Styles Influencing Philippine Architecture

Styles that Influenced Philippine Architecture

• Renaissance: Rebirth of Classical orders, proportion, and harmony originating in Italy between 1400 and 1600. The revival impacted thoughts, arts, and architecture. Key features include columns, pediments, arches, and domes.

• Baroque: Characterized by elaborate ornamentation, dramatic curves, and a sense of movement. The four Baroque churches in the Philippines recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites are San Agustin Church in Manila, Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte, Miag-ao Church in Iloilo City, and Santa Maria Church in Ilocos Sur.

• Intramuros: A walled city in Manila showcasing Spanish Colonial architecture built in the 16th century.

• American Colonial: Influenced by Greek and Roman architecture, prominent in government buildings in the US, Europe, and North America between 1750 and 1850 CE.

• Art Deco: A design movement of the 1920s-1940s characterized by stylized geometric and simplified Greek and Roman elements, using concrete, glass, and metal.

• International Style: Characterized by simple geometric forms, large untextured surfaces (often white), large areas of glass, and the use of steel or reinforced concrete construction. The style emerged in the 1930s-1960s.

• Contemporary: Emerged in the 1980s, reinterpreting elements from earlier periods like arches and columns in a modern way.

Filipino Architects and their Masterpieces

• Tomas Mapua: Known for his mastery of concrete and considered a pioneer of modern architecture in the Philippines. Notable works include the Far Eastern University Administration and Science buildings, Manila Polo Club, Ideal Theater, Lyric Theater, Galaxy Theater, Capitan Luis Gonzaga Building, Boulevard-Alhambra apartments (now Bel-Air), Ramon Roces Publications Building (now Guzman Institute of Electronics).

• Juan Nakpil: Considered the "Father of Modern Philippine Architecture". Known for his focus on space and volume. Notable works include the Church of the Holy Sacrifice in Diliman, the first round chapel in the Philippines.

• Leandro Locsin: Master of concrete and space. Notable works include the Istana Nurul Iman (Palace of Sultan of Brunei), Cultural Center of the Philippines, Folk Arts Theater, Philippine International Convention Center (Philcite), The Westin Hotel, Manila International Airport (NAIA 1), Davao International Airport, Church of the Holy Spirit, Church of Monastery of the Transfiguration, Church of the Holy Sacrifice.

• Ildefonso P. Santos, Jr.: Considered the “Father of Landscape Architecture.” Notable works include Makati Commercial Center, Paco Park, Tagaytay Highland Resort, Mt.Malarayat Golf and Country Club, Orchard Golf and Country Club, Rizal Park, Asian Institute of Management, Nayong Pilipino, Manila Hotel.

• Francisco Mañosa: Known for significant modern designs addressing spiritual and secular requirements. Notable works include Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Caloocan, Santo Domingo Church, Expansion of Quiapo Church, Union Church of Manila, Saint John Bosco Church, National Shrine of Miraculous Medal, Meralco Building.

• Bobby Mañosa: Known for his influence on Neovernacular Architecture, which emphasizes a return to traditional Filipino forms. Notable works include Coconut Palace (Tahanang Pilipino), Pearl Farm Resort in Samal Island Davao, Amanpulo Resort, Palawan, Mactan Shangri-La Hotel and Resort, San Miguel Building, Mary Immaculate Parish Church, Lanao del Norte Capitol Building, Our Lady of EDSA Shrine, St.Joseph Parish Church (Bamboo Organ).

Explore the diverse architectural styles that have shaped Philippine architecture throughout history. From the Renaissance to Art Deco, discover how these influences have contributed to the unique architectural landscape found in the Philippines, including notable structures and design elements.