Rizal Memorial Coliseum

The installation of the ACCUs required the erection of an independent steel platform—a long, elevated deck along a narrow alley on the side of the Coliseum, hidden from view from the façade. The steel deck serves as a platform for the outdoor condensing units. Its erection proved challenging, as its supports were constrained by the space provided: the narrow alley. The footings of both the Coliseum, and the adjacent badminton hall made the placement of footings for the support difficult. The soil was composed of infill, as the site had formerly been part of a creek. Further limiting the support placement was the design constraint: that the alley had to be passable by delivery trucks and service vehicles.

A solution was arrived at by designing the elongated platform to have only one row of support columns instead of two. This avoided the complex and irregular footing and support configurations. The steel deck was to be cantilevered from the support and reinforced with a diagonal brace. The remaining width of the alley was enough for service vehicles to pass.

To seal the space and prevent the escape of cooled air, existing door, window, and roof openings were sealed or gasketed. The large roof louvers were covered with ribbed pre-painted galvanized steel roof sheets. Metal gates at the lobbies were replaced with glass doors and glass curtain walls. Exhaust fans were removed. Windows were replaced.

Large cylindrical ducts were suspended from the roof trusses, distributing cooled air evenly all throughout the venue. Since the ducts were to be exposed in the interior, a circular profile was selected so that the ducting would be visually compatible with the streamlined moderne style of the building and adhere to the poetry of machine aesthetics.

Systems upgrade

The rehabilitation required a total overhaul of the electrical and plumbing systems of the building; as well as the introduction of a Fire Detection and Alarm System (FDAS), to enhance the safety of the building users, and to conform to modern building standards and codes. Existing electrical lines, lighting, and panel boards were removed; as the new electrical system was designed to accommodate higher electrical loads, owing to the installation of the air conditioning, and new pumps, water heaters, and lighting systems.

An all-new LED sports lighting system was installed, replacing the old metal halide lamps which took several minutes to achieve full illuminance. The new system was brighter, conformed to the standards set by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), and energy efficient. Emergency lighting was introduced to facilitate orderly exit during power interruptions and emergencies.

The storm drainage system was also redesigned. Investigation into the roof leaks pointed to the insufficient drainage from the roof gutters as the cause. Roof drainage was organized and improved by the installation of a system of downspouts, catchment basins, and drainage lines. Likewise, new clean water and sanitary lines were installed to complement the new configuration of toilet and shower facilities. A new water cistern and septic tank were constructed to meet the new demand. To comply with the requirements of the Fire Code, a new FDAS was installed, which includes sprinklers, dry standpipes, and fire hose reels.

The architectural requirements revolve around conserving the heritage value of the building and restoring its art deco character. Character-defining elements—the lobbies, the façade, grillwork, and terrazzo flooring were identified to be conserved, while new spaces such as toilets, showers, and locker rooms, were to be treated in a modern interpretation of art deco.

As rehabilitation work began, color studies were undertaken to determine the color palette of the building from different periods. The color palette selected by the client was a selection of greys and whites—which could be seen from pre-war archival photographs and videos of the complex. The grey palette provided subtlety and nuance, while highlighting the decorative elements without appearing garish. The painting of the façade was carefully matched from archival photos, taking care to be faithful to the original design, as it forms the most iconic and recognizable part of the building.

Special attention was given to the design of the lobby, which had most of the original art deco lauanit ceiling intact. The ceiling was treated for termite control, and portions of it were repaired. The terrazzo flooring was restored, polished to a smooth finish. As the layers of paint were stripped