College of Architecture

"In 1930, the University of Santo Tomas established the Department of Architecture under the Faculty of Engineering. Rev. Fr. Roque Ruaño, O.P. was the dean of the faculty. Only 23 students enrolled during the first school year. Of the 23 students, six graduated from architecture (then a four-year course) and became top Architects of the country. Prof. Victorio C. Edades became the acting assistant dean/dean from 1933-1939.

Opened in 1935 was Fine Arts, a sister department of architecture. Offered were the curriculum in Public School Art and Interior Design under Prof. Victorio E. Edades, the first Fine Arts director. It was also during this year that the two departments, Architecture, and Fine Arts combined into a School of Architecture and Fine Arts. The school separated from the Faculty of Engineering.

The Pacific War closed the University and reopened in 1946. Classes were held only in the University gymnasium and later in a small wooden constructed recreational hall used by the American forces when they occupied the Santo Tomas compound.

The School of Architecture and Fine Arts was elevated to the status of a College of Architecture and Fine Arts in 1947. Arch. Julio V. Rocha became the First Dean and Rev. Fr. Gregorio Garcia, O.P., the first Regent. Included in the college from 1947-1953 is the Conservatory of Music under Director Julio Esteban Anguita. Additional departments were opened in 1949, the departments of Painting, and Sculpture under directors Victorio Edades and Francisco Monti.

In 1950, the College of Architecture and Fine Arts with the College of Engineering transferred to a new building, presently known as the Ruaño Building, named after Fr. Roque Ruaño, O.P. The Ruano building is located at the España-Forbes corner of the UST campus and was designed by Arch. Julio Rocha. As the college moved to the new building, its student population increased at a faster pace. The departments of Interior Design and Advertising Arts (four-year courses) were opened also under Prof. Victorio Edades is a timely answer to the growing demands.

Arch. Carlos D. Arguelles (1953-1959) succeeded Arch. Julio V. Rocha (1947- 1953) and was followed by Arch. Angel E. Nakpil (1959-1963). Arch. Antonio L. Covarrubias (1963-1968) then became the dean followed by Arch Jose S. Pardo (1968-1971). It was during the school year 1967-1968 that architecture became a five-year course.

The early years of 1970 brought about unrest and turmoil in students under the Marcos regime. Arch. Desiderio B. Santos (1971-1974) was then the dean and was succeeded by Arch. Augusto M. Concio (1974-1980). Arch. Concio introduced new reforms in the college and in 1978 opened the Department of Industrial Design (a four-year course) under Arch. Celino Santiago. Arch. Simoun T. Soriano (1980-1981) became the dean for one year and was followed by Arch. Mauro C. Simpliciano (1981-1990). He was succeeded by Arch. Yolanda D. Reyes (1990-2000).

As part of the College expansion program, the new Beato Angelico Building named after the Dominican artist priest was inaugurated in February 1993. The three-story building located at the España – P. Noval corner of the UST campus, houses the galleries, classrooms, and workshops eventually it was extended to eight stories in its 2nd phase in 2001. During Arch. Reyes term, the College of Architecture was the first school in Architecture to offer Computer-Aided Design subjects. Eventually, it also offered other subjects in computer to the departments of Interior Design, Advertising Arts, Industrial Arts, and Painting."

-Avendaño (2011)

The College of Architecture was given the Center of Excellence in 2000. It was this year the College of Fine Arts and Design separated from The College of Architecture. The college hosted the first international conference entitled: Cities 2000 under Arch. Luis Ferrer, as Dean (2000-2001). Arch. Augusto M. Concio (2001-2004) served for the second time. Acting Dean Arch. Chona E. Ponce (2004-2006) initiated the annual ArkiWeek parade; Arch. John Joseph Fernandez (2006-2016), introduced reforms in the curriculum. The college earned membership for NAAB, and he encouraged international links and travels for the Faculty and students. and  Arch. Rodolfo Ventura (2016-present), revitalized International Linkages for the Faculty and spearheaded the upgrade of the BEATO facilities.

The Annual College Week features the best students' outputs and prestigious Alumni projects celebrating their homecoming. The Exhibits and Arkiparade are events that the Thomasian community and other schools are looking forward to every year. As the tradition must continue despite the pandemic, this year's 91st celebration takes another platform in an on-ine format.

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