Dizon, Raphael Duane R.
February 5, 2013
“Architecture and Cultural Identity: Diwa ng Lunan”
Molded in the Spirit of Architecture
Identity. Memories. Feelings. Three interconnected words that describe what is hard
to define. Simple words yet complicated and large in meaning in context. Sensations that are
important in defining who we are. Sensations that help in shaping the "Diwa ng Lunan" of a
particular place.
“The house is an institution created for a complex set of purposes” (Rapoport,
Amos). Truly architecture is designed and built to incorporate these different purposes.
Included in the nature of these complex purposes is the ability to let the users generate
memories and feelings in that structure. Not only does architecture affect us physically but it
also affects us emotionally. Architecture touches the realms of our emotions and our
memories.
A person's mind is as wide as the sky and as deep as the ocean. Somewhere in a
person's mind lies his tendency to use logic and reason. In spite of this, hidden in those depths
lies our tendency to act to our instincts and memories. These sensations are important in
understanding the concept of the "Spirit of Place" or the "Diwa ng Lunan".
The "Spirit of Place" in architecture is an unusual concept because it deviates
from the usual concepts of architecture. Many involve the use of critical thinking and analysis
about the problems, functions, and designs of a structure. The "Spirit of Place" is different
because it is a concept that does not use logical thinking. It is a concept that involves one's
feelings, emotions, and memories.
Although they are relatively the same concepts, the "Spirit of Place" and the
"Diwa ng Lunan" are different. In our discussions, the "Spirit of Place" involves the
collective emotions of people in a particular structure. On the other hand, the "Diwa ng
Lunan" involves the designed environment including nature. A coined Filipino term where
one can see the importance of nature to the Filipinos. I also learned that a location would not
be a place without the memories and feelings shared by a group existing.
Throughout our journey of learning, we have discussed different factors that affect
architecture. We learned that many elements are present because it is the logical thing to do.
It is what the situation allows us to do. However, I was surprised at this sudden breathe of
new air in presenting a theory that involves our emotions. Who would have thought that these
encompass what is in our memories. I feel that to understand architecture, one must first
understand the "Diwa ng Lunan".
In understanding the Filipino Architecture, I believe that the "Spirit of Place" is
helpful because it relates to the emotions. These feelings and emotions affect many decisions,
whether directly or indirectly, in a person's life. In my opinion, the "Diwa ng Lunan"
emphasizes one's emotions or feelings towards a certain place. One may feel happy, sad,
angry, or even holy in a certain kind of place. This may be brought by experiences and
customs that one has experienced. It is in this manner that one would see the significance of a
certain place to different groups of people. One would see that in religious places, the
attitudes and behavior of people change because of the sanctity and solemnity of the place.
No one would act or even think about being naughty or bad in church. However, in a public
mall, people may do things that they won't do in the church.
In my understanding, the "Diwa ng Lunan" shows the importance of a place.
There is this inert instinct in every person to recognize this importance. One would see this in
the way they talk, act, and move in that particular place. In every culture, there are places that
are related to different important concepts. One would have a church or temple for their
spiritual needs and a school for education. For example, in different municipalities in the
Philippines, one would see the spiritual, governmental, and basic needs in relatively close
distances.
It is important to understand that though the "Diwa ng Lunan" one may see the
value and significance that different groups confer to certain places. It is important in
understanding Filipino architecture because it helps in understanding the culture of the
people. It is important in understanding why they do it and why they continue to do it.
Perhaps if you are not accustomed to a group's culture, you may feel estranged by their
certain kind of structures or environments but once you understand their feelings, memories,
instincts, and emotions, you would understand and say "Now this is why this building is
designed this way" or etc. Let's take in account old houses during the Spanish colonial period.
It may be surprising for some to see differences in the houses then from today but once they
understand their way of living during the olden times, one would discover the brilliance and
ingenuity of their designs.
"Diwa ng Lunan" is very important in understanding the architecture and culture
of the town. It gives one an insight in their way of life and living. To see the importance of
different places are not hard to see. They are instincts. We know that they are there and we
value them. In understanding this concept, we do not look at the physical aspect of the
building but the emotional memories that people share. Even if it is not the most beautiful
building in the town but if it is full of memories shared, to them this would be a memorable
and hard to forget place. From past to present, we see the spirit of place giving importance to
the structures. We see new structures blending with the past ones. Through this we see the
Spirit of Place molding the architecture of today.
Citations:

Rapoport, Amos. House, Form, & Culture. (Englewood cliffs, New Jersey: PrenticeHall, 1969). pp. 83-103