UNIVERSITY OF

SANTO TOMÁS
(MAIN BUILDING)
Group 3

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 The institution was established through the
initiative of Bishop Miguel de Benavides,

ARCHITECTURAL O.P., third Archbishop of Manila.

Initially located in Intramuros, the university

HISTORY moved to its current location in Sampaloc,

Manila, in 1927.
Designed by the American architect Fr.
Roque Ruaño, O.P., construction began in
1924 and was completed in 1927.
It was built in the Neo-Romanesque style,
with influences from both Spanish and
Filipino architecture.
The Main Building is considered one of the
finest examples of Neo-Romanesque
architecture in the Philippines.
It features intricate details and
ornamentation, including arches, columns,
and carvings, showcasing the craftsmanship
of Filipino artisans.
Main Building, circa 1928
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 Exterior Design
ARCHITECTURAL
DESIGN
Facade
The facade of the Main Building is adorned with intricate carvings
and sculptures depicting religious and historical motifs.
It features a central bay with a large rose window and flanking
towers.

Bell tower
The Main Building's bell tower houses the university's iconic
carillon, which plays music during special occasions and events.
The tower serves as a focal point of the campus skyline.

Ornate details
The exterior of the building is embellished with decorative
elements such as gargoyles, reliefs, and statues, adding to its
grandeur.

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ARCHITECTURAL STATUES
DESIGN Surrounding the clock, the so-called "Tria
Haec":
Hope (Spe)
Faith (Fides)
Charity (Caritas)
To the right of the Tria Haec are theologians
and historians:
Saint Augustine
Raymond of Peñafort, O.P
Vincent of Beauvais, O.P

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ARCHITECTURAL STATUES
DESIGN To the right of the theologians and historians,
facing Padre Noval Street are the tragedians:
Pedro Calderón de la Barca
Sophocles
William Shakespeare
To the left of the Tria Haec are the
philosophers:
Aristotle
Saint Albert the Great
Plato

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ARCHITECTURAL STATUES
DESIGN To the left of the philosophers and facing
Arsenio Lacson Avenue are the playwrights:
Lope de Vega
Aristophanes
Molière

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ARCHITECTURAL Interior Design
DESIGN
Main lobby
The main lobby of the Main Building welcomes visitors with
its spaciousness and grandeur, featuring marble floors and
ornate ceilings.
It serves as a gathering space for students and faculty and
hosts various events throughout the year.

Halls and corridors

The halls and corridors of the Main Building are adorned with
religious artworks, historical artifacts, and academic displays,
showcasing the university's rich heritage.

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ARCHITECTURAL Interior Design
DESIGN Chapel
The Chapel of the Most Holy Rosary, located within the Main
Building, is a place of worship and reflection for the university
community.
It features stunning stained glass windows, intricate altars,
and religious paintings, creating a serene and contemplative
atmosphere.

Museums and galleries

The Main Building houses several museums and galleries,
including the UST Museum of Arts and Sciences, which
showcase the university's extensive collection of artifacts,
artworks, and historical memorabilia.

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DESIGN AND STRUCTURE
four corner units
two midsection units (rear
and front entrance)
one tower (including two
elevator cores)
one entrance canopy
a total of 26 units
seven units for P. Noval
side
seven units for Gov.
Forbes (now Arsenio H.
Lacson) side
six units for Dapitan side
six units for España side
four middle section (or
paraninfo)
two stair section adjacent to
tower and elevator core
SYMBOLISM AND SIGNIFICANCE

The Main Building is deeply intertwined with UST's history and identity,
serving as a symbol of the university's enduring legacy and
commitment to education.
It has witnessed countless academic achievements, milestones, and
traditions throughout its history.
As a Catholic university, the Main Building embodies UST's
commitment to promoting faith, reason, and service.
It serves as a center for religious activities, academic discourse, and
cultural events that enrich the university community.

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SYMBOLISM AND SIGNIFICANCE
The Main Building reflects the rich cultural heritage and traditions of
the Philippines, incorporating elements of Spanish and Filipino
architecture and design.
It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of UST and its role
in shaping the nation's intellectual and cultural landscape.
The Main Building is not only a symbol of UST but also an iconic
landmark in Manila, attracting visitors from around the world to
admire its architectural beauty and historical significance.
It has been featured in numerous films, books, and artworks, further
cementing its status as a cultural icon.

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 About Service Team Contact

The Main Building houses classrooms, lecture halls, and

FUNCTIONS AND laboratories for various academic disciplines, serving as the

USAGE
academic heart of the university.
It provides a conducive environment for learning, research, and
intellectual exploration.
The Main Building is home to the university's administrative
offices, including the Office of the Rector, Registrar's Office, and
Dean's Offices, providing essential services and support to
students and faculty.
The Main Building serves as a venue for cultural events,
ceremonies, and celebrations, including graduation ceremonies,
concerts, and art exhibitions.
It provides a platform for showcasing the talents and
achievements of the university community.
The Main Building hosts various outreach programs, seminars,
and conferences that promote community engagement and social
responsibility.
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 CHALLENGES IN MAINTAINING CONSERVATION INITIATIVES BY UST
HISTORICAL BUILDINGS
The preservation of historical buildings UST has undertaken various
such as the Main Building poses conservation initiatives to preserve the
PRESERVATION challenges due to factors such as natural Main Building's architectural heritage and

AND wear and tear, environmental

degradation, and urban development
historical significance. These efforts
include regular maintenance, restoration
CONSERVATION pressures. projects, and the implementation of

EFFORTS It requires a concerted effort to balance

preservation with modernization and
sustainable practices to ensure the long-
term viability of the building.
functional requirements.
PARTNERSHIPS WITH HERITAGE
ORGANIZATIONS
UST collaborates with heritage organizations,
government agencies, and conservation
experts to develop comprehensive preservation
strategies and initiatives. These partnerships
leverage expertise, resources, and best
practices to safeguard the Main Building for
future generations.
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 the University has become the alma mater of four
Filipino heroes who shaped the nation’s destiny like
Jose Rizal, Emilio Jacinto, Marcelo H. del Pilar,
Apolinario Mabini; Philippine Presidents such as
Manuel Luis Quezon, Sergio Osmeña, Jose P. Laurel
and Diosdado Macapagal;

FUN FACTS
the first earthquake-resistant building in the
Philippines

The passage through the arch is considered the

freshmen’s “welcome to UST” moment, and
according to the urban legend, students should not
exit the arch until their Baccalaureate Mass—or else
they would get debarred.

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CONCLUSION

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 About Service Team Contact

THANK YOU

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