Lecture

History of Philippine Architecture

Understanding the roots of Philippine architecture is an interesting adventure as you revisit your heritage and discover how the
lives of Filipinos from different periods of our history were reflected through structures of houses, churches, mosques, temples,
government buildings, cultural centers and many others. Just by reviewing our history as a nation, the Philippines is a melting
pot of various cultures not just from its Western colonizers but even from its neighbors in Asia even before the Spaniards came.
Our country’s history produced a conglomeration of architectural design which still exists at present.

Let us trace our nation’s architectural history and characteristics through its five periods:

Pre-Hispanic Era
The earliest records of pre-colonial architecture in the Philippines are rock shelters and caves in Palawan. Early Filipinos are
nomadic since they are constantly in search for food through hunting or fishing so they mainly rely on nature when creating shelter
and do not need to build permanent structures. With the development of tools, tent-like shelters and tree houses were also created
to serve as their abode. As farming became a stable source of food, the locals were accustomed to creating permanent structures
to serve as their home. The houses of the natives before the Spanish colonization were predominantly rectangular in shape and
built on stilts so it may be lifted and be transported to a new site. Several factors also affect the type of materials and configuration
of houses such as the difference of climate and topography of numerous Filipino groups in different parts of the country. For
instance, there are variations when it comes to pre-Hispanic houses of those from Ifugao, the bahay kubo (nipa hut) from the
lowlands and the Maranao’s very intricate torogan house. Beautifully designed mosques were also widespread in the Mindanao
region as early as 14th and 15th century due to the emergence of the Islamic religion even before the arrival of the conquistadores.

Spanish Colonial Era

The arrival of Spanish conquerors introduced the Antillean style of architecture. This type of architecture is European (but
originated from Central America and not Spain) which was tweaked to suit the tropical climate of the Philippines and thereafter, had
its own Filipino and unique character.  Aside from houses, Mother Spain also bestowed its influence on the architecture of
churches, the symbolism of its major endowment in the Philippines, Catholicism.

The most glorious colonial churches are still standing firm and most of them are found in the Visayan islands of Panay, Cebu and
Bohol, Ilocos Regions, Southern Luzon particularly in Laguna and Batangas.  According to architectural experts, most of the
colonial churches are Spanish or Mexican baroque based on the evident elements. It is also notable that the construction of these
churches was mainly influenced by the environmental conditions of the country which would constantly experience natural disasters
(typhoon and earthquake) and human destruction as well (fire and attacks) during that time.

One thing that we must appreciate from these churches is how they were crafted with Asian Moorish style and elements. It is not
well-known that during the Spanish period, Chinese and Muslim elements in architectural style became part of the Catholic Church
structures. This is due to the fact that mostly Filipinos are inexperienced with the construction of stone buildings. Master builders
and artisans who participated in the creation of the churches were Chinese and Muslims from the South.  Chinese influence are
shown through red air-dried bricks which were produced from a mixture of coral lime and/or loam and sugar cane juice and lion
figures made of granite apparent in front of San Agustin Church. On the other hand, Moorish and Islamic style is apparent in deeply
incised relief carvings of church facades and its interior. We learned from Philippine History that there was obligatory construction
work imposed on natives in non-Muslim areas during that period but most of them involved cutting, transporting and processing the
materials to build the churches.
American and Japanese Era
The 1896 Philippine Revolution paved the way to the country’s independence from Spain. However, it became a short-lived liberty
when the Americans became the country’s new invaders. There was a drastic change on the architectural design which was
introduced by the Americans as they establish the civil government. A lot of structures were built to serve as government buildings
from cities to municipalities. The design and style of the establishments were akin to Greek or Roman constructions.

Famous American architects such as William Parsons and Edgar Bourne started the proto-modernist way of designing
constructions and they were commonly unadorned facades together with large windows. Another prestigious master designer
during that time was American architect and urban planner Daniel Burnham. He was the one responsible for creating the master
plans for Manila and Baguio.  His contributions to the local architecture together with Parsons were the Kahn system of concrete
reinforcements and the introduction of hollow blocks, the use of anti-termite hardwood and the mass fabrication of building types.

American architecture influence in the Philippines can be classified in two types; the so-called first generation Filipino architects
who studied architecture and engineering in the United States who were sponsored by the colonial masters and the second
generation architects who emerged in the late 1920s and 1930s. The first generation exemplifies combined Beaux Arts elements
with a touch of modernism promoting the ideas of utility in architecture. The second generation on the other hand introduced
the Art Deco portraying exotic embellishments.

The Japanese invasion during World War II lasted only for three years and did not bring any significant architectural change in the
Philippines.

The Late Twentieth Century

During this period in Philippine history starting in the 60’s architects started to merge modernist style with the use of traditional and
local materials.

And in the 70’s Former first Lady Imelda Marcos popularized a national architectural style through the regime’s ostentatious
building projects using indigenous materials and icons.

The New Millennium 

At present, the Philippines has embraced the tripartite decision of columnar architecture (Tower-on-the-Podium) for skyscrapers.
More micro-cities such as Rockwell Center and Bonifacio Global City are developing.

The Filipino architects nowadays are considered to be “late modernists” and eventually “neo-modernists” or “super
modernists”.

Modern commercial buildings are known for their unpredictability and orchestrated chaos exuding the architecture
of deconstruction vibe just like The Gramercy Residences.

The clamor to fight climate change has generated “green architecture” to minimize the negative results of modernity and building
high rise structures. The current trend is to improve efficiency of constructed buildings while moderating the use of energy.

True enough, the evolution of Philippine architecture is a source of pride for Filipinos. Let us make sure that we contribute in the
preservation of our cultural heritage through the structures of the past which will make us appreciate our identity as a nation.

Summary

To summarize, the nation’s architectural history and characteristics through its five periods were discussed. From Pre-Hispanic
Era, Spanish Colonial Era, American and Japanese Era, The Late Twentieth Century up to The New Millennium were also shown.

 
Lecture
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, Vanguard of Filipino Heritage

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is a sprawling

property from over 400 hectares in the Jerry Acuzar of New San Jose Builders,
midst of Bagac, Bataan. An open-air owner of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar and
museum and heritage resort consisting of an advocate of Filipino heritage and
128 guest rooms and 63 elite casas, Las culture, supports these kinds of
Casas is a restored piece of history saved development for the youth to be
from total ruin and neglect. constantly aware and instill pride of
important historical events in the history of
the Philippines.
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is a reconstructed 18th-century
Filipino settlement that showcases the best of Filipino heritage and
culture through the colorful stories as retold by José “Jerry” Acuzar’s collection of restored Spanish-Filipino houses.

Each of the Filipino-Spanish houses were dismantled brick-by-brick, numbered, transported to the Bagac site, and were re-
assembled and restored. For parts that were missing, Las Casas craftsmen replicated the original structure. Speckled with classic
architecture, grandiose landscape, and spectacular waterworks, there is surely beauty to behold anywhere you go. Hop on the
Tramvia and traverse along cultural routes through cobblestone roads. Go on a fluvial adventure by taking the balsa, and see the
casas in a totally different angle.

Las Casas also takes pride in being the only Philippine hotel to have received several international acclaims. Among its prestigious
recognitions are being part of Historic Hotels Worldwide, and being awarded as Asia’s most excellent destination in 2017. 

The video shown above is courtesy of "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho", a weekly news magazine show hosted by Jessica Soho, one of
the most awarded broadcast journalists in the Philippines. It features stories about current events, lifestyle trends, and interesting
individuals.

Corregidor Island, one of the country's last military bastions

Mile-Long Barracks

The skeletal ruins of the Topside Barracks have become the

most iconic landmark of the island. It used to house the
Malinta
quarters Tunnel officers and enlisted personnel. The
of American
structure is also called Mile-Long Barracks even though it
The
spans name
only 1520Malinta came
feet, less from
than the word
a third ‘linta,’
of a mile. meaning
If you walk
leech”. When digging through the mountain to build
from end to end on all three stories of the building, you will thebe
tunnel,
covering a lot aofmile.
almost these blood sucking worms along the way
were found. It took 10 years to complete (1922-1932), an
effort that proved useful during the war as it became the
last stronghold of the military operations before the
Japanese occupation. An elaborate network of tunnels
run through the mountain, sheltering many of the soldiers
during the war.
Located at the entrance to Manila Bay, “Isla ng Corregidor” was identified by the Spaniards as a strategic defense location when
they arrived in the 16th century. Despite being located nearer to the southern coast of Bataan, Corregidor and the other fortified
islands of Manila Bay fall under the jurisdiction of the City of Cavite, Cavite province. They named it “Island of the Corrector,” since
this was the place where all ships entering Manila would stop for inspection. Since then the fortress island has been the site of
many battles, from the Spanish-American War to the period of American colonialism.
Summary
The video shown was an excerpt from 'Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho: Lumang bahay ng mga Pinoy. It showcased different heritage
sites and highlighted Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar located in Bataan and the Corregidor Island in Cavite City. The documentary
will serve as the basis of the reflection paper to be created as instructed on the succeeding pages.

What is a critique?
A critique is a genre of academic writing that briefly summarises and critically evaluates a work or concept. Critiques can be used to
carefully analyse a variety of works such as:

 Creative works – novels, exhibits, film, images, poetry

 Research – monographs, journal articles, systematic reviews, theories
 Media –  news reports, feature articles

Like an essay, a critique uses a formal, academic writing style and has a clear structure, that is, an introduction, body and
conclusion. However, the body of a critique includes a summary of the work and a detailed evaluation. The purpose of an
evaluation is to gauge the usefulness or impact of a work in a particular field.

When written by another expert in the field, a critique can also

A critique is a formal analysis and evaluation of a
be called a peer review. Peer reviews are done to decide
text, production, or performance—either one's own (a self-
whether to accept an article for publication in a scholarly
critique) or someone else's. In composition, a critique is
journal or, in an education setting, can be done in groups of
sometimes called a response paper (Links to an external
students who offer feedback to each other on their
site.).
papers (peer response).

Critiques differ from reviews (these are also different from peer reviews) in that critiques offer more depth to their analysis. Think
of the difference between a scholarly article examining a work of literature in a journal (critique) and the kinds of topics that would
be covered there vs. a few-hundred-word review of a book in a newspaper or magazine for the lay audience, for readers to decide
whether they should purchase it. 

Compare the term critique with critical analysis  (Links to an external site.), critical essay  (Links to an external site.),  and evaluation
essay  (Links to an external site.).
Critiquing criteria are the standards, rules, or tests that serve as the bases for judgments. 
.
“A critique is not a listing of complaints or faults, but a careful analysis of an argument to determine what is said, how well the points
are made, what assumptions underlie the argument, what issues are overlooked and what implications can be drawn from such
observation” (Behrens and Rosen 37-38).

A critique, therefore, is a reader’s personal reaction (positive or negative) or an evaluation of what an author has to say. The writer
of a critique has a responsibility to explain how they reached their critical conclusions about the piece. Thus, statements such as
“This book is fascinating” do not communicate much to the reader of a critique without an explanation of what is fascinating and
why. A critique should differ substantially from a summary.
Summary
The above topic discussed about the definition of critique and variety of works to where we could do critiquing such as in creative
work, research and media. It also stated dissimilarities to other almost similar topics like response paper and peer review.

Lecture

Why do we write critiques?

Writing a critique on a work helps us to develop:

The purpose for writing a critique is to evaluate somebody's work (a book, an essay, a movie, a painting...) in order to increase the
reader's understanding of it. A critical analysis is subjective writing because it expresses the writer's opinion or evaluation of a text.
Analysis means to break down and study the parts.
.Sample Outline for Critical Essay
After the passage under analysis has been carefully studied, the critique can be drafted using this sample outline. *(Take note, this
will serve as one sample outline only. On the succeeding pages, other outlines or parts of writing critique will also be presented.)
Remember:

Avoid introducing your ideas by stating "I think" or "in my opinion." Keep the focus on the subject of your analysis, not on yourself.
Identifying your opinions weakens them.
Always introduce the work. Do not assume that because your reader knows what you are writing about, you do not need to mention
the work's title.
Other questions to consider: Is there a controversy surrounding either the passage or the subject which it concerns?
What about the subject matter is of current interest?
What is the overall value of the passage?
What are its strengths and weaknesses?
Support your thesis with detailed evidence from the text examined. Do not forget to document quotes and paraphrases.
Remember that the purpose of a critical analysis is not merely to inform, but also to evaluate the worth, utility, excellence,
distinction, truth, validity, beauty, or goodness of something.
Even though as a writer you set the standards, you should be open-minded, well informed, and fair. You can express your opinions,
but you should also back them up with evidence.
Your review should provide information, interpretation, and evaluation. The information will help your reader understand the nature
of the work under analysis. The interpretation will explain the meaning of the work, therefore requiring your correct understanding of
it. The evaluation will discuss your opinions of the work and present valid justification for them.
Summary
To recapitulate, identification of writing a critique on a work helps us to develop knowledge, understanding and recognition about
the work. Sample outline of critical essay was also presented together with some reminders or tips to easily perform critique writing.

Lecture
There are a variety of ways to structure a critique. The following template, which showcases the main features of a critique, is
provided as one example.

1. Introduction
Typically, the introduction is short (less than 10% of the word length) and you should:
Name the work being reviewed as well as the date it was created and the name of the author/creator.
Describe the main argument or purpose of the work.
Explain the context in which the work was created. This could include the social or political context, the place of the work in a
creative or academic tradition, or the relationship between the work and the creator’s life experience.
Have a concluding sentence that signposts what your evaluation of the work will be. For instance, it may indicate whether it is a
positive, negative, or mixed evaluation.
2. Summary
Briefly summarize the main points and objectively describe how the creator portrays these by using techniques, styles, media,
characters or symbols. This summary should not be the focus of the critique and is usually shorter than the critical evaluation.

3. Critical evaluation
This section should give a systematic and detailed assessment of the different elements of the work, evaluating how well the
creator was able to achieve the purpose through these. For example: you would assess the plot structure, characterization and
setting of a novel; an assessment of a painting would look at composition, brush strokes, colour and light; a critique of a research
project would look at subject selection, design of the experiment, analysis of data and conclusions.
A critical evaluation does not simply highlight negative impressions. It should deconstruct the work and identify both strengths and
weaknesses. It should examine the work and evaluate its success, in light of its purpose.
4. Conclusion
This is usually a very brief paragraph, which includes:
A statement indicating the overall evaluation of the work
A summary of the key reasons, identified during the critical evaluation, why this evaluation was formed.
In some circumstances, recommendations for improvement on the work may be appropriate.
5. Reference list
Include all resources cited in your critique. Check with your lecturer/tutor for which referencing style to use.
Summary The topic above discussed main features or parts of a critique paper. It also talked about processes on how each part
should be written.
Lecture
A critique is usually written in response to a creative work, such as a novel, a film, poetry, or a painting. However, critiques are also
sometimes assigned for research articles and media items, such as news articles or features. A critique is slightly different than a
traditional 5-paragraph theme, as it is usually focused on the overall effectiveness and usefulness of the work it is critiquing, rather
than making a strictly analytical argument about it. Organizing your critique into 5 paragraphs can help you structure your thoughts.
How to write a critique
Before you start writing, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the work that will be critiqued. (This is another method
of writing a critique)
Part 1. Laying the Groundwork

Part 2. Writing the Introductory Paragraph

Part 3. Writing the 3 Body Paragraphs

1. A critique is often assigned to analyze a work of literature, such as an essay, a book, poetry, etc. However, paintings,
movies, and so on can also be the subject of your critical analysis.
2. When writing a critique, you can also introduce your opinion on a subject and make your own judgment.
3. Always provide reasonable and convincing arguments. Your assertions and judgments are worth nothing if
they are not backed up with supporting arguments.
4. Be sure to use an impartial tone.
5. A critique can be somewhat confusing when you don’t know how to link it to your thesis. If you see that your
writing is taking you nowhere, consider consulting with someone, or choose another object for your
investigation.
6. Even if you disliked the work you have chosen to analyze, be polite. Your reader will want to get a sophisticated point of
view. 
Checklist for a critique
Mentioned the name of the work, the date of its creation and the name of the creator?
Accurately summarized the work being critiqued?
Mainly focused on the critical evaluation of the work?
Systematically outlined an evaluation of each element of the work to achieve the overall purpose?
used evidence, from the work itself as well as other sources, to back and illustrate my assessment of elements of of the work?
formed an overall evaluation of the work, based on critical reading?
used a well structured introduction, body and conclusion?
used correct grammar, spelling and punctuation; clear presentation; and appropriate referencing style?
Summary
As a review, parts or steps of critique writing were indicated in the first portion of the topic. Every part has the specific process
indicated. Six general tips in writing a critique were also presented in an interactive way. Lastly, checklist for a writing a critique
was enumerated.
The rapidly changing media landscape has impacted on architectural criticism and shifted both modes of
criticism and the media in which it is published. The topic below discusses about architecture criticism,
specific criteria for criticism, principles of architectural criticism and a video presentation of architecture
criticism.
Expectation on the Topic
Familiarize on the importance of architectural criticism.

Lecture
Architecture criticism is the critique of architecture. Everyday criticism relates to published or broadcast critiques of buildings,
whether completed or not, both in terms of news and other criteria. In many cases, criticism amounts to an assessment of the
architect's success in meeting his or her own aims and objectives and those of others. The assessment may consider the subject
from the perspective of some wider context, which may involve planning, social or aesthetic issues. It may also take a polemical
position reflecting the critic's own values. At the most accessible extreme, architectural criticism is a branch of lifestyle journalism,
especially in the case of high-end residential projects.
Criteria
The critic's task is to assess how successful the architect and others involved with the project have been in meeting both the criteria
the project set out to meet and those that the critic himself feels to be important. Specific criteria include:

The 7 Principles of Architectural Criticism

Architectural criticism is a really tough task as there are many aspects which cannot be distinguished as right or wrong, for
instance, aesthetics; what might be beautiful to someone may just seem artificial to another one. So, becoming an effective
architecture critic requires a wide range of attributes which include vastness of knowledge, years of experience, the power of
persuasion, excellent delivery skills, lots of patience, thirst for awareness, and logic in arguments. Architecture critics not only assist
architects in understanding the nature of their own project but also help them in developing a critical judgment about it. They make
the picture clearer.
So, now let’s review some of the skills and qualities necessary for critics to perform their role in a most constructive manner.
1. Fairness in Judgement
First, the critic should be a ‘man of principles’. Fairness and clarity are essential when judging a design. The design should be
assessed as per its own requirements rather than taking another project as a basis for comparison. A civilian’s house can never be
judged along the lines of King’s Palace.
2. Logical Reasoning
The critic should always have a logical reason behind the argument. “Emotion doesn’t trump reason,” says Robert Ivy, CEO of the
American Institute of Architects. Of course, having an affinity towards a particular designer or style isn’t wrong, unless it affects the
way in which others are criticized. The goal behind criticism should never be insulting the architects or their designs, rather it should
be pointing out the wrong in order to improve the whole situation.

3. Building a Persuasive Case

“The critic has to build a persuasive case–brick by brick,” says Cathleen McGuigan, Editor in Chief of Architectural Record. The art
of convincing is very significant to make criticism more constructive. The critic’s opinion is not of any use if the receiver does not
understand it and truly agrees with it. Describing a real life experience as an example to prove a point might help.
4. Adequate Delivery
Sometimes, it is the language that ruins a good critic. Poor delivery may ruin the effectiveness of a critique, even though the critic is
right and has good intentions. Similarly, appropriate delivery may, even, promote an egocentric criticism. The critic should deliver
the message in a positive and motivating manner, without hurting the target’s sentiments. The evaluative language like “You are
wrong” or “This is a stupid idea” may not be of any help whereas “I feel like this may be a better solution” might just work wonders.
5. Objective Commentary
Criticism should be more objective. It should be specific, relevant, and to the point. Focusing on the problem at hand helps in
understanding the context. “Your design lacks this” is anytime better than “Something isn’t right but I am unable to put it”.
6. General Knowledge of Architecture
Awareness of the past, present, and possible future issues and trends of architecture is a genuine requirement for a critic to be
capable of commenting on an architectural design. Also, experience as a practicing architect can be very advantageous.
7. Understanding the Architect’s Point of View
Lastly, it’s essential for critics to put themselves in the shoes of the receiving architects in order to adjudicate the design properly.
Doing this will enable them to understand the problem from the architect’s point of view and hence deliver more appropriate
suggestions.
Video
Modern architecture elicits a strong emotional response from people, usually in the negative. So why is that?
Modern architecture prides itself on simplicity, though that often comes out looking monotonous or dehumanizing to some. This
style of design originated in the 1920s and 30s as architects argued that architectural creative expression should be free from
historical baggage and rather architectural forms should follow function.
Summary
The above topic discussed about the meaning of architectural criticism and it's significance to the architecture industry. Specific
criteria were also presented utilized in critiquing a structure or an architecture. Principles of architectural criticism or the skills and
qualities necessary for critics to perform in a most constructive manner was also enumerated. Finally, an audio-visual presentation
was attached regarding why do people hate modern architecture as a part of architecture criticism.