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.

UNVEILING THE TRUE IDENTITY OF FILIPINO ARCHITECTURE - Have we really found it?

When we consider architecture, some well-known styles, like Gothic, Baroque, or Modern, often pop up. But what about Filipino architecture? Does it really exist as a unique style, or is it just a mix of influences from other cultures? The reality is that, Filipino architecture is much more than just a combination of styles—it continuously shows the Philippines' deep history, cultural variety, and one-of-a-kind surroundings. In this blog, we will look into how Filipino architecture has evolved and answer the question: is there truly such a thing as Filipino architecture? 

Indigenous and Vernacular Architecture 

I have always been mesmerized by the concept of the Ifugao House, to the extent that even by its appearance, it gives me the impression that these houses might have been the very first houses built by our ancestors even before the Nipa Hut, or “Bahay Kubo.”

Ifugao House

Oh well, I should say I was really mesmerized because since I started writing this blog, I have already developed that kind of strong urge in my mind, and so, I was eventually prompted to do some research about the Ifugao House right away. I told myself, why not?

As usual, I started looking at Wikipedia. But wait, it appears like Wikipedia only provides information about Ifugao as a place, but what about the house? I found one small picture with a short caption. And so I went on with other websites but unfortunately, I was not able to find the right information for the purpose that I am trying to point out. So I went on until I reached my last resort...I dug some research work of some universities instead, and voila! I think I found one that may help. There you go... oh wow, this one came from Ifugao State University itself. How about that? (please see citation).

Here's an excerpt from the report:

 

“The Ifugao build their native houses in villages or near the rice terraces. It is unique from the common “bahay kubo” of the Filipinos. Guyjoco (2017) describes the Ifugao House a “no-nail house” which plays a great role in Pinoy pride. 

 

The Ifugao “Bale” or Native House is said to be the “first pre-fabricated house in the world,” according to renowned anthropologist Otley Beyer. It has been the subject of many scholarly articles as it is considered to be one of the most ingenious and nearly perfect architectural constructs made by man. This type of dwelling does not make use of nails thus it is also called the “No-Nail" house, The house can be dismantled and transferred to another place of choice without destroying any part of it.” 

 

Wow! Aren’t you amazed by that? Well, I am. I am a big fan of Ifugao House by the way. It’s not that I came to know these facts for the very first time, but this information even gives me an early hint as to what I am trying to point out. But we'll get there. It's just too early to conclude our discussion yet, so we need to keep on digging. Please stay with me mates. Let me cover "Bahay Kubo" as well. My apologies to its supporters for the delay. Here’s some information for you:  

 

Since Bahay Kubo is very typical, I will just describe it based on familiarity. Bahay Kubo is a house made of a nipa roof, hence from where the English name “Nipa Hut” was derived, has a steeply pitched roof, open windows, and a “silong” or a space underneath for storage, ventilation, and small livestock. It is constructed using bamboo, wood, and nipa leaves for roof materials with a sustainable design that is inexpensive and can withstand natural disasters. Since it’s made of bamboo, the connections are usually tied up with strong tying materials, which makes it different from the Ifugao House, where they use no-nail joineries. Bahay Kubo is difficult to dismantle, which makes it difficult to transfer to another place. It usually requires a “Bayanihan” or collective effort by the neighborhood. 

Bayanihan

 

In addition, Bahay Kubo has a lot of resemblance to our neighboring Asian countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, etc., and also Kubo was named after the Spanish word Cubo, which means cube, or a square room or space, not to mention its evolution into “Bahay na Bato,” again, another Spanish influence.

 

The Influence of Colonial History 

Bahay na Bato

I already have started mentioning the Spanish influence on "Bahay na Bato", but aside from that, the Spanish also introduced Mediterranean, Roman, Gothic, Baroque, and Neo-classical styles, such as those in the churches, government buildings, and some houses of prominent families. Ironically, the term "ancestral house" nowadays is usually attributed to the old Spanish-influenced houses. But if we should go deeper, I believe the pre-colonial houses deserve accreditation as well.

During the American colonialization, buildings and bridges within the Metropolitan Manila area were modernized. However, the Japanese did not have much influence when it comes to architecture. Perhaps a few buildings, but we couldn’t find a trace nowadays. 

 

The Fusion of Styles: A Unique Identity 

Modern House Design in the Philippines

If we look at the current design trend, we can find architecture in the Philippines as a blend of influences, creating a hybrid identity. This fusion of cultural, historical, and modern elements contributes to a distinctive Filipino architectural style. Modern Filipino architecture combines elements of local tradition and international trends. We have prominent architects like Juan Nakpil, Leandro Locsin, and Francisco Manosa who have contributed to the evolution of Filipino design. 

 

Sustainability and Local Materials 

Amidst the growing trend of sustainable architecture in the Philippines, little did we know that the subject of sustainability is certainly not new. It actually originated way back from the pre-colonial era, and probably even earlier, perhaps to the time when our real ancestors designed and built the Ifugao house. Then, followed by the Bahay Kubo, all of which use local materials like wood, bamboo, and nipa palm to create eco-friendly designs. A prominent Filipino Architect, Francisco Manosa is very well known for reviving the use of local and indigenous materials in his projects. He even took advantage of the versatility of the coconut tree, as his ingenuity is evident in his design of the famous Coconut Palace. Other Indigenous materials available locally are rattan and abaca, which are also very useful in making furniture, and capiz, which is renowned for sliding windows, amongst many others.

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Filipino Architecture – An ongoing quest for its true identity

Filipino architecture is not a singular, static style but a dynamic, evolving expression of Filipino ingenuity, history, and culture. We could always look at the continuing growth and innovation in Filipino architecture, but we also need to reflect on our past. If our aim is to define the true identity of Filipino Architecture, we need to dig deeper into its history, just like tracing our family roots. For me, I would consider the deepest root starts with the Ifugao House, the Bahay Kubo and other traditional indigenous houses, and so on and so forth. If we could learn the culture of each ethnic group in our society, and find out why and how they came up with their design ideas and carry on with how they evolved throughout the centuries, only then we could clearly unveil the right criterion in determining the true identity of Filipino architecture. 

 

Joey Castaneda

Architect

Link in account for architectural works.

Linktree account for artworks.

CITATIONS: 

THE IFUGAO FOLK ARCHITECTURE AND HOUSE CONSTRUCTION, research work from Ifugao State University, Sept 2022 

https://www.scribd.com/document/623139778/IfugaoNativeHouse 

PHOTO ATTRIBUTIONS:

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

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

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

Modern House: PaulGorduiz106, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Cover Photo and others: Royalty free photos by Pexel and Pixabay