GLORIEDELLE KATE A.

ALVAREZ
AR316 (10928) – HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 4

IN A NUTSHELL 2
Both the Spanish and American colonial periods had an enormous impact on Philippine
architecture, each of which left its own mark on the nation’s-built environment. From Churches
and Cathedrals that are built by massive stone or brick walls, sturdy buttresses, and baroque and
neo-classical architectural elements, Bahay na Bato which are made up of stones or bricks and
wood blending Spanish masonry techniques, Forts and Fortifications for defense from pirates and
other threats, Plazas and Town Layouts that were constructed during the Spanish colonization to
the Neoclassical and Beaux-Arts Styles which are incorporated in Hospitals and Post Offices,
Urban Planning, Educational Institutions especially universities and schools during the American
colonization, these structures truly left a lasting impact which it can still be seen in today’s
generation. Although years have passed since we gained our freedom from these colonizers, and
their architectural styles are still evident up to this day, we, Filipinos, partly have sovereignty over
our country. These architectural styles brought by the colonizers are now being incorporated to
structures as an inspiration. Even though we have now our own Filipino Vernacular Architecture,
it is still overshadowed by architectural styles brought by the Spaniards and Americans. It is
important for us, architects and aspiring architects that we must create more of our identity,
showcase more of who we are, Filipinos.

Hypothetically, if we imagine an alternate history where the Philippines were not colonized
by Spain and the United States, the outcome would be subject to various factors and uncertainties.
The numerous indigenous communities and tribes that existed in the pre-colonial Philippines
would have probably continued to grow independently, each with its own cultural and political
frameworks, had it not been for Spanish colonialism. Islam might have kept moving north,
potentially affecting the politics and culture of the entire archipelago. In addition, the strategic
location of the Philippines may have attracted the attention of more powerful Asian nations, who
may have tried to acquire control of the islands. The Philippines had extensive economic and
cultural relations with nearby Asian nations including China, India, and other Southeast Asian
societies even before the Spanish arrived. With a more prominent influence from Asian cultures,
these links might have continued to influence the development of the Philippines.

While preserving cultural traditions and paying homage to indigenous heritage by

incorporating elements from prehistoric architecture into modern building designs may be an
intriguing idea, due to technological and functional considerations, it may not be feasible for
current construction. Integrating Spanish colonial architectural design in contemporary
construction can arouse feelings of tradition, continuity, and cultural identification. For
government buildings, churches, and other structures with historical and cultural significance, this
design may be particularly appropriate. The Neoclassical and Beaux-Arts forms of American
colonial building have likewise influenced Philippine architecture. These design features could
provide a link to the nation's colonial past and highlight its architectural diversity if they were
incorporated into contemporary public buildings, colleges, and other educational institutions.

To sum it all up, combining components from ancient, Spanish, and American colonial
architecture into the modern Philippine architectural context can be a significant way to honor the
nation's rich legacy. However, it should be carried out with consideration for cultural sensitivity, a
focus on sustainability, and a focus on maintaining the past while encouraging modern innovation
and identity.