MSEUF CAFA Leads Design of Sariaya’s Art Deco Welcome Arch

Reviving a Proud Architectural Legacy

Art Deco—an architectural style born in the 1920s and 1930s—perfectly suits Sariaya’s historic streetscape, famed for its well-preserved ancestral homes. Recognising the town’s unique character, Herencia Sariaya (HS) partnered with the Local Government Unit of Sariaya to commission a gateway that celebrates this heritage while signalling the community’s forward momentum.

From Concept to Collaboration

Early design submissions, however, fell short: incomplete presentations, inconsistent dimensions, and concepts that clashed with the target location prompted HS and the LGU to seek expert input. As the region’s authority in heritage architecture, the MSEUF College of Architecture and Fine Arts (CAFA) was invited to review and refine the proposals.

After several consultative sessions, CAFA recommended a fresh start—offering to craft a concept that balanced aesthetic authenticity, structural integrity, and local context. Led by Dean Ar. Jennifer S.A. Sanchez, the CAFA team produced a design that:

• Echoes the streamlined geometry and ornamental motifs of Philippine Art Deco

• Maintains accurate scale and proportion to the designated site

• Allows unobstructed traffic flow and pedestrian safety

• Uses materials and finishes resilient to the local climate

On 19 November 2023, the final concept earned unanimous approval from HS, the LGU, and community stakeholders. Property owners along the chosen stretch generously allocated space for the arch’s footings, paving the way for construction targeted for 2023–2024.

Building More Than a Gateway

Beyond its striking silhouette, the welcome arch symbolises a collective commitment to conserve Sariaya’s cultural built heritage while fostering civic pride and sustainable tourism.