Philippine architecture is unique in that

it reflects its cultural heritage and the

demand to adapt to its environment.
Surveying the architectural styles in the
country reveals varieties that range
from traditional Filipino dwelling, the
BAHAY KUBO, which is a small one-
room hut built using light woven
materials, to modern and stylish
architecture designs that you usually
see in urbanized areas.
 BIG IDEA
Philippine architecture
reflects the country’s cultural
heritage and need to adapt to
the environment.
The architecture of the Philippines reflect its
history and tradition. Churches and mosques
across the country, as well as buildings in
the metropolitan and rural areas have risen
in response to the growing demands of the
Filipino. Moreover, the country is home to
the best-preserved planned Spanish colonial
town in Asia. During 300 years of Spanish
colonization, architecture in the country was
subjected to Spanish influences. The friars
built several grand churches all over the
country that continue to stand today.
But who are the brilliant minds behind the
famous buildings and grand skyscraper in
country’s that you love? There are many
Filipino architects who normally do not
get the admiration unlike other artists.
Nevertheless, their talents have
immeasurable effect on all of us in the
long term. The following are four of the
best Filipino architects that have paved
the way for creative design and have
become leaders in this form of artistry.
 WHAT HAVE I LEARNED SO FAR?
•What is the traditional Filipino dwelling? What
materials can you built it with? Is the design of
this structure sensible?

•For 300 years, the Spanish had ruled the

country. What architectural structure did 300-
year rule leave? Name some of the famous
Spanish structures found in your area.
 NATIONAL ARTISTS FOR ARCHITECTURE

Pablo S. Antonio
1901-1975
Year of Conferment: 1976
 PABLO S. ANTONIO
• Pablo S. Antonio is one of the leaders in
modern Philippine architecture. His
works are simple and function. Most of
his designs used clean and smooth lines.
If he used curves, these were made
integral to the structure. Moreover,
Antonio’s forms maximized the use of
natural light and cross ventilation.
Some of his famous projects includes:
• Far Eastern University Administration and
Science Buildings
• Manila Polo Club
• Ideal Theater
• Lyric Theater
• Galaxy Theater
• Capitan Luis Gonzaga Building
• White Cross Orphanage
• Boulevard-Alhambra (now Bel-Air) apartment
• Ramon Roces Publications Building (now the
Guzman Institute of Electronics)
 BIG IDEA

•Modest and functional

architecture can be seen in the
use of clean, smooth lines and
the utility of light and
ventilation.
 LEANDRO V. LOCSIN
1928-1994
YEAR OF CONFERMENT: 1990
• Are you familiar with the Istana Nurul
Iman? It is the palace of the Sultan of
Brunei which has a floor area of almost
2.2 million square feet. Leandro V. Locsin
is the visionary behind this majestic
structure. He also has changed the city
with his distinguishing architecture
reflective Filipino art and culture. His
style of floating volume, and the duality of
light and heavy is unparalleled with other
artists.
With the span of 30 years, Locsin has produced
75 residences and 88 buildings, which
include 11 churches and chapel, 23 public
buildings, 48 commercial buildings, 6 major
hotels and an airport terminal building. The
CCP Complex with all five buildings-

• The Cultural Center of the Philippines

• Folks Arts Theater
• Philippine International Convention
Center
• The Phil-CITE
• Westin Hotel
 JUAN F. NAKPIL
1899-1986
YEAR OF CONFERMENT: 1973
Juan F. Nakpil is another famous Filipino
architecture that you should be should be
proud of. He had a strong faith in the
Filipino architect, with the “belief that there
is such a thing as Philippine Architecture,
espousing architecture reflective of
Philippine tradition and culture.” He
designed the 1937 International Eucharistic
Congress altar and reconstructed the Quiapo
Church in 1930. The additional dome and a
second belfry can be credited to this brilliant
artist.
Nakpil is also known as the artistic mind behind the:
• Geronimo de los Reyes Building
• Magsaysay Building
• Rizal Theater
• Capitol Theater
• Captain Pepe Building
• Manila Jockey Club
• Rufino Building
• Philippine Village Hotel
• University of the Philippine Administration
Building (Quezon Hall) and University Library
(Gonzales Hall)
• Reconstruction Rizal Shrine in Calamba, Laguna
ILDEFONSO P. SANTOS, JR.
1929-2014
YEAR OF CONFERMENT: 2006
• Ildefonso Paez Santos, Jr. Is one of the most
recognized landscape architects in the
country. Landscape architecture enhances
outdoor public places, landmarks, and
structures by contouring the environment. He
grew up in Malabon and his first contribution
in the industry can be found in the busy
streets of the Makati. If you visit Makati
Commercial Center, the concept of outdoor
shopping with landscape walks, fountains,
and sculptures as accents is the product of
Santo’s clever ideas.
Some of his famous works include
the prominent landscapes in;
• Paco Park
• Tagaytay Highlands Resort
• The Mt. Malarayat Golf and Country
Club in Lipa, Batangas
• Orchard Golf and Country Club in
Imus, Cavite
 BIG IDEA

•Landscape architecture is
usually done by contouring the
environment to enhance the
appearance of a certain place.
 REFLECT UPON

• Search online for a picture of the

CCP building. What can you say
about its structure from the outside
and inside? What is the role of the
CCP in promoting culture and the
arts in our country?
JOSE MARIA ZARAGOZA
1912-1994
YEAR OF CONFERMENT: 2014
• Jose Maria Zaragoza is an architecture
graduate from the University of Santo
Tomas. He is the country’s 82nd licensed
architect. The head of the National
Committee on Architecture and Allied
Arts of the NCCA, Gerard Lico, lauds
Zaragoza’s works to have “advanced the
progressive ideas of modernism in
rebuilding the Philippines from the
th
His works include:
• St. John Bosco Parish in Makati City
• Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City
• National Shrine of the Miraculous
Medal
• Meralco Building
• Greenhill Shopping Center
• Restruction of the Quiapo Church
Interior
Essential Learning

From the humble bahay Kubo to the

towerin skycrapers in the city, the
high-level craftmanship of Filipino
architects are truly to be admired.
Pablo S. Antonio, Leandro V. Locsin,
Juan F, Nakpil. Jose Maria Zaragosa,
and Ildefonso P. Santos are just some
of the dedicated and talented
architects that Filipino can be proud
of.
Essential Learning

Their brilliant contemporary designs

truly represents the country’s
history, culture, and environment.
These famous artists have been
recognized by the NCCA and the
CCP for their contributions to the
industry.