UAP launches Arkitekturang Pilipino book by Gerard Lico

By Dean Lorelei B. De Viana, PhD, UAP Executive Director, UAP Center for Filipino Architecture

as a professor and architectural historian. Arkitekturang Pilipino covers the discussion of Philippine architecture and urban history in ten chapters, with its chronological discussion divided into two volumes. The first volume covers early history to the American colonial eras, while the second volume covers the post-colonial to the contemporary eras.

The set of books are a must-have for students, researchers, and enthusiasts, and gives a comprehensive, multidisciplinary overview of Philippine architecture and the built environment not only as a parade of buildings, but as a result of a complex interaction of society, history, and cultures. A deeper explanation of the contexts that informed the creation of these designs and buildings is presented so that their sociopolitical underpinnings are highlighted and understood by the public. Consequently, it presents the genius of the architects behind the works–showing that Filipino architects have their own agency in designing buildings. They are not mere copycats of foreign designs but have their own logic, styles, and design philosophies which are informed and influenced by their respective contexts. The vivid descriptions and technical discussions, accompanied by rich photographic and archival materials, as well as axonometric models of notable edifices give the reader an immersive and holistic experience of buildings as they flip through the pages.

Two chapters are of note. In volume one, the chapter “Decadence and Destruction” highlights the beginnings of the Philippine architectural profession in the 1920s and the development of local architectural practice. This chapter also presents more information on the works of prominent Filipino architects of the early 20th century, and gives a glimpse into the development of local architecture between the early Commonwealth and World War 2 eras. In volume two, the chapter “Heritage Stewardship” gives a comprehensive overview of heritage conservation in the Philippines from its roots in the colonial era until recent developments in the field. This chapter also serves as a fitting culmination to the expansive narrative presented in the book, and serves as a call to action to appreciate and preserve our architectural heritage for future generations.

The two-volume “Arkitekturang Pilipino” is sold as a set, and is available at the Façade Books Shopee account.