Led the conservation and restoration of the Manila Metropolitan Theater, preserving its Art Deco grandeur for modern use.
ARC LICO served as Consulting Architect and Project Manager for the first phase of the conservation and rehabilitation of the Manila Metropolitan Theater (MET), one of the country’s finest examples of Art Deco architecture designed by Juan Arellano in 1931.ARC LICO led the technical development of the restoration program from 2015 to 2018, laying the groundwork for one of the most significant heritage revival efforts in the Philippines.
The scope of work included archival research, detailed architectural documentation, the creation of As-Built and As-Found drawings, and the preparation of a Conservation Management Plan (CMP). ARC LICO also conducted a condition survey and defects mapping, which informed intervention strategies tailored to the building’s unique materials and features, such as its polychromatic mosaics, intricate bas-reliefs, and reinforced concrete structure.
The project provided the client with a thorough heritage conservation framework and technical guidance, enabling the successful revival of a long-neglected national cultural treasure. ARC LICO’s contribution helped transform the MET from a dilapidated structure into a modern performance venue, while preserving its original architectural identity. This effort highlights the critical role of conservation design in cultural regeneration and urban revitalization.
