PCN

DOCUMENTATION OF UST HERITAGE STRUCTURES PART I 1.1 NAME OF STRUCTURE Present Name Miguel de Benavides Library Other Names UST Central Library 1.2 LOCATION City/Municipality Manila City District 4TH District of Manila Street Sampaloc, Manila 1.3 OWNER Former Owner(s)/ Users Dominican Friars/Thomasian Community (UST) Date Original Structure was Constructed October 29, 1989 Designer/Architect Architect Simpliciano Mauro 1.4 LOCATION PLAN: Please attach a location plan and or site development plan

1

1.5

PRESENT USE/FUNCTION It took the University 378 years to finally come up with “The central library building” in 1989. After so many events that happened and now that the University were able to gather some of the oldest and rarest books in History of mankind, they decided to have it housed in a 6 storey building located at the back of the Main Building, facing Dapitan. The Project was designed by the late Dean of Architecture, Architect Mauro Simpliciano together with his colleagues Architect Eros Paredes and Architect Antonio Fernandez with the aid of Engineer Lawrence K. Pangan who is still working for the University as the Engineer today.

The UST Miguel de Benavides Library (formerly the UST Central Library) is the university library of the University of Santo Tomas. The Library has been in continuous service since the first opening of the "Colegio de Santo Tomas" centuries ago. Even wars did not interrupt this service and it has adapted over time. That’s why they housed the old ones; it was established 400 years ago from today. It contains a rich collection of books and periodicals, listing more than 450,000 volumes, with hundreds of new materials added regularly. It also boasts an exceptional collection of rare books and manuscripts. The university library plays a major role in moving the university forward into the next century, especially today that every student in the country are knowledgeable in using computers and the web. The library serves as resources to help students and faculty conduct research. Unlike other national or municipal library, this facility subscribes to several academic journals, either bound or online, which would be used in the writing of researches. The Miguel de Benavides Library also offers many services for students: study space, group study rooms, wide range of books, computers with a built in web connection in every section, and a well updated OPAC which students can use for faster search of books and articles. Also available in the library are discussion rooms, a conference hall, a coffee shop, and an area for photocopying services. 1.7 TYPE OF STRUCTURE 2

1.8

LEGAL PROTECTION

Indicate if you know whether this structure is legally protected by the UNESCO World Heritage List, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the National Museum, or any other national legislation.

Considering that the cultural heritage in the country and the historical properties are increasingly threatened with destruction not only by the traditional causes of decay, but also by changing social and economic conditions which aggravate the situation with even more formidable phenomena of damage or destruction, the National Museum declared 4 old sites (the open area, the Main building, the Central Seminary and the Arch of the Centuries) as National Cultural Treasures. The University’s Miguel de Benavides Library is not legally protected or declared as one of these National treasure sites building by any National historical Organizations. Nevertheless, the Royal Pontifical University has the full responsibility and legal protective measures for all the buildings in the University and renovations/ modifications around the campus that will be made to the structure will be decided by the Building and grounds management. 1.9

IDENTIFYING MARKERS

Submit a photograph of the marker identifying its inscription or copy text of the markers. Also include any article/s about the structure. Some types of markers are: Historical (National Historical Institute), commemorative plaques, inscriptions, dates, cornerstones, benchmarks, etc.

3

1.10 DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE AND ITS SIGNIFICANT ASPECTS Describe the architectural design, the original materials, construction methods, modifications, present status of the structure (if it has been remodeled in any way that has changed its original appearance) and why this is a significant and interesting structure. List what is unique, innovative and outstanding in this structure, and say why you recommend this as one of the most significant structures in your area. 4

Please use additional sheet if necessary or allot more space if necessary.

1.10. 1 Description of Original Structure and style

1.10.2 Modifications Renovation and/ or Physical Improvements The UST Library Administration and staff are gratified to a substantial financial aid fom diferent department of the University two big secons of the Miguel de Benavides Library have been renovated: 

At present, the building is now centralized air conditioned and fully painted.

Based on the Interview with Ms. Majuelo, the Miguel de Benavides Library Chief Librarian, The following modifications and minor renovations around the building done from 1994 up to present (2011):

5

6

According to Dean John Joseph Fernandez, the son of the late Architect Antonio Fernandez who happens to be one of the designers of the Miguel de Benavides Library, were able to enumerate some of the modifications from the original plan:  The ground floor plan is an activity area where students can move around and it is use mainly for exhibitions.  Windows are still open and the ground plan is open from the quadric park/ Main building but security became a problem so they decided to put up the grills to avoid stealing of books from the library.  The original plan is a 4 storey building with 2 mezzanine. But they decided to make it 6 storey building dedicating one floor to the donors and the other floor to a computer centre area since computers in that era is one of the latest technology they got. From an interview with Architect Sta. Maria of Building and Grounds, he were able to say few modifications of the library: 

The interior atrium was supposed to be an architectural feature for natural ventilation but they failed to consider that the books inside the library especially those old books are sensitive to temperature and humidity so it’s a must to make the library a centralized structure.

7

1.10.3 Outstanding Features At first glance, the elements on one side of the cetral axis appars to be identical withthose areas on the opposite side, but upon closer examination it is found that such is not the case. The general mass ang grouping of parts may be similar, but there are dissimilarities in plan, elevation and on details.

1,10.4 Interiors (Description of Materials, Method of Construction, etc.) IINTERIOR

WALLS



MATERIALS

DESCRIPTION

CHB Wall with Mouldings currently painted with white beige tone.

The wall is constructed mainly of concrete with a detailed baseboard moulding of about 4” to 6” tall set along the bottom of the wall. The moulding is installed at the bottom of the wall against the flooring to cover the gap between the two surfaces.

CEILING

Ceiling boards

They use ceiling boards just to cover up the unwanted wirings and fixtures. Then painted in white for finishing.

FLOORING

The installation of different flooring types make a dramatic differences in the appearance of the structure. It enhances the ambiance of the structure. Here are the following flooring types they used in the Miguel de Benavides Library: 

Ceramic Tiles

These tiles are installed/ used in the corridors of 2nd floor to sixth floor. The matte finish is usually the most popular in the structure.



Laminated Flooring

This is usually found in the hallways when entering the Humanities section.



Marble Flooring

The ground floor area is installed with marble tiles with multi- pastel colors; this exhibits a clean and spacious floor area. The tile comes around 12”x 24”.



Hardwood Flooring

You can trace the hardwood flooring upon entering the library. This is used for its 8

natural value and durability of solid hardwood.

INTERIOR/ STAIRCASE

WINDOWS

DOOR



Steel Railings with Wooden Handrails

The elegantly curve main stairs of the library is not merely a way to et to different floors, it is a part of the decor and the ambient theme of the Library. The metal railing with a wooden touch in the handrail adds a different kind of grace, luxury and elegance to the staircase.



Decorative Grills

Custom decorative grills finished with marine green with black accents were wrapped around the elegantly wrapped main stairs of the library.



Arched type casement Window

The arched type window in the exterior view of the Library reflects the colors and the vegetation that are seen from those passing the building.



Colonial awning Windows

The colonial type of awning window with reflective glass is not designed for aesthetics purposes only but for sustainable uses too. The window feature high design of sustainability and elegance; the operable awning windows of the library, though currently fully- centralized, is designed for natural ventilation. Awning windows are used for 10% air flow.



Decorated Window Grills

The decorated steel grills installed on the exterior view of the deteriorating steel window of the ground floor to add details and to provide a high level of security and privacy.



Aluminium Glass Double Swing Doors

The library uses swing doors with special hinges that allows it to open either outwards or inwards and it usually sprung to keep it closed. These particular doors are used in entrances of almost all the Library sections.



Wooden Double swing This door is found in the Heritage Library area at the 4th floor of the library. The door Door is embellished with glass painting and finished with the beauty of a natural wood.

9

1.10.5 Decorative Elements:

1.10.6 Site, surroundings and landscape: *Approach to main entrance

* Courtyard

* Service yard

1.10.7 Structural System and engineering: * Foundation System

* Upper Floors

* Roof System

* Unusual Structural Details (if applicable)

DATA COLLECTED BY: Name(s)

Date: DATA INTEGRATED BY:

BACASON, CARYL J. BALTAZAR, CZAR A. GASCON, BERLIN GAILE P. 3RD OCTOBER, 2011

10

Name(s)

Date:

BACASON, CARYL J. BALTAZAR, CZAR A. GASCON, BERLIN GAILE P. 3RD OCTOBER, 2011

ENCODED BY: Name(s)

Date:

BACASON, CARYL J. BALTAZAR, CZAR A. GASCON, BERLIN GAILE P. 3RD OCTOBER, 2011

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: Attach as many photographs to show the basic architectural features of the structures. As much as possible photograph all the 4 sides of the building including interior and details. Photos should be of minimum of 3r size . Identify each photo with a short description or significance in the structure.

Name(s)

Date: DRAWN/RENDERED BY: Name(s)

BACASON, CARYL J. BALTAZAR, CZAR A. GASCON, BERLIN GAILE P. 5TH OCTOBER, 2011 BACASON, CARYL J. BALTAZAR, CZAR A. GASCON, BERLIN GAILE P.

Date: 1ST OCTOBER, 2011

PART II

VALUES AND SIGNIFICANCE (Incorporates all the elements that contribute to the building’s meaning, including its context, history, uses and its social, spiritual and/or educational values.)

2.1 HISTORICAL VALUES: 11

(Importance for its association with events, developments or cultural phases which have had a significant role in the occupation and evolution of the community.)

Grading of Significance:  High Significance  Medium Significance 2.2 ARCHITECTURAL/AESTHETIC VALUES:

 Low Significance

(Includes style, beauty, demonstration of skills and quality of design and execution.)

Grading of Significance:  High Significance  Medium Significance 2.3 SCIENTIFIC/RESEARCH/TECHNICAL VALUES:

 Low Significance

(Illustrates some technological, creative, technical or scientific processes or advances.)

Grading of Significance:  High Significance  Medium Significance 2.4 SOCIAL/SPIRITUAL VALUES:

 Low Significance

(Demonstrated by social, spiritual or cultural expressions that provide evidence of a community’s strong affection and of how it contributes to the communities’ identity and social cohesion.)

Grading of Significance:  High Significance  Medium Significance 2.5 EDUCATIONAL VALUES:

 Low Significance

(You may include personalities who have contributed in the educational development of the college – regents, deans, faculty and alumni)

Grading of Significance:  High Significance

 Medium Significance

 Low Significance

2. 6 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE (The statement should be a reasoned, clear summary of the values, meaning and importance of the building and its association. It may be as short as a few sentences or run to several paragraphs.)

DATA COLLECTED BY: Name(s)

BACASON, CARYL J. 12

BALTAZAR, CZAR A. GASCON, BERLIN GAILE P. Date: DATA INTEGRATED BY: Name(s)

Date:

3RD OCTOBER, 2011 BACASON, CARYL J. BALTAZAR, CZAR A. GASCON, BERLIN GAILE P. 3RD OCTOBER, 2011

ENCODED BY: Name(s)

Date:

BACASON, CARYL J. BALTAZAR, CZAR A. GASCON, BERLIN GAILE P. 3RD OCTOBER, 2011

PART III

STATE OF PRESERVATION/CONDITION Describe and attach pictures to identify threats, conditions and intrusions

3.1 STRUCTURAL STABILITY: Considering the age of the structure -turning 21 years on the 29th of October year 2011, its previous function, the type of construction which was discussed by Engineer Lawrence Pangan himself, the buildings nearby that surrounds it, and through intensive observation within the area, we came up with these results:     

The structural frame (beams and columns) of the building and the foundations can safely carry the loads expected to be placed The structural elements are all in good shape There are no signs of cracks on the interior and exterior façade of the building The building have no record of any structural failure in the last 20 years The library is well maintained by the building and grounds management.

13

This photo is taken as of August 1, 1989 where it is reported that steel roof framing is on its 93% completion and the total projected accomplishments is pegged at 61.84%. (The Academia, Vol. XVI no. 4)

3.2 THREATS AND INTRUSIONS: Some of the threats of the library include:  Improper ways of using the library facilities  Constant change of weather and heavy rainfalls the areas have been experiencing will lead to constant ceiling leaks like what we observe on the 6th floor near the Spanish section. Leaks will also lead to slippery floors since the library use tiles if not properly solved and it will also result to damage of books. While the intrusions we were able to see/ observe within the building are the:  Air- condition Condenser Since the library was proposed for proper ventilation not considering sensitivity of the books it houses, these condensers for air conditioning is nowhere to put. They were installed on the 4th floor facing the main building and at the side facing the high school grounds at the ground floor.  Electrical Wire Electrical wires around the building interior creeps like vines on the upper area of the wall to the ceiling area. Thought they were painted white the same with the paint of the wall, you can still see the difference. 3.3 CONDITION DESCRIPTION:

14

condition: the miguel de benavides library is one of most important structure that can be found in ust. the facade and interior are well maintained, but due to thr no.users some areas have not been properly maintained. an example of this are ceiling leaks found at the top floor. overall, the miguel de benavides library in top form, even though some problems can be found, UST does a fine a job of maintaining our library.

3.4 GRADING OF INTEGRITY Integrity of location  High  Medium  High  Medium Integrity of environment  High  Medium Integrity of design  High  Medium Integrity of materials  High  Medium Integrity of workmanship  High  Medium Integrity of feeling  High  Medium Integrity of association DATA COLLECTED BY: Name(s) BACASON, CARYL J. BALTAZAR, CZAR A. GASCON, BERLIN GAILE P.

      

High High High High High High High

Date: 3RD OCTOBER, 2011 DATA INTEGRATED BY: Name(s) BACASON, CARYL J. BALTAZAR, CZAR A. GASCON, BERLIN GAILE P. Date: 3RD OCTOBER, 2011 ENCODED BY: Name(s)

BACASON, CARYL J. BALTAZAR, CZAR A. GASCON, BERLIN GAILE P.

Date: 3RD OCTOBER, 2011 PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ` Name(s) Date:

15

Note: 1. You can make some minor changes or adjustment to this form 2. Attachments would mean – location plan, as built plans and elevations, sketch drawings, cadd drawings, pictures, graphical and archival photos and other documents, etc. 3. Please include references or where you got the data.

16