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University of the Philippines in Mindanao
Architecture 45
Designing (Public Spaces): In Search for Filipino Identity
Submitted by:
Agnes Canuto
Submitted to:
Prof. Rowena Delgado
Professor-in-charge
March 28 2008
Introduction
Spanish rule brought political unification to an archipelago of previously independent islands and communities that later became the Philippines, and introduced elements of western civilization such as the code of law, printing and the calendar. The Philippines was ruled as a territory of New Spain from 1565 to 1821, and then administered directly from Madrid. During the Spanish period numerous towns were founded, infrastructures built, new crops and livestock introduced, and trade flourished. Spanish missionaries converted most of the population to Christianity and founded schools, universities and hospitals across the islands.
San Pedro Cathedral
San Pedro Cathedral lies at the heart of the City, right infront of the Davao City Hall and bordered by San Pedro St. , Bolton St. and C.M. Recto Ave. Rounding the walls of the Church are vendors plying candles, Scapulars and statues of the Virgin Mary and various Saints.
The San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City was first built using nipa and bamboo
in 1848, rebuilt on wood in the mid 1900s by Archt. Ramon D. Basa, until it was finally remodeled in concrete in 1964 by Archt. Manuel Chiew.
The San Pedro Cathedral was designed to evoke the image of a fishing boat. It was inspired by the words of Jesus Christ to the apostle Peter, “ Come follow Me,and I will make fishers of men”.
The roof line is also designed to look like the prow of the vinta, gliding on water, carrying a cross at its steep. The vinta representing Muslim Mindanao and the cross representing Christianity, unite inspite the differences and headed towards the same direction, the glory of God.
The massing of the cathedral and the treatment of its design elements are sturdy, solid and strong. Also creating an image evocative of the qualities of the rock, a reminder of what Jesus Christ said, “ You are Peter, and in this rock,I will build a church”.
The building stands on a platform, and consists of walls which define a cell. The walls of the cell support the roof. The cell is entered through doorways. Window openings are finished with stained glass figures that cast colored light inside the building.
Inside the cell is a platform in form of an altar, the focus of the building. The cross on its roof is the marker, identifying the church in the most basic way. Together, the platforms,walls, windows, and altar, identify the place of the god, who is represented by the crucifix within.
The bell tower also identifies the building as a place of worship.
Semantic Descriptors for Assessing Observable Physical Features in Architecture
Factor Categories
Description
Spaciousness
Ample- Crowded
Friendliness
Intimate- Cold
Variety
Diverse- Monotonous
Utility
Efficient- Practical
Rationality
Organized- Complex
Flexibility
Expandable- Contained
Accessibility
Open- Casual
Security
Safe- Unknown
Appearance
Obscure
Conclusions
The San Pedro Cathedral is located at the hearth of the city. This portrays Filipinos' spiritual dedication- religion as the center of one's life.
 ajco · Fri Mar 28, 2008 @ 03:22am · 0 Comments |
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