Introduction:

Different conquerors have influenced the Philippines modern and complex architecture. Because of this, the said countrys architecture came to have interesting mixture of different forms. According to Architect Manuel Noche, the principal architect for Art, Architecture, and Design, the current state of Philippine architecture is the result of a natural growth enriched with the absorption of varied cultures influences. It advanced from the pre-colonial influences of our neighboring Malay brothers, to the Spanish colonial period, to the American Commonwealth period, and finally to the modern contemporary times. As a result, the Philippines has become an architectural melting pot-- uniquely Filipino with a tinge of the occidental. Even before the Philippines colonization, Filipinos have already built indigenous dwellings and even considered the Earths geographical layout in constructing houses. The weather and location, among others, are also the considerations in their assembly. Back then, Filipinos built their shelters with organic materials like wood,

bamboo, leaves, stones, and clay-- depending on what material is currently abundant. In a situation where construction materials are limited, indigenous Filipinos, with their thrift and wisdom, constructed small houses. The indigenous houses were portable because of the Filipinos hunting routine; the latter were forced to move to different places to be able to live. One of the oldest portable shelters known in the Philippines is the lean-to. This house was made from tree branches and used leaves for its sidings. This simple shelter protects dwellers from the rain and the heat of the sun. After years of experience on building houses, the lean-to evolved to the Philippines very own Bahay Kubo. Throughout the years, houses began to develop and new designs were incorporated. Later on, the countrys population grew and city planning was introduced. This advancement led to the birth of Philippine Architecture which was influenced by different countries colonization. The late Leandro Locsin, the Philippines national hero for architecture, mentioned that Philippine Architecture is an elusive thing because while it makes full use of modern technology, it is still a residue of the different overlays of foreign influences left in the Philippines over the centuries. These foreign influences include early Malay culture, vestiges of earlier Hindu

influences, results of more than 300 years of Spanish domination and almost 50 years of American dictatorship, and Arab and Chinese influences through commerce and trade over the centuries (Noche, n.d.). Noche also mentioned in his article in the National Commission of Culture and the Arts website that What resulted may have been a hybrid: a totally new configuration which may include a remembrance of the past but transformed or framed in terms of its significance today. In fact, according to Mika Callejo in her paper published at the De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, Some people would say that Philippine has no architecture because of our late adaptation to what is current in the other countries. But I certainly dont agree that we have no architecture. We are rich in architecture. Filipino architects are very competent that numerous international architectural firms hire them because of their creativity and commitment to perfection. Callejo added
Filipino architects have more to show to people. The aptitudes and talents theyve got are incomparable. Other architects have proven their talents outside the country and I am confident that there are still many architects who have been working hard in their profession. I am proud to be a Filipino. There

are many things to be proud of in our country apart from architecture. I just would like to say that even though many architects are just starting to do extravagant buildings, I know that we can be better than others. Its never too late; the developments of the inventions are continually progressing until now.

With this, the main priorities of issues by which the decision-making process is affected are the preservation of Filipino architecture and the enrichment of talents of young aspiring architects dedicated to the development of our architecture capable of meeting the worldwide challenges in construction. This can be done by designing a platform for the exchange of knowledge with architects and students and pursuing their own lines of enquiry on the way to developing an integrated set of skills with which to act effectively in the Philippines or globally.

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Architecture in the Philippines has always been unique. It is the reflection of the history which the country has gone through. But what is the future of Filipino Architecture? The answer seems terrifying as slums sprawl endlessly, identical skyscrapers rise up monthly, and every single housing project is inspired by foreign styles. What future can we expect from an uncontrolled growth of the small, the ugly, and the foreign? (http://arkitektura.ph/posts/4-the-future-of-filipino-architecture)

The state of architecture of the Philippines today is depressing because the buildings built today are usual, plain, and made with a traditional form. The sad part is, buildings with good forms were designed by foreign architects. Clients prefer foreign architects rather than Filipino architects because we lack creativity in designs. Why cant we make a world-class design?

Buildings today should not be built with traditional construction materials. It should concentrate and look into issues and problems in the environment and make solutions. We need to research more on innovative and sustainable building forms with proper space planning and user-responsive designs and concepts In the constantly modernizing world, the Filipino identity in architecture is vanishing; we see identity in aesthetic outputs. We should think about our future. What is Filipino Architecture? We should have an identity when it comes to international projects. Our architecture needs development. Philippines need a cutting edge education and research centre dedicated to the development of architecture capable of meeting the worldwide challenges in the construction of habitability. For three years now, the different chapters of United Architects of the Philippines Students Auxiliary (UAPSA) has been pushing Architecture students to think out of the box through design competitions. Our country needs to empower students who are known for their new ideas and out of the box thinking. While they still dream, while they still think that everything is possible, we should push the students out of their

comfort zone and to show their ideas and concepts. (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/369372/altering-filipinoarchitecture#.UOOoOqDAGKk) This project aims to design an institute that would unleash the creativity of Filipino architecture students and enhance their knowledge in innovation and sustainability. An institute that will be a platform for exchanging knowledge, disciplines, and designs concerning architecture.