In line with the University’s vision of being one of the leading learner-centered research university, it has launched a five-year redevelopment program known as the Campus Renewal Plan.
That said plan was started in 2009. It aims to improve existing structures, provide state-of-the-art facilities, and address the lack of the spatial planning in the university.
According to a presentation made by Marianne Abella, part of the marketing team for the fundraising for the Centennial Hall, some of the challenges which led to the conception of the Campus Renewal Plan include the tentative sense of space planning and lack of spatial order in the campus and the need to re-appropriate space and anticipate future requirements.
As stated by Architect Augusto Villaon, “More buildings were constructed as the student population grew …without paying attention to spatial interrelationships with each other or to the open spaces in between. The campus seemed to have lost its visual order. Its sense of spaciousness was lost. Gone was the feeling of calm … that once so appropriately made the La Salle environment so conducive for learning.”
According to Br. Ricky Laguda FSC, Chancellor and President of the University, the plan is still currently finalizing stages, so there are no final plans as of now, or at least as the organized committee has stated. Until now, the Campus Renewal committee is still deliberating on the steps to follow the construction of the Centennial Hall.
Plans such as demolitions of some buildings are still being considered. Some provisions of the plan however, started such as the retrofitting of the St. La Salle Hall, and the construction of the Henry Sy Sr Hall; included in the plan as well is the creation of more spaces and plazas. These provisions are intended to be environmentally sustainable and green in nature.
The original campus renewal plan entailed the possible demolition of buildings to make way for the addition of new ones. According to unofficial sources, these include the Br. Alphonsus Bloemen Hall, where the Zaide Canteen is currently located; the Br. Mutien Marie building, situated beside Miguel; also, the Br. Connon Hall, also known as the Student Personnel Services (SPS) building, may be part of the demolition.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) donated money for the construction of the SPS building and the University Library, through its office for American Schools and Hospitals, after the Second World War.
Other plans include the restoration of the original rotunda in front of the St. La Salle Hall, where the Marilen Gaerlan Conservatory now stands. Construction work will begin in said location by 2nd term this year.
The development of the Estero Road and the Velasco Building are also part of future plans to further improve the University’s competitiveness and capacity to meet needs.
