University of San Carlos: Tribute to one's alma mater

Remembering college conjures flashbacks that speak not only of sleepless nights of drafting and cramming but also the cheerful giddiness of students who tread the narrow hallways of the old CAFA (College of Architecture and Fine Arts) floors, filled with piled theses models and past-due plate submissions. But the most remarkable thing about reminiscing one's college years is the clear memory of how the school reflects the very essence of learning.

The University of San Carlos in Cebu City is dubbed as the oldest school in the Philippines and in Asia. It is a Catholic institution of higher learning run by the Society of Divine Word or SVD. CAFA, as most students refer to the college, is home to the University's community of artists and designers. Brewing their young minds and optimizing their potentials are what the Dean of the College of Architecture and Fine Arts of USC want for his students. Building a new and better building to facilitate such aspirations was opted by the board members to give one of the university's high-rated, marketable and well-performing colleges the support it needs in improving its resources and facilities. The conceptualization of the CAFA building was somewhat a critical issue on the side of the designers, Archt. Maxwell Espina and his associates. Their primary considerations were of course based on their students, in terms of the facilities necessary for the proper education due to them as engaged in such interesting courses. They were concerned as not to project a certain style of the building concept and influence the students' perception of a "correct" way of designing, as well as not let it intimidate them. They were taking into account that these are impressionable minds they are working with.

With an estimated floor area of 12,000 square meters, the building can serve up to 1,500 students. The different classrooms and spaces of the building were arranged in open thin strips of spaces at plan. Instead of shaping the building as just one solid mass, a shift in the plan layout was done, splitting it into two wings for the classroom spaces and a central core to house the administrative spaces. An atrium is incorporated at the center for substantial light and ventilation on the adjoining areas. In addition, a studio wing, provided to accommodate the modules for the students to make use in working on their individual projects, was shaped to hug the contours of the site. The shift in plan layout was so to minimize the massiveness of the building while adding variation and character to its shape. Inspired by Ian Bentley's theory on response to space, the architect designed the building spaces to be as accessible and flexible as possible, lending itself to almost any activity that the college can get into; fashion shows and exhibits are a few of the functions their Main Hall was utilized for, not just for their own college but also for others.

The structure is a low-slung, horizontal building; its spaces is cascading with respect to its terrain, having a progression in experience. Without monotony in space, it leads one to move forward from one area to another, sustaining interest as one explores its interiors.

One of the challenges encountered in designing was the budget, as the amount meant for the project was initially set barely a decade ago, obviously having to consider that construction costs since then had increased significantly. Tackling this issue was a minor yet considerable matter for the architect and his associates, making them more innovative in their approach. They have to come up with a substantial design, taking into account the more important areas, and addressing the requirements necessary to meet their objectives.

The designer sought to create a building that demonstrated conceptual clarity while maximizing the perceptual sensation available from the interior, taking advantage of the breathtaking panoramic view from the site atop the campus grounds. It provides openness of space, a free spirited interpretation of how an artist's creative mind works - unobtrusive yet bursting with trail-blazing ideas.

To its creators, designing the building alone has given much fulfillment, having the opportunity to contribute to the legacy of one's alma mater. Even if the building is just one of many within the campus, it will stand as a monumental icon and pride for its students, CAFA students in particular, and its faculty, leaving an imprint of an exceptional university.