Architect Heroes: 4 Famous Buildings by Juan Nakpil

For the first part of our series on famous Filipino architects, we feature the “Father of Philippine Architecture” (and the very first National Artist for Architecture) Juan Nakpil. Born on May 26, 1899, Nakpil was the offspring of two Katipuneros—his father was Julio Nakpil, a composer and general in the Katipunan, and his mother was Gregoria De Jesus, the widow of Katipunan Supremo Andres Bonifacio. Juan was a gifted visual artist, and honed his talent with lessons from artistic masters Fabian dela Rosa and Fernando Amorsolo.

He had a rather interesting life as a student—Nakpil first graduated with a degree in civil engineering from the University of Kansas. He funded his education by working as a pianist with the Filipino Strong Orchestra along with financial help from the American Colonial Government and his uncle Don Antonio Bautista–Lin. He then earned his degree in architecture—his true passion—from the Fontainebleau School of Fine Arts in France, and his master’s degree from Harvard University.

Nakpil founded the “Philippine Architects Society” in 1933, now called the Philippine Institute of Architects. He believed that there is indeed such a thing as “Philippine Architecture”—a style that works with our local climate, seismological conditions, and natural environment. Nakpil also developed a design principle based on the structure of our local houses and indigenous materials.

While many of this National Artist’s projects have since been demolished (like the Rizal Theater), many of Nakpil’s buildings are still standing and are being used, in plain sight. Explore these four buildings and marvel at this architect hero’s amazing creations: