of The Podium Mall is essentially separated into two areas: the corner market and the
shop zone. The Corner Market's enormous food hall takes up a considerable amount of Level 2 and
contains a range of local and international food vendors selling fresh fruit, meat, seafood, cooked meals,
and desserts. The Retail Zone houses a mix of specialty shops and boutiques, and the dining area is
adjacent to The Corner Market, providing guests with a convenient place to eat. The cinema is positioned at
the end of the shopping zone and provides a multi-screen movie experience.
Level 3 of The Podium Mall
Retrieved From: https://www.smsupermalls.com/mall-directory/the-podium/information#store-
directory
The Podium Mall's Level 3 is divided into two primary areas: the shop zone and the dining area.
The Director's Club, located at the end of the retail zone, offers moviegoers an exclusive and unique
experience. The rest of the level is easily accessible, with good signage and escalators linking it to the
other floors.
Level 4 of The Podium Mall
Retrieved From: https://www.smsupermalls.com/mall-directory/the-podium/information#store-
directory
The Podium Mall's Level 4 is divided into two primary zones: the Health and Wellness Zone and
the Beauty and Aesthetic Zone. The Health & Wellness Zone focuses on health and wellness services such
as fitness clubs, spas, and medical clinics. The Beauty and Aesthetics Zone is home to salons, spas, and
cosmetic clinics. The layout is intended to offer guests a soothing and revitalizing experience, the various
amenities are well-organized and easy to navigate.
Level 5 of The Podium Mall
Retrieved From: https://www.smsupermalls.com/mall-directory/the-podium/information#store-
directory
The Level 5 of The Podium Mall is primarily for food and entertainment. The dining area is
designed around a central atrium, creating a dynamic and appealing ambiance. It is home to a variety of
restaurants and cafes serving a wide range of cuisines.
Lower Ground of The Podium Mall
Retrieved From: https://www.smsupermalls.com/mall-directory/the-podium/information#store-
directory
The Lower Ground level is mostly allocated to parking, storage, and service areas, and it connects
to the mall's upper levels. There are likely elevators and escalators that provide access to the shopping
levels, allowing for easy circulation of people and goods. The mall's administrative space is strategically
located to oversee the entire lower ground floor, allowing for more efficient operation. It serves as the major
core for administrative functions.
Green and Sustainable Design Considerations
Retrieved From: https://tpwt.com.ph
The podium's green and sustainable design concept draws inspiration from nature, with a focus on
energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable construction processes. The podium design focuses
on sustainability and natural harmony. Inspired by nature, it includes indigenous and adapted plant species,
a skylight for natural light and irrigation, and a large green wall that filters the air. To reduce energy
consumption, the building has energy-saving elements such as a green roof, double-glazed facade, LED
lighting, and efficient HVAC systems. Water conservation measures include water-efficient fixtures,
rainwater collection, and greywater treatment. Sustainable construction approaches, such as the use of
long-lasting, regional materials and recycling, improve the building's environmental impact.
Distance from the mall to MRT station
Distance from the mall to SM Megamall
Recommendations
The Podium Mall's overall architectural design, including the building and façade designs, is
innovative and visually appealing, recognizing it as a landmark in the Ortigas Center. The design
considerations, green and sustainable design concept, are executed and applied to the mall. The interior
layout of the mall is intended to give a spacious and comfortable shopping experience. The central atrium
serves as a focal point and handy gathering spot, as well as a clear orientation point for shoppers. While
the central atrium may not be ideal for large-scale events, there is no place for their activities event spaces
if events or occasions are to be hosted because the escalators occupy up all the space in the center. It may
enhance user inclusion and make the atmosphere more welcoming to all visitors. Overall, the mall's
escalator design is appealing to visitors or tourists since they prioritize space in the middle to accentuate
the high ceiling and the natural light coming from the sky light.
References:
Rl. (2024, August 16). SM podium. Fillipin. https://www.fillipin.com/sm-podium/
The Podium in Manila opens. (2019, September 10). Philstar.com.
https://www.philstar.com/business/2019/09/11/1950745/podium-manila-opens
WELCOME TO KEPPEL PHILIPPINES PROPERTIES - COMMERCIAL - SM-KL TOWERS. (n.d.).
https://www.keppelland.com.ph/CO-SM-KL-Towers.asp
The Podium West Tower. (n.d.). https://tpwt.com.ph/
The Podium | SM Supermalls. (n.d.). SM Supermalls. https://www.smsupermalls.com/mall-directory/the-
podium/information#store-directory
