When you walk into a development, how the property was designed and beautified can really make a difference in terms of setting the mood and vibe of the place. Nature-inspired elements can give off a more relaxing feel, while modern interiors, albeit on the simpler side, appeal to those who prefer uncluttered spaces.
More than being in the business of selling spaces, real estate developers are also community builders, and incorporating art into these spaces helps make this easier.
Curating “third places” for connection
In a busy city, one’s home is their “first place”, and the office is their “second place”. But where can people go to just be?
By integrating art into communities like the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA), which is within a township, or the rotating exhibits at the Rockwell Center, developers are able to create “third places”. These are spots where neighbors can just bump into each other, not just to talk about everyday life but also to engage in healthy discussions while looking at paintings, watching performances, or taking a pottery workshop.
Benefit for residents: They will get a “built-in” social life. They are not just living in a condo; they are also part of a cultural hub. This helps combat urban isolation by providing a shared, neutral ground to help residents connect with their community.
Art increases property value
Global studies have long shown that proximity to cultural amenities boosts property value. We can see this in the Philippines, too.
When a neighborhood becomes known as an “art district” (think of how Bonifacio Global City transformed its blank walls into an eye-catching display of murals), it becomes a destination. It attracts foot traffic, high-end retail, and tourism.
Benefit for residents: Their investment grows. A home in a culturally vibrant neighborhood holds its value better than one in a sterile concrete block.
Visual healing for wellness
Developers may also design their properties with the residents’ mental health and physical health in mind. Staring at a beautiful, thought-provoking sculpture in a park (like the installations in Nuvali) offers a moment of mindfulness. Art reduces stress by inviting you to slow down. A “walkable gallery” in your own backyard encourages movement and outdoor time.
Benefit for residents: They will come home to a sanctuary as the environment itself helps them decompress after a long day in traffic. It’s passive wellness that you can enjoy anytime you want.
Supporting local talent
When developers commission a local artist to create a centerpiece for their lobby or a mural for their park, they are investing in the Filipino creative economy.
Benefit for residents: They become patrons of the arts just by living in these developments and can proudly tell their guests that the murals were painted by a local artist. It gives them a sense of pride that they’re living in a development that has a unique identity that others cannot easily match.
Developers don’t put art in their communities just to make their sales brochures look good; they also do it because they know that culture creates permanence.
Trends in architecture change, amenities like pools and gyms will need to be updated eventually, but a community anchored by art and culture has a heartbeat. It evolves. It becomes a landmark.
And this is the kind of development that builds communities; one that inspires its residents every single day.
#PropertyReportFeature
#FeaturedStory
