National Museum of Natural History
Adaptive reuse is a form of conservation in which heritage structures are given new and
alternative purposes in addition to the original ones that may no longer be needed. Because built heritage
treasures are frequently located on high-end real estate, developers are more likely to demolish rather than
restore and recycle. Adaptive reuse is becoming increasingly popular as a way to increase property value.
Figure 1. The winning competition entry by Dominic Galicia and Tina Periquet
Source: BluPrint (courtesy of Dominic Galicia)
The National Museum of Natural History was initially constructed in 1940 to house the
Ministries of Agriculture and Commerce. The museum is an architectural masterpiece with a spacious,
airy, expertly designed array of galleries and interactive learning spaces inside while retaining its historic
Neoclassical façade from the exterior (Manlapig, 2018). Dominic Galicia's combination of restoration and
creative innovation for the National Museum of Natural History may yet transform notions about the role
existing buildings can play in the formation of tomorrow's Manila in a culture where wholesale
destruction of built heritage is widespread (Ramos, 2017).
Figure 1. Double helix “Tree of Life”
Source: US Philippines Society (courtesy of Dominic Galicia)
The design team of architect Dominic Galicia and interior architect Tina Periquet drew
inspiration from the National Museum collection before settling on DNA as a powerful concept and form
generator. The original Toledo linen drawings from the National Museum archives were made available
to the design team. The design proposes a circular glass-and-metal canopy to crown the building's central
courtyard, creating a sheltered public space. This new structure will be supported by four steel box-
section "tree trunk segments" arcing upward from a stepped base. A steel double helix spirals around a
scenic lift shaft in the center.
Figure 2. The original interior stairs
Source: BluPrint (Photographed by Ed Simon of Studio 100)
The architecture of the existing structure has varying degrees of cultural significance, and the
design intent responds accordingly. The most prominent elements are the express Toledo at his most
eloquent, namely the exterior and Courtyard façades, as well as Marble Hall and the various interior
stairwells. Some of these allusions can be kept in places where they can help enrich the telling of the
building's story as part of our nation's larger narrative. The floor pattern of the former Cabinet Secretary's
offices on the Fourth Floor Gallery, for example, could prompt at the former space plan. The decorative
altars in the Courtyard's Ground Level corners all contain the first letter of what could be a former cabinet
secretary's surname. At least one of these altars could be preserved for archaeological purposes. The
Marble Hall will be restored concerning the goals described in the original architectural drawings from
1939 (BluPrint, 2018).
The National Museum of Natural History demonstrates how equal parts architectural bravery and
a healthy submission and respect for the past can breathe new life into a significant historic building
without sacrificing its old fabric, charm, or even ghosts.
BluPrint - Vol. 1 2018. (2018). Magazines Commumity!
https://downmagaz.net/architecture_magazine_bulding/140264-bluprint-vol-1-2018.html
Manlapig, M. (2018). An Exclusive Inside Look Of The National Museum of Natural History.
Tatler Philippines. https://ph.asiatatler.com/life/an-exclusive-inside-look-of-the-national-
museum-of-natural-history
Ramos, N. (2017). The National Museum of Natural History - How it began. BluPrint.
https://bluprint.onemega.com/begin-national-museum-of-natural-history/
