HOW TO DETERMINE HOME FEATURES: Terrace, Balcony, Veranda, Porch, Patio, and Lanai

 

PATIO

In today's fast-paced world, families are increasingly drawn to a biophilic lifestyle, a refreshing shift from past norms. Regardless of their surroundings, people are craving a connection to nature within their homes. This desire has led to a significant trend in modern architectural design: the seamless integration of plants into interior spaces. With the rise of innovative green building principles, several studies are underway to deepen our ties to nature. Designers and homeowners are recognizing that the most inviting spaces for plants are often the most serene - verandas, balconies, terraces, porches, lanais, and patios serve as perfect canvases for greenery. By embracing these natural elements, we can transform our living environments into harmonious sanctuaries that invigorate and soothe our overall well-being.

OBJECTIVE

The challenge we face is understanding the differences among various architectural elements. How can we guide our clients in deciding which features to include in their floor plans? These are crucial questions I intend to explore in this article. While I've come across several articles on the topic, most only delve into two or three comparisons. My Facebook posts often focus on just one or two subjects, and some audience members have expressed curiosity about “lanai” and “porch,” while I am emphasizing other elements. To address these inquiries, why not take the opportunity to combine all six elements into a thorough comparative analysis? Although I can’t capture everything in a single Facebook post, this extensive blog will provide valuable insights for clients and readers. It will empower them to make informed choices based on their unique needs and preferences, making it an essential read for anyone looking to enhance their living space.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Of course, the best way to approach this is to delve into the definitions first. Here's a simplified definition and images of each of the architectural elements listed: terrace, balcony, veranda, porch, patio, and lanai. These are all outdoor or semi-outdoor living spaces, but they differ in location, structure, coverage, and use.

A ROOFTOP TERRACE

Terrace A flat, open, usually paved area either on the ground or on a rooftop, used for leisure or entertainment. Often attached to a building but can also be freestanding. BALCONY Balcony A small platform projecting from the wall of a building, typically above the ground floor, enclosed by a railing or balustrade, and accessed from an upper floor. VERANDA Veranda A roofed platform within a house, typically found in warmer climates, usually located at ground level, often serves as an extension of the living room, being either partially enclosed or open. PORCH Porch A covered area at the entrance, sides, or back of a house, often enclosed partially or fully, serving as a transition space between indoors and outdoors. PATIO Patio A paved outdoor area adjoined or apart from a house, usually at ground level, used for relaxation or recreation. Typically uncovered. LANAI Lanai A Hawaiian term for a covered outdoor space or porch, often larger than a veranda, and may be fully or partially enclosed with screens or windows.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS TABLE

Feature	Terrace	Balcony	Veranda	Porch	Patio	Lanai
Location	Ground level or rooftop	Upper floor, projecting	Ground level, along front/back	At the entrance, sides, or back	Ground level, adjoining	Ground level, attached to the home
Covered?	Optional	Sometimes	Usually covered	Always covered	Usually not covered	Usually covered, sometimes enclosed
Enclosed?	No	Yes (with railing)	Partially or open.	Partially or fully	No	Often screened or glass-enclosed
Size	Medium to large	Small	Medium to large	Small to medium	Medium to large	Medium to large
Accessed from	Indoors or outdoors	Upper-floor room	Ground-floor room	Main front door, sides or back	Indoors or outdoors	Indoors (living room/kitchen)
Purpose	Entertainment, lounging	Private sitting/view	Socializing, relaxing	Entryway greeting space, relaxing	Relaxing, recreation	Leisure, dining, indoor-outdoor living
Climate Use	All climates	All climates	Warm climates	All climates	All climates	Tropical or warm climates

KEY DIFFERENCES

• Balcony vs. Terrace: Balcony is elevated and projecting, while a terrace is flat and can be at ground or rooftop level.

• Porch vs. Veranda: Both are covered and at ground level, but a veranda typically at one side of a building, while a porch is at the front or back entrance.

• Veranda vs. Lanai: A lanai is a regional variant (Hawaiian) of a veranda, often more enclosed and used year-round; while a veranda frequently used occasionally.

• Patio vs. Terrace: A patio is at ground level and usually uncovered, while a terrace may be elevated or roof-based and is often larger.

• Lanai vs. Patio: A lanai is typically covered and possibly enclosed, while a patio is open-air and rarely enclosed.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Now that we have reached a verdict, it is a privilege for you to form your own judgment. What are your personal needs? What is your lifestyle like? Then, make your selection. As an architect, I prioritize human connection over technology to truly understand my clients' needs. I encourage my clients to make their choices first, after which my role is to advise them on whether their choice is the best one or to suggest a better alternative based on my expertise. Regardless of the choice made, the designer’s primary concern will always be the client’s comfort and satisfaction for a lasting, sustainable living experience.

Ar J CASTANEDA

Architect, Sustainable Architecture

Link in account for architectural works.

Linktree account for artworks.

PHOTO ATTRIBUTIONS

ALL PHOTOS POSTED IN THIS ARTICLE ARE ORIGINAL IMAGES BY "ARCHITALKTURAL" AND ARE COPYRIGHTED.

PRESERVING CULTURAL HERITAGE THROUGH SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE (PART 3)

ELMIS Gabaldon Building, a Filipino style heritage structure was situated in Brgy Paraiso, Sagay City Negros Occidental, Philippines, previuosly part of Brgy Fabrica during spanish colonization. This building was used as hideout of our Filipino Armed Forces in combating Japanese during World War 2. The building was burned and destroyed during the war. Currently, the structure has been restored and used as Grade School Building.
(See photo attributions below).

Heritage Buildings Restoration: A Challenging but Sustainable Path for Filipino Architecture

The Philippines is full of stories and culture that come alive through its historic buildings - think about pre-colonial vernacular houses, colonial homes, ancestral homes, and public buildings. These places aren't just old landmarks; they’re a reflection of Filipino identity, skills, and shared memories. But with city growth speeding up and climate change becoming a bigger concern, fixing up and protecting these buildings isn’t just urgent; it’s also an incredible chance to celebrate our heritage.

OBJECTIVE

In this post, we’ll look at how restoring these old buildings, even though it can be tricky, plays a big role in building a sustainable future for Filipino architecture. This is the 3rd and last part in a series of the same title. To get the full picture, you may want to read the previous episodes first before proceeding. Below are the links:

• PRESERVING CULTURAL HERITAGE THROUGH SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE (PART 1)

• PRESERVING CULTURAL HERITAGE THROUGH SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE (PART 2)

Challenges in Heritage Restoration in the Philippines

• Funding and Maintenance Issues

Restoring old buildings isn’t cheap—it needs skilled workers, traditional materials, and usually takes quite a bit of time. Many historical sites, especially those way out in rural areas, tend to fall apart because there’s not enough funding to keep them up which eventually becomes one of the biggest challenges in heritage conservation. Without some kind of financial support or incentives, it’s tough to take care of these places, so they end up getting worse over time.

• Balancing Modern Use with Preservation

Restoring old buildings for modern use, whether it’s for homes, shops, or public spaces, takes a careful touch. How do we add things like air conditioning or plumbing into a 200-year-old structure without spoiling its historic charm? Sometimes, bad renovations can ruin important architectural details, while being too strict about preservation can make buildings feel outdated or unusable. Finding that perfect balance between keeping the original feel and making the space functional, that’s the tricky part, both ethically and creatively.

• Lack of Awareness or Undervaluing of Heritage

There are still people who are not really aware, or should I say not interested on how to appreciate the value of heritage buildings, especially younger folks or in developed places that are rapidly modernizing. Many see old structures as outdated, not making enough money, or just not worth keeping. Because of this, they often end up getting torn down or left to decay, especially when the land could be much more profitable for shopping malls, condos, or new infrastructure projects.

• Natural Disasters and Climate Change Impacts

Since it's located right in the Pacific Ring of Fire and often struck by typhoons, the Philippines is pretty vulnerable to natural disasters. Earthquakes, flooding, and storms can cause serious damage, especially to older buildings that weren’t really designed to handle today’s environmental challenges. Plus, with climate change ramping up these problems, protecting these structures over the long run just gets more complicated and expensive.

Himlayang Pilipino Memorial Park Sales Office 
is a concrete structure but still preserved the culture of Bahay Kubo
by using indigenous sustainable materials such as bamboo and nipa.
This is a good example of Filipino architectural heritage preservation.

Moving Forward: Recommendations and Call to Action

• Support Government Policies That Integrate Cultural Heritage into Building Practice

We really need to support laws that see heritage buildings as part of a bigger picture of sustainability. Offering perks like incentives for reusing old structures, tax breaks for preservation work, and guidelines that blend keeping history with eco-friendly features, like installing solar panels or designing for passive cooling, can help make sure these buildings stay around and remain environmentally friendly.

• Encourage Youth Education on Filipino Architecture

Bringing heritage education into the school program, whether through field trips, community projects, or design contests. These can really get kids interested and proud of Filipino architecture early on. When young folks learn why these heritage buildings matter, they’re more likely to grow up wanting to protect, appreciate, and maybe even work in this field one day.

• Promote Community-Led Restorations

Communities that actually use and care for heritage sites tend to take better care of them. When you teach local artisans traditional building skills, involve the community in making decisions, and give barangays the power to handle restoration projects, it really creates a sense of pride and ownership. Plus, it helps make sure that the work stays true to local traditions and tells the story of the place.

• Foster Tourism That Respects Heritage

Heritage tourism can be a great way to fund restoration projects and help people connect with different cultures. With that being said, it’s important to keep things monitored so that things don’t get overrun with commercial stuff or end up damaging delicate historic sites. By focusing on sustainable tourism, things like education, preservation, and giving back to local communities, these historic buildings can become bright museums that fit right into today’s world without losing their charm.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Reviving our heritage buildings isn’t just about looking back; it’s a smart move for our future. These old structures, built with traditional materials and techniques that are often better suited to our climate, hold ecological and cultural value. By fixing them up, we cut down on the environmental impact of building new stuff and stay connected to our roots. Our heritage architecture shows who we are as Filipinos - our resilience, creativity, and stories. Taking care of these buildings means future generations will not only have useful spaces but also meaningful places that tell our story.

“Preserving the past is building a more sustainable future.”

Ar J CASTANEDA

Architect, Sustainable Architecture

Link in account for architectural works.

Linktree account for artworks.

PHOTO ATTRIBUTION

ELMIS Gabaldon Building in Brgy Paraiso, Sagay City Negros Occidental

Jay Castor, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ELMIS_GABALDON_BUILDING.jpg

ELMIS Gabaldon Building was situated in Brgy Paraiso, Sagay City Negros Occidental, previuosly part of Brgy Fabrica during spanish colonization. This building was used as hideout of our Filipino Armed Forces in combating Japanese during World War 2. The building was burned and distroyed during the war. Currently, the structure was restored and used as Grade School Building

Himlayang Pilipino Memorial Park Sales office Bahay Kubo

CNEcija12345, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Himlayang_Pilipino_Memorial_Park_Pasong_Tamo_Quezon_City_CNE_10.jpg

PRESERVING CULTURAL HERITAGE THROUGH SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE (PART 2)

 

Intramuros, Manila

Heritage Restoration and Sustainability: The Eventual Integration Process

In recent years, the convergence of heritage restoration and sustainability has garnered significant attention in the field of architecture. As the world confronts the impacts of climate change, the architecture industry has had to rethink its approaches to building and preservation. Sustainable design now encompasses not only the reduction of environmental harm but also the preservation of cultural heritage and the promotion of social sustainability. The integration of heritage restoration and sustainable architecture is a dynamic and evolving process that fosters not only environmental responsibility but also cultural and economic development. In this blog, we will explore how heritage restoration has become a cornerstone of sustainable architecture, emphasizing its environmental, cultural, and economic benefits. We will also discuss the ongoing process of integrating these efforts, particularly in the context of the Philippines.

OBJECTIVE

As I mentioned, the subject matter is quite broad and so I plan to address it in different sections, creating a series out of it. In Part1, I provided definition of the subject and provided some examples. In this episode (Part 2), I will discuss how architectural heritage restoration has become integrated with sustainability. This process is remarkable because it connects two different eras - the past and the future - joined by time and nature itself. So, I encourage you to stay seated and buckle up as we embark on an adventurous journey. Are you ready to be Earth heroes?

THE HISTORY AND BENEFITS RESULTING FROM THE INTEGRATION

1. How Heritage Restoration Became Part of Sustainable Architecture

Global Trends: Sustainability Beyond the Environment

In recent decades, sustainability has transformed into a multifaceted concept that extends beyond environmental issues to include cultural and social dimensions. This evolution is particularly evident in architecture, where our treatment of heritage buildings and sites has shifted dramatically. While the initial focus on sustainability emphasized reducing carbon emissions and minimizing resource consumption, we now recognize that preserving historical structures is equally vital. These buildings embody distinct cultural values and narratives, and their conservation not only protects our past but also will enrich the next generation’s experiences, allowing them to appreciate the artistry, design, and craftsmanship inherent in these irreplaceable landmarks.

The Adaptive Reuse Movement

One of the most impactful trends in sustainable architecture is adaptive reuse - the art of transforming old buildings for new purposes. Rather than tearing down structures and starting anew, adaptive reuse allows architects to honor the existing framework while modernizing interiors to meet contemporary demands. This innovative approach not only conserves our valuable resources by reducing the need for raw materials, but it also significantly cuts down on construction waste from demolition. A striking example of this practice is the revival of the Rizal Memorial Colliseum. After so many years, this landmark was carefully restored to its dignified form, preserving its historical and architectural value while reimagining it as an inspiring athletic venue for today's spectators. By embracing adaptive reuse, we can breathe new life into our cities, celebrate our heritage, and forge a more sustainable future.

Rizal Memorial Coliseum, Manila

Reduction of Construction Waste and Embodied Energy Savings

Restoring heritage buildings not only preserves our cultural history but also leads to significant reductions in construction waste and embodied energy—the total energy consumed throughout the lifecycle of building materials. The manufacturing of new construction materials is highly energy-intensive, contributing to harmful carbon emissions. By repurposing existing structures, architects can substantially lower these emissions, making heritage restoration not just a viable option, but an environmentally responsible choice. In the Philippines, where rapid urbanization is a pressing issue, embracing sustainable construction practices is essential for a greener future.

The Philippine Context: Laws and Local Efforts

In the Philippines, the preservation of our cultural heritage is not just an option, but a responsibility supported by crucial laws and initiatives. The National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 emphasizes the need to protect significant cultural properties that define our national identity. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) are at the forefront of promoting these conservation efforts. Local ordinances further bolster these initiatives, ensuring that the historical value of iconic buildings is not only recognized but actively preserved. A prime example of this commitment is the restoration of the Metropolitan Theater, made possible through collaborative public and private partnerships, showcasing how heritage conservation can enhance sustainable urban development while enriching our cultural landscape.

The Metropolitan Theater, Manila

2. The Role of Architectural Heritage Restoration and its Benefits in Sustainability

Environmental Benefits

Embracing heritage restoration is not only a matter of preserving our history; it brings remarkable environmental benefits that we cannot overlook. By reusing existing buildings, we significantly reduce the demand for new materials, leading to a decrease in energy consumption and lower carbon emissions linked to their production and transportation. Moreover, many older buildings, especially in tropical regions like the Philippines, were designed for passive cooling and ventilation, offering sustainable advantages. Traditional Filipino homes are a prime example, featuring open spaces, large windows, and high ceilings that promote airflow and greatly reduce the need for energy-intensive air conditioning. By restoring and adapting these time-honored designs for contemporary living, we can effectively lessen the environmental footprint of modern architecture, making heritage restoration not just a choice, but a responsible path forward.

Cultural Benefits

Heritage restoration is not merely an environmental initiative; it is a vital act of cultural preservation. In today’s rapidly globalizing world, preserving local architectural traditions is crucial for safeguarding our unique cultural identities. Restoring heritage buildings empowers communities to celebrate their historical narratives, fostering pride and reminding us of the values that shaped our societies. Moreover, these buildings serve as powerful educational tools, inspiring future generations to appreciate their history, craftsmanship, and architectural legacy. By investing in heritage restoration, we invest in our collective future.

Economic Benefits

The economic benefits of heritage restoration are undeniable and deserve our attention. Revitalizing heritage buildings not only attracts tourists but also generates jobs and strengthens community pride. These historical landmarks often transform into popular tourist destinations, boosting revenue for local businesses and fostering regional growth. Moreover, in many cases, restoring existing structures proves to be more cost-effective than demolishing and constructing new ones. For cities like Manila, rich in historical sites, embracing heritage restoration is not just a smart economic choice; it’s a sustainable path towards preserving our culture and enhancing urban development. One of the best example is the Intramuros which is probably the largest heritage district in the City. (Please see the cover page of this blog).

FINAL THOUGHTS

The integration of heritage restoration into the sustainability movement is not just beneficial; it's essential for a thriving future that honors our past. By repurposing existing buildings, we significantly reduce waste, lower carbon emissions, and safeguard architectural gems for generations to come. In the Philippines, where heritage profoundly shapes local identity, this movement fosters a strong sense of national pride and a shared collective memory. As we tackle the urgent challenges of climate change and rapid urbanization, embracing heritage restoration within sustainable architecture emerges as a vital solution—one where the past and future beautifully intertwine, paving the way for a more sustainable, culturally vibrant world.

Ar J CASTANEDA

Architect, Sustainable Architecture

Link in account for architectural works.

Linktree account for artworks.

PHOTO ATTRIBUTIONS:

Rizal Memorial Coliseum

patrickroque01, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rizal_Memorial_Coliseum_(Malate,_Manila;_11-23-2019).jpg

The Metropolitan Theater

Juan M. Arellano, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Manila_Metropolitan_Theaterjwilz.jpg

Intramuros, Manila

Ray in Manila, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Intramuros,_Manila,_Philippines.jpg

PRESERVING CULTURAL HERITAGE THROUGH SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE (PART 1)

 

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

  

Defining Architectural Heritage Restoration and its Goals

 

Combining architectural heritage restoration with sustainable architecture, especially in the context of Filipino culture, is both timely and deeply relevant in today’s push for environmentally and culturally conscious design. I believe reviving the past is one of the best ways to preserve the future. Recalling the vernacular Filipino architectural heritage such as the Bahay Kubo, Bahay na Bato, Ifugao House, Ivatan Houses in Batanes, ancestral houses in Vigan and Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan, just among the many examples of pre-colonial and colonial influences in the Philippine architecture, a heritage to be considered as “the untouchables” or as Wikipedia calls it “immovable”, in our quest to preserve the culture through architectural restoration. These are all possible in the midst of the green building revolution, yet in a subtle way, it's becoming a significant part of it.

OBJECTIVE

I have been contemplating lately the connection between "architectural heritage restoration” and "sustainable architecture." How did it become part of sustainable architecture, its role and influence with a deeper emphasis on the green building of the Philippines? These are just among the many questions I have in mind that I want to address in this blog. Understanding “Architectural Heritage Restoration” involves exploring the practices, philosophies, and cultural imperatives that guide the preservation, repair, and often the revitalization of historical structures. However, it seems like this is quite a broad subject matter to discuss, and I have decided to put this into a series of blogs. I would like to appeal to the general audience, sustainability advocates, architects, students, cultural conservationists, and even travel and lifestyle readers, please be patient and stay tuned to our channel in this series, in order to deeply understand where this adventurous journey is taking us. Ready to ride my time machine? Fasten your seat belts and let’s build a better future from the lessons of the past.

1. Definition and Goals of Architectural Heritage Restoration

Definition

Although with similar definitions and context, Wikipedia seems to have its own terminology on this subject matter. According to them, “Conservation and restoration of immovable cultural property describes the process through which the material, historical, and design integrity of any immovable cultural property is prolonged through carefully planned interventions. The individual engaged in this pursuit is known as an architectural conservator-restorer. Decisions of when and how to engage in an intervention are critical to the ultimate conservation-restoration of cultural heritage. Ultimately, the decision is value-based: a combination of artistic, contextual, and informational values is normally considered. In some cases, a decision to not intervene may be the most appropriate choice.” (See Citation No.1)

However, to simplify it in general terms, Architectural Heritage Restoration refers to the process of accurately recovering the form, features, and character of a historic building as it appeared at a particular period in time. This includes using appropriate materials, techniques, and respecting its original context and significance.

Primary Goals:

• Preservation: To protect the structure from further deterioration, decay, or demolition while maintaining its historical authenticity. This involves maintaining original materials and minimizing alterations.

• Adaptive Reuse: Giving an old building a new function while retaining its heritage value. For instance, converting an old convent into a museum or an ancestral house into a boutique hotel. To learn more, consider reading a related blog I wrote entitled THE 3 R’s OF SUSTAINABILITY AND ITS IMPACT IN SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE.

• Cultural Continuity: Ensuring that tangible cultural symbols of the past are preserved for future generations, maintaining a link to identity, memory, and history.

2. Distinction from General Renovation or Rebuilding

While restoration, renovation, and rebuilding all involve work on existing structures, their purpose and philosophy differ significantly:

Aspect	Restoration	Renovation	Rebuilding
Objective	-Return to a known earlier state	-Update or modernize to current standards	-Construct anew (possibly replicating the original)
Material Use	-Original materials and techniques are prioritized	-Modern materials are often used	-New materials entirely
Historical Value	-Maintained or enhanced	-Often compromised	-Usually lost unless meticulously reconstructed
Example	-Restoring the original woodwork of a Spanish-era church	-Installing new wiring or flooring in an old house	-Demolishing and rebuilding a replica of a historical theater

Thus, restoration is more conservation-driven and aligned with protecting heritage values, unlike renovation, which may focus primarily on functionality or aesthetics, often with less concern for historical authenticity.

3. Common Heritage Structures in the Philippines

The Philippines has a diverse and rich architectural history shaped by indigenous traditions, colonial influences (particularly Spanish and American), and early modernism. Notable heritage structures include:

The Ifugao House

a. The Ifugao House

These houses are considered part of the heritage structures in the sense that it is recognized by National Commission on Cultural Arts (NCCA) in one of their articles entitled Sites and Sights in Ifugao by MANUEL DULAWAN. It says, “The Ifugao House. The bale-type house of the affluent Ifugao is a unique architectural structure which antedates by centuries the modern pre-fabricated building. Made only of wood, reeds and thatch without the use of nails, it can be dismantled, transferred to another place and rebuilt and it will look exactly the same as before in shape and size.” (See citations No. 2)

Bahay Kubo

b. Bahay Kubo and other related Filipino vernacular houses

According to an NCCA article, “History of Philippine Architecture” written by ARCHITECT MANUEL D. C. NOCHE, “The bahay-kubo (nipa hut) is a typical traditional house found in most lowlands all over the Philippines. Originally built as a one-room dwelling, the nipa hut changed as family needs become more diverse.” Noche also mentioned the Maranao torogan, which is designed for royalty and thus built with much ornamentation and elaborate details.

The Typical Ivatan House

Another indigenous heritage structure, the Ivatan`s rakuh, which is built solidly on all sides, is made of a meter-thick rubble work covered by thick thatch roofing to withstand gales which frequent the area. Architect Noche added, “Being an isolated and wind-frequented area, the Batanes Islands, exhibit the most different of all traditional architecture in the Philippines.” (See citation No.3)

Bahay na Bato

a. Bahay na Bato (House of Stone)

Bahay na Bato emerged during the Spanish colonial era (18th–19th century) and it features a stone or brick lower floor, wooden upper floor, ventanillas (small windows), capiz shell windows, and wide eaves. A blend of indigenous stilt-house design and Spanish masonry, often seen in towns like Vigan and Taal, is among the significant features of this type of structure.

Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan

b. Spanish-Era Structures

The Spanish colonizers introduced their architectural style during the 16th–19th century, which features Baroque or Neoclassical styles, massive stone construction, retablos, belfries, etc. mostly applied in building churches as part of their mission to spread Christianity. Examples are San Agustin Church (Manila), Miag-ao Church (Iloilo), Paoay Church (Ilocos Norte), Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan, etc. Therefore, these eventually became centers of colonial religious, political, and social life, which most of them are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The Manila Metropolitan Theater

c. Art Deco Theaters

Such inviting theatrical aesthetic facades were built during the American colonial period (1920s–1940s), which features Geometric designs, decorative motifs, vertical lines, and modern materials. Good examples are the Manila Metropolitan Theater (See cover photo), Capitol Theater, Iloilo's Cine Oro, among many others. Such decorative buildings reflect the urban and cultural development during the early 20th century; today, many are under threat or already demolished.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Architectural heritage restoration is vital for preserving the rich identity and history of a nation. In the Philippines, it serves as a bridge that connects the pre-colonial, colonial, and modern eras, showcasing the nation's diverse cultural landscape. Through the careful stewardship of significant landmarks like the Ifugao House, Bahay Kubo, Bahay na Bato, Spanish-era churches, and Art Deco theaters, we honor our past and cultivate a deeper understanding of our shared heritage. By distinguishing restoration from mere renovation, we affirm our commitment to authenticity, cultural memory, and responsible modernization, ensuring that the legacy we pass on to future generations remains intact, inspiring and sustainable.

Ar J CASTANEDA

Architect, Sustainable Architecture

Link in account for architectural works.

Linktree account for artworks.

CITATIONS:

No.1

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conservation_and_restoration_of_immovable_cultural_property

No. 2

https://ncca.gov.ph/about-ncca-3/subcommissions/subcommission-on-cultural-communities-and-traditional-arts-sccta/northern-cultural-communities/sites-and-sights-in-ifugao/

No.3

https://ncca.gov.ph/about-ncca-3/subcommissions/subcommission-on-the-arts-sca/architecture-and-allied-arts-2/history-of-philippine-architecture/

PHOTO ATTRIBUTIONS:

Cover Photo

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, Bagac, Bataan, Philippines

May Ann Libranda, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Stone_brick_gate.jpg

Ivatan House

anne_jimenez, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c2/Oldest_House_in_Ivatan.jpg/1125px-Oldest_House_in_Ivatan.jpg?20091031095937

Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Barasoain_Church_in_Malolos_City.JPG

Aerous, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

The Metropolitan Theater

Juan M. Arellano, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Manila_Metropolitan_Theaterjwilz.jpg

Ifugao House

Ranieljosecastaneda, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Bahay na Bato

Ramon FVelasquez, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Other photos are copyright owned by Architalktural.