Overview
This lecture traces the history of Philippine architecture from pre-colonial times to the contemporary era, highlighting major styles, influences, and the evolution of building forms in response to social, political, and environmental changes.
Pre-Colonial and Vernacular Architecture
- Early shelters included caves, lean-tos, and tree houses, adapted to the environment and defense needs.
- Austronesian heritage shaped the raised wooden structures (e.g., Bahay Kubo), with pitched roofs and decorative gable finials.
- Vernacular houses (e.g., Ifugao, Maranao Torogan, Bajao stilt houses) used indigenous materials and responded to climate and hazards.
- Vernacular architecture remains a strong tradition among various ethnolinguistic groups.
Islamic and Indigenous Architecture
- Islam introduced mosques, such as the earliest pagoda-style mosque in Tawi-Tawi and later Middle Eastern-inspired mosques.
- Southern Philippine Muslim dwellings include land-based stilt houses, oceanic stilt dwellings, and houseboats.
- Architectural forms were adapted to local geography and social organization.
Spanish Colonial Period (1565–1898)
- Spanish occupation brought stone forts (e.g., Intramuros), churches, and urban master-planning (Laws of the Indies).
- Churches evolved from simple structures to monumental stone buildings, blending European and local motifs.
- The Bahay na Bato emerged as a hybrid of local and colonial architecture, with stone lower levels and wooden upper floors.
- Civic, commercial, and educational buildings reflected Spanish organizational and aesthetic principles.
American Colonial Period (1898–1946)
- American rule introduced sanitation regulations, new public infrastructure, and the City Beautiful movement (Daniel Burnham).
- Neoclassical architecture became dominant, exemplified by government and civic buildings.
- Filipino architects received training under the pensionado system, forming the first generation of modern architects.
- Art Deco and other revival styles emerged in the 1920s-30s, influencing cinemas and commercial architecture.
World War II and Postwar Modernism
- The war devastated Manila’s architectural heritage.
- Postwar reconstruction favored modernist styles; form follows function became the doctrine.
- New materials (reinforced concrete, steel, plastic) enabled innovative forms and structures.
- Housing shifted to bungalows and high-rise apartments; gated suburbs and modular planning became common.
Late 20th Century: Nationalism and Postmodernism
- 1970s saw a revival of Filipino motifs (neo-vernacular movement) under state-sponsored cultural projects.
- Postmodernism in the 1980s-90s brought back ornament, eclectic styles, and commercial skyscraper formulas ("tower on podium").
- The rise of master-planned microcities and malls reflected new urban patterns and the influence of globalization.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Bahay Kubo — Traditional Filipino house raised on stilts, made of bamboo and thatch.
- Bahay na Bato — Spanish colonial house with stone ground floor and wooden upper story.
- Vernacular Architecture — Indigenous, folk, or traditional building styles using local materials.
- Neoclassicism — Architecture style with classical Greek and Roman influences; monumental and formal.
- Art Deco — Decorative style marked by bold geometric forms and rich ornamentation.
- Postmodernism — Architectural movement characterized by eclectic ornamentation and historical references.
- City Beautiful Movement — Urban planning philosophy focusing on beautification and monumental grandeur.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review examples of pre-colonial and colonial houses for comparison.
- Read about Laws of the Indies and their impact on urban planning.
- Research works of leading Filipino architects from each major period.