First United Building in Escolta Wins Top Award at 2024 Good Design Philippines

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The historic First United Building (FUB) in Escolta has been awarded the prestigious Malasakit Gran Prix Award at the 2024 Good Design Philippines, recognizing its exceptional blend of heritage preservation and modern innovation.

The award was presented to FUB owners Robert and Lorraine Sylianteng last week during the 2024 Good Design Award Philippines, an initiative inspired by the international events organized by the World Design Organization every 29th of June.

Image from Design Center of the Philippines 

History of the First United Building 

Completed in 1928, the First United Building was the tallest structure in Manila at the time and was designed by renowned architect Andres Luna de San Pedro. The building’s historical significance is further amplified by its connection to Juan Luna, the celebrated Filipino painter, and father of the architect, making it a cultural landmark in Manila’s architectural landscape.

Image from Spot PH

The Malasakit Gran Prix Award honors outstanding contributions to placemaking and sustainable preservation. Good Design Award Philippines 2024 Jury Chair and Co-chair of Design Center’s Design Advisory Council Mylene Abiva lauded the FUB for its role in fostering a sense of community and history. 

“The historic building’s transformation shows the power of placemaking, where it’s not just the walls and posts that make a place but the communities that flourish in it. The restored First United Building in Escolta revitalized the district, attracting creative tenants and drawing a new demographic of visitors and regular audiences that come to Escolta to escape the cookie-cutter spaces that proliferate in many urban areas,” Abiva stated during the award ceremony.

The restoration of the First United Building was a meticulous process aimed at honoring its historical essence while adapting it for contemporary use. Now, the building serves as a vibrant hub for creative communities and a model for urban regeneration. This adaptive reuse not only preserved the building’s architectural integrity but also infused it with new functions, making it relevant and useful in today’s context.

Image from TripZilla Philippines

Currently, the First United Building houses a variety of businesses and shops, creating an attractive space that calls on both locals and tourists. The First United Building Community Museum, located within its walls, offers visitors a glimpse into the building’s storied past and its role in Manila’s development. This transformation has played a pivotal role in revitalizing Escolta, drawing a new demographic, and fostering economic growth in the area.

Robert Sylianteng, owner and President of FUB, expressed immense pride in receiving the award and witnessing the building’s revival. 

“We see this award as a validation that what is organic drives sustainability. Both take time and patience. Hindi makakahon,” he said.

Recovering The Past For A Brighter Future

The First United Building’s journey from a historical landmark to a modern hub of community and innovation encapsulates the essence of urban regeneration. Its recognition at the 2024 Good Design Philippines underscores the importance of design and preservation in shaping our urban environments. As other heritage buildings look to the FUB as a model, the future of sustainable urban development in Manila looks promising, with history and modernity walking hand in hand.