THE UST Museum is hosting “The Visionary Comes Home: A Mañosa Beyond Architecture,” a travelling exhibit of acclaimed Thomasian architect Bobby Mañosa’s designs and studies that date back to 1950s.
More than 50 of Mañosa’s works are displayed, including photographs and miniature versions of the San Lorenzo Ruiz Monument in Manila, the Mary Immaculate Parish in Las Piñas, the Metro Rail Project in Manila and the San Miguel Headquarters in Ortigas.
“One of dad’s greatest pleasures in life has always been to interact and to come together with colleagues and friends in architecture,” Gelo, Mañosa’s son, told the Varsitarian. “It is the reason we are grateful for this opportunity for him, once again, be surrounded by the movers and shakers of his beloved industry and our alma mater.”
Known for his design philosophy of sustainability and versatility of organic and local materials, Mañosa also showcases his research and experiments such as “Plyboo,” a bamboo plywood, and other swatches of indigenous materials.
For instance, Mañosa used bamboo ornaments and sampaguita designs for Pope St. John Paul II’s altar and float during the Holy Father’s 1981 visit to Manila.
The exhibit is divided into five parts–“Diwa ng Anyo,” “Likas at Likha,” “Tagpuan at Ugnayan,” “Danas ng Aliwalas,” “Usbong at Yabong” and “Laro at Hiraya.”
Mañosa, an architecture alumnus of the old College of Architecture and Fine Arts, is known for championing indigenous materials in his works like the rattan, abaca, coconut lumber, coconut husk, coco lumber, shells and various Philippine hardwoods and textiles.
Injecting local or traditional cultures into architecture, Mañosa is noted for pioneering vernacular architecture in the country. He is also known for designing high ceilings, steep and sloping roofs, large windows, low eaves and angular overhangs to conform to the country’s tropical weather.
His works are on exhibit at the UST Museum until April 6.
