It is in our nature as humans to find shelter, food and find ways to survive. Back in the Pre-colonial era, some of the most basic necessities that has shaped our modern way of living has been a testament to the Filipinos, in both our culture and tradition. From being hospitable, to the Filipino Lifestyle, Structures and the way certain buildings are planned and built all of these reflect how us Filipinos evolved from the many years that we have been colonized by other countries.
I find that most of the technologies that other countries have at that point in time were also present in our Country and has been interpreted in other ways. That is why I find it really peculiar to have known that we had the knowledge and the technology early on, it's just that it has been modified to fit the Filipino Lifestyle. But before we go through all of that, before the technology had arrived, Early settlers has been influenced with a lot of things like Religion, Government, Weather, Language, Cultures and Beliefs that then developed and flourished the country. We all know that the early Tabon Man had nothing permanent, whether it was religion, language, shelter, nor sense of government. But they had one thing in mind which was survival. The need to survive contributed so much in terms of Architecture, leading to the Bahay Kubo and eventually the Bahay na Bato.
Both the Bahay na Bato and Bahay Kubo resulted from Man’s needs and all of these needs has been translated in many different ways. The Spanish Colonial era was not only known for the Bahay na Bato but also for the advancements in many other fields. Religion played a huge part in this era’s development. The Spanish rule gave way to numerous religious dioceses that provided Filipinos Government, Education, and influenced us largely in terms of Culture and Tradition.
I find that the Spanish had influenced us a lot, but I think these influences are only seen in a more Physical way, the intangible aspects are Filipino in nature, another Peculiar thing. I guess many Filipinos do not think of it that way. If you think of it as a whole thing, The Bahay na Bato may look very Spanish, but the plan and the way a person moves around the areas are very Filipino. Like having places for Family to bond, having a place to store wet and dry goods, a large table for the family to eat in and many more are based on Filipino Beliefs and Culture. It just shows how Filipinos are Practical and adaptive to everyday life.
It’s also Peculiar for me when some Filipinos say that there is no Filipino Architecture, which I completely disagree in. I think all these colonizations have made people believe that this particular building is Spanish, or this house is Japanese but Architecture isn’t just about that, it’s bout experience and emotion as well. Architecture is so wide that it connects to almost everything, that’s why we shouldn’t limit ourselves from seeing only the Physical side of it.
Our modern day Architecture has gone so far from the simple house. Nowadays, everything’s possible. From the materials to the manner of construction, An architect’s vision can always come to reality with the use of today’s technological advancements but little did I know that some of these technologies have emulated from have dated back from these eras, mainly the Spanish and Pre-Colonial eras. Modern day construction has started since the early settlers built their simple “lean-to” houses as their shelter. When the Spanish era came, more complex houses required complex construction procedures and materials. As early as the Pre-colonial period, we have seen Walls, post, Flooring, Joists, Trusses and even ventilation. When the Spanish era came, all these developed into larger scales. Intensive planning is seen on the Bahay na Bato using Practicality and Common sense as their tools. Spatial planning is much more defined and has spaces for certain functions. Family, Religion and others are seen influencing how the Bahay na Bato is built like having a Sala, having Ventanillas for processions, and Placing Family emblems in Bedrooms and Newel posts. As early as this era, They already have gutters, in consideration with the weather. They also have stairs, service passageways, Bathrooms, and Kitchens that are all considerate of Hygiene and Cleanliness. They also have Joists, Beams, that produced a more defined and solid structure.
We can all see how the Pre-Colonial and Spanish era contributed so much on many aspects. Whether its about Culture, or Construction, we should keep in mind that all these influences are just instruments to develop our own Architecture.
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