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Architecture
his chapter deals with the definition, kinds, mediums, and history of
architecture. It also enumerates notable artists and their contributions
in this field.
Definition
Architecture is the art and science of designing and constructing buildings,
bridges, and other structures to satisfy individual and communal needs. It is a
complex art inasmuch as the task of the architect is not only to create the design
of the exterior of the building or similar structure, but also to do the design of
its interior.
Kinds of Architectural Construction
Primitive men used to live in caves primarily because they did not have
the tools for building houses and were not equipped with the knowledge of
construction. When they began making implements, they started constructing
tree houses and similar dwelling places. Through the years, the structures that
house men have continuously improved. With the Industrial Revolution and
the introduction of steel and other construction materials, the mushrooming of
high-rise buildings (See Figs. 4.1 and 4.2.) is inevitable. Architects see to it that
103Parry oceekeeeemremeeere
cn
Fig. 4.1. Meralco Building
Fig. 4.2 Ortigas Building
the basic kinds of architectural construction form part of tg Oy Mesto
buildings. These are the post and lintel, the cantilever, the arch, the truss, the
vault, and the dome,
Post and Lintel. The post and lintel consists of a horizontal beam called lintel
and two vertical posts to support it. It is usually found in doors and
entrances, The prehistoric “Stonehenge” (See Fig, 4.3.) illustrates this type
of architectural construction.
Cantilever: Similar to the post and lintel, the cantilever has two vertical posts
for support and a horizontal beam with one end more extended than the
other. Oftentimes, steel is used for this type of architectural construction
because of its tensile strength. At times, wood is also used less frequently
because of its tendency to warp, sag, and rot,
Fig. 4.3 “Stonehenge,” a Post-
and-Lintel Architectural
Construction
104=.
‘Arch. The arch consists of several wedge-shaped blocks of stone called »
‘youssoirs held together by a key stone. It serves to support other structures
such as roofs and to be a symbolic gateway. The Arch of Triumph in Paris,
France, illustrates this type of architectural construction introduced by the
Romans and dominant in Roman architecture.
Dome. The dome is a large hemisphergral roof or ceiling that looks like an
inverted cup. It is an extension of the principle of the arch capable of
enclosing a wide area, “The Dome of the Rock” (See Fig. 4.4.) in Jerusalem
is a classic example of this type of architectural construction.
Vault. The vault (See Fig. 4.5.) is an arched structure of masonry usually
forming a roof or ceiling. Similar to the dome, it is an extension of the
principle of the arch capable of enclosing a vast expanse of space. It has
several types, namely; barrel vault, groined vault, cross vault, ‘Welsh vault,
and cloister vault.
Truss. The truss (See Fig. 4.6.) consists of a braced framework of beams or bars
forming one or more triangles. An assemblage of beams forming a rigid
framework, it is usually used to support the roof.
Mediums
‘The mediums used in architecture are classified into light and heavy
materials. Light materials include paper, nipa, bamboo, and other light wood.
All, except paper, form part of nipa huts and similar dwellings in tropical
countries. The advantage of these materials is that they allow for good
ventilation, but their disadvantage is that they are not resistant to fire and other
natural elements. Thus, houses made of light materials, especially those in
squatter or slum areas, are described as fire hazards. The trend now is toward
the use of heavy materials which are not only fire-resistant but also durable and
able to withstand natural forces such as earthquakes, landslides, storms, and
floods, These materials are hardwood, stone, concrete (combination of cement,
gravel, and sand), brick, steel, and cast iron..They always form part of high-rise
buildings, for example, condominiums.
History
Prehistoric Period. The caves use
men. After they had created th
adzes, they began constructing
indigenous in their surroundin}
civilizations who came Up with enormous arc
.d to be the first dwellings of the Stone Age
eir tools and other implements such as the
their tree houses with the use of materials
gs. The Egyptians were among the ancient
+hitectural works.
105Fig. 4.6 Kinds of Truss
‘Their pyramids built to entomb their leaders, the pharaohs, are one of
the wonders of the Ancient World. These Structures are more complex
than their earlier counterpart, the mastaba, a chamber for the dead, The
Babylonians also constructed their own structures, the famous of which are
the Hanging Garden of Babylon (another ancient wonder) and the Tower
of Babel, a ziggurat,
Greek Period. The Parthenon typifies the architecture of this period. Adorned
with relief sculpture by Phidias and his assistants, it exemplifies the post-
and-lintel system of architecture, Other well-known buildings are the
Temple of Diana (another ancient wonder), Erechtheum, and the Temple
of Winged Victory. ‘The Greeks are famous for their architectural orders
Re OR |(See Appendix B.): the Doric (with the simplest capital), the Ionic (with a
capital having ram's horns or volutes), and the Corinthian (with a capital
having acanthus leaves).
Roman Period. The greatest contributions of the Romans to Western civilization
are in the field of architecture. While they adopted the three classical orders
of Greek architecture, they added the Tuscan order (with a plain abacus
capital but without flutings) and the composite order (with a bell-shaped
capital having two rows of acanthus leaves surmounted by scrolls). Unlike
the Greeks, the Romans combined the orders in one building (Ortiz et
al., 1976). They also introduced the dome, a structure exemplified by the
Colosseum. Besides this semi-circular structure, the Arch of Triumph, the
Baths of Caracalla, the Pantheon, and the Roman aqueducts were built
during this period.
Medieval Period. The architecture during the Middle Ages is divided into four
artistic styles: Early Christian, Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic. Early
Christian architecture (See Fig. 47) is typified by the old Basilica of St. Peter
(326 AD.) (See Fig. 4.8.) in Rome, dedicated by Emperor Constantine and
known tobe the first Christian church, Byzantine architecture is exemplified
by the 6th century Hagia Sophia, built in Constantinople and designed to
conform to the Greek cross with four equilateral arms, as opposed to the
Latin cross with only three equilateral arms. The Romanesque church has
a massive, horizontal emphasis, an east-west orientation of the basilica,
and a cruciform shape, with a long central aisle, the nave, traversed by the
transept at right angles. Contrasted to the Romanesque church, the Gothic
cathedral has a vertical emphasis, with its high, pointed spires. A good
example of this is the Chartres Cathedral in France (Ortiz et al, 1976).
‘Another example is the San Sebastian Church in the Philippines. Surviving
examples of medieval secular (non-religious) architecture are castles and
fortified walls (e.g, Walls of Intramuros) which primarily served for defense.
Renaissance Period. Renaissance architecture involved the construction
of aristocratic residences called palazzos (Cosimo de Medicis Medici-
Riccardi Palace in Florence designed by Michelozzi and the Rucellai Palace
in Florence designed by Leon Battista Alberti) and churches (the dome of
the Florence cathedral designed by Brunelleschi and the dome of St. Peter's
Basilica in Rome designed by Michelangelo) (Ortiz et al., 1976).
Mannerist Period. Mannerism, as a period style, is exemplified by the works of
Giorgio Vesari (Palazzo degli Uffizi in Florence), Bartolommeo Ammarati
(courtyard at the Palazzo Pitti in Florence), and Andrea Palladio (Villa
Rotonda in Vicenza and S, Giorgio Maggiore in Venice). (Janson, 1991)
107
%Sacriaty or Vestry
Fig.4.7 Parts of a Church, an Early Christian Architecture (Source:
Running Press’ Cyclopedia: The Portable Visual Encyclopedia, 2nd
ed. Philadelphia: Running Press Book Publishers, 1993.)
Fig. 4.8 St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome, Italy
108thurch of San Carlo alle Quatro Fontane
designed by Francesco Borromini, Baroque architecture is characterized by
ahighly ornamented facade, giant ‘and twisted columns, broken pediments,
and common decorative motifs (Ortiz et al., 1976).
Classic Period. “The classical style found its full expression in 17th century
architecture in the Palace of Versailles, built for the court of King Louis
XIV by Mansart and Le Vau (Ortiz et al., 1976).”
Modern Period. The Bauhaus, a school of design founded by Walter Gropius
in Weimar, Germany in 1919, was responsible for the development
‘of an International Style of architecture and design, which gradually
spread throughout the industrial world, In the Bauhaus Building, many
architectural and industrial ideas flourished; however, central to Bauhaus
teaching were Louis Sullivans principle that form follows function and
William Morris’ belief that utility and aesthetics could be integrated. Frank
Lloyd Wright, an American pioneer in early 20th century architecture
affected the International Style, but he developed his own style that never
fit into any category. Most of the skyscrapers built during the 20th century
and the early years of the 2st century are applications of the modern style.
Baroque Period. Exemplified by the C.
Notable Artists
Local Architects
Arguelles, Carlos D.
‘A contemporary of Juan Nakpil, Arguelles designed the Philamlife
Building on United Nations Avenue, considered as one ofthe finest buildings in
Southeast Asia (Espina etal, 2004). He also designed Development Bank of the
Philippines and Philippine National Bank on Escolta.
Alli, Armando Dominador N.
An architect, planner, and environment consultant (APEC), Alli has been
for more than two decades a practitioner in technological professions, preparing
comprehensive land use plans (CLUPS), development master plans (DMPs), site
master plans (SMBs), transportation system/facility plans, architectural designs
for commercial, institutional, recreational, and residential structures, and allied
design work.
Antonio, Pablo S. (January 25, 1902-June 14, 1975)
National Artist of the Philippines for Architecture in 1976, Antonio is.a
pioneer of modern Philippine architecture. He designed the Ideal Theater, Life
109iversi . He finished hj.
University Campus. :
tern Uni ancial assistance from Engr
the Legislative Building
i Far Eas
ter, Manila Polo Club, and n
draech at the University of London with the a a
Ramon Arevalo, for whom he worked as an assis
project
Concio, Cesar H.
Concio designed the Redemptorist Church in Baclaran and UP Protestant
Chapel.
De Guzman Arellano, Juan M. (Born April 25, 1888)
i i Guzman Arellano is best
Greatly influenced by Art Deco architecture, De ,
known for Manis Metropolitan Theater, which was controversially modern
during his time. He also designed the Manila Post Office Building, the Jones
Bridge, and the Executive House (1926), which now houses the National
Museum of the Philippines.
Gutierrez, Gregorio
Gutierrez designed the Sta. Cruz Church. (See Fig. 4.13.)
Locsin, Leandro (August 15, 1928-November 15, 1994)
National Artist of the Philippines for Architecture in 1990, Locsin is
best known for the Cultural Center of the Philippines (See Fig. 4.7). His other
works are the Church of the Holy Sacrifice in the University of the Philippines
in Diliman, Quezon City, St. Andrew's Church (circular), Antipolo Church
(circular), and Philippine International Convention Center.
Luis, Lira
‘The first Filipino architect conferred with a Master of. Architecture degree
at the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, Luis isa global LEED architect
holding architectural licenses in two countries, the USA and the Philippines.
An award-winning architect, design correspondent, and best-selling author, she
ae her first audio-book entitled “FRANKly Speaking: It’s the wRIGHT
fay”
Mangio, Nestor S.
An internationally famous architect, Mangio is an environmental planner,
a successful real estate and community developer, and a world. i ned
lecturer and convener in urban design and environmental p soe
lanning.Fig. 4.9 Cultural Center of the Philippines Designed by Leandro Locsin
Fig. 4.10 Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, ‘Spain
He was appointed by Pres. Fidel Ramos as a director of the Bases
Conversion Development Authority, Clark Development Corporation, and
Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation.
Manosa, Francisco
Famous for his design of the Coconut Palace in Tagaytay, Francisco
Manosa is the most outspoken champion of an indigenous Filipino architecture.
He shared his expertise through his book entitled “Designing Filipino: The
Architecture of Francisco Manosa,’ which ‘showcases his designs for ten residential
114projects, five churches, four commemorative structures, five bevels
jects, five : :
projects, five institutional projects, four international expositions, ious
industrial projects,
Manosa, Jose
A noted Filip.ao architect, Jose Manosa is known for designing the San
Miguel Corporation Building. He believes that not only prominent and well-to.
do families deserve the services of an architect.
Mapua, Tomas (Born December 21, 1888)
One of the founders of the Mapua Institute of Technology and the first
registered Filipino architect, Mapua supervised the designing of the Philippine
General Hospital on Taft Avenue and Training School Building of Normal
School.
Nakpil, Juan F,
A teacher and a civic leader, Nakpil isa pioneer and innovator in Philippine
architecture. He designed the 1937 International Eucharistic Congress;
moreover, he rebuilt and enlarged the Quiapo Church in 1930 and added a dome
and a second belfry to the original design. He also reconstructed Dr. Jose Rizal's
house in Calamba, Laguna. Among his major works are Geronimo de los Reyes
Building, Magsaysay Building, Rizal Theater, Capitol Theater, Captain Pepe
Building, Manila Jockey Club, Rufino Building Philippine Village Hote, Iglesia
ni Cristo Church in San Juan, San Miguel Pro-Cathedral, Quezon Institute
Hospital, Social Security System Building in Quezon City, UP Administration
Building, and UP Library.
Ocampo, Fernando
‘Ocampo designed the Manila Cathedral, Antipolo Cathedral, and UST
Palacio, Genaro 0,
Palacio designed the San Sebastian Churchthe Tagaytay Highlands in Cavite and the Ci in spa) in
tig fr ind the Crystal Springs (a mountain spa)
santos-Viola, Carlos A.
A well-known “kapilya” designer, Santos-Viola used to work for Juan
Nakpil & Associate, The first chapel of the Christian evangelical group Iglesia
ni Cristo that he designed was the Cubao chapel, which marked the start of his
long-lasting work relationship with the INC. Despite the fact that he designed
ae all over the Philippines, he was a devout Catholic throughout his entire
life.
Toledo, Antonio
Toledo designed the Legislative Building, Manila City Hall, and
Agriculture and Finance Building.
Foreign Architects
Aalto, Alvar (18 98-1976)
A Finnish modern architect, Aalto displayed in his works a carefully
crafted balance of intricate and complex forms, spaces, and elements. Among
his works are Bell Tower in Kauhajol, Municipal Hospital in Alajol, Viipuri
Library, Defense Corps Building, Helsinki University of Technology, and
Helsinki House of Culture, all in Finland, and Baker House, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Boehm, Gottfried
‘A German architect, Boehm worked for Rudolf Schwarz, another
prominent German church architect. Among his major works are Zublin Office
‘Town Hall in Bensberg, Municipal Building in
Building (1985) in Stuttgart,
Rheinberg, Restaurant in Bad Kreuznach, Deutsche Bank in Luxembourg, and
Public Library (2004) in Ulm, all in Germany.
Gropius, Walter (1883-1969)
‘A German architect, Gropiu
and Harvard Graduate Center in Cambridge,
Loos, Adolf (1870-1933)
‘An Austrian architect, Loos was one of the most important pioneers of the
modern movement in architecture. ‘Among his major works are Caf Museum,
ung Rudolf Kraus, Steiner House, Scheu
Wohnung Leopold Langer, Wohnt
House, Horner House, Rufer House, and Villa Stross, all in Vienna, Austria.
s designed the Bauhaus in Dessau, Germany
Massachusetts.
113Maki, Fumihiko
A Japanese architect, rare
because of his srclecrre
architectural theory. Some of his F
Complex in Fujisawa, National Museum
Church of Christ, all in Japan.
jor figure in Japanese archi,
a maj design and his contribution, "*
ajor works are Hillside Terrace Apart,
maj f Modern Art in Kyoto, ang Tie
Roche, Kevin ; ;
One of the founders of the firm Kevin Roe J Disha, ng
Associates, Roche produced some of contemporary nefat is ea
and influential civic and corporate architecture. A ee ‘istiog ea
are Oakland Museum of California in Oakland, For a ‘ ling
New York City, Knights of Columbus Building in New oo. rennet,
United Nations Plaza in New York City, Fine Arts Center of the versity of
Massachusetts in Amherst, National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, Quincy
Market in Boston, Massachusetts, and many buildings on the campus of the
Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York.
Rossi, Aldo
One of the most influential architects during the period 1972-1988, Rossi
is recognized internationally in the areas of theory, drawing, and architecture.
His major works include the Asaba Design Studio in Tokyo, University of
Castellanza in Castellanza, San Carlo alla Barona Church in Milan, Canary
Wharf Office Complex in London, Palazzo del Cinema in Venice, City Center
in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Disney Office Complex and Celebration in
Disneyland, Orlando.
Saarinen, Eliel (1873-1950)
A Finnish architect, Saarinen has a career spannii and
spanning for 50 years
ied into te Pas the first phase when he was'a pacts in Finland
‘or 25 years and the second phase when he emi it :
1923 and stayed there. Finnish he Beaders
Pavili ition Uni in Pati
Clubhouse of Luther Factory in ‘ile, as one tae
Saint Paul’ Church in Tartu, Estonia, First Christian Church in Cohibs
Indiana, Christ Church Lutheran in Minneapolis, Minne: Biel Fenton
Community Center in Fenton, Michigan are some of his aie a :
114Scarpa, Carlo
An enigmatic character in the history e and de:
‘ i‘ istory of modern archit i
: y ‘cture and design,
Scarpa did designs studied and patterned after by architects and students
throughout the world, His major work:
palermo, Palazzo Ca’Foscari in Venice, Ver
all in Italy.
Siza, Alvaro
A Portuguese architect, Siza is one of the best-known architects in
Portugal of the 20th century. He produced Numerous projects for clients in
Portugal (houses, schools, and other institutions) and designed the Residential
Complex Schilderswijk West in The Hague, Netherlands and Centro Galiziano
(Museum of Modern Art) in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Tange, Kenzo
A world-renowned Japanese architect of the second half of the 20th
century, Tange fused the architectural traditions of Japan with the contemporary
philosophy and traditions of the western world. His major works include the
Peace Memorial Park of Hiroshima, Kagawa Prefectural Government Building
in Takamatsu, St. Mary’s Cathedral in Tokyo, Nanyang Technological University
in Singapore, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, and
Tokyo Dome Hotel.
Wright, Frank Lloyd (1869-1959)
A world-renowned American architect, Wright is one of the architects
in the world whose designs are studied by students and professionals in the
field. Among his major works are Kauffmann House in Bear Run, Pennsylvania,
“Guggenheim Museum (See Fig. 4.10.) in New York, Johnson Wax Building in
Wisconsin, and Unity Church in Oak Park, Illinois.