Project Title & Location
PLACE OF THE LAST INCARCERATION OF DR. JOSE P. RIZAL
Fort Santiago, Intramuros

Client
National Centennial Commission
Garnet Road cor. Vargas Avenue,Pasig City

National Historical Institute
T. M. Kalaw, Manila

Project Completion
1997

Associated Firms
PROS A&E
ECT Consulting Engineers
TAO Management, Curator
Augusto Villalon, Restoration Consultant

Services Provided
- Retrofit Design
- A&E Services
- Restoration Works

Fort Santiago is as old as Manila's history of Spanish conquest. When the forces of the conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legaspi arrived in Manila, they took over the palisades and fortifications of the Tagalog rulers, built the fort of stone and named the defenses Fuerza Santiago. Very close, where the original palisades were built is a solitary building of stone and wood. This is large for a prison since it had two floors and is isolated from the rest of the prison cells of Intramuros. This structure is Rizal's prison from 3 November to the day of his martyrdom in 30 December 1896. In conceptualizing the role of the Fort Santiago Rizal Shrine for the National Centennial Freedom Trail the plan seeks to create a solemn and minimalist exhibition place that is contemplative in spirit.

The aim is not to trivialize the death of Jose Rizal but still expose in a very reverent manner his humanity and bring this closer to the visitors of the Shrine. The structural integrity of the old building is strengthened to accommodate the new exhibition elements consisting of the wood inlaid Ultimo Adios and several 19th century steel plates with photographs and statements on Rizal's last days. In addition, new toilets, one elevator for the handicapped and the curator's office complete the improvements in the Shrine. The grounds of the Shrine are the starting point of the last walk of Dr. J.P. Rizal to his martyrdom.