Architecture Quiz: Soft Modernism

Modernism (1946-1960s)

• Modernism gained momentum in the Philippines in 1946.
• In 1947, architects and engineers were tasked to study US and Latin American capitals to create a master plan for Manila.
• Designs were heavily influenced by US and Latin American styles.
• There was a strong push for rebuilding cities and infrastructure, prioritizing functional and cost-effective designs.
• "Form follows function" – Louis Sullivan (1896)

Modernism (1946-1960s) - Features

• Brise-soleil: A sun-shading device that reduces heat while keeping a modern aesthetic.
• Glass Walls: Providing transparency and openness in design.
• Pierced Screens: Decorative and functional, allowing airflow and shade.
• Materials and Forms: Utilizing reinforced concrete, steel, and glass for strength and modernity.
• Cartesian grids: Used for clean and functional design.
• Geometric shapes: Used in design.
• Minimalism: Absence of applied decoration to emphasize form over ornamentation.

UP Diliman Melchor Hall

Notable Figures and Post-War Works - Cesar Concio, Sr.

• Education: BS Civil Engineering (University of the Philippines, 1928), BS Architecture (Mapua Institute of Technology, 1932), Masters in Town Planning and Housing (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1940)
• Career: First Dean of the Department of Architecture at Mapua, First University Architect of UP Diliman (continuing Louis Croft's plans), Sixth President of the Philippine Institute of Architects (PIA).
• Notable Works: Melchor Hall, UP Diliman, Church of the Risen Lord, UP Diliman, Insular Life Bldg, selected by President Roxas to design buildings for the Capital City (1947).
• Awards: Gold Medal of Merit by Philippine Institute of Architects (1964), Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan by the City of Manila (1969)
• Networks: Father-in-law of Charo Santos-Concio (MMK Host)

Notable Figures and Post-War Works - Federico Lustre

• Education: BS Architecture, Graduated at Institute of Technology. Exam Passer (1937).
• Career: Consulting architect (1950s-1970s), Worked for Juan Nakpil), Supervising Director of Bureau of Public Works.
• Notable Works: Quezon Memorial Monument (Art Deco design, 65m high, 3 pylons topped by winged figures representing the 3 island groups). Designed all government buildings in Diliman Quadrangle and Quezon Elliptical Road.

Notable Figures and Post-War Works - Angel E. Nakpil

• Education: BS Architecture (University of Sto. Tomas, 1936), Masters in Regional Planning (1940).
• Career: City Planning Commissioner of Manila (1947-1949), UST School of Architecture Dean (1959-1961), Charter member of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP).
• Notable Works: National Press Club building (1955), the modern and first earthquake-proof building in the Philippines, Picache Building (12-storey).
• Awards: Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan Award by the City of Manila (1974).
• Networks: Nephew of Juan Nakpil.

Notable Figures and Post-War Works - Alfredo J. Luz

• Education: BA Architecture (University of California, Berkeley, 1949)
• Notable Works: Ramon Magsaysay Center, World Health Organization Bldg., International Rice Research Institute, Menzi Building, Ayala Avenue
• Networks: Brother of National Artist Arturo J. Luz (1950s-60s modernist leader). Mother Rosario J Luz (interior designer)

Notable Figures and Post-War Works - Otilio Arellano

• Notable Works: National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine Pavilion at New York World's Fair (1964), Restored Metropolitan Theater (designed by his uncle Juan Arellano)
• Networks: Son of Arcadio Arellano, nephew of Juan Arellano (both esteemed pre-war architects), chosen by Imelda Marcos.

Notable Figures and Post-War Works - Felipe Mendoza

• Career: United Architect of the Philippines National Director (1979)
• Notable Works: Batasang Pambansa Complex, Philippine Veterans Bank, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Development Academy of the Philippines.
• Awards: PRC Outstanding Architect of the Year (1982), UAP Likha Award (1982), Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan by City of Manila (1976)

Notable Figures and Post-War Works - Gabriel Formoso

• Education: BS Architecture (University of Sto. Tomas, 1937)
• Notable Works: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Metropolitan Museum of Manila
• Awards: Republic Cultural Heritage Award (1973), PRC Outstanding Architect of the Year (1979), Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan (1977)

Notable Figures and Post-War Works - Carlos Arguelles

• Education: BS Architecture (University of Sto. Tomas, 1940), Masters in Architecture (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1946).
• Career: Dean of UST College of Architecture and Fine Arts (1954-1959), Member of American Institute of Architects and Philippine Institute of Architects.
• Notable Works: Philam Life Bldg, Development Bank of the Philippines Bldg.
• Networks: Son of Tomas Arguelles (a notable architect during the American period)

Notable Figures - Leandro Locsin

• Education: BS Architecture (University of Sto. Tomas, 1940). Masters in Architecture (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1946)
• Notable Works: Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex, Parish of Holy Sacrifice, Philippine International Convention Center (PICC)
• Awards: National Artist for Architecture (1990), Arts and Culture Prize of The Fukuoka Asian Cultural Prizes

Notable Figures - Francisco Mañosa

• Education: BS Architecture (University of Sto. Tomas)
• Career: Philippine Neovernacular Architecture advocate, Pioneer of sustainable architecture.
• Notable Works: The Coconut Palace, San Miguel Corporation HQ, EDSA Shrine.
• Awards: National Artist for Architecture

Space Age (1950s-1960s)

• Heavy inspiration by space exploration.
• Space race of the mid-20th century.
• Captured public imagination.
• Inspired architects to push boundaries with futuristic forms and materials (reinforced concrete, steel, plastics).
• Led to structural forms and experimentation with unconventional shapes.

Space Age (1950s-1960s) Features

• Aerodynamic Forms: Designs featuring long, horizontal lines.
• Parabolic Arches: Arch forms emphasizing height and grandeur.
• Futuristic Shapes: Geometrical forms like domes, thin concrete shells, and folded plate structures.

Other Key Information

• Batasang Pambansa Complex (designed by Felipe Mendoza): A governmental building.
• Philippine Veterans Bank (designed by Felipe Mendoza): A banking building.
• Araneta Coliseum (designed by Dominador Lacson Lugtu): A large indoor dome.
• Philippine Atomic Research Center (designed by Cresenciano de Castro): A research center.