What is Architecture?
This building has windows with awnings that would give the
It is considered to be one of the most functional branches of
the visual arts. We can readily see architecture in our
surroundings because architecture involves designing the form
of a building while allowing the building to serve its function. It
is comsidered to be the “art to inhabit.”
FORMS OF CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE
1. Domestic Buildings and Houses
APARTMENT
This refers to a building composed of many residences called
units. This is usually built in populated urban areas. In order to
maximize the use of space and because of the increased
buying power of the population, condominiums are
developed.
BAHAY NA BATO
It is considered to be a residence of the wealthy. A typical two-
story bahay na bato generally has ground floor that is made of
bick or stone, and has a wooden upper level.
BARONG-BARONG
The barong-barong houses of the landless poor that are built
on any land or area. These are usually found near the esteros,
riverbanks, and bayshores; spaces along high walls, railroad
tracks; spaces near abandoned buildings, and garbage dumps;
or any vacant lot.
2. Ethnic Houses
Houseboat
The houseboat is basically a boat that also serves as a
dwelling. The Badjaos or Sama Laut typically reside in
houseboats.
Bahay Kubo
It is considered as an ethnic house of Christian peasant
families living in lowland areas. It has pile construction and a
roof sliding in all sides, which is typical in traditional ethnic
house.
One-and-a-Half Story House
The One-and-a-Half story is characterized by an upper level or
story covering just a half of the lower level. This may also
become a split-level house if half of the ground level is higher
in such a way that it is halfway between the ground level and
the upper level.
Split-level House
The split-level house in the Philippines has two main levels.
The lower level houses the kitchen, living, and dining areas,
while the upper level has the bedrooms. These levels are
separated by about half or less-than-half a story.
Tsalet
The Philippine tsalet refers to a suburban house that has one
story, a two-story house with living quarters on the upper
level, or an elevated one-story house. This term tsalet came
from the term “chalet” which refers to a peasant house in
Switzerland that has upper levels jutting over the lower levels,
a steep roof and a decorated gable.
3. Commercial Buildings
Market (Palengke)
This refers to a place or a building for buying and selling
goods. This is also referred to as tindahan, and tiyangge.
Buildings that house banks, business offices and factories
These buildings, especially those created during 1950’s, have
plain wall surfaces and large windows. These also have
rectangular forms and clean lines.
Government Buildings
Capitol (Kapitolyo)
This refers to the building of the provincial government. Most
of the kapitolyo in the country use columns ands pediments in
the exterior of the buildings.
Town Hall (Munisipyo)
This refers to the building of the municipal government. The
offices of the mayor, the municipal council, the municipal
court and jails and other important offices.
There are some instances, however, when the municipal court
and jail are housed in a separate building called the tribunal.
4. Public Buildings and Structure
School (eskwelahan)
entire building good ventilation. Classrooms in the building are
linked together by veranda located both at the front and rear
part of the building
Kamalig
Kamalig is the Tagalog term for a building used for storing
grain. In fact, the kamalig is typically raised from the ground
and is being protected from rats and pests.
Masjid
The masjid or mosque refers to a place of worships of
muslims. A typical mosque has the following features: a tower
called minaret, a prayer niche called mihrab the dome, arches
that are reinforced with pillars, and a pulpit called mimbar.
One can see the crescent and star ornament in almost every
corner of the mosque.
Cemetery (sementeryo)
The cemetery is a place where people bury the dead. A
cemetery had a small chapel and vault or nichos surrounding
the chapel.
5. Church (simbahan)
Roman Catholic Churches
the Roman Catholic Church built during the Spanish colonial
period has the “earthquake Baroque” style. This style is
characterized by having a separate bell-tower from the church
façade, and stronger walls with buttresses.
Aglipayan Churches
Iglesia Filipina Independiente or Aglipayan church, is an
offshoot of the Roman Catholic church. However, there are
some Aglipayan churches that have a contemporary
architectural style, such as the Cathedral of the Holy Child in
Manila.
Protestants Churches
most Protestant churches have the Neogothic architectural
style, meaning rib vaults and pointed arches can be seen.
Stained glass windows were also used to add colorful effects
brought by the sun’s rays.
Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) Churches
A typical façade of INC has a triangular arch that is lined
with tall slender towers. There are also two additional towers
at the rear part of the church.
Movie House (sinehan)
The sinehan is a place where people watch films or motion
pictures. This is used to be a separate large building and
considered as a landmark in a community.
Theatre (teatro)
The teatro is a building intended for dance, musical, and
theatrical presentations. This is different from an auditorium
because teatro is essentially a separate building compared to
the former.
Other Forms and Structure
Fort (kuta)
These are structures that are built to defend a community
against enemies. These are usually found in areas with natural
barriers, such as cliffs, narrow passes, mountains and waters.
Lighthouse (parola)
It is a structure built on an island, peninsula, or rock to ensure
that ships will be able to pass through a narrow area safely.
Bridge (tulay)
The tulay is a horizontal structure that serves as a passageway
between two areas separated by a body of water, a hollow
area, or a road.