Art lecture on Conservation of Architecture on Aug. 16

Art lecture on Conservation of Architecture on Aug. 16

The first ever Fine Arts School of the University of the Philippines (U.P.) called the Escuela De Bellas Artes is one fine example of conservation of architecture.

Built in 1867, the two-story bahay na bato structure was designed by Felix Rojas, the first Filipino to earn an architectural degree. It also served as the residence of the first dean of the school of fine arts. The school eventually moved from R. Hidalgo St. in Quiapo to Padre Faura campus of UP, dooming Bellas Artes to its derelict state of neglect, disrepair and abandonment.

The principal architect of Ciudad Real de Acuzar, Arch. Joel Rico, will discuss conservation of architecture using his experience in the dismantling, transporting and restoring of the Bellas Artes and other notable structures such as the Reyes House from Candaba, Pampanga (1780), and the Maxino House from Unisan, Quezon, (1839) on August 16, from 2 to 4 pm., at the Lopez Memorial Museum.

Arch. Rico obtained his bachelor degree in architecture from the National University in 1993. He is an active member of the Philippine Institute of Architects, of which he was a National Board Secretary (2003-2004), and Chairman, Cultural Affairs Committee (2003-present). He was a member of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) serving as the Deputy Chairman, Center for Filipino Architecture from 2006-2007. He is also the founder of the Architectural Archives Philippines (AAP) in 2004.

As an architectural historian, Arch. Rico published several architectural books and references such as the 100 years of Philippine Architecture (2004), the Philippine Institute of Architects 70 Years of History (2004), Iconographic Collection (2004) Gawad Gintong Likha (2005), Philippine Skyscrapers (2006), National Artist in Architecture (2007), Malacanan, Palace of the People (2009). Ang Mundo ni Maestro, 11 Pioneering Filipino Architects and Maestro de Obras (2009).

The lecture complements The Sum of Its Parts exhibit which is ongoing until September 2008. The exhibit features works which have undergone or are slated to undergo conservation at the Roberto M. Lopez Conservation Laboratory of the Lopez Memorial Museum. Lecture fee is P120 per person or P100 for students. For more info, contact Fanny or Jane at 404-2685 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .