PHILIPPINE EXAMPLES OF ARCHITECTURAL STYLES

CACHOLA, JON LEE C.

1 INTERIOR DESIGN – 2

1. EGYPTIAN: The Capitol Theater

DESCRIPTION: It is
a theater located in
Escolta, Manila. It
was primarily an
Art deco design
style but it has
elements which are
inspired from the
Egyptian art style.
It was designed
with a double-
balcony by the
Filipino National

Artist Juan Nakpil and was considered as a rare structure during his era. The
building itself was inaugurated in January 8, 1935 and on this day, it is being
renovated.

CHARACTERISTICS:

-The tower façade is symmetrically composed with lines offsetting each other, which are dominated by an Egyptian-inspired
step pyramid.

-It has strong and rigid geometric forms which resembles the ziggurat

-Both the vertical surfaces of the exterior part of the structure has low-relief figures depicting two Filipina women which are
portrayed wearing native dresses. (Which is inspired by the Egyptian Relief Structure)

-Also the structure has an underlying motif on the interior spaces which are inspired by the Philippine national flower, the
sampaguita.

2. GREEK: Manila Central Post Office

DESCRIPTION: The Manila Post Office Building, located

along the riverbanks in Lawton, Ermita is the main postal
office of Manila. This was designed by the Architects Juan
M. Arellano and Tomas B. Arellano. The design style used
in this structure is considered as neoclassical style which is
also known as the revival Greek style. This was built in
1926 but then it was severely damaged during the World
War II, so it was rebuilt during 1946 while they had
retained most of its original design.
 This building serves as the home of the Philippine Postal Corporation. Moreover, it also houses the main
mail sorting-distribution operations of the country.
CHARACTERISTICS:
- On the exterior structure, the building has sixteen (16) tall Ionic columns lined above the steps just before
entering the lobby
- Has a symmetrical or balanced architectural design.
- The structure also consist of a triangular pediment which is very
significant in Greek Architecture
- It is complete with the Greek classical order, which consist of the
entablature, column and stylobate

3. ROMAN: National Museum of Fine Arts

DESCRIPTION: The National Museum of Fine Arts, also known as

the National Art Gallery, is located in Padre Burgos Ave., Ermita,
Manila. It was founded in 1998 and houses a collection of
paintings and sculptures by classical Filipino artists. It was
designed by Architects Ralph Harrington Doane, Antonio Toldeo,
Juan M. Arellano.

The Roman-inspired structure was built in 1921 and

originally was used to house various legislative bodies of the
Philippine government, known as the Old Legislative Building from
1926 to 1972. Also, it housed the Philippine Senate from 1987 to
1997.

CHARACTERISTICS:

-The front of the structure has Roman orders which are a

combination of their Tuscan and Composite orders. For the
reason that it has unfluted column (Tuscan) but has the
Composite capital.

-It also has pilasters

-Complete with the Composite order which is consist of

entablature, capital and the base.

-It was made with the post and lintel construction

-The structure was made with solid concrete, which was

the Romans were known for.

4. BYZANTINE: Annunciation of the Theotokos Orthodox Church

DESCRIPTION: This church is located in Sucat, Parañaque. It was consecrated in

March 200 by the Archbishop of Constantinople, Bartholomew I. Due to its
distinction as the first church in South East Asia to be consecrated by the
Ecumenical Patriarch, it is now being referred to as the Annunciation Orthodox
Cathedral. The Cathedral was built in the true Byzantine architectural style with all the interior furnishings including the icons
coming from Greece.

CHARACTERISTICS:

-The church itself is constructed with a Greek-cross plan.

-It has a domed roof which is being supported by pendentives and squinches.
-The interior is highly decorated with icons, such as the theotokos (on
the entrance)

5. ROMANESQUE: The Manila Cathedral

DESCRIPTION: The Minor
Basilica and Metropolitan
Cathedral of the
Immaculate Conception,
also known as the Manila
Cathedral is located in
Intramuros, Manila. It is
dedicated to the
Immaculate Concepcion,
a title for the Blessed
Virgin Mary. This church
was designed by the
Architect Fernando H.
Ocampo, Sr. and is
considered as one of the Romanesque (Neo-Romanesque) Structures built
here in the country. It was completed in 1958, but then it encountered series
of retrofitting (the latest was on 2014) to preserve the historic building.
The church was original the “church of Manila.” Moreover, this has
been a venue for papal masses in the country and also houses religious
artworks, sacred relics of popes and saints, and serves as a resting place for
the remains of former archbishops in Manila.
CHARACTERISTICS:
- Has semi-circular arched doors/entrances which is very significant to
Romanesque Architecture.
- Also, these doors are decorated with carvings/has a carved central jamb,
which is also known as Tympanum— a very significant feature of
Romanesque architecture.
- The structure itself have walls with massive thickness.
- The interior structure has columns and ribbed vaulting.
- Campanile of the church is attached at the left side of the main structure.

6. GOTHIC: Basilica Minore de San Sebastian or San Sebastian Church

DESCRIPTION: San Sebastian Church is a Roman Catholic Church

located in Manila, Philippines. The Architect of this building was
Genaro Palacios, and it was long reputed that the famous French engineer behind the Eiffel Tower and Statue of
Liberty, Gustave Eiffel— was involved on the construction of this church, but then it was never confirmed. Moreover,
this was completed in 1891 and up to this day considered as the most famous example of a gothic revival
architecture here in the Philippines.
The original structure which was made with wood was burned down In 1651 during a Chinese-
Filipino uprising. But in 1880s, the parish priest that time which was Esteban Martinez approached the Spanish
Architect Genaro Palacios with his plan to build an structure which is earthquake and fire-resistant— so it was made
entirely with steel.
CHARACTERISTICS:
- The church itself has pointed arch on the entrance and windows
- Has two openwork towers, which gothic architectures are known for having tall structures
- The church’s interior has a vaulted ceiling (groin vaults) made with steel, which is very significant for
Gothic architecture.
- True to the Gothic revival spirit of the church are its confessionals, pulpit, altars and five retablos
designed by Lorenzo Guerrero
- The church has an intricately designed rose window
- - Both towers have pinnacles which also has the finial and crockets.
- -Inside has numerous of stained glass windows, which are very significant for Gothic Architecture.