Lyceum of the Philippines, Cavite

Client: Lyceum of the Philippines

 

The LPU Cavite campus, with its distinctive architecture and landscape design has become a landmark in Trece Martirez, Cavite. When seen from above, the siting and configuration of the buildings and open spaces resemble the shape of a bay leaf. TVA&P, the architecture firm who designed the buildings wanted to honor the founding family of LPU by representing their surname, Laurel, and known locally as bay leaf.

 

The center of the two concave buildings is the Central Green, the main campus open space. Common to most universities around the world, this kind open space is often centrally located and bound by several buildings along its edges. School events such as graduations, assemblies, concerts, and fairs are often held here, and the same is true for the LPU Central Green. The focal point of the space is the statue of the founder of LPU, Dr. Jose P. Laurel. What makes the Central Green experience different from other university landscapes is the presence of roaming ducks, a large lagoon, and a koi pond.

LPU wanted a park-like setting that is one of a kind for a university campus, and introducing ducks and koi into the design were a must-have from the beginning. The ducks have become part of everyday campus life and has been a quasi-mascot

of sorts for the university. To enhance the outdoor dining experience, the koi pond is situated next to the cafeteria patio.

The multi-purpose lawn and plaza are intended to accommodate varying sizes of gatherings and activities, from small groups of students to graduation ceremonies. The LPU Cavite Campus has now become the benchmark for future

campuses nationwide, such as the upcoming LPU Davao, which will feature the same design approach as LPU Cavite,

but in a grander scale.