Desiree Anne L. Petalla
BS Arch 4B
AR 435 TOURS & SEMINARS
Output No. 1
1. What do you think are the influences in the change of architecture styles in
the Philippines?
As a colonized country, the Philippines has experienced and been subject to
significant change throughout its history. One way we recognize this effect is in our
architecture. These communities have additionally had a shared effect on one another
through trade and migration. Spaniards used to marry Filipino women, resulting in a
blending of Spanish and Filipino cultures that influenced architectural styles later on
when Filipinos returned to their nation following their independence from Spain in 1898.
After quite a while, the impact left by Western architecture on the Philippines was also
visible in the advent of modernism, particularly American-style modernism, which can
be seen in many buildings.
Another factor is people's preference for modernity, as well as global architectural
trends. Buildings have evolved over time to accommodate changes in society such as
technical advancement and the rise of the middle class. This has also resulted in
innovations that have greatly enriched the country's cultural identity. Another significant
aspect is its relationship with nature. Because natural resources like soil and water are
essential to human life, it stands to reason that when these things change, so will how
we build. When it comes to architectural styles, sociological issues such as whether or
not there is a stringent caste system in place or whether or not everyone has equal
access to resources, such as food, will influence how architecture is created and what
materials are utilized in it. If such social shifts occur, they may be represented in
architecture.
2. How did Filipinos accepted the change under the rule of Spaniard and
foreign occupation?
During the time of the ancient Philippine civilization, a wide diversity of building
materials and styles were utilized. During the Spanish colonization, however, some of
these building styles were adapted into new architectural forms, including
stone-and-brick houses, adobe houses, and more. This is due to the fact that during the
Spanish colonization of the Philippines, Filipinos were compelled to adapt to new rules
and regulations and alter their way of life. For example, instead of bamboo or wood,
they had to use new materials such as stone bricks to construct houses. The limited
influence of the Filipinos on their surroundings or environment during this period might
be attributed to their subjection to a foreign power. They were not permitted to change
these structures or alter them in any way that would be considered disrespectful to the
Spaniards.
However, as soon as the Americans gained control after World War II and
established their own presence in the country, Filipinos began to change their
architectural designs in accordance with how they perceived their new invaders were
treating them. At this time, the American architectural style was heavily influenced by
European styles, which included the use of large windows with small doors and more
open spaces between buildings as opposed to tall walls separating different parts of the
city as was done by previous occupiers such as Spanish colonizers or Japanese
imperialists.
3. What changes came up when our environment was transformed from
traditional to modern? Has it changed for good or the opposite? What is
your take on this?
Through the use of technology, the Philippines has been transformed from
traditional to modern, and it has been able to keep up with the rest of the world in terms
of modernizing its infrastructure, but it also faces environmental challenges. Resources
are rapidly depleting, and if not properly managed, this will cause a slew of issues for
the country. Many Filipinos, particularly those who still rely on traditional traditions, have
found the adjustment difficult. Although these activities are important and necessary,
they are not sustainable if resources are used inefficiently and the environment is not
properly cared for, as was previously the case with our polluted environment. This is
due to our increased reliance on technology, which has led to a decline in traditional
values and practices.
As resources grew scarce, people began to move further away from rural
areas—and, by implication, away from natural resources—in order to live more densely
on smaller land areas. People have adapted to their new environment in one way: by
living closer together so that they may share resources more efficiently. However, there
is evidence that this adaptation is failing. People are gradually losing access to natural
resources as a result of pollution from industry and development projects. As a result,
some Filipinos have returned to their old traditions of living close enough together to
avoid missing out on resources. To ensure that these issues have no negative
consequences for anyone, the government must create new policies and regulations.
The government is attempting to address this issue by encouraging individuals to
engage in more modern activities such as recycling and the use of renewable energy
sources such as solar panels and wind turbines. However, it would take years for these
changes to become prevalent enough to be regarded as successful solutions by the
majority of Filipinos who continue to rely on conventional techniques today.