THE ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE OF U.P.’s BENITEZ HALL

At school, we were taught that the most significant contribution of the Spaniards to the country is religion, thus tangible representations of this are seen in the vast number of Catholic churches in the country. Often when we talk of heritage structures, Spanish colonial structures such as churches and Bahay na Bato comes to mind. Structures built during the American colonial period were often unrecognized. Hence, for today’s #builttraditionthursday we will showcase the Benitez Hall of the U.P. College of Education, one of the first academic buildings constructed in the University of the Philippines- Diliman campus.

Also known as the twin building of the Malcolm Hall of the U.P. College of Law, the Benitez Hall was constructed in anticipation of the official transfer of the University of the Philippines from its original location at Calle Isaac Peral, which is now known as the United Nations Avenue in downtown Manila, to the present-day Quezon City campus.

Named after Francisco Benitez, the College’s first dean and one of the pillars of Philippine education, the design of the Benitez Hall is credited to the brilliance of Filipino architect Juan M. Arellano, whose professional career exhibited a wide range of architectural styles. During the time when he designed the Benitez Hall, Arellano was keen on creating architecture that exemplifies the culture of Filipinos which was best showcased in his design of the indigenized Art deco style of the Metropolitan Theatre. 

In his early works, however, like the Benitez Hall in U.P. Diliman, Arellano’s preference leaned towards adapting the Spanish mission-revival style which served as a transitional style that orchestrated the fusion of locally derived architectural forms, and neo-classical idioms dramatizing the encounter and existence of two cultures. 

As with any other colonial architecture, the style of the three-story Benitez Hall leans towards some degree of eclecticism wherein Neo-classical and Palladian elements such as the column capitals, equilateral arches, pedimented central façade, and configuration of spaces were combined. 

Historical accounts suggest that when Juan Arellano was commissioned to design the building, the axial arrangement of the Neo-Baroque served as its model, and the location of the Benitez Hall was thoughtfully selected considering the natural valley on the site which is now known as the ‘Sunken Garden’. 

Over time, the land use plan for the campus was developed, changes were made, and more structures were built. Today, the U.P. Diliman campus is characterized by the diversity of its architectural styles, an indication of the many layers of its history as an academic institution. From being surrounded by vast lands, the classical form of the Benitez Hall is now bordered by post-war and modern-style buildings such as the Vinzons Hall, the Lagmay Hall, and the Gonzalez Hall.

The 6,430 square meter structure is now geographically located at 14°39’13.1″N 121°04’19.7″E, and stands on a relatively flat soil, that is bounded by Roxas Avenue on the North; Quirino Avenue on the South; A. Ma. Regidor Street on the East; and Africa Street on the West. 

Under the Republic Act of 10066, or the National Cultural Heritage Act, the Benitez Hall is a Presumed Important Cultural Property and is protected by law from any form of alteration, modification, or destruction.  

Article by Architect Marvin Belgica. Illustrations and photos by Ar. M. Belgica, Ar. G. Aycardo & Ar. M. Luna

References

Aycardo, G., Belgica, M., Luna, M. (2022) Preserving an Icon: Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for the Benitez Hall

Aquino, B., (1991). The University Experience: Essays on the 82nd Anniversary of the University of the Philippines. Quezon City: University of the Philippines Press Diliman

Klassen, W. (2010). Architecture in the Philippines: Filipino Building in a Cross-Cultural Context Revised Edition. Cebu City: University of San Carlos Press