The book expands “Philippine Architecture” to include built environments. Thus, it begins with the early Philippine dwellings such as cave complexes and rock shelters, lean-tos, tree houses, and the rice terraces. The author is careful to distinguish differences among Philippine ethno-linguistic groups, and occasionally referred to their beliefs and practices.
The second chapter first defines “vernacular architecture” by giving its general characteristics and by surveying other similar terms. The chapter traces Filipino vernacular architecture to the Austronesian aquatic heritage. Then, it surveys the architecture of the different ethnic groups in the country, vis-à-vis the Austronesian culture. The groups discussed include Ivatan, those in Cordillera and in Muslim Mindanao, and the urban informal settlements.
After giving a brief history, and cultural and linguistic background of Islam in the Philippines, the chapter discusses in detail its mosques and secular architecture such as the Maranao Torongan and the Badjao Pale. Again, the chapter highlights the variety among Muslim ethnic groups.
The fourth chapter emphasizes the use of architecture in Spain’s colonization. It begins with the reduccion wherein natives were relocated into compact urban settlements. Sections were allotted to Intramuros, Extramuros and the Parian. Then, it discusses the colonial industrialization of the late 19th century, accompanied by rapid urban migration, a gawking class division, and increase in the construction of infrastructure, facilities and mode of transportation.
After giving a brief introduction of the Neo-Classicism and Colonial Mission Rival, the fifth chapter provides a lengthy background on motivations and guiding ideals of U.S. Imperialism, and the Philippine situation at the turn of Regimes. Then, the chapter discusses American-influenced changes in the cities: obsession with hygiene and practicality, establishment of water, electricity and other facilities, and construction of mega-infrastructure such as ports, canals, bridges, storage houses and public buildings. Despite (rarely, because of) the influence of American architect and city planners, what developed was a hybrid of styles in tune to tropical environment and culture of the locals.
The sixth chapter begins with the Post-War situation of the Philippines – in rubbles and imminent independence, forcing its leaders to accept the Philippine Rehabilitation Act. Funded by the aid, buildings rose, this time, designed by U.S.-trained Filipino architects of the Modern Movement. The chapter then features the different styles in this era.
The seventh chapter discusses the Marcoses’ New Society and their use of the arts of its creation. Sponsored by the government (which saw the arts as a tool for the nation’s rebirth), architecture, anchored on the Malayan culture and nativism, flourished. However, by the 1970s Marcos’ Regime was showing signs of decline, and his grand architecture could no longer hide the proliferation of squatters. By the 1980s, Filipino architects began integrating science with indigenous technology to address the need posed by the tropical environment. The chapter ends by featuring famous architects such as Leandro Locsin.
The last chapter tackles the period after EDSA up to the present. It discusses the postmodern movement in architecture – first, by explaining how it is understood internationally, and then charted its transmission in the Philippines. It then gives examples and developments in Philippine building designs and city planning, featuring malls, churches, residential areas, etc.
