July 1, 2013

Quonset hut

Blue Eagle Gym CITY DAILY PHOTO THEME DAY: FACADE When the Jesuits decided to move the main campus of the Ateneo de Manila from Padre Faura in the City of Manila to the no-man's-land that was Loyola Heights in Quezon City in the 1950s, the first structure they had built was the gymnasium. It served as the storehouse of construction materials for the other buildings. Now called the Blue Eagle Gym, after the university's mascot, it continues to be the most visible landmark of the Ateneo de Manila—if only because it is currently the only building that can completely be seen from the road. And, yes, the design of the Blue Eagle Gym really is based on the lowly quonset hut. That inexpensive, prefabricated shelter served the Jesuits and the school well after World War II.

17 comments:

Chattahoochee Valley Daily said...

Good I interpretation of the theme. You never know what good works go on behind the facade of a simple Quonset hut.

LONDONLULU said...

Such a great and unusual find for the theme! Quonset huts also have a rich history in my mind, as they were used a lot, interestingly, where I grew up. Not so much here in Princeton...but they still hold a fascination for me:)

magiceye said...

Looks very pretty

Zosia said...

Looks nautical with its white and blue colours and rounded windows at the base.
Thank you for stopping by at Polonica: Home Again.

Gerald (SK14) said...

an interesting history there

LOLfromPasa said...

I learned something, Hilda :). Distinctive gym that looks great.

VP said...

Interesting story for an unusual facade!

PerthDailyPhoto said...

When we lived in Africa those shelters were used for many things, including the local airport..it was a long time ago :) Very different and interesting facade for the theme Hilda.

Tanya Breese said...

great interpretation for the theme hilda!

Sharon said...

That's a very interesting building and the blue eagle looks like a perfect mascot. I can see it on the front of sweatshirts and T-shirts.

Marleen said...

The colours are eye catching. Thanks for an interesting story!

cieldequimper said...

Very interesting and surprising!

Kay said...

Good interpretation of the theme, and very interesting history of the building.

(P.S. Too bad yesterday's ramen wasn't so good. I love a good bowl of noodles and broth now and then>)

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

So very interesting, Hilda. When I was in high school, I worked one summer in a small bank which was housed in a quonset hut. Of course, it was very small and vintage WWII, but I have not thought about it in years. Thanks for the memory.

Bises,
Genie

Unknown said...

A very original building.

George said...

This has to be the prettiest Quonset hut I've ever seen.

Buck said...

A beautiful facade for a Quonset Hut! Very nice photo for the theme.