1st part (history)

Far Eastern University (FEU) is a proprietary private university in the Philippines located in the University Belt area, West Sampaloc, City of Manila. It was founded in 1934 by Nicanor I. Reyes Sr. In its earliest days, the university first building was a cigarette factory on the corner of Azcarraga (now Claro M. Recto Avenue ) and M. Lorenzo (now Quezon Boulevard ) streets in downtown Manila. Dr. Nicanor I. Reyes Sr. commissioned Pablo Antonio in 1934 to update the old cigar factory into a new building that established a modern and progressive image for FEU. He transformed the factory into a streamlined three-story concrete building (Nicanor Reyes Hall) in the Art Deco style that was the trend in the 1930s. Pablo Antonio showed his personal transition from Art Deco to the International Style through the FEU campus buildings that reflected both the university's and the country's vision.

During World War II, the campus was occupied by the Imperial Japanese Army, who left only its shell unharmed. Dr. Nicanor Reyes having been killed during the occupation, Dr. Hermenigildo B. Reyes was appointed the second president of the University when it reopened in 1945.

FEU continued to expand and more buildings were added to the campus. The first building was the Nicanor Reyes Hall followed by Administration Building then the Law Building as the third. In 1940, the FEU East Asia Building was built to home the Girl’s High School then the Science Building was the last addition all designed by Pablo Antonio. Pablo Antonio style was greatly influenced by the Art Deco style which originated in Paris and was popularized by Le Corbusier. It involves geometric shapes used to create futuristic-looking compositions, which can be seen in Antonio's use of clean lines and rectangular masses.

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The structures in the Far Eastern University Art Deco Complex serve as a constant reminder of a prosperous time in the 1920's. Everytime you pass by the Quiapo area, you will see the Nicanor Reyes Hall, a timeless example of Art Deco and its evident architectural geometry design. But on the other hand, the Science Building shows the transition from the Art Deco style to the post World War II International Style. The building design shows the new sleek surfaces of the new style. The building was preserved but went through some minor renovations. Throught the years, the building placed a sense of importance to the students and to the people who sees it. It shows the style and mastery of Pablo Antonio. It continues to show the rich styles of the mid 1900's and the post-war culture of the Filipino people. The Science building, together with the other structures inside the FEU Art Deco Complex continues to be a symbol and a part not only of Manila's heritage, but also the Filipino people's heritage.

mine

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The Science and Business Building in Far Eastern University is important to its users, which are the students. Though its design is quite simplistic in our era, it was considered as one of the most modern looking structure back in the early 90s. Its Art Deco design was created by Architect Pablo Antonio back in 1950. Surprisingly, its design is rather relaxing and pleasing to its students. Though they are stressed and exhausted with their studies, they somehow get rejuvenated from the classy aura that their building emits. That kind of rejuvenating aura is essential to have successful students.