The American colonial period (1901-1945) and the subsequent contemporary period (1946-1993) brought about the most extensive array of forms and styles despite being the shortest era in Philippine architectural history. During the first civil government under William Howard Taft, Filipino architects flourished beginning with Architect Arcadio Arellano’s appointment as consultant. After World War II and the declaration of Philippine independence in 1946, there was a building boom led by American-educated Filipino architects who were inspired by the International style.
As the Americans’ central concern was bound by education, public health, and free enterprise, it reflected on the new structures that emerged such as government centers, parks, schools, hospitals, hotels, commercial office buildings, department stores, sports facilities, among others.
The use of reinforced concrete made possible the construction of high-rise buildings and visually stunning structures. In 1960, Manila’s building ordinance no. 4131 allowed buildings to reach up to 45 meters (or about 15 stories). By the 90’s, building height had increased to more than 40 stories.
The Spanish style remained, though mostly for ornamental purposes of the affluent. Filipino architects were largely influenced by Western culture, evident in their use of Neo-Classic, Art Deco, International, and Romantic designs.
With large houses becoming more expensive, other residential options arose like apartments, condominiums, tsalets, and bungalows. The lower classes had rowhouses, duplexes, multistory tenements, and prefabricated housing units.
