Rizal Memorial Coliseum returns to ‘art deco’ roots for SEA Games

The Rizal Memorial Sports Complex has been restored to its original art deco design after it was overhauled by the team of architect and art historian Gerard Lico for the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

According to GMA News’ Dano Tingcungco, no detail of the coliseum was spared from being restored into the 1920s style movement aimed at achieving sleek and non-traditional elegance to symbolize sophistication.

Look: art deco finishes of Rizal Memorial Coliseum restored by team of Gerard Lico; art deco comes from French term <arts décoratifs>, a pre-WW I visual arts and arch style that symbolized glamour, fine craftsmanship, and the embracing of progress #SEAGames2019 @gmanews pic.twitter.com/JffTFaWQi1

— Dano Tingcungco (@danotingcungco) November 28, 2019

Aside from impressive sports facilities, the coliseum also boasts a luxurious lobby and bathrooms.

The men’s locker room was also dressed in art deco.

The men’s locker room is also done in art deco #SEAGames2019 @gmanews pic.twitter.com/wjG6pWLRuq

— Dano Tingcungco (@danotingcungco) November 28, 2019

The lighting fixtures, window grills, and even the fonts used for signs were also restored in their original art deco styling.

No detail is spared; even typefaces of signs, lighting fixtures, window grills are fully restored in the original art deco styling #SEAGames2019 @gmanews pic.twitter.com/vEkYl1uHiN

— Dano Tingcungco (@danotingcungco) November 28, 2019

Locker E of the Rizal Memorial Coliseum; all 6 lockers of the Coliseum are done in different pastel colors #SEAGames2019 @gmanews pic.twitter.com/sDbwnE8eAM

— Dano Tingcungco (@danotingcungco) November 28, 2019

FULL COVERAGE: 30th Southeast Asian Games on GMA News Online

Just days ago, the complex became the subject of controversy after photos of the venue still undergoing construction hours before a football game made rounds online. 

This the first time in decades that the 85-year-old coliseum was renovated.

The SEA Games will be held in various venues across the country from November 30 to December 11. — Julia Mari Ordeno/MDM/NB, GMA News