Araneta Center horticulturist David Sims said the Oasis, a 450-square meter, four-level open-air interior garden, will consist of large trees, waterscapes, and attractive flora that will elegantly designate the Gateway Mall as the premier shopping destination in the metropolis.
"It will be easy to maintain, cool to the eyes, and will surely evoke nature," Sims confidently expressed after five 50-feet long royal palms arrived at the Gateway Mall construction area.
The 50-year old trees comprise the base plants of the Oasis, which Sims adds, will also be highlighted by a selection of other palms and plant species from here and abroad.
Sims, who has spent 10 years softening the perspective of Araneta Center, said they are also considering changing the Oasis’ themes every season to make the attraction as colorful as possible. He cited such plants like poinsettia for the Christmas season while yellow flowering specimens will dominate the January to March season.
The Gateway Mall, part of the Araneta Center’s 20 year old redevelopment master plan, is the only mall that connects LRT 2 and MRT 3. It is also the only shopping destination that has direct access to a world famous entertainment and sports arena – the Araneta Coliseum. Truly, the Gateway, "like no other mall in the world," will redefine what a lifestyle center should be.