History of Architecture 03 Primer Notes 02 November 22, 2012

A Rundown on History of Philippine Architecture Architecture is already manifested in the Philippines long before the colonizers arrived. It is depicted in early-structures that were based on the livelihood of the first Philippine settlers. Earliest Filipinos such as those of the Tabon cavemen in Palawan shows architectural planning through their arrangement of functional spaces inside the caves. In Cordillera region in the north, the Ifugao built their one-room house which embedded features security from animal attacks and crop pests. Their house is amazingly built without the use of nails. Its roof is made of cogon grass and sewn by rattan strips. Their house is an example of the authentic Filipino version of early tropical architecture. Ancient Filipinos are good hunters and farmers. Their shelters also fit their need for protection and living. They built lean-to shelters and tree-houses. Lean-to shelters are built by the nomadic tribes such as the Manobos and other tribes with livelihood such as hunting and farming. This type of shelter is obviously temporary but plays an important role in the evolution of architecture in the Philippines and other surrounding tropical nations.

 Manobo tribes tree house is an example of inland dwelling of early Philippine setting. This type of dwelling protects the inhabitants from wild animals and can survey the surrounding land from the top in search for potential hunting grounds. Cooking area is usually on-ground; tree-houses houses the bedroom and storage. The Manobos dwells at riverside, hills and plateau.

Badjao house. The Badjao people are known as sea gypsies. Their house is practically built on stilt above water. The first picture above shows the location of the toilet. The second one, shows the round timber built sturdy on water. This way the Badjaos merge their way of living with their shelter. They are fisher folks and are excellent pearl divers. The third picture depicts a wooden bridge coming from the shore leading to the house porch and living area. The materials used are basically native materials such as thatch straws, coconut leaves (pawid) and bamboo. Badjaos actually spend most of their time in their houseboats than in their stilt house. These houses serve only as their refuge when their houseboats need repair or rebuilding.