First United Building, Art Deco office building in Binondo, Philippines.
The First United Building is a six-story office structure in Art Deco style with a central tower and two chamfered corner towers on Escolta Street. The building combines horizontal and vertical lines with geometric details that define its facade.
The building was completed in 1928 by architect Andres Luna de San Pedro and was at that time the tallest structure in Manila. Its completion marked a milestone in the city's modern architecture during an era of economic growth.
The ground floor, once a major department store, now hosts a creative hub where local artists set up workshops and exhibit their work. This transformation shows how the space has become a place where people come together to create and share ideas.
Access to the building is through the main entrance on Escolta Street, where the exhibition space and community areas are located on the ground floor. Exploring the site works best during the day, when all areas are open and light highlights the architectural details.
The facade displays intricate geometric patterns with boomerang chevrons, spirals, and lancet arches that earned the building a design award in 1928. These decorative elements were a novel and uncommon expression in the city's architecture at that time.
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