Philippine Architecture Essay

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One aspect that had influenced Philippine architecture is its geography. The Philippines appears like a broken rosary of islands floating along the southern rim of Asia. There are three main islands in the Philippines. Luzon and Visayas who have tenaciously hung on the Christian heritage of the Spaniards, creating a very noticeable Euroasian design, while Mindanao prides itself on being the home of the unconquered Muslims. Its strategic position makes our country the trade center of the orient, citadel of Christianity and the melting pot of the world races and cultures. Similarly, the Philippine natural resources had also affected the outcome of Philippine architecture. Indigenous materials which was used in the pre-Spanish architecture such …show more content…

With Spanish power and the Christian faith came European culture and new forms of building. On the tropical landscape rose City walls, fortresses, government buildings, churches, convents and grand houses. The builders of the period included Spanish friars, Chinese and native artisans, architects from the peninsula and the maestros de obras. The natives learned to work with bricks and stone, and had to contend with the intricate pf the baroque and rococo. An elegant two-story, rectangular town house, the Antillan house is easily recognizable from its massive stone first floor contrasting with a light and airy second floor, capiz windows running around its sides and wide tile roofs. The main entrance is guarded by a heavy plank door studded with wrought-iron or brass nails which opens unto a large Zaguan or patio paved with granite or bricks. A . One existing example of architecture in this era is the Vigan houses located in Ilocos. Vigan houses are derived from the sturdier look and stronger construction of the whole house, a result of the Ilocano householder’s character. The Ilocanos believes in frugality, solidity, durability and no non-sense practicality. Main floors and walls are built with limestones, corals, even hallow-blocks and cement thus creating an extra floor of living space. The Ilocano house is highly functional and relatively free from useless decorative items. The other

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