HSTARC 2: Outline on the UST Main Building

THE UST MAIN BUILDING

I.                    LOCATION

a.      SITE  INFORMATION

                                                              i.      Espana, Manila

II.                 

	ARCHITECT: Rev. Fr. Roque Ruano , O.P.

a.      SHORT BIOGRAPHY

                                                              i.      Spanish priest-civil engineer

                                                            ii.      Most well known project was the UST Main Building

                                                          iii.      a professor in the UST Faculty of Engineering

                                                           iv.      became the Dean of the College and Regent from 1930 to 1935

b.      LIFE  AT THE UNIVERSITY

                                                              i.      transferred to the University of Santo Tomas and was able to obtain a Doctorate in Civil Engineering

III.                MAIN BUILDING

a.      FACTS

                                                              i.      The first earthquake-shock resistant building in the Philippines.

                                                            ii.      The design is consistent with modern building code and regulation.

                                                          iii.      The design was influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright's Imperial Hotel, Tokyo

b.      DESIGN AND STRUCTURE

                                                              i.      FEATURES

1.      FLOOR PLAN

B.       The 40 separate structures

                                                                                                                                      i.      four corner units

                                                                                                                                    ii.      two midsection units (rear and front entrance)

                                                                                                                                  iii.      one tower (including two elevator cores)

                                                                                                                                   iv.      one entrance canopy

                                                                                                                                     v.      a total of 26 units

1.      seven units for P. Noval side

2.      seven units for Gov. Forbes (now Arsenio H. Lacson) side

3.      six units for Dapitan side

4.      six units for España side

                                                                                                                                   vi.      four middle section

                                                                                                                                 vii.      two stair section adjacent to tower and elevator core

C.      DIFFERENT AREAS OF THE BUILDING

                                                                                                                                      i.

	two interior courtyards

                                                                                                                                    ii.      Museum  

2. FAÇADE/ELEVATIONS

B.      Of Renaissance influence

C.      Doors are flanked by columns carrying an entablature

D.     Pediments above the doors

3.      UST Cross

B.      A symbol of faith thrust up into the skies, the symbol of the hopes and aspirations of a people and a nation -- for prosperity and progress, for service of God and man.

4.      STATUES - symbolizes the spiritual and intellectual aspiration of the university.

  - Designed by the Italian Francesco Monti

B.      Surrounding the clock, the so-called "Tria Haec" are three statues representing, from left to right:

                                                                                                                                      i.      Hope

                                                                                                                                    ii.      Faith (at the top of the clock)

                                                                                                                                  iii.      Charity

C.      To the right of the Tria Haec are theologians and historians:

                                                                                                                                      i.      Saint Augustine

                                                                                                                                    ii.      Raymond of Peñafort, O.P.

                                                                                                                                  iii.      Vincent of Beauvais, O.P

D.     To the right of the theologians and historians, facing Padre Noval Street are the tragedians:

                                                                                                                                      i.      Pedro Calderón de la Barca

                                                                                                                                    ii.      Sophocles

                                                                                                                                  iii.      William Shakespeare

E.      To the left of the Tria Haec are the philosophers:

                                                                                                                                      i.      Aristotle

                                                                                                                                    ii.      Saint Albert the Great

                                                                                                                                  iii.      Plato

F.       To the left of the philosophers and facing Arsenio Lacson Avenue are the playwrights:

                                                                                                                                      i.      Lope de Vega

                                                                                                                                    ii.      Aristophanes

                                                 iii.   Moliere

 c.       HISTORY:

                                                              i.      WORLD WAR 2 INVOLVEMENT

1.      USES OF THE STRUCTURE

- when UST was converted into an internment camp for non-Filipinos, three floors of the building were occupied by the internees.

2.      SIGNIFICANT EVENTS THAT OCCURRED

- Liberation of UST from the Japanese during World War II  celebration

                                                            ii.      OTHER HISTORIC EVENTS

1.      Visited by Pope Paul VI in 1970.

2.      Visited by Pope John Paul II in 1995.

3.      Used when UST was host of  World Youth Day 1995.

d.      USES : THEN AND NOW

                                                              i.      Internment camp during the Japanese occupation.

                                                            ii.      Building where classes were/are held

IV.                FACTS

a.      Focal point of the campus.

V.                  NAMED AS ONE OF ‘NATIONAL CULTURAL TREASURE’

VI.                CURRENT CONDITION OF THE STRUCTURE

a.      The UST Main Building may not last another century as chemical elements are slowly chipping away at its foundation.

b.      Visual observation of the outside walls of the UST Main Building shows evidence of discoloration, black incrustations, and growth of small plants. The base moldings attached around the Building are chipping off and some rebars have already corroded. Fissures, cracks, and some fractures can also be found inside.

c.       The Main Building is currently experiencing a slow process of deterioration due to its age and environmental changes.

Sources:

-http://wikipedia.org

-The Varsitarian (UST Publication)

-Pictures : Marc Heinrich Go

WHY DID I CHOOSE THIS BUILDING?

 Of all the old famous buildings found here in Manila that we were free to choose from, I picked University of Santo Tomas’ main building because of its history and significance. Every passerby of the university is probably very interested to explore this first and oldest earthquake-proof structure in Manila. The moment I stepped inside UST, I couldn’t help but notice this very old classy building and its cracked unpainted walls. At first, I thought it was a church since it had numerous saint-like statues and a big cross above it, but when I entered I discovered it was just like any other building on campus that held classes inside it.  What I love about this structure is its past-dating back to 78 years ago and was present during the Japanese occupation when the Filipinos were struggling for freedom and justice. Truly it has transcended through time and creates an experience every time you walk through its old halls. The old grand staircase that will greet you as you cross the threshold is very welcoming and as you explore further, your curiosity will be stirred by the numerous staircases that will surprise you. Some may find the interiors of this building spine-chilling but I find it very fascinating and makes me want to just keep wandering through its walls and discover more about it. Recently, it was named as one of the National Cultural Treasures and a UN World Heritage Site. It’s sad to think this structure is slowly deteriorating, giving in to the harshness of the drastic environment changes it experiences yearly. Its preservation will be costly but it is very significant that they continue with it after all, not all universities have such a building to boast about.

I was once a student of the university, and I can say that your UST experience is never complete without entering this historical piece of architecture.  

THEDES 2: On the New Modern...

             In our Theories of Architecture class, we were made to read about the different theories and manifestoes of BIG architects. As I began reading, I was dumbfounded. I couldn’t go through with reading the next manifesto unless I read the previous one 1245678910times. I admit, there were a lot of times I got lost in reading thus made me want to give up and just do away with the Xerox copy. But I knew I had to continue cause who knows what great things I can extract from it. And I was right. It opened my eyes to the different aspects of architecture today. And here’s what I think…

Upon reading the different manifestoes I have been introduced to new ideas and points of views that helped broaden my understanding of today’s modern architecture. Today, there are a lot of architects competing and striving to show the world who they really are through the structures they design. Different philosophies, different ideas that stir to create the society we now live in. These structures reflect their soul, which makes them unique and noteworthy.  20^th century architects seek to create something unconventional and have a constant need to step away from the norm. They never settle for ‘ok’, instead work hard and struggle for the ‘wow’. Safe is a term they never consider for it’s like they’re being contained in a box thus confines their output. I‘ve realized that sometimes I tend to limit my ideas because of me thinking ‘this one cannot be, it’s impossible’. But I learned through these manifestoes that every design, as long as it satisfies you is indeed possible.  Many of these architects want us to see architecture in a different perspective. To view their works not just as a structure but to delve into its substance, not only to see but to feel its soul. How I wish these kinds of architects exist here in our country. Structures I see around the metro aren’t very impressive and lack the modern touch I admire in structures overseas. Maybe Filipino architects play it safe when it comes to the design process. This makes me wonder, when will our structures start to evolve?

Among the different manifestoes of these architects, my favorite is Coop Himmelblau’s Architecture Must Blaze and The Future of Splendid Desolation. I like Himmelblau’s ‘hate for the old’ letting the past be past and his constant want for something new. Modern architects like him inspire me to always create something different far from the norm. I quote him, “We want architecture to have more. Architecture that bleeds, that exhausts, that whirls and even breaks.”, “Expressions like ‘safe and sound’ are no longer applicable to architecture.”  Architecture is very broad, and it is up to you how you want it to be, whether it has a function or not. Will Alsop’s Towards an Architecture of Practical Delight was also striking to me. “Rely on your own experience. Look to yourself.”The design process involves you and your inspiration. We get our inspiration from our past experiences, good or bad, and this influences our final outcome. A single idea, a concept evolves and becomes more complicated as you progress; leaving others to decode its essence themselves thus making it open to criticisms. It is never right to solely consider others in the design process, there must always be the YOU in it.  I have been a fan of Daniel Libeskind the moment his work The Jewish Museum in Berlin was introduced to me. Learning more about the soul of this building made me love architecture even more. The power we architects (future architect, for me) have on people amazes me. Yes, architects are paid to create beautiful structures but it is never limited to just that, we’re free to play with the form as long as it serves the function. What differentiates this particular work of Libeskind to other’s is how it is able to affect people emotionally. Also, Libeskind always explores geometry-the random forms that can be contructed/deconstructed which is truly translated in his structures.  Peter Eisenman and Mark Wigley’s manifestoes defines what deconstructivism really is-how our original ideas can be fragmented and turned into a bigger, broader idea. Deconstructivists do not simply demolish/fragment but delve into the deeper sense of the structure and then distort it. A truly successful deconstructed structure is able to expose what is hidden and unfamiliar to the accustomed one people have been used to seeing. Zaha Hadid being known as an avant-garde architect, discussed Randomness and Arbitrariness which resulted to her very unique and sensational works. “It is that revision and the absolute need for inventiveness, imagination and interpretation that makes our role in architecture more valid.”

            Each of these architects discussed how they think architecture is to be practiced which to me when compared is very different from each other and that makes each of them exceptional. We architects are expected to have our own views during our design process; to be unique. As a student new to all of these, I am striving to define what architecture really is for me. And my philosophy is yet to be finalized. Right now my ideas are very random and are very dependent on my emotions. Yes, I do have my preferences when it comes to forms but its definition still isn't clear to me. So as I go through this process of discovering myself, I hope to come up with a very unique one, just like the aforementioned.

HSTARC 2 : On Renaissance Architecture

As gothic architecture began to wear-off, different forms of classicism came into the picture. After the turmoil the Middle Ages brought to them, they started evolving into the renaissance period also known as their ‘rebirth’, the re-establishing of ancient classical culture. The transformation began in Italy, when artists began to revive ancient Greek and Roman art thus resulting to a classical revolution in painting, sculpture and architecture. Their style of architecture appeared to have changed along with people’s lifestyle.

People started to have an interest in the importance of humanity. They acknowledged the fact that people can bring something worthwhile to society. This human-based approach together with studies of geometrical perspective and proportions resulted to the birth of a breathtaking architectural style. They started going back to the basics, examining the past and altering it a bit to fit their taste and style. The writings of Vitruvius served as their guide in rebuilding Europe which was truly a big help in their development after the ruin of the past structures. They studied these and worked on the improvements with the application of geometry plus the use of perspective, and possible renovation all according to their own uses. The innovation of printing was also born in this period, wherein artists/architects started publishing their ideas and works which proved to be very useful for the later periods. Leon Battista Alberti, a great architect, mathematician, and painter published books which covered subjects from plans and structures to ornament and the orders. His books also promoted ideas such as Decorum (building in a manner appropriate to a structure’s purpose) and civitas (civilization based on the city).

This whole focus on classicism and proportions which transformed architecture was started by Filippo Brunelleschi in Italy. He designed the famous great dome of the Florence Cathedral - a combination of Gothic and Ancient Greek style. Brunelleschi’s designs inspired many other architects that used his ideas as a basis for their own showing how great Brunelleschi’s impact is to architecture. Michelosso di Bartolomeo, a student of Brunelleschi, and Guiliano do Sangallo both his followers were able to design such magnificent structures like the Palazzo Medici which reflected the traditional architecture of domestic buildings, wherein the general appearance of different storeys in a building had different facades- a solution could have only been reached through the intense study of classical ruins (Again, this shows how the past periods affect the following ones).

‘ ...the harmony and concords of all the parts achieved in such a manner that nothing could be added or taken away or altered except for the worse.’ – Alberti

       

     The Renaissance was indeed a period of great architectural, artistic, and scientific achievement thus resulting to confidence and ambition-the constant struggle for perfection and originality. 

THEDES 2 : A critique of the PPT

Included in the first batch of structures shown were the Shanghai World Financial Center, Empire State Building, Sydney Opera House, Eiffel Tower, Petronas Towers, Burj Al Arab, Beijing National Stadium and the Beijing National Aquatics Center. These structures as discussed in class are Iconic. All of which are very familiar to all, as they became the landmarks of different countries/cities. Although, I also observed that the architects of these buildings aren’t well associated with their works. I myself had to research as to who were the people behind these magnificent buildings I’ve been seeing everywhere for years now. Unlike the later 2 batches shown in the powerpoint, wherein the Architects of each structure was very well associated with it. 

The second and third batch of pictures was comprised of the Allen Lambert Galleria by Santiago Calatrava, Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre by Renzo Piano, and the Centre Pompidou by Richard Rogers, Renzo Piano and Gianfranco Franchini. These three are my favorites among the many. What I liked about Santiago Calatrava’s Allen Lambert Galleria is the fact that is was situated in the middle of two structures, and even if it had limited space it still looked spacious and inviting. Moving on to the Tjibaou Cultural Centre, at first I really liked how the structures looked like and how they were positioned. The very good aesthetics also played an important role in the structures’ soul as it was dedicated to Jean Marie Tjibaou who died fighting for the natives. The 10 ‘Great Houses’ which differ in size represent the different tribes and hierarchies. Rogers Piano and Franchini made sure that these structures would embody the Kanak tribes. The last structure I liked was the Centre Pompidou. At first look, I wasn’t really impressed with the aesthetics since it looked like an unfinished simple glass box. But after our discussion and a few readings on the said structure, I loved it. The building was futuristic inside and out, very welcoming due to its transparency which also allows the building to interact with the world outside-characteristic structures here in our country lack.

Allen Lambert Galleria

Jean-Marie Tjibao Cultural Center

Centre Pompidou / Pompidou Center

Among the structures shown in the PowerPoint presentation, my favorite is the modern reconstructed Reichstag Dome by Norman Foster. Norman Foster was able to give the simple dome more meaning, the government for the people. Not only did Foster focus on the aesthetics of the dome but he put essence into it. The dome was able to show that the people are above the government through the transparent see through debating chamber of the German parliament right below it. What I like about it is not only is it a dome but it allowed people to interact with it and in it. Also, this glass dome is environmentally friendly which makes the reconstruction of this dome even more successful, an energy efficient architectural masterpiece of today. 

Reichstag Dome

HSTARC 2 : On Gothic Architecture

              Gothic architecture was born in the year 1144AD from the Romanesque but was able to develop and create its own unique style. The transition from Romanesque to Gothic was revolutionary. We must take note that what binds these two styles is their purpose, which was to spread Christianity. These two styles were born during the time when Europe had a very large interest in religion. Gothic architecture was altered slightly as it spread from one country to another. Each one had its idea of what a cathedral must look like, the French focused on height, while the English on its length. But Italy begged to differ and did not accept Gothic architecture. Gothic architecture got its name during the Italian renaissance when people considered structures of the middle ages barbaric thus associated with savage Goths.

             Gothic architecture started off with the building of Abby church of St. Denis. The Benedictine abbot Suger wanted a new and impressive structure, so tall it seemed to reach the heavens and a building that everyone would remember. This structure impressed people thus Gothic style quickly spread. And since no city would let others outdo their churches, they aimed to build theirs longer, higher, and more stunning. Since the people during the Gothic period were depressed and experiencing poverty issues, the cathedrals became a place of cooperation and faith. The high ceilings gave them the feeling of enthusiasm and inspiration. The vaulted ceilings more importantly emphasized a connection to heaven and to God.

                While Romanesque architecture was designed for protective purposes, Gothic worked for a more artistic approach thus used thinner walls. It was during the Gothic period when there was an avid use of flying buttresses which solved the problem of support during the Romanesque period.  Unlike the Romanesque structures wherein windows were very small and few, in Gothic structures windows were very important.  They had a lot of huge stained glass windows which depicted biblical figured. These took them months to complete because of their intricate designs. Although hundreds of windows were present, not much light entered the structures cause of the colored glass. The ribbed vault was widely used in this period and was essential to Gothic architecture. It gave builders flexibility of design and construction that wasn’t possible with the groin and barrel vault plus it was stronger and easier to construct. A unique design Gothic cathedrals had were the statues of Gargoyles which they believed helped to ward off evil spirits and served as rain spouts. One good example of a Gothic (revival) structure here in Manila is the Basilica of San Sebastian. The interior of the church displays groined vaults, stained glass windows can be found all over the walls.

Gargoyles found at the Ulm Munster, Germany. The tallest Gothic church in Germany.

The Ulm Munster, Germany

Yes, they're the gargoyles from Disney film Hunchback of Notre Dame. :-) Apparently the film features Notre Dame de Paris, a  Gothic church in Paris, France. The book The Hunchback of Notre-Dame portrays the Gothic era as one of extremes of architecture and religion. 

Basilica of San Sebastian, Manila 

I’ve come to realization, that culture and society really did play an important role in the structures of each period. Society itself was translated in the architectural style.