From the depths of Manila back streets, rises a tower, searching for the sky.

To understand the context of our development in Ermita, Metro Manila, we explored the city back streets, giving us a feel for the area, it’s people, the traffic and the distinct smell of the wet season. This photomontage, shows the northern elevation of our proposed 40 level mixed-use, residential tower. The top 15 levels of the tower afford panoramic views of Manila Bay to the west, famous for it’s stunning evening sunsets over the water.

I like this photograph because it shows the fine and gritty grain of old Manila. The traffic, the variety of buildings, pot plants on the road, electrical wires everywhere, people, motorbikes, Jeepnees and the looming prospect of rain. I particularly like it, because it tells a story. Maurice (To the bottom left of the picture), my business partner and friend, was our photographer, taking hundreds of magnificent pictures for a potential photomontage extravaganza. Unfortunately, when our photographer got back to Sydney, he realised he had lost his camera at the airport, the photos and camera, never to be seen again. This photo, Maurice’s only lasting memory of his beloved camera….. Luckily we had a few shots left on my phone.