Topic 1

• Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions include Contemporary Architecture, which is the art of designing buildings and other structures that serve a definite function.
• Structures range from simplest shelter to high rise structures that meet the demands of modern cities and its growing population.
• Alan Gowans states that architecture is always about something, specifically, it is about values held by the people who had it built.
• Construction principles include Post and Lintel, which is the most common principle used in house building.
• Post and Lintel is a construction system that makes use of two vertical support posts spanned by a horizontal beam.
• The Arch is a Roman invention that consists of separate pieces of wedge-shape blocks called voussoirs arranged in a semi-circle.
• The most important part of the Arch is the keystone which is the stone at the top center that locks the pieces together into a single curved structure.
• Barrel Vault is a succession of arches, one placed directly behind another to produce a structure similar to a tunnel with two openings, one on each end.
• Groin Vault is a structure that is formed by interesting arches, resulting in four openings.
• Dome is a structure with the shape of an inverted cup, formed by a series of arches rising from consecutive points on a base called a drum.
• Truss is a system of triangular forms assembled to form a rigid framework, used in bridges, theaters, and roofs.
• Cantilever is a structure that makes use of a beam or slab that extends horizontally into space beyond its supporting post, constructed to be strong enough to support floors and walls.
• Buttress is a structure that is built as a support for the wall, in most European churches buttress built to support the dome are called flying buttresses.
• Stones are favored over other materials for its durability, adaptability to sculptural treatment and its use for building simple structures in its natural state, but stone is difficult to quarry, transport, and cut.
• Lumber (Wood) can be used for all parts of a building except the foundations, its major disadvantages are susceptibility to fire, mold, and termites.
• Iron and Steel are the most important innovation in architecture since ancient times, providing far stronger and taller structures with less use of material when compared to stone or wood.
• Concrete is a mixture of cement and water, with aggregates of sand and gravel, which hardens rapidly resulting in a fire resisting solid of great compressive strength, it also provides an economical substitute for traditional materials and it has the ability to fuse with other materials making the structure stronger.
• Styles in contemporary architecture include Post and Lintel, Arch, Barrel Vault, Groin Vault, Dome, Truss, Cantilever, Buttress, Stones and Bricks, Lumber (Wood), Iron and Steel, and Concrete.
• Modern windows are usually made of glass, which are transparent or translucent.
• Coconut trees are strong and can withstand the strongest typhoon and wind, they stand firm and continue to nourish man with its fruit and oil and gave him shelter through its leaves.
• The 21st century skyscrapers are now integrally connected to their urban context by integrating mass transportation.
• The color of the door should match the motif and color of the interior of the structure.
• The Coconut Palace is valuable to the Philippine culture as the architectural landmark that showcases what art can be made out of coconut tree.
• A window composed of colored pieces or painted glass frequently portraying people or scenes are called stained glass windows.
• Walls are usually made of concrete reinforced with steel.
• Doors can be made of wood or glass combined with metal.
• Architectural doors, windows, walls and interior decors are just as important as the structure itself.
• Wood door surface can be carved with a design to look more appealing.
• Environment-friendly Architecture structures are resource-efficient throughout their life-cycle, from design to deconstruction.
• Environment-friendly Architecture promotes environmental awareness through their creative work.
• The coconut tree is referred to as “The Tree of Life” and is a symbol of fortitude, finding inner treasure, strength amidst challenges and giver of nourishment.
• Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa’s Coconut Palace is referred to as “contemporary tropical Filipino architecture” and is a mix of elements that are not usually combined in architecture: coconut lumber, rattan, shell, thatch, and even indigenous textiles are juxtaposed with modern materials: metal, glass, concrete.
• Fountains are usually located outside a building but in contemporary art, architects and engineers have devised ways of installing indoor fountains, enhanced with lights and sound.
• In some cases, bricks or wooden panels are mounted on the wall to give it texture or a warm and aesthetic appeal.
• Biomorphic Architecture combines new materials and devices such as collapsible domes with curved metal hemispheres; shell structure made of concrete sprayed over inflated balloons; or ribbed ceilings looking like dinosaur skeletons.
• Skyscrapers are immensely tall buildings found in densely populated cities all over the globe.
• Eco Art is a kind of art that promotes environmental awareness and protection by depicting nature or using it as a means to reflect the beauty of the environment and the importance of its preservation.
• Windows are not just openings into a structure, they serve as a passage of light, air and sound.
• Environmental or “green” buildings represent a paradigm shift in the field of architecture and a more sustainable way to secure the future of urbanization.
• Biomorphic Architecture is designed with patterns or shapes inspired by living organisms, such as trees.