April_1965 — Page 24

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International Students

Within the 500 hectares of the University of the Philippines campus is to be built a new study centre for foreign students. Architect, Victor N. Tiotuyco here describes the project, on which work starts this month for completion by 1966.

Victor explains

his

N. Tiotuyco (centre) designs to

Dr.

Kenneth W. Thompson. vice- president of the Rockefeller Foundation, New York. On the right is Eng. Alfredo Juino, head

脂質

of the university's civil engineering department. Photo- graph taken at the recent ground breaking ceremony

Artist's aerial view of the In- ternational Centre. The cen. tral commons building is flank- ed by four dormitory units. All are connected by covered ways

S

EVERAL criteria were set down

to guide the planning of the new International Centre for the University of the Philippines at Quezon City.

First, of course, it had to be attrac- tively laid out to suit a community of students and scholars from dif- ferent nations intent on following their interlectual pursuits in tranquil surroundings.

Secondly, it was necessary to make separate provisions for male and female students and married couples. Thirdly, the building group must air an architectural character of its own while at the same time harmonizing with the existing cam- pus architecture; and lastly, full ad- vantage had to be taken of the peri- meter views overlooking part of the Marikina valley and hills.

To meet these terms the centre is divided into a number of study/living units grouped around a central "commons building". This commons building houses the library, visitors' parlours, an assembly'gallery room.

conference rooms, a canteen and the main social hall.

It is highlighted as the fulcrum of the whole development by its large- span "folded plate" roof, which rests on four radiating beams rising at an acute angle from triangular orna- mental pools. Flagstaffs around the pools will carry the flags of all na- tions.

Exterior walls will be rustically finished with Philippine adobe rub- ble stones, while the interiors will be panelled with a variety of rich local timbers. Walls inside and around the social hall will be painted with murals depicting historical interna- tional events.

Covered passages lead from the commons building to the living units. In these units apartment type suites are planned, to accommodate three students per apartment with provi- sions for a kitchenette. areas for studying, sleeping, dining and a pri- vate toilet and bath.

The interior decor of each apart- ment will reflect the style of archi-

TE

Far East Architect & Builder April, 1965