Sibug, Justine Pearl R.

Archi- 3C
Generations of Colonialism

The Last years of Spanish colonization in the Philippines were marked by a violent change in
government from the Spanish to the Americans. The United States' attempt to impose control
over the archipelago put obstacles in the way of the independence dreams that drove the
Philippine Revolution and the founding of the Malolos Republic. The Philippines saw
instability in politics, chaos in society, and nationalist feelings as Spanish colonialism came
to an end in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1901, American forces put an end to the
First Philippine Republic. This time in Philippine history prepared the way for a new chapter
in which the nation was ruled by a different colonial power and the people of the Philippines
pursued their goal of self-determination.

In late 19th century saw the Philippines transition from Spanish colonial rule to American
colonialism, marked by geopolitical changes and a significant turning point in the nation's
history. American colonization of the Philippines ended with Spanish colonialism, but a new
age of foreign dominance began with the entry of Americans. The intricate circumstances of
this moment in history laid the groundwork for the developing Filipino movement toward
independence and self-determination in the next few years.

The City Beautiful Movement, a 19th-century urban planning philosophy, significantly

influenced the American colonial landscape in the Philippines. It aimed to transform cities
into aesthetically pleasing, functional, and socially harmonious spaces. American architect
Daniel Burnham played a key role in implementing this movement, reshaping Manila and
other urban centers. The American colonial Philippines significantly influenced urban
planning, with Daniel Burnham's influence in Manila and Baguio transforming the urban
landscape and introducing architectural principles that continue to influence the aesthetics of
certain areas today.

During the American colonial period, Filipino scholars, known as "pensionados," participated
in a government-sponsored educational program in the United States, aiming to modernize
and westernize the Philippines.Long after the pensionado program was officially ended, its
legacy persisted. The professors who went back to the Philippines had a significant impact on
the way the country developed and helped modernize a range of institutions and sectors.The
pensionado program significantly influenced the Philippines' intellectual and professional
landscape during the American colonial period, offering educational opportunities and
shaping the country's intellectual landscape.

And while the first generation of architects significantly influenced the country's architectural
landscape, transitioning from traditional styles to a blend of indigenous and Western
elements. The Philippines' architectural legacy was significantly influenced by the first wave
of American colonial architects, who combined Western and indigenous architectural forms,
developed infrastructure and educational programs, and created a distinctive visual identity
for cities and towns.

While socio-political environments changed, American colonial architects in the Philippines

in the second generation created and modified architectural styles. They greatly enhanced the
nation's architectural legacy and had an impact on modern Philippine architecture by building
on the achievements of the first generation. They shaped the shift from post-war
reconstruction to modernism by reflecting changing design philosophies and cultural goals in
their works.

Despite losing favor after World War II, Art Deco's influence began to resurface in the late
20th century, encouraging designers and builders. Its impact on the world was reflected in the
American colonial period in the Philippines, where its modernity and elegance blended
together. Luxury, modernism, and geometric designs were highlighted in the Art Deco design
movement of the 20th century. It was first popularized in France during the interwar years
and was characterized by symmetrical patterns, vivid colors, bold geometric designs, and
technological innovations.

The early 20th-century architectural trend known as Art Deco had a big impact on Philippine
architecture during the American colonial era. Adding modernity and geometric flair to
certain constructions, art deco elements were combined with influences from Beaux-Arts and
Neoclassical architecture. American architect Juan Arellano created the Metropolitan Theater
in Manila, which is a prime example of Art Deco elegance and modernism. Although less
common in the Philippines, Art Deco buildings are nonetheless valued for their architectural
significance. Leading architects who contributed to the rich tapestry of American colonial
architecture were Juan Arellano and Juan Nakpil. They were instrumental in the
incorporation of Art Deco features.