History of Architecture

Assessment No. 6

Gweneth E. Encela
BS Architecture 2-2
 CHARACTERISTICS
MIAG-AO CHURCH
A relief sculpture of St. Christopher
carrying the Christ Child amid
coconut, papaya, and guava plants
adorns the Miagao Church's artistic
exterior. The architecture of many
colonial churches has experienced the
process of indigenization, just like any
other foreign influences. This is done
by fusing native, Muslim, and Chinese
elements with the prevailing Hispano-
American and Mediaeval Spanish
architecture.
SPANISH PERIOD
NATIONAL SHRINE OF OUR
METROPOLITAN
CATHEDRAL OF MANILA MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP
(BACLARAN CHURCH)
Modern Romanesque design is used in the
The current Manila Cathedral is
Church's construction. Near the Shrine's
constructed in a Neo-
Western entrance on Roxas Boulevard, a
Romanesque Revival style. The
Carillon bell tower was constructed. The
dome-shaped roof, stained glass
newly erected belfry was blessed by
windows, mosaics, intricate
Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal
symbolic representations,
Tagle on September 8 of the same year.
marble floors, marble columns,
This tower contains 24 bells, all of which
and renovated walls are some of
were brought from Austria. On each side
its attractions.
of the belfry are four mosaic panels
depicting Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
PHILIPPINE
AMERICAN MODERNITY

MIAG-AO CHURCH
Ochre is a distinctive colour
for the church's colours. This
is because it was made of
things like coral, egg whites,
and a combination of adobe.
Eggs were once utilised as
mortar material, although
this type of material is not as
frequent today.
SPANISH PERIOD
MATERIALS
METROPOLITAN
CATHEDRAL OF MANILA
Highly polished prefabricated Carrara marble
from Italy covers the chapel floors. Beautiful
columns made of green Carrara marble may
be seen on the main altar, which houses a
two-meter-tall statue of the Immaculae
Conception. Cream-colored marble slabs
cover the remaining portions of the cathedral
floor. The side chapel altars, which include
mosaic panels and reliefs for further
ornamental accents, also feature marble.
Italian marble is also used to construct the
pulpit and the Episcopal throne.
AMERICAN
NATIONAL SHRINE OF OUR
MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP
(BACLARAN CHURCH)
Numerous components of the shrine are
built with fine materials just for humans.
The focal point of the shrine is the
baldachin. Giallo oro and Bottecino
marbles are used to construct its columns
and capitals. White Carrara marble is used
for the altar rails, which beautifully curve
beneath the baldachin. Moroccan onyx,
Venetian mosaics, and Black Belgium
marble are used to create the shrine's
columns.
PHILIPPINE
MODERNITY

MIAG-AO CHURCH
For European painters of the 15th
century, the St. Christopher legend
served as a potent subject and source better use of the available space. This was the
of inspiration. It was the ideal
representation of the Spanish
missionaries' spiritual goal, which was
to bring Jesus from one continent to
another. the representation of Sto.
Since Ferdinand Magellan's arrival, Nio
has played a role in the choice of this
motif.
SPANISH PERIOD
INSPIRATION
METROPOLITAN
CATHEDRAL OF MANILA
After World War II, Fernando Ocampo, a
Spanish architect, was inspired by Serrano's
design but made extra additions to it to make
cathedral's final significant renovation. His
Neo-Romanesque design is a fusion of revival,
renaissance, and modern styles. It had
marbled flooring, mosaic panels, arcaded
colonnades, magnificent columns, and a
church with a theme of the Immaculate
Conception. a feature of architecture.
AMERICAN
NATIONAL SHRINE OF OUR
MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP
(BACLARAN CHURCH)
In response to Most Rev. Fr. The
Monastery and Church will be dedicated
to St. Teresa of the Child Jesus, the
patroness of missions, under General
Murray's direction and with His Grace's
blessing. The Sacred Heart of Jesus, the
Blessed Virgin Mary as Mother of
Perpetual Succour, St. Joseph, St.
Alphonsus, St. Clement, and St. Gerard
will serve as the secondary Patrons.
PHILIPPINE
MODERNITY
2. What contributions did Spanish and American architecture make to the
architecture of the Philippines? In what ways do these perspectives affect
preservation, conservation, and restoration perspectives?
Spanish and American architecture had a significant influence on the country's architecture as a result of their colonial rule
over the Philippines.

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.