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| Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar |
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 article. 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. Consider reading a related article 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:
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| 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)
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| Bahay Kubo |
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.
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| 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)
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| Bahay na Bato |
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.
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| Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan |
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.
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| The Manila Metropolitan Theater |
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.
CITATIONS:
No.1
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conservation_and_restoration_of_immovable_cultural_property
No. 2
No.3
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
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.