Client
University of Sto Tomas
Educating Tomorrow
UST General Santos Campus
Typology
Education
Size
738,510 sqm
Services
Masterplanning, Architecture, and Interior Design
Location
General Santos City, Philippines
Year
2018 - 2022
Educating Tomorrow
The UST General Santos City Masterplan embodies a forward-thinking vision for education in the southern Philippines, establishing the University of Santo Tomas (UST) as a pivotal institution in the region. Spanning 82.2 hectares, the campus is designed to accommodate 15,000 students, offering a vibrant and inclusive environment that fosters academic excellence and personal growth.
The Main Building serves as the heart of the campus, designed with a seven-storey structure that overlooks an expansive open plaza, symbolizing UST’s commitment to community and engagement. This extension of UST Manila reflects a dream of an integrated and globally competitive Mindanao, providing students with access to diverse programs in health sciences, business and accountancy, and engineering and information technology.
The UST General Santos campus features state-of-the-art facilities designed to support a comprehensive educational experience. The Main Building houses essential amenities, including a 100-person capacity chapel, library, clinic, organization rooms, an auditorium, and various function halls.
The campus layout promotes collaboration and interaction among students and faculty, with spaces designed to encourage active learning and community involvement. Planned future developments include the Arch of the New Century and the Dr. Ricardo S. Po Sr. Integrated Innovation and Research Laboratories, which will further enhance the campus’s capabilities. The laboratories will play a crucial role in advancing agri-tech initiatives, providing essential research and service facilities that link UST GenSan with industry partners in the region.
The design process for the UST General Santos campus involved a collaborative approach, integrating input from stakeholders, educators, and community leaders. Aidea's commitment to creating a space that reflects the unique cultural and educational needs of Mindanao informed every aspect of the design.
The Main Building's architectural inspiration draws from its Manila counterpart while adapting to the local context, ensuring that the campus resonates with the community it serves. The design journey emphasized sustainability and functionality, resulting in an environment that promotes learning, research, and social interaction.
Innovative solutions are at the core of the UST General Santos City Masterplan. The integration of advanced technology within the Dr. Ricardo S. Po Sr. Integrated Innovation and Research Laboratories exemplifies this commitment to innovation.
These facilities are designed to support cutting-edge research and development, fostering partnerships with local industries to address real-world challenges. By prioritizing collaboration and community engagement, UST General Santos aims to become a leading hub for education and innovation, preparing students to thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. As the campus opens its doors in Academic Year 2024-2025, it stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for the future of education in Mindanao.
