HC Final Project (Bay, Ygima) by YGIMA BAY

El Hogar FILIPINO BUILDING

A Heritage Conservation Final Project BAY, Ygima R. | 3AR6

El Hogar Reimagined Model by Lem Francia

Remnants of the Glorious Past The El Hogar Filipino Building, or called as the Edificio El Hogar Filipino in Spanish, is one of the few remaining buildings from the American Colonization Period that features beaux-arts, renaissance and neo-classical styles of architecture. Being one of the early skyscrapers of the capital of Manila which was built in 1914, The building, having been established during the American Colonization era, represents the architecture of business establishments during the period. Built as a matrimonial gift for the spouses Doña Margarita Zóbel y de Ayala and Don Antonio Melián Pavía, the building was designed by Spanish-Filipino engineer Don Ramón José de Irureta-Goyena Rodríguez. Located adjacent to the Pasig River along Calle Muelle dela Industria, or now famous as Escolta Street, the edifice housed the Melián business empire and served as a headquarters to several Spanish-Filipino businesses.

Don Ramón José de Irureta-Goyena Rodríguez.

The El Hogar during the 1920s. © Philippine History and Architecture

El Hogar Filipino Building Art by Ar. Gerald Lico for the book, Krokis

After being able to survive the Battle of Manila in 1945, several businesses moved out of the building leading to the move of having it sold to the Fernandez Clan. However, after being sold and rented out by several new companies, the building was left in abandonment and up to this day, was never occupied by any forms of human settlement. In the year 2014, a report was made that the building was sold to a Filipino-Chinese real estate developers whom will turn El Hogar into a new condominium. An act that was opposed by several citizens as well as heritage conservationists. After a year, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines planned to buy the edifice from the new owner but the plan failed due to disagreement in the amount terms and conditions. Previously, threats of demolitions were imposed as news of dismantling parts of El Hogar spread like wildfire causing NHCP to be alerted and prompting the agency to release a cease-and-desist order against its demolition.

Front Elevation of El Hogar Building "El Hogar Filipino has witnessed the Golden Age of Pasig River as main artery of trade and commerce in the Metropolitan Manila. "

Photos

FROM THE INTERNET ARCHIVES

Location: Juan Luna Street corner Muelle de la Industría, Binondo, 1006 Metro Manila, Philippines GIS Coordinates: 14.596382079895687, 120.97572659057504

PHOTOS BY SHERWIN MARION T. VARDELEON

Structural Stability, Threats and Current Condition Due to abandonment and insufficient structural maintenance, the building imposes a threat and danger not only to the stability of the building but also to the people living near the said area. Dilapidation of common areas and structural elements like that of broken windows and seeping walls are some factors that affect the physical structural condition of the site. Moreover, since the building is inhabited for several years now, possible development of molds and bacteria within rooms might be seen, creating health risks for people living and coming along. Galvanic corrosion is also observed through the metalworks of the building making window frames and structural steels prone to collapse. Due to improper maintenance and abandonment, flaking of paint and darkening of building edges could also be observed in the exteriors. Additionally, aside from the spaghetti wires that obstruct the view of the upper floors from the ground vista, informal settlers living along the street and in front of the building reduces the elegance and sophistication of the building since it covers up the beauty and details of the El Hogar building. As of today, the interior of the El Hogar is not open to the public making it unavailable for viewing and observation.

page 83, BluPrint Magazine, Vol. 2, 2012

Panoramic shot of the left corner elevation of the El Hogar Building

From left to right: Detail of Conrinthian column; Windows with shattered glass stilll left open; Cornice detail darkening; Ground floor opening shut by detriorating metal framing; Grille details; cracks and gaps on exterior column: On next page: Mirador of the El Hogar Building

Right and Left Side Photographs Poorly maintaned and checked facades of the El Hogar Filipino Building in Escolta, Manila

Recommendations With thorough research and observation, it is recommended that the building will be put into adaptive reuse in order to make use of its efficient planning and layout while being able to save the building from future plans of demolition and destruction. The building design features several windows from the exterior of the edifice, allowing efficiency of penetration of light and ventilation through the areas of the building. Moreover, due to effectiveness of lighting and ventilation, building operational costs will be reduced due to less energy consumption. Additionally, a wide corridor opening to the atrium maximizes the flow and circulation of the users of the building. Further, these design solutions are workable to transform El Hogar to an office building given its history and layout of being a place rented out by businesses. However, due to the oldness of the building, restoration including structural consolidation must be implemented to ensure stability and integrity of the building. Maintenance should also be observed from time to time in order to safeguard the conditions of the building. Escolta Street, being known to have housed several historical edifices in the past, must also be protected through laws and cultural appreciation.

References

Francia, L. (2021), El Hogar of the Alternative Philippines, Retrieved fom https://www.artstation.com/artwork/Oowo8whttps://www.artstation.com/artwork/Oowo8w Rubio, P. (2014) . El Hogar Filipino Building. Retrieved from http://arquitecturamanila.blogspot.com/2014/04/el-hogarfilipino-building.html Sembrano, E. A. (2016). NHCP attempts to buy El Hogar fails https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/philippine-dailyinquirer-1109/20160111/281530815012762 Suarez, Z. (2012). REWIND: A look into Philippine Architecture's Glorious Past. Retrieved from https://zdesigninfo.blogspot.com/2012/02/final-el-hogar-filipino-1920.html

El Hogar FILIPINO BUILDING