Chapter 4 - Architecture

Architecture Overview

Definition

• Architecture is defined as the art and science of designing and constructing buildings, bridges, and other structures to meet individual and community needs.

• It encompasses both exterior design and interior planning, making it a complex art form.

Kinds of Architectural Construction

• Primitive men initially lived in caves due to a lack of tools and knowledge for constructing homes.

• As they developed tools, they began creating tree houses and other simple structures.

• The Industrial Revolution introduced steel and other materials, leading to the development of high-rise buildings.

• Key architectural constructions include:

  • Post and Lintel

  • Cantilever

  • Arch

  • Dome

  • Vault

  • Truss

Post and Lintel

• Structure consists of a horizontal beam (lintel) supported by two vertical posts.

• Commonly used in doors and entrances.

• Example: Stonehenge.

Cantilever

• Similar to post and lintel, but one end of the horizontal beam extends beyond the supporting posts.

• Often constructed using steel for its tensile strength; wood is used less frequently due to susceptibility to warping and rotting.

Arch

• Composed of wedge-shaped stones (voussoirs) held together by a key stone, designed to support structures like roofs and act as gateways.

• Example: The Arch of Triumph in Paris, a key feature of Roman architecture.

Dome

• A large, hemispherical roof or ceiling resembling an inverted cup, able to enclose a large space.

• Example: The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.

Vault

• Arched masonry structure forming a roof or ceiling, enclosing a large area.

• Types include barrel vault, groined vault, and cross vault.

Truss

• A braced framework of beams forming triangles, typically used to support roofs.

Mediums in Architecture

• Two categories of materials: light and heavy.

  • Light Materials include paper, nipa, bamboo, and light woods, often used in tropical environments.

    • Advantages: Good ventilation.

    • Disadvantages: Not fire-resistant and susceptible to natural elements.

  • Heavy Materials include hardwood, stone, concrete, brick, steel, and cast iron, commonly used in high-rise buildings.

    • Advantages: Fire-resistant and durable against natural disasters.

Historical Architectural Periods

Prehistoric Period

• Original dwellings were caves; evolution to tree houses as tools were developed.

• Egyptians built monumental structures like the pyramids, which exemplified complex architecture.

Greek Period

• Characterized by the Parthenon, a prime example of post-and-lintel architecture.

• Greeks developed architectural orders: Temple of Diana ( another ancient wonder), Erechtheum, and the Temple of Winged Victory. The Ionic (with the simplest capital), the Doric ( with a capital having rams horns or volutes), and the Corinthian (with a capital having acanthus leaves).

Roman Period

• Architectural Orders: Adopted Greek orders and added the Tuscan order (plain abacus capital, no fluting) and Composite order (bell-shaped capital with acanthus leaves and scrolls).

• Innovations: Combined multiple orders in one building, unlike Greek architecture.

• Notable Structures:

  • Colosseum: Introduced the dome structure.

  • Other Major Constructions: Arch of Triumph, Baths of Caracalla, Pantheon, Roman aqueducts.

Medieval Period

• Divided into four styles: Early Christian, Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic.

  • Early Christian:

    • Notable example: Old Basilica of St. Peter (Rome, 326 A.D.), first Christian church, dedicated by Emperor Constantine.

  • Byzantine:

    • Example: Hagia Sophia (6th century, Constantinople), features a Greek cross layout with four equal arms.

  • Romanesque:

    • Characterized by a massive, horizontal emphasis, cruciform shape, east-west orientation, long nave with a transept.

    • Example: Romanesque churches with a strong, grounded structure.

  • Gothic:

    • Notable for vertical emphasis with high pointed spires.

    • Examples: Chartres Cathedral (France), San Sebastian Church (Philippines).

  • Secular Architecture:

    • Castles and fortified walls, primarily for defense (e.g., Walls of Intramuros).

Renaissance Period

• Aristocratic Residences (Palazzos):

  • Medici-Riccardi Palace (Florence) by Michelozzi.

  • Rucellai Palace (Florence) by Leon Battista Alberti.

• Churches with Iconic Domes:

  • Dome of Florence Cathedral by Brunelleschi.

  • Dome of St. Peter's Basilica (Rome) by Michelangelo.

Mannerist Period

• Defined by unique designs, with prominent architects such as Giorgio Vasari and Andrea Palladio.

• Giorgio Vasari: Palazzo degli Uffizi (Florence).

• Bartolommeo Ammannati: Courtyard at the Palazzo Pitti (Florence).

• Andrea Palladio: Villa Rotonda (Vicenza) and S. Giorgio Maggiore (Venice).

Baroque Period

• Characterized by highly ornamented designs, as seen in the Church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane.

• Highly ornamented facades, giant twisted columns, broken pediments, and decorative motifs.

Classic Period

• Full expression of classical style marked by structures like the Palace of Versaille, built for the court of King Louis XIV by Mansart and Le Vau

Modern Period

• Bauhaus School: Founded by Walter Gropius in Weimar, Germany (1919), led to the International Style in architecture and design.

  • Emphasized form follows function (Louis Sullivan) and the integration of utility and aesthetics (William Morris).

• Frank Lloyd Wright: Influential American architect who inspired the International Style but developed his own unique approach.

• Key Influence: Modern style principles are reflected in 20th and early 21st-century skyscrapers.

Notable Architects in Philippine Architecture

Carlos D. Arguelles

• Contemporary of Juan Nakpil.

• Designed notable buildings in Southeast Asia like the Philamlife Building (United Nations Avenue) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (Escolta).

Armando Dominador N. Alli

• Architect, planner, and environmental consultant (APEC).

• An architect involved in comprehensive land use and architectural designs for various structures.

Pablo S. Antonio

• National Artist for Architecture (1976).

• Pioneer of modern Philippine architecture.

• A National Artist for Architecture known for significant Philippine structures like Ideal Theater and Far Eastern University Campus.

Cesar H. Concio

• Notable works: Redemptorist Church (Baclaran), UP Protestant Chapel.

Juan M. de Guzman Arellano

• Influenced by Art Deco.

• Known for Metropolitan Theater, Manila Post Office Building, Jones Bridge, Executive House (National Museum).

Gregorio Gutierrez

• Designed Sta. Cruz Church.

Leandro Locsin

• National Artist for Architecture (1990).

• National Artist recognized for his work on the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Church of the Holy Sacrifice (UP Diliman), St. Andrew's Church, Antipolo Church, Philippine International Convention Center.

Luis Lira

• First Filipino with a Master of Architecture degree from the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture.

• LEED architect, licensed in the USA and Philippines.

• Authored “FRANKly Speaking: It's the wRIGHT Way”.

Nestor S. Mangio

• International architect, environmental planner, and urban design expert.

• Served as director for Bases Conversion Development Authority, Clark Development Corporation, and Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation.

Francisco Manosa

• Authored “Designing Filipino: The Architecture of Francisco Mañosa.”

• Advocate for indigenous Filipino architecture, known for the Coconut Palace.

Tomas Mapua

• Co-founder of Mapua Institute of Technology and first registered Filipino architect.

• The first registered Filipino architect; key contributions include the Philippine General Hospital and Normal School training building.

Juan F. Nakpil

- Pioneer and innovator in Philippine architecture.

- Known works: 1937 International Eucharistic Congress, Quiapo Church (rebuilt and enlarged with dome and second belfry), Dr. Jose Rizal's house (reconstruction).

- Major works include Geronimo de los Reyes Building, Magsaysay Building, Rizal Theater, Capitol Theater, Manila Jockey Club, Rufino Building, Philippine Village Hotel, Iglesia ni Cristo Church in San Juan, San Miguel Pro-Cathedral, Quezon Institute Hospital, Social Security System Building (Quezon City), UP Administration Building, and UP Library.

Fernando Ocampo

- Notable works: Manila Cathedral, Antipolo Cathedral, UST Chapel.

Genaro O. Palacio

- Known for designing San Sebastian Church.

Ildefonso P. Santos Jr.

- "Father of Landscape Architecture" in the Philippines and National Artist recipient.

- Major projects: Loyola Memorial Park (Marikina), Paco Park, Rizal Park (Manila), Tagaytay Highlands (Cavite), Crystal Springs (Los Baños, Laguna).

Carlos A. Santos-Viola

- Renowned "kapilya" (chapel) designer.

- Collaborated with Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) starting with the Cubao chapel, despite being a devout Catholic.