History of Architecture: Filipino Architecture

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to the history and characteristics of Filipino architecture.

Bahay Kubo

A traditional Filipino house typically built with bamboo and thatch.

Diwa

A concept representing the Filipino spirit of oneness and intrinsic identity.

Halaga

Refers to the values and qualities attached to ideas, reflective of a Filipino’s self-perception.

Tumuro

The distance from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the forefinger.

Dipa

The length of a man's outstretched arms from one fingertip to the other.

DangkAL

The distance from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the middle finger when the hand fans out.

Damak

The length of the open hand from the tip of the middle finger to the far edge of the palm.

Kilo

Rafters, the major support of the roof in a bahay kubo.

Sikang

Purlin, a horizontal member in roof framing.

Nipa

A material commonly used for walls and roofing in Philippine architecture.

Silong

An enclosed space under the bahay kubo where tools and livestock are kept.

Urbanization

The process of cities growing, with an increasing proportion of the population living in urban areas.

Esteros

Estuaries or tidal channels in Manila used historically for drainage and transportation.

Informal Settlers

People living in undeveloped or improvised housing, often lacking basic services.

Fenestrations

Features such as windows and doors in the architecture of bahay kubo.

Barong-barong

A type of urban shanty that is a descendant of the bahay kubo.