Tailoring cities for wellness
Health and wellness have become more than just personal goals—these are now important central themes driving urban development.
Amid ongoing shifts in lifestyle trends over the last several years, there has been a growing focus on creating environments that can better cater to the holistic needs of individuals and families. The blueprint for what many has come to know as modern, sophisticated cities is being redrawn as many seek for more features that address emerging tastes and preferences.
For example, the integration of health and wellness components in its various forms is no longer simply a “nice to have” but is rather considered an essential. Beyond the traditional mix of residences, offices and commercial spaces, integrated communities today should be able to offer more, such as expansive parks and even urban farms.
Green lung of the community
One of the most significant additions to this wellness-focused blueprint are golf courses—recreational amenities that contribute to both the physical well-being of residents and the economic value of the property.
Evidently, residents in nearby communities are accorded opportunities to engage in regular physical activity in a serene natural environment. Golf, as a sport, is said to promote cardiovascular health, enhance mental acuity, and encourage social interaction—all of which can help you achieve a healthy lifestyle.
At the same time, golf courses can serve as the green lung of surrounding communities with their lush, well manicured greens acting as natural buffers—helping purify the air, reduce urban heat, mitigate noise pollution, and create a more peaceful environment. A study by researchers at the University of Minnesota and Michigan State University even showed that “golf courses enhance surrounding communities in much the same way as city parks or open green spaces.”
Golf courses can also help boost land values, making the area more desirable for both homeowners and investors.
Community’s centerpiece
It’s fortunate that some of the new developments rising today are integrating these wellness-enhancing features into their masterplans.
The 3,500-hectare Villar City, for example, is poised to have two world-class 18-hole golf courses, designed to appeal to both avid golfers and enthusiasts as well as to those seeking a posh yet tranquil, healthy environment. These green spaces are expected to offer a blend of luxury, leisure, and long-term value.
Villar City is tycoon Manuel B. Villar Jr.’s most ambitious undertaking to date—touted as “Metro Manila’s new center of gravity” as it connects 15 towns and cities across the capital region and Cavite. With these private golf courses, this emerging megalopolis presents sophisticated urban living alongside abundant open spaces and nature-focused components that promote health and wellness.
The first of the two golf courses will span 65.3 ha within one of the upcoming districts in Villar City. The idea here, according to Villar, is to have the golf course as the centerpiece of the community, where business, leisure, and residential areas converge seamlessly around this beautiful and expansive green space.
In doing so, Villar City is creating a unique lifestyle experience for future residents and visitors.
The Villar Group has yet to disclose more details about the planned golf courses but has already hinted of tapping a renowned golf architect for its inaugural venture. This will ensure that its upcoming course will be at par with some of the best in the world today.
Also in the pipeline is a golf driving range within Villar City. The target is to start its construction within the year.
Visionary urban ideal
Villar City’s commitment to creating a healthy and wellness-centric environment, however, extends beyond golf. This visionary urban ideal will also feature a network of parks, jogging trails, and fitness centers, all designed to encourage residents to lead active and healthy lives.
Launched in August last year, this massive integrated development is envisioned to become a thriving nexus where economic, lifestyle, cultural, and leisure activities will converge. Rising amid 10 million trees, 100 cafes and verdant pocket parks, this burgeoning community will feature modern districts including a CBD, a Tech Valley, university town, and a premier lifestyle hub, along with leisure and recreational facilities meant to nurture health and well-being.
“We carefully selected the different components that will be included in Villar City to ensure that future residents and workers will get to live in a safe and healthy, yet modern and complete environment, where they can be near nature, have access to lush open spaces, walk around the community freely, while still enjoying top tier facilities, leisure hubs and other recreational options, all in an interconnected area,” Villar had said.
