Sultan Hassanal

Bolkiah Masjid: The

Golden Mosque of
Cotabato City.

Specific Concerns for Mosques

Datu Michael Mastura
1. Who owns a mosque? Who Manages it?

A mosque can be owned by either:

a.] private individuals; or
b.] a wakaf or trust fund set up by pious individuals
Regardless of the ownership, the surrounding community elects (or should
elect) a management committee to run it.
2. What can be done to ensure proper maintenance?

Two things are needed.

a.] Do not allow people to live inside the compound.
b.] Make sure that the mosque has source of income.
3. Why the mosque the characteristic Islamic building
in Architecture?
This structural type combines the unity of the sacred and the profane. The
intention to build must be purified. Hence, the Arabic word yamure
which means construction, decoration with light materials and flooring. In
one sense, therefore, carpentry. Another sense is to pray and refrain from
mudane words inside the mosque (masjid).
*A mosque or masjid should be preserved out of respectful piety.
*The vernacular mosque design has resulted in a rich variety of forms.
*Hard to preserve the legacy of the past.
4. What universal elements characterize the mosque
in their main architectural forms?
The basic type includes a square main prayer space, on top of which can
be either the dome or a roof-tier supported by pillars and arches. In the
hypostyle hall of Middle Eastern design, the roof is carried by lines of
columns and pillars that run parallel to the walls. Regardless of the interior
form, be it Arabic, Turkish, Iranian, Mogul or Javanese, mosques emphasize
the quality of all believers.
*The niche or mihrab is an almost universal element of the mosque interior
*The spatial orientation of the mosque is wide rather than deep to enable
worshippers to get closer to the wall of the mihrab.
 Bahay na Tisa in Carcar,
Cebu represents the
generations of the family
who stayed in the house.

Specific Concerns for Dwellings

Fernando N. Qialcita
1. What is the impact of traditional inheritance
practices?
Most Filipinos practice what is called bilateral kinship. Both son and
daughter inherit from both parents. In patrilineal kinship, as practiced by
traditional Chinese, only the sons inherit, with preference given to the
eldest. In matrilineal kinship, as practiced in some parts of the world, only
the daughters inherit, there is pressure to sell the ancestral house and divide
the proceeds. Once sold, the ancestral house will most likely be demolished
by the new buyer or given a new incompatible use. Even if the ancestral
house is retained, eventually, it becomes difficult to locate responsibility for
the house because the heirs are many.
2. How can a house foster solidarity across generations
within a lineage?
A possible solution: organize the heirs into a foundation that will expressly
own and manage the house. Though not completely effective, this helps
strengthen close kinship ties the house itself becomes their symbol.
Opening a small museum or gallery in one room of the house in order to
honor the achievements of the family also helps in instilling family pride.
Note: Chinese of the same family name are expected to help each other.
One symbol of solidarity among them are ancestral halls/temples which
keep the register of all those of the same family name.
3. What challenges are posed by the use of
impermanent materials?
Traditional, indigenous houses skillfully use native materials, such us bamboo
and a wide variety of thatch. Unfortunately, these materials need to be
changed every so many years. If the homeowners are committed,
however, these should not be insuperable problems.
4. What challenges are posed by the use of semi-
permanent to permanent materials?
Hard wood, brick and cut stone all have their limitations. Hard wood, unless
of molave, can invite termites. If not painted regularly, it rots. Brick and cut
stone need a lime cover to prevent erosion. Reinforced concrete encases
a metal framework. However, if cracks appear, then water can seep in and
cause rust in the metal.
5. What problems arise from location of dwellings in
urban centers?
Many fine dwellings are located near plazas and main roads which are
now beehives of commercial activities and of pollution from transport
vehicles. Finding solutions to this problem is not easy. You have to conduct
dialogues with municipal officials, owners of business establishments,
transport drivers and the local community.
How to Document a Structure
Regaldo Trota Jose
1. Why document? How do you document?

Documentation calls for the photography of a structure. This is

complemented by measured drawings and plans, video-recording, and
the compilation of various information about the building. A good
documentation will greatly help you in understanding a building, the
relationship of its various spaces within the structure and with one another,
and the milieu in which the building stands. The comprehensiveness of the
documentation will necessarily be affected by time, resources, skills,
enthusiasm, and stamina.
2. What is partial documentation?
Sometimes, there is little time to document because:
a.] the structure is on the verge of collapsing;
b.] the structure is already being renovated; or
c.] the documentor is rushing before the last bus leaves town.
You can do the following steps:
*Photograph the following:
a.] the principal faade of the structure;
b.] all other sides or faade of the structure;
c.] significant inscriptions on any part of the structure;
d.] as many details of the exterior as possible; and
e.] as many interior views as possible.
*A series of shots should also be taken situation the structure in its context
*A schematic plan of the site should be sketched
*Record basic information such as the address and owner of the structure
3. What is complete documentation?

An ideal documentation consists of the following:

*Photography
*Measured plans
*Measured drawings
*Vintage photographs
*Research
*Chemical Analysis
*Identification of the types and sources of lumber used in the building
*Test pit for archaeology
4. What is documentation for monitoring?

This more specialized type of work measures such phenomena as

deterioration of walls, rate of growth of weeds, expansion of cracks,
drainage and rising damp, etc. You need professional help. You may
obtain this from various institutions such as the National Commission for
Culture and the Arts, National Historical Institute, National Museum,
Philippine Commission on Volcanology, Bureau of Mines, etc.
5. How do you present the documentation?
A Documentation Album or File should contain at least the following:
*Title of the project
*Maps
*Site plan showing the immediate surroundings of the structure
*Site plan showing vantage points from where photographs were taken
*Any number of detailed measured drawings
*Photographs
*Vintage photographs of the structure
*Contact prints of the photographs
*Any number of detailed measured negatives
*Documentation Album
Defending the Structures
Integrity
Rene Luis S. Mata
1. What are the first three steps to take?

Do the following:
a.] consult your municipal planning office and other relevant agencies;
b.] get information on the structures present condition; and
c.] appreciate the cost of conservation.
2. What should I consult the municipal planning office
and other agencies about?
You need to establish either a proposed or and existing urban zoning plan
for the area of your structure.
This plan can establish your structures potential value as a heritage
resource.
Moreover, you should consider the structures relation to
a.] other similar structures of the same period or style;
b.] its neighboring structures; and
c.] the wider urban configuration
Pakikibagay is always important
*Establish the ownership of the structure
*The immediate surrounding grounds and its landscaping likewise constitute
heritage.
3. What basic information on the structures present
condition should I get?
Establish a checklist to evaluate the present condition/deterioration of the heritage
structure.

*Do research, both archival and technical, on its original architectural character and its
history. You need to know:
a.] what the building was like before; and
b.] the significance of the building for local, national and even international heritage.
*Consult with established or reputable restoration architects and/or companies. The
owner should know the amount of restoration/conservation work that is needed based on
structures:
a.] past historical/cultural significance;
b.] its present condition; and
c.] recent renovations that affect the proposed future redistribution of function of the
structure.
4. What should I know about the cost of the proposed
restoration work?
When you calculate the cost per proposal, invest first in priorities. Pay
attention to the buildings structural and roof systems. The rest will easily
follow.
Note, however, that the cost of structural rectification will always be more
than any new construction.
5. What should we look for in the roof-and-truss system?

As a rule, it is best to just replace roofing material with similar ones ~~preferably
from the original area of manufacture. However, compare also the traditional
or original material with recent innovations of the century. Research can
identify cost may be a deciding factor as to:
a.] whether to reinstall similar roofing material; or
b.] to replace it with compatible contemporary materials.
*Replace the storm drainage, gutters and drainpipes to conserve the
structure.
*Does the roofs original truss system still exist?
*New materials and new construction technology introduced into the roof
system.
*Adaptive reuse goes beyond pure renovation and reconstruction.
6. What is redistribution?

This refers to the arrangement of space in a structure.

*Sensitive adaptive reuse will try to keep the original configuration and to
prevent the useless destruction of structural features.
*Conservation represents the ultimate in the recycling and harnessing of
already existing resources.
7. What are different ways to treat a structure?

There are different ways to treat a structure:

a.] protection;
b.] preservation;
c.] conservation;
d.] consolidation;
e.] restoration;
f.] reconstruction; and
g.] anastylosis
8. What is protection (proteksyon)?

In legal terms, the action required it provide the conditions for a

monument, site or historic area to survive. Also refers to the physical
protection of historical sites to ensure their security against theft, vandalism,
environmental attack, and visual intrusions. Protection also takes the form of
establishing buffer zones for historical areas.
9. What is preservation (pagpapanatili)?

Measures taken to ensure the survival and sustainability of a heritage structure. This
involves:
a.] physical actions;
b.] programs that articulate the structures significance for society as a whole; and
c.] economic and political programs that ensure the structures future.
10. What is conservation (pag-iingat-anyo)?

Measures taken to keep the existing state of a heritage resource from

destruction or change.
Actions that prevent decay and prolong life.
This includes:
*maintenance,
*repair,
*consolidation, and
*reinforcement.
11. What is consolidation (pagpapatatag)?

The physical addition or application of adhesive or supportive materials to

the actual fabric of the cultural property in order to ensure its continued
durability or structural integrity.
12. What is restoration (pagbabalik-anyo)?
Let us quote from the Venice Charter of 1964.
*Article 09. The process of restoration is a highly specialized operation. Its aim is to preserve
and reveal the aesthetic and historic value of the monument and is based on respect for
original material and authentic documents.
*Article 10. Where traditional techniques prove inadequate, the consolidation of a
monument can be achieved by the use of any modern technique for conservation and
construction, the efficacy of which has been shown by scientific data and proved
experience.
*Article 11. The valid contributions of all periods to the building of a monument must be
respected, since unity of style is not the aim of a restoration.
*Article 12. Replacements of missing parts must integrate harmoniously with the whole, but
at the same time, must be distinguishable from the original so that restoration does not
falsify the artistic or historic evidence.
*Article 13. Additions cannot be allowed except in so far as they do not detract from the
interesting parts of the building, its traditional setting, the balance of its composition and its
relation with its surroundings.
13. What is reconstruction (rekonstruksyon)?

This means building anew.

This may refer to work executed using either contemporary or old material,
or both, with the aim of rebuilding dismembered or destroyed elements, or
parts of them
Reconstruction must be based on accurate archaeological and
architectural documentation and evidence, never on conjecture.
14. What is anastylosis?

This types of restoration aims to make the spatial character of a ruined

structure visually more comprehensive by reinstating its lost original form.
It uses the original material that is in suitable condition and is located at the
site.
The work must be guided on the basis of the same rules as restoration and
supported by firm archaeological evidence.
15. What is adaptive reuse (malikhain at angkop na
paggamit)?
A structure should be used to ensure its survival. However, its present use
should be compatible with its history and its architectural integrity. Adaptive
reuse is therefore neither renovation nor modelling. These two terms imply
total change and the disruption of the integrity of the original structure and
its spaces.
16. How should the following utilities be treated: the storm
drainage; the plumbing and electrical wiring; and the fire
alarm systems?
Most heritage structures possess obsolete and unserviceable utility lines. They must be
thoroughly tested especially after more than 20 years have passed since the most
recent renovation and totally replaced with the most modern systems available.
Any proposals for air-conditioning and/or heating systems must take into account the
additional electrical load and the possible damage to original materials resulting from a
change in humidity and temperature.
Additional facilities for machinery and ductwork must also be looked into.
*In important buildings, a fire alarm system must be installed together with the appropriate
fire-fighting equipment.
*In heritage churches and museums, there must be a fire alarm and burglary system that is
directly connected to the local fire and police department.
*Copies of the churchs and/or museums cultural inventory should be available to identify
missing artifacts.
17. What should we look for in the walls?

The restoration of original building walls both in the main faades and interior partitions will
take a grater part of the cost of restoration. In many cases, these are load-bearing walls
that carry, together with the original building posts, the total weight of the edifice. Any
cracks and fissures may indicate possible serious problems to the buildings equilibrium.
The regions geological profile must be taken into consideration at all levels of restoration.

*The use of indigenous stone and/or brick, etc. lends itself to different conservation problems.
*The use of contemporary materials as replacement is justifiable only if the original materials
are scarce.
18. How should humidity be addressed?

The discoloration and the peeling of paint due to water seepage at the
base of a buildings faade and interior walls both indicate that the
foundation has problems. These must be addressed at the earliest possible
time. There may be problems in the drainage and waterproofing. Look
closer at the soil and ground conditions of the buildings site.
19. What features of the tropical environment should be
addressed?
Heritage structures are valid solutions to tropical living. They have been
tested centuries of experimentation. The redistribution of spaces and/or
contemporary conveniences should not compromise the intrinsic value of
the structures original design and indigenous materials as a response to
tropical environment.
*Beware of introducing air-conditioning and heating systems. Their support
systems entail both additional space and a new electrical load requirements.
They are potential threats to the conservation and maintenance of traditional
building materials.
20. Are these any problems connected with reinforced
concrete?
This seemingly sturdy materials, the very symbol of modernity, also has its
problems. Cracks in the concrete will draw water inside, into thee
embedded metal skeleton, causing it to rust. Reinforced concrete buildings
should thus be inspected regularly.
21. What should we note about carpentry work?

Most heritage structures are in part or in whole made of wood. Because of

rain, humidity and wood pests, be prepared for massive restoration and/or
replacement of wooden parts, both structurally and decoratively. This
depends n the present condition of the building. More often than not, this
has something to do with the existing condition of the roof system. Any
carpentry work inside the building should be at added cost.
22. What are the points to consider in preserving the
interior?
Let us go back to the concept of adaptive reuse.
*Make sure that the interiors of walls do not carry any important load.
*Document first the existing interior layout as found.
*Should new facilities or spaces be needed in the interior.
*The new materials must always be distinguishable from the original.
*Refrain from too much reproduction of elements unless this is either for repair
and/or replacement of original missing elements.
*Be mindful of the intrinsic value of anything original over mere copies or
reconstructions of a heritage resource.
23. How can interior walls be better protected?

All interior walls depend on the integrity of the roof and roofing system.
Check the latter for leaks and malfunctioning gutters.
*Moisture induced by the buildings damp surroundings can cause the interior
walls to deteriorate. Hence, repairs on the roof and proper drainage around
the building will ensure the conservation of:
a.] interior, wooden frame, paneled walls;
b.] stone walls, including brick and concrete walls and partitions; and
c.] even indigenous materials.
After these repairs, you can restore the walls themselves. This includes
replastering and/or painting.
24. In what other interventions would you need expert
advice?
In those where the buildings very security and integrity are involved.
*Rewiring and updating the plumbing
*Stripping off the paint and wallpaper
*Plastering
*Refinishing wooden floors
*Restoring millwork