ARCHITECTURE

NOUN
The word architecture comes from the Greek word “ Architeckton ” which means “Master of
Builder”. It is said that Architecture is the art and science of designing and erecting buildings
and other physical structures but it is also more than just the built environment, it also became
part of our culture and our society.

ARCHITECTS
Architects plays an important role in society as they are the one who are responsible to plan for
the visual appearance of the buildings and structures as they work with other professions to
make the plan possible. They lead and develop projects through design development as they
prepare drawings, specifications, organize and manage permit documents and construction
documents, consult with the clients for the requirements and resolve complex design issues with
innovative and practical solutions.

PRE-COLONIAL
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.

- The earliest records of pre-colonial architecture in the Philippines are rock shelters and
caves in Palawan.
- 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.
Bahay Kubo
TRADITIONAL NIPA HUT (ANAHAW, NIPA, BAMBOO, WOOD)
Bahay Kubo literally translates to “cube house” in Spanish. Bahay Kubo has long been the
traditional house of the indigenous Filipinos. A nipa hut is designed to endure both rainy and
sunny seasons of the country. It was simple and made out of native materials like nipa, bamboo
and coconut leaves. With the availability of the materials, it is easier to repair in times of
typhoons or heavy rains. It has become one of the symbolic icons of the Philippines.

TOROGAN
MARANAOAN HOUSE
The torogan was the traditional house of Maranao royalties. The sultan, along with his wives,
children & servants lived on it. It was also a communal house where affairs of the community
were held.

Parts: LAMIN (UPPER CHAMBER), TUKOD (TREE TRUNKS), NIYAGA (SERPENT DESIGN
CARVED-END BEAMS, BARIMBINGAN FLOOR PLANK, GOGON MATERIALROOFING,
SUPPORTED BY DIFFERENT TYPES OF CARVED PILLARS

BAHAY NA BATO
TRADITIONAL IVATAN HOUSE
Given the geographical location of Batanes. Ivatan architecture is designed to withstand the
unpredictable harsh climate.

PRE-COLONIAL
Beautifully designed mosqueswere 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 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.
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 (typhoons and earthquakes) and human destruction as
well (fire and attacks) during that time.

The list on the right side are locations where most glorious churches stand firm to this day,
Cebu, Panay, Bohol, Ilocos region, Batangas and Laguna.

One thing that we must appreciate from these churches is how they were crafted with Asian
Moorish style and elements.

Master builders and artisans who participated in the creation of the churches were Chinese and
Muslims from the South. This is due to the fact that most Filipinos are inexperienced with the
construction of stone buildings,

BAHAY NA BATO
In the Philippines, Spanish colonial-era dwellings are based on the traditional Bahay Kubo, or
Austronesian-styled house on stilts.

CORAL STONE, BRICKS, ADOBE STONES, WOOD

- The ground level of Bahay na Bato is reminiscent of Spanish architecture, as it is

primarily constructed of stones and possibly bricks. In contrast, the second level is
constructed mainly of wood and light materials, with the roof constructed of terracotta,
which is believed to have been imported from China.
- Even throughout colonization, the layout of houses remained remarkably consistent.
Traditionally, Philippine houses are built on stilts, and ground levels are usually
unoccupied.
- Traditional homes often feature open floor designs which allow cool air to revolve more
around, which is a long-standing custom, and is probably due to the hot climate of the
country.

AMERICAN AND JAPANESE

- There was a drastic change in the architectural design which was introduced by the
Americans as they established 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.
- The Japanese invasion during World War II lasted only for three years and did not bring
any significant architectural change in the Philippines.

AMERICAN INFLUENCE

FIRST GENERATION
- exemplifies combined Beaux Arts elements with a touch of modernism promoting the ideas of
utility in architecture.

Second GENERATION
- introduced the Art Deco portraying exotic embellishments
- emerged in the late 1920s to 1930s

beaux architecture
- uses formal symmetry, Italian Renaissance form, and classical Greek and Roman decorative
elements like columns, pediments and balustrades to create a grand and imposing architectural
statement.

BALUSTRADES, COLUMNS, BALCONIES, PILASTERS, CORNICES, TRIANGULAR

PEDIMENT

ART DECO ARCHITECTURE

— have a sleek, linear appearance with stylized, often geometric ornamentation. The primary
façade of Art Deco buildings often feature a series of setbacks that create a stepped outline.
ZIG-ZAG
TRIANGULAR
SUNBURST
COLUMNS
GEOMETRICAL
Late 20th 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.
EDIFICE COMPLEX

— The term "edifice complex" was coined in the 1970s to describe Philippine First Lady Imelda
Marcos' practice of using publicly funded construction projects as political and election
propaganda.

- Built with a Brutalist architectural style, perhaps to emphasize their grandiose character,
these construction projects were funded by foreign loans, allowing the incumbent Marcos
administration to create an impression of progress. This, however, put the Philippines through a
series of debt crises —the first of which, in 1970, many economic historians consider to have
triggered the socioeconomic unrest that later led Marcos to impose Martial Law in 1972.
Late 20th century

- 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.

NATIONAL ARTISTS
The Order of National Artists (Orden ng Pambansang Alagad ng Sining) is the highest national
recognition given to Filipino individuals who have made significant contributions to the
development of Philippine arts; namely, Music, Dance, Theater, Visual Arts, Literature, Film,
Broadcast Arts, and Architecture and Allied Arts. The order is jointly administered by the
National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines
(CCP) and conferred by the President of the Philippines upon recommendation by both
institutions.

JUAN F. NAKPIL, 1973

- Juan F. Nakpil is an architect, teacher and civic leaderthat is a pioneer and
innovator in Philippine architecture.
- Nakpil’s greatest contribution is his belief that there is such a thing as Philippine
Architecture, espousing architecture reflective of Philippine traditions and culture.
 - It is also largely due to his zealous representation and efforts that private Filipino
architects and engineers, by law, are now able to participate in the design and execution
of government projects.
- He has integrated strength, function, and beauty in the buildings that are the country’s
heritage today.

CAPITOL THEATER
INTERNATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS ALTAR
RECONSTRUCTION OF QUIAPO CHURCH

PABLO S. ANTONIO, 1976

- pioneered modern Philippine architecture.
- Pablo Jr. points out, “For our father, every line must have a meaning, a purpose. For him,
function comes first before elegance or form”.
- Antonio believes that buildings “should be planned with austerity in mind and its stability
forever as the aim of true architecture, that buildings must be progressive, simple in
design but dignified, true to a purpose without resorting to an applied set of aesthetics
and should eternally recreate truth”.

FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION AND SCIENCE BUILDING

MANILA POLO CLUB
BOULEVARD - ALHAMBRA

LEANDRO LOCSIN, 1990

- Leandro V. Locsin reshaped the urban landscape with a distinctive architecture reflective
of Philippine Art and Culture.
- He believes that the true Philippine Architecture is “the product of two great streams of
culture, the oriental and the occidental… to produce a new object of profound harmony.”
- From 1955 to 1994, Locsin has produced 75 residences and 88 buildings, including 11
churches and chapels, 23 public buildings, 48 commercial buildings, six major hotels,
and an airport terminal building.

ISTANA NURUL IMAN

CCP COMPLEX
PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTER

ILDEFONSO P. SANTOS, JR., 2006

 - He distinguished himself by pioneering the practice of landscape architecture–an allied
field of architecture–in the Philippines and then producing four decades of exemplary
and engaging work that has included hundreds of parks, plazas, gardens, and a wide
range of outdoor settings that have enhanced contemporary Filipino life.
- Father of Philippine Landscape Architecture

MAKATI COMMERCIAL CENTER

SEMINAL LANDSCAPE IN PACO PARK
TAGAYTAY HIGHLAND MOUNTAIN RESORT

JOSE MARIA V. ZARAGOSA, 2014

- His place in Philippine architecture history is defined by a significant body of modern
edifices that address spiritual and secular requirements.
- His name is synonymous to modern ecclesiastical architecture.
- He graduated from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila in 1936 and passed the
licensure examinations in 1938 to become the 82nd architect in the Philippines.
- He also studied at the International Institute of Liturgical Art (IILA) in Rome in the late
1950s, where he obtained a diploma in liturgical art and architecture.
- He greatly excelled in secular works: 36 office buildings, 4 hotels, 2, hospitals, 5 low-cost
and middle-income housing projects; and more than 270 residences – all demonstrating
his typological versatility and his mastery of modernist architectural vocabulary.

STO. DOMINGO CHURCH

THE UNION CHURCH

FRANCISCO T. MAÑOSA, 2018

- He studied at the U.S.T. College of Architecture, graduating with a B.S. Architecture
degree in 1953.
- Founded an architectural firm named Mañosa Brothers in 1954 with his two brothers
- Together with his two brothers, Jose and Manuel which also graduated B.S Architecture

SULO RESTAURANT
SAN MIGUEL CORPORATION CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
DON BOSCO CHURCH
HIDDEN VALLEY SPRINGS RESORT

- In 1976, Francisco established his own firm, Francisco Manosa & Partners.
 - Here, he had more freedom to put into realization his vision of Philippine Architecture
inspired by the bahay kubo and the bahay na bato

THE COCONUT PALACE

MAÑOSA HOUSE
THE AMANPULO

IMPORTANCE OF ARCHITECTURE
At its roots, architecture exists to create the physical environment in which people live, but
architecture is more than just the built environment, it's also a part of our culture. It stands as a
representation of how we see ourselves, as well as how we see the world.

San Sebastian Church - The present San Sebastian Basilica, designed by Engineer Genaro
Palacios in the neo-Gothic style, was inaugurated on Aug. 15, 1891.

San Agustin Church - The Church of San Agustín in Manila, designed by the architect Juan de
Macías and built in 1587–1607, is the premier ecclesiastical complex in The Philippines.

Paoay Church - Padre Antonio Estavillo

Folk Arts - The theater was built in 90 days and was designed by Leandro V. Locsin in 1974.
The building was officially authorized by First Lady Imelda Marcos for the Miss Universe Beauty
Pageant in 1974, which was to be held in Manila in the same year.

CCP - Leandro Locsin

PICC - Leandro Locsin

Luneta Hotel - The hotel was designed by the Spanish architect-engineer Salvador Farre in
French Renaissance Belle Epoque style and completed in 1919.

Ramon Magsaysay Building - Ruben Payumo

Rizal Theatre - A structure designed by National Artist Juan Nakpil, the Rizal Theater was meant
to be part of a much larger cultural complex in Rizal Park.

UP main bldg

FEU bldg

GSIS bldg
National Museum

Post office bldg

Metropolitan theatre

Coconut palace

Ph heart center