Arkitekturang Filipino 3: Spectacle of Power: Hispanic Structuring of the Colonial Space

Summary

The video traces the evolution of Filipino architecture from its early origins to the influence of Spanish colonialism. It highlights how Spanish rule reshaped the Philippines' built environment, introducing new architectural forms such as churches, fortresses, and government buildings. The video emphasizes the development of the Intramuros walled city, the impact of Spanish urban planning, and the hybrid construction techniques that emerged in response to natural disasters. The influence of indigenous, Chinese, and European styles on churches and homes is also discussed, as well as the role of civic, commercial, and entertainment buildings in colonial life.

Takeaways

• 📖 The book, written in 2008, traces the history of Philippine architecture from its ancient origins to contemporary forms and inspired a film produced in 2016.
• 🏰 Spanish colonialism greatly impacted the Philippine built environment, introducing new building types such as churches, fortresses, and administrative buildings.
• ✝️ In 1565, Miguel López de Legazpi took possession of the Philippine Islands in the name of Spain, leading to the establishment of settlements, notably Intramuros in Manila.
• 🏠 The devastation caused by fires and earthquakes led to the development of the architectural style 'Arquitectura Mestiza,' combining wood and stone for better earthquake resistance.
• 📜 The Spanish colonization reorganized Filipino settlements using the 'Laws of the Indies,' establishing compact towns with central plazas surrounded by key government and religious buildings.
• ⛪ The Spanish-driven construction of monumental churches incorporated local and European styles, with Chinese artisans adding unique aesthetic elements.
• 🏘️ The 'Bahay na Bato,' a hybrid house design, evolved from the traditional 'Bahay Kubo' with a stone ground floor and wooden upper floor, becoming common by the 19th century.
• 🏛️ Civic architecture, such as the Palacio Real and Ayuntamiento, represented Spanish administrative power, with the colonial government also investing in public works like ports and harbors.
• 🎭 Spanish colonial rule introduced new forms of public entertainment like theaters and cockfighting arenas, while commercial areas grew in Manila due to foreign trade.
• ⏳ Spanish rule, which lasted 333 years, ended abruptly at the turn of the 19th century, leaving a lasting legacy on Philippine architecture and urban life.

Q & A

What is the focus of the book written in 2008?

The book traces the history of Philippine architecture, from its primeval origins to contemporary forms.

How did Spanish colonialism affect the Philippine built environment?

Spanish colonialism introduced new building types such as churches, fortresses, and other structures that reflected the colonial lifestyle, significantly changing the Philippine built environment.

What was the architectural response to natural disasters such as fires and earthquakes during the Spanish colonial period?

The devastation from disasters like the 1583 fire and the 1645 earthquake led to the invention of the 'architectura mestiza,' a hybrid construction style combining wooden frames and stone to better withstand earthquakes.

What was the significance of the 'Laws of the Indies' in shaping Philippine towns?

The 'Laws of the Indies,' issued in 1573 by King Philip II, organized colonial towns with a central plaza surrounded by key buildings like the church, government offices, and residences of different social classes, creating a structured and controlled urban space.

What role did the church play in the organization of colonial Philippine towns?

The church was the most prominent building in colonial towns, functioning not only as a religious center but also as a site for the colonial mission and a symbol of Spanish authority.

How did local artisans influence the architecture of churches during Spanish colonization?

Local Chinese and native artisans incorporated indigenous motifs and Chinese decorative elements into the European architectural styles, creating a unique fusion in church designs.

What construction system was commonly used for large public works during the Spanish period?

The Spanish colonial government used the 'polo y servicio' system, which required able-bodied males to render labor for public infrastructure projects, including fortresses and other important structures.

What was the purpose of Intramuros, and how was it constructed?

Intramuros was a fortified Spanish city built to protect colonial interests in Manila. It was constructed using stone and designed as a military fortification to safeguard Spanish territories.

How did the Bahay na Bato evolve from traditional Filipino houses?

The Bahay na Bato evolved from the traditional 'bahay kubo' and was a two-story house with a stone or brick ground floor and a wooden upper floor, reflecting Spanish influence while retaining native elements.

What types of leisure activities were popular during the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines?

Theatrical performances and cockfighting were common forms of entertainment. Theatres like Teatro Divino and cockfighting arenas (sablangans) were built, and cockfighting was a regulated activity.