History
During the 1930s, there was a heavy influence of American culture especially in the field of technology and construction that was reflected in the lives of the Filipinos. Concrete and steel were used by the Americans and was found to be the suitable materials for the tropical environment. These were materialized by Arch. Pablo S. Antonio Sr. in creating the FEU campus buildings that reflected both the university's and the country's vision and showed his personal transition from Art Deco to the International Style.[12] The buildings were constructed between the years 1939 to 1950.
Heritage Buildings of FEU Manila Campus
Nicanor Reyes Sr. Hall
The Nicanor Reyes Sr. Hall, named after the founder, is a long, low-rise U-shaped building facing Quezon Boulevard beside the Alfredo Reyes Hall. The building was constructed in 1940 by National Artist Arch. Pablo Antonio Sr. The distinct character of the massive façade are the sets of protruded vertical volumes located on both ends of the structure.[34]
Attention to details is another design focus of the architecture of Pablo S. Antonio Sr.[35] The heavy influence of Art Deco in his architectural style is seen even in transitional elements like the stairs. The outdoor stairs that joins the walkway at the second floor has layers of thin concrete slabs that swirl in waves above the rigid geometry of the handrail. The physical envelope of the building is one of the examples of classic Philippine Art Deco emphasizing the play on geometric forms.[36]
The NRH houses the university library and academic offices.
Administration Building
The Administration Building was also designed by Arch. Antonio Sr. a decade after the Nicanor Reyes Hall. It is located at the opposite end of the campus quadrangle that features a façade with geometric architectural details, horizontal windows, and a balcony that extends into a viewing deck at the second floor to observe the activities in the quadrangle.
It houses the works of many known Filipino artists, most of them in the Art Deco era.[36] One work is a mural done by Antonio Gonzales Dumlao, which conveys the university's mission; while Italian sculptor Francesco Riccardo Monti did a bas-relief on the lobby depicting the history of the Philippines.[36] The Art Deco FEU Auditorium can be found inside the building, considered as its centerpiece.
Art Deco features abound in the design of the Auditorium and include the gradual curves, the ribbed piers and geometric volumes and patterns. Above the orchestra section are star or diamond like patterns which also serve as lighting fixtures. Above the balcony are triangles which also serve as air conditioning ducts. These, together with the green and gold theme, and the subtle lettering of "FEU" under the boxes were all combined in a regal manner. The interior was restored in 2002-2003 and was also infused with new lighting, sound and video equipment. It was the only post-war venue with air-conditioning and a revolving stage. It used to be the cultural center of the Philippines in the 1950s given that all the foremost Filipino and foreign performers of the time performed there.
Admissions Building
Inaugurated in 1940, the Admissions Building is the mirror image of the Architecture & Fine Arts Building. The building was initially used by the Girls' High School, and in 1983, became home to the Institute of Medicine. In the early 2000s, it served as the FEU-East Asia College (FEU-EAC) Main Building. In 2015, the building has been renovated and returned to FEU Manila, renamed as the Admissions Building. Today, the building houses the Office of the University Registrar, Admissions and Financial Assistance Office, Alumni Relations Office, various computer laboratories, and education technology offices.
Architecture and Fine Arts Building
The building is one of the twin edifices flanking the Administration Building. It is the third building designed by Arch. Antonio Sr., also in the Art Deco Style. Constructed in 1941, it used to house the Boys' High School, which was originally in the basic education program of the university. It also used to house the Law and Nursing programs before being handed to the Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts.
Science Building
The seven-story building erected in 1950 was the last to be designed by Arch. Antonio Sr. in what is considered a transition of style between Art Deco and the post World War 2 International Style. In 1990, an earthquake caused structural damages to the building making it necessary to demolish the top two floors. By late 2013, a sixth floor was added. Composed of various science laboratories, the building caters to Biology, Nursing, Medical Technology, and Pharmacy programs.[34]
Accounts, Business and Finance Building
Initially made as the expansion of Nursing Building in the early 1970s, the 7-storey building is formerly known as the Education Building, before the building was renamed as the Accounts, Business and Finance Building in 2017, as the building is currently occupied by the Institute of Accounts, Business and Finance.
Alfredo Reyes Hall
Named after one of the founder's son, the Alfredo Reyes Hall is a 6-storey building, adjacent to the Nicanor Reyes Hall. Housing the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management, it features a mock hotel, cooking laboratories, a basketball court with maple wood flooring, which was the first of its kind in the country, and a student operated café, Cafe Alfredo, which was established in 2014.[37]
Arts Building
Designed by Felipe Mendoza, the Arts Building was erected in 1960 and was originally an 7-storey building, before being downgraded to 4-storeys due to structural damage in the aftermath of the August 1968 Luzon earthquake. The Arts Building houses the Institute of Arts and Sciences' Departments of Communication, Political Science, Interdisciplinary & International Studies, Language and Literature, and Psychology. The building features a gym on the topmost floor and the University Conference Center on the ground floor.
Education Building
Formerly known as the FEU-EAC Annex, the seven-story building was completed in 2001, as part of FEU-EAC's expansion. The building was also based on the Nicanor Reyes Hall, as the building features two pillars inspired from the former's pillars, and an arched rooftop, surrounded by green-colored glass. The building currently houses the Institute of Education.
Engineering Building
The nine-story building stands on the site of the former FEU Hospital. Upon the transfer of FEU-NRMF to Fairview, Quezon City, the structure was demolished to give way for the construction of a new building, completed in 2005. The building was designed by Arch. Pablo Antonio, Jr. as the Technology Building before being renamed as the Engineering Building in 2019.[38] It houses the FEU Tech Innovation Center, a mini auditorium, and the FEU Center for the Arts.
FEUTURE Center
The FEU Transformative University Resource Center (abbreviated as FEUTURE Center) is the newest building of the university. Located along Lerma St., the FEUTURE Center is an 8-storey building which features additional classrooms, learning facilities and parking spaces within the complex. Construction for the building began in 2018, and was initially planned to be opened within the first quarter of 2020.[39] However, the opening of the building was delayed due to COVID-19 pandemic, and was initially completed in January 2021, before opening its doors in April 2021.[40]
Nursing Building
The seven-story building was completed in the 1960s, and served as the former home of the Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts. It was turned over to the Institute of Nursing, being the reason for its current name. At present, it still houses the Institute's Virtual Integrated Nursing Education Simulation Laboratory (VINES) and is dominantly occupied by FEU High School.
FEU Auditorium
The FEU Auditorium is designed by Pablo Antonio Sr., National Artist for Architecture, in 1949. It was regarded as the first "cultural center of the Philippines", and also, the very first fully air-conditioned auditorium in the country which can accommodate 1100 spectators. The Auditorium was home to the Manila Symphony Orchestra for 9 years. It featured dances from Manila Ballet Academy, New York City Center Ballet, and Martha Graham – an American dancer and one of the twentieth century revolutionary artists. It also became the venue of major theatrical productions like Bastien and Bastienne – created by two National Artists, Nick Joaquin (on words) and Cesar Legaspi (on scenic designs). In addition, it was in FEU where Sarah Joaquin–actress, writer, director, and former Head of the Drama Department–showcased her talents through presentation of classic and contemporary plays. To this date, the Auditorium upholds this legacy by accommodating more notable performances from local and international names.
FEU Chapel
Within campus is the Student Council Association (SCA) Chapel, which was also designed by Arch. Mendoza. Inaugurated on December 8, 1957, the SCA Chapel is where catholic activities of faculty, personnel, and students are held. Its interior features paintings by Carlos “Botong” Francisco, National Artist for Visual Arts. His painting the 14 Stations of the Cross and the Crucifixion encompasses 260 degrees of one's visual range[41] meanwhile its façade bears a richly colored tile mosaic of Our Lady of Fatima by Vicente Manansala.
Dr. Nicanor Reyes Sr. Memorial Square
In the middle of the campus rests this eye-catching landmark. Erected in commemoration of the university's 40th anniversary, it consists of a 65-foot flagpole on a platform surrounded on all sides with brass sculpture, also done by Manansala, which interprets the late founder's philosophy on education.[41]
FEU Library
Located on the second and third floors of the Nicanor Reyes Hall, the Library has a collection of books that falls under Circulation, Reference, Filipiniana, and Periodical sections. These can easily be accessed using an Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC), its online database of all its print and multi-media resources.[42] The Electronic Library is also available to provide members of the academic community highly effective learning experiences and services through the web and internet technologies as an extension of the services of the conventional library.[43]
The Philippine Association of Academic Research Librarians, Inc. (PAARL) honored the library with the Outstanding Academic/Research Library Award during the PAARL 2012 Awards. The FEU library was recognized for its outstanding contribution to academic and research librarianship and library development along with leadership in regional library management, education and training, information and documentation services.[44]
Nicanor Reyes Sr. Hall
The Nicanor Reyes Sr. Hall, named after the founder, is a long, low-rise U-shaped building facing Quezon Boulevard beside the Alfredo Reyes Hall. The building was constructed in 1940 by National Artist Arch. Pablo Antonio Sr. The distinct character of the massive façade are the sets of protruded vertical volumes located on both ends of the structure.[34]
Attention to details is another design focus of the architecture of Pablo S. Antonio Sr.[35] The heavy influence of Art Deco in his architectural style is seen even in transitional elements like the stairs. The outdoor stairs that joins the walkway at the second floor has layers of thin concrete slabs that swirl in waves above the rigid geometry of the handrail. The physical envelope of the building is one of the examples of classic Philippine Art Deco emphasizing the play on geometric forms.[36]
The NRH houses the university library and academic offices.
Administration Building
The Administration Building was also designed by Arch. Antonio Sr. a decade after the Nicanor Reyes Hall. It is located at the opposite end of the campus quadrangle that features a façade with geometric architectural details, horizontal windows, and a balcony that extends into a viewing deck at the second floor to observe the activities in the quadrangle.
It houses the works of many known Filipino artists, most of them in the Art Deco era.[36] One work is a mural done by Antonio Gonzales Dumlao, which conveys the university's mission; while Italian sculptor Francesco Riccardo Monti did a bas-relief on the lobby depicting the history of the Philippines.[36] The Art Deco FEU Auditorium can be found inside the building, considered as its centerpiece.
Art Deco features abound in the design of the Auditorium and include the gradual curves, the ribbed piers and geometric volumes and patterns. Above the orchestra section are star or diamond like patterns which also serve as lighting fixtures. Above the balcony are triangles which also serve as air conditioning ducts. These, together with the green and gold theme, and the subtle lettering of "FEU" under the boxes were all combined in a regal manner. The interior was restored in 2002-2003 and was also infused with new lighting, sound and video equipment. It was the only post-war venue with air-conditioning and a revolving stage. It used to be the cultural center of the Philippines in the 1950s given that all the foremost Filipino and foreign performers of the time performed there.
Admissions Building
Inaugurated in 1940, the Admissions Building is the mirror image of the Architecture & Fine Arts Building. The building was initially used by the Girls' High School, and in 1983, became home to the Institute of Medicine. In the early 2000s, it served as the FEU-East Asia College (FEU-EAC) Main Building. In 2015, the building has been renovated and returned to FEU Manila, renamed as the Admissions Building. Today, the building houses the Office of the University Registrar, Admissions and Financial Assistance Office, Alumni Relations Office, various computer laboratories, and education technology offices.
Architecture and Fine Arts Building
The building is one of the twin edifices flanking the Administration Building. It is the third building designed by Arch. Antonio Sr., also in the Art Deco Style. Constructed in 1941, it used to house the Boys' High School, which was originally in the basic education program of the university. It also used to house the Law and Nursing programs before being handed to the Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts.
Science Building
The seven-story building erected in 1950 was the last to be designed by Arch. Antonio Sr. in what is considered a transition of style between Art Deco and the post World War 2 International Style. In 1990, an earthquake caused structural damages to the building making it necessary to demolish the top two floors. By late 2013, a sixth floor was added. Composed of various science laboratories, the building caters to Biology, Nursing, Medical Technology, and Pharmacy programs.[34]
Accounts, Business and Finance Building
Initially made as the expansion of Nursing Building in the early 1970s, the 7-storey building is formerly known as the Education Building, before the building was renamed as the Accounts, Business and Finance Building in 2017, as the building is currently occupied by the Institute of Accounts, Business and Finance.
Alfredo Reyes Hall
Named after one of the founder's son, the Alfredo Reyes Hall is a 6-storey building, adjacent to the Nicanor Reyes Hall. Housing the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management, it features a mock hotel, cooking laboratories, a basketball court with maple wood flooring, which was the first of its kind in the country, and a student operated café, Cafe Alfredo, which was established in 2014.[37]
Arts Building
Designed by Felipe Mendoza, the Arts Building was erected in 1960 and was originally an 7-storey building, before being downgraded to 4-storeys due to structural damage in the aftermath of the August 1968 Luzon earthquake. The Arts Building houses the Institute of Arts and Sciences' Departments of Communication, Political Science, Interdisciplinary & International Studies, Language and Literature, and Psychology. The building features a gym on the topmost floor and the University Conference Center on the ground floor.
Education Building
Formerly known as the FEU-EAC Annex, the seven-story building was completed in 2001, as part of FEU-EAC's expansion. The building was also based on the Nicanor Reyes Hall, as the building features two pillars inspired from the former's pillars, and an arched rooftop, surrounded by green-colored glass. The building currently houses the Institute of Education.
Engineering Building
The nine-story building stands on the site of the former FEU Hospital. Upon the transfer of FEU-NRMF to Fairview, Quezon City, the structure was demolished to give way for the construction of a new building, completed in 2005. The building was designed by Arch. Pablo Antonio, Jr. as the Technology Building before being renamed as the Engineering Building in 2019.[38] It houses the FEU Tech Innovation Center, a mini auditorium, and the FEU Center for the Arts.
FEUTURE Center
The FEU Transformative University Resource Center (abbreviated as FEUTURE Center) is the newest building of the university. Located along Lerma St., the FEUTURE Center is an 8-storey building which features additional classrooms, learning facilities and parking spaces within the complex. Construction for the building began in 2018, and was initially planned to be opened within the first quarter of 2020.[39] However, the opening of the building was delayed due to COVID-19 pandemic, and was initially completed in January 2021, before opening its doors in April 2021.[40]
Nursing Building
The seven-story building was completed in the 1960s, and served as the former home of the Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts. It was turned over to the Institute of Nursing, being the reason for its current name. At present, it still houses the Institute's Virtual Integrated Nursing Education Simulation Laboratory (VINES) and is dominantly occupied by FEU High School.
FEU Auditorium
The FEU Auditorium is designed by Pablo Antonio Sr., National Artist for Architecture, in 1949. It was regarded as the first "cultural center of the Philippines", and also, the very first fully air-conditioned auditorium in the country which can accommodate 1100 spectators. The Auditorium was home to the Manila Symphony Orchestra for 9 years. It featured dances from Manila Ballet Academy, New York City Center Ballet, and Martha Graham – an American dancer and one of the twentieth century revolutionary artists. It also became the venue of major theatrical productions like Bastien and Bastienne – created by two National Artists, Nick Joaquin (on words) and Cesar Legaspi (on scenic designs). In addition, it was in FEU where Sarah Joaquin–actress, writer, director, and former Head of the Drama Department–showcased her talents through presentation of classic and contemporary plays. To this date, the Auditorium upholds this legacy by accommodating more notable performances from local and international names.
FEU Chapel
Within campus is the Student Council Association (SCA) Chapel, which was also designed by Arch. Mendoza. Inaugurated on December 8, 1957, the SCA Chapel is where catholic activities of faculty, personnel, and students are held. Its interior features paintings by Carlos “Botong” Francisco, National Artist for Visual Arts. His painting the 14 Stations of the Cross and the Crucifixion encompasses 260 degrees of one's visual range[41] meanwhile its façade bears a richly colored tile mosaic of Our Lady of Fatima by Vicente Manansala.
Dr. Nicanor Reyes Sr. Memorial Square
In the middle of the campus rests this eye-catching landmark. Erected in commemoration of the university's 40th anniversary, it consists of a 65-foot flagpole on a platform surrounded on all sides with brass sculpture, also done by Manansala, which interprets the late founder's philosophy on education.[41]
FEU Library
Located on the second and third floors of the Nicanor Reyes Hall, the Library has a collection of books that falls under Circulation, Reference, Filipiniana, and Periodical sections. These can easily be accessed using an Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC), its online database of all its print and multi-media resources.[42] The Electronic Library is also available to provide members of the academic community highly effective learning experiences and services through the web and internet technologies as an extension of the services of the conventional library.[43]
The Philippine Association of Academic Research Librarians, Inc. (PAARL) honored the library with the Outstanding Academic/Research Library Award during the PAARL 2012 Awards. The FEU library was recognized for its outstanding contribution to academic and research librarianship and library development along with leadership in regional library management, education and training, information and documentation services.[44]
