Hoa4-Philippine History of Architecture
Hoa4-Philippine History of Architecture
Hoa4-Philippine History of Architecture
Assessment No. 6
Gweneth E. Encela
BS Architecture 2-2
CHARACTERISTICS
Spanish colonisation introduced the Baroque architectural style to the Philippines, where it is especially prominent in
churches. One of the most famous examples is the San Agustin Church in Manila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The term
"Baroque" refers to a sophisticated and lavish architectural style distinguished by grandiosity, curved shapes, and intricate
embellishments. As a result of Spanish influence, "bahay na bato," or homes made of stone and wood, replaced the "bahay
kubo," or simple bamboo huts, that were the standard in ancient Filipino architecture. Spanish architectural styles had a direct
impact on the change in materials and design.
During the American colonial era, the Philippines saw the construction of institutions and governmental structures using
Neoclassical architectural styles. Many of the elements of this style were inspired by classical Greek and Roman architecture.
An example is the Old Legislative Building in Manila, which is now the National Museum of Fine Arts. Americans introduced
modern urban planning concepts and infrastructural improvements to the Philippines. This included constructing public
structures with period-appropriate American architectural designs, as well as bridges and roads.
Many churches built in the Spanish and American eras have significant historical and cultural significance. Initiatives for
preservation aim to safeguard historic structures from damage and decay while keeping their original character. It's possible
that certain colonial-era buildings are no longer used for what they were built for. Adaptive reuse is the process of adapting
these structures to modern needs while preserving its historical significance and architectural integrity. One example is
converting an old colonial administrative building into a museum or cultural venue. Colonial-era buildings frequently need
knowledge of conventional building supplies and methods to be preserved and restored. This guarantees that any restoration
work adheres to the original architecture. Participating local communities in preservation initiatives develop a sense of
ownership and respect for their heritage. It aids in comprehending the significance of these structures historically and
culturally. The old walled city of Intramuros in Manila features Spanish colonial architecture. To recover its historic appeal and
draw visitors, the site has undertaken preservation and restoration work. A national historical landmark designation has been
given to the area, which includes restored structures including San Agustin Church and Fort Santiago.