The University of Santo Tomas (UST) is the oldest and largest Catholic university in Manila, Philippines, founded by the Dominican Legacy in 1611. At the core of the campus stands the grand Main Building, which serves as the university’s hub, home to its administrative centre and faculty buildings. Inside, it houses four academic divisions – the Faculty of Civil Law, the Faculty of Pharmacy, the College of Science, and the Museum of Arts and Sciences – facilitating access to numerous research opportunities and resources for the students.
Designed by Fr. Roque Ruaño, O.P., the Main Building boasts a unique architectural style and ingenious engineering, creating an artsy blend of American and Asian-style patterns that is iconic to the campus. The building’s distinctive feature of the earthquake-resistant design is a pioneering step in the Philippines’ building industry, inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Imperial Hotel, Tokyo. All this makes the Main Building of UST a must-visit architectural marvel, a fusion of history, engineering, and art.
In the early 1920s, Roque Ruaño was chosen to craft the blueprints for the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Main Building, which was to be established on the Sulucan property of the Dominican Order. By 1922-23, the drafts were complete, which marked a significant milestone for the project. During this time, there was a growing consciousness in the architectural community regarding the importance of factoring in earthquake-resistance measures in building design. This crucial consideration led to the decision to revise the blueprints in light of what had been learned from the Great Kanto earthquake of September 1, 1923. This devastating seismic event levelled the cities of Tokyo and Yokohama. Still, its lessons would help ensure that the UST Main Building was built to withstand seismic activity in the region. After incorporating these design adjustments, construction of the Main Building finally began in 1924.
The rectangular building, known as the UST Main Building, has a rich history and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Manila. The building measures 86m long and 74m wide, and as you step inside, you’ll be greeted by two tranquil interior courtyards. Its most striking attribute, however, is that it comprises 40 distinct structures, each independent from the other, and the only means of connection is pre-cast stab flooring.
Initially constructed in 1924, the building has faced its fair share of changes. Some separation locations require clarification due to numerous cosmetic interior changes. Manuel Mañosa, the former dean of the Faculty of Engineering, delineated the layout, which includes four corner units, two midsection units (rear and front entrance), one tower (including two elevator cores), one entrance canopy, seven teams for the P. Noval side, seven units for Gov. Forbes (now Arsenio H. Lacson) side, six units for Dapitan side, six units for España side, and four middle sections.
As you walk through the halls of the UST Main Building, you can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia and awe, knowing that you’re walking through history and experiencing the beauty of unique architecture firsthand.
The structure’s design is nothing short of a marvel, possessing a unique innovation that sets it apart. The pre-cast stab floors add aesthetic value to the building and allow for an impressive 40 separate and independent structures. Despite undergoing interior remodelling over time, the overall grandeur and magnificence of the structure remain unchanged, continuing to capture the hearts and imaginations of all who see it.