Article by Carlos Cucueco III
9 September 2021
During the last few years before the Second World War, there was once a structure that served as a template for future commercial establishments in the Philippines. Although long gone, the Crystal Arcade provided us with expectations with regards to the commercial centers that we know today.
The Crystal Arcade was inaugurated in 1932 along the Escolta. It was designed by Ar. Andres Luna de San Pedro, also the son of the famous Filipino painter Juan Luna. Considered the first shopping center in the Philippines, some of the innovative features that were introduced and still being adapted up to this day are the air-conditioned interiors and walkways that leads consumers to a variety of stalls inside. Various commercial shops and offices graced the Crystal Arcade, including the Manila Stock Exchange which evolved later on as the Philippine Stock Exchange, Exchange Café which was popular among stockbrokers, and the Marina Rae’s Candies where imported candies were sold. This is one of the reasons why Escolta and nearby areas were considered as the Central Business District during the Pre-war years.
As the name of the building suggests, the exterior and interior of the structure utilized glass from the windows, doors, storefronts, lighting fixtures and skylights. Aesthetic-wise, Art Deco were used as motifs throughout the Crystal Palace – from the façade to the grand staircase and even the skylights. During the time that it was built, Art Deco was already being replaced by modernist buildings and glass was then considered as a material that is easily used for construction. It is amazing that the architect has managed to combine Art Deco elements and glass to create the country’s most modern building during that time.
Unfortunately, the Crystal Arcade was a victim of destruction bought by the Second World War. Thus after the war, only the shell of the structure remained. The first two floors were reused as shops although not as grand as the prewar Crystal Arcade. Finally, the remains of the structure were then demolished in the 1960’s to be replaced with the Philippine National Bank Building designed by Ar. Carlos Arguelles.
Written by Ar. Carlos Cucueco III.
Visuals by Chaeyon Lee. (@chaeyeonieearts – Twitter)
Renacimiento Manila.
All Rights Reserved.
REFERENCES:
Arquitectura Manila
Esquire Mag (2017)
Gopal, L. (2012). The Crystal Arcade – Art Deco at its finest ! . Manila Nostalgia
What, then, is the Renacimiento Movement? The movement is the core philosophy of the organization. It is founded on the reality that heritage is a cornerstone of holistic development and that it is indispensable in ensuring the quality of life. As such, cultural revival is necessary for the promotion of heritage on the national agenda. Heritage should be driven by the people, regardless of race, gender, creed, or religion. This cultural revival can be achieved through the following ways: government support, the advancement of private initiatives, and the engagement of the people.
