BASA, GRENDELLE JOSHUA

Arch - 3B
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 Maranaos 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.

American and Japanese Era

The 1896 Philippine Revolution paved the way to the countrys independence from Spain.
However, it became a short-lived liberty when the Americans became the countrys 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 protomodernist way of designing constructions and they were commonly unadorned facades
together with large windows. Another prestigious master designer during that time was

BASA, GRENDELLE JOSHUA

Arch - 3B
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 socalled 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.
(http://www.hoppler.com.ph/blog/design-and-architecture/history-of-philippine-architecture )