Parana, Mc Kenneth J.

Archi 3-E

"Architectural Influences in Spanish Colonial Philippines"

One of the most essential strategies was Reduccion, which intended to consolidate
indigenous settlements into more structured and centralized cities. Spanish government
launched the Reduccion strategy to bring order and authority to the dispersed indigenous
populations. It entailed relocating these groups into consolidated settlements to make them
simpler to manage and persuade Christianity. As a result, pueblos, or town centers, were
established to function as financial, ecclesiastical, and social hubs. These cities developed
around a central square, which housed the church, municipal construction, and dwellings of
significant Spanish and indigenous clans. This approach not only transformed the social
fabric but also influenced the growth of Spanish Colonial Architecture in the Philippines.

The Laws of the Indies were a crucial feature in further defining the architectural
environment of the Spanish Colonial Philippines. The Spanish Crown provided these norms
and principles to oversee the development of towns and structures throughout the colonies. In
urban planning and architectural design, they stressed the value of symmetry, control, and
consistency. Consequently, city plans followed a grid design, with large streets, town squares,
and significant public buildings. This urban planning idea affected the development of
communities throughout the Philippines and was critical in establishing a distinct
architectural character.

The core of Spanish Colonial Architecture is the combination of Spanish and native
elements. Maestro de Obras or master builders were instrumental in bringing this
architectural combination to fruition. They were experienced craftsmen carrying out the
building strategies, frequently combining Spanish construction skills with indigenous
supplies and styles. Arquitectura Mestiza, a fusion of Spanish and Filipino architectural
components, emerged from the collaboration between Spanish architects and Filipino master
builders. This confluence resulted in famous buildings such as the Bahay na Bato.

Furthermore, Bahay na Bato, a classic Filipino architectural masterpiece, incorporates

the effects of Redevelopment Policy Reduccion, Laws of the Indies, and Mestiza
Arquitectura. It's a two-story home with stone or brick bottom floors and a timber top story.
The lower floor was used for different utilitarian uses, like storage and animal keeping, while
the top floor was used for residential space. Elaborate woodwork sculptures, capiz shell
openings, and a sharply pitched roof constructed of thatch or tiles were all part of the design.
The Bahay na Bato is an outstanding illustration of how the Spanish colonial tradition is
intertwined with Filipino architecture.

If I could create a modern Spanish construction, I would combine elements of the

Bahay na Bato. I plan on conserving its distinct combination of materials and styles, blending
stone or brick with local wood and modern construction procedures. I ensure the design
follows the Laws of the Indies' concepts of symmetry and order while also including current
sustainability and energy-efficient elements. The incorporation of traditional and
contemporary features would give honor to the rich legacy of Spanish Colonial Architecture
while also fulfilling present and future demands.