Construction in Manila: Stone vs Wood

Study Notes

Governor General Santiago de Vera (1587)

Advocated for Manila's construction to shift from wood to durable stone due to fire concerns.
Intramuros burned in 1583, prompting a decree in 1587 mandating stone for all buildings.
Stone construction aimed to enhance fire prevention, withstand weather, and resist earthquakes.
Adobe, a mud brick, symbolized permanence and Spanish authority; local terms include ladrilyo/ladrillos (brick) and baldosa (floor tile).
Roof tiles referred to as tejas and were commonly used.

Miguel Lopez de Legazpi

Spanish navigator involved in establishing settlements in the Philippines.
Mixed architectural styles emerged in settlements like Panay, incorporating Spanish and Filipino elements, initially using bamboo and nipa.

Rajah Soleiman

Muslim ruler of Manila during the Spanish occupation, known for resistance to Spanish control.
His defiance highlighted the need for fortified structures in colonial settlements.

Intramuros: The Walled City of Manila

"Within the walls" in Latin, covering less than a mile, serving as the heart of Spanish rule.
Fortified with walls rising 22 ft, bastions (7 baluartes), and 8 controlled access gates.
Surrounded by moats (foso), including an inner water moat and an outer earthwork for defense, embodying Spanish colonial power.

De Cal y Canto Construction Method

Traditional Spanish technique used in colonial Philippines, combining lime (cal) and stone (canto).
Limestone or seashells were burned to create lime, while stones were cut into blocks.

Arquitectura Mestiza in the Spanish Colonial Period

Hybrid architecture emerged post-1645 earthquake, utilizing both stone and wood.
Ground floors of solid stone for stability, while upper floors made of lighter wood for flexibility in seismic conditions.
Characterized by features like sliding capiz shell windows (ventanillas), wide overhanging eaves, tiled roofs, and intricate wood carvings.

Polo y Servicio

Forced labor system requiring men to contribute to construction projects.
Involves payment upon completion known as pakyaw or pakyawan (kontrata).

Reducción: Spanish Urbanizing Program

Key policy for reorganizing indigenous populations into planned settlements.
Featured consolidation of barangays into centralized towns with a grid pattern layout.
Central plazas (plaza mayor) became focal points surrounded by significant buildings like churches and government structures (Casa Real).

Bajo de las Campanas

Translates to "under the bells," relating to the reducción program.

1573 Royal Ordinance of King Philip II

Established guidelines for the layout and size of central plazas.
Outlined the strategic placement of essential buildings within towns.

Master Builders

Referred to as maestro de obras, indicating skilled craftsmen involved in construction.

Fortress Architecture

Designed to protect Spanish interests from external and internal threats.

Fuerza del Fuerte del Pilar

Known as Fort Pilar, located in Zamboanga, established by Spanish Jesuit missionaries in 1653 to combat Moro raiders.

Bastions and Defensive Features

Bastions are polygonal extensions of fortress walls, vital for defense, accompanied by straight walls (cortinas).
Casamatas served as fortified gun emplacements integrated into walls or bastions.
Garitas functioned as lookouts, housing sentinels at wall corners.
Ravelines provided an additional defense layer, constructed as detached V-shaped fortifications.

Ecclesiastical Labor

Chinese laborers were often involved in construction activities.

Bahay Na Bato

Translates to "house of stone," representing the evolution from the traditional bahay kubo during the 18th to early 19th century.
Proposed by illustrados (wealthy Filipinos), showcasing European influences.
Typical structure featured two stories; the ground floor built from cut stone or adobe, while the upper floor used wood.
Foundations incorporated river stones and mortar, with wall thickness averaging 1 m for stability.

Window and Roofing Characteristics

Featured sliding capiz shell windows with wooden grilles (rejas) for both aesthetics and security.
Roofs inclined at 40-60 degrees, usually 45, made with clay tiles (tisa) layered for durability.
Ground floors utilized stone tiles, while upper floors had wide hardwood planks.

Architectural Features

Two-storey construction with ground floors in stone and brick, upper levels in wood, topped with clay tile roofs (tisa).
Balusters supported upper levels, often including porte-cochere for horse-drawn carriages.

Description

Explore the significant shift in construction methods in Manila during the late 16th century under Governor General Santiago de Vera. Discover the reasons behind the transition from wooden structures to more durable stone buildings, focusing on fire prevention, weather resilience, and the use of adobe bricks. This quiz delves into the historical context and impacts of these architectural decisions.

Construction in Manila: Stone vs Wood

Choose a study mode

Podcast

Questions and Answers

Who was the Governor General that asked for Manila to be built in stone?

The vernacular term for brick is ______.

Rajah Soleiman was a ruler who supported Spanish rule in Manila.

What is the approximate height of the walls in Intramuros?

What was the main purpose of the Polo y Servicio?

The Casa Real was a ______ building in the Spanish colonial towns.

Which of the following is not a feature of the bajo de las campanas?

Match the following terms with their definitions:

What architectural style evolved from the bahay kubo during the Spanish colonial period?

The master builders were unskilled laborers in the Spanish colonial period.