A SYMBOLIC DESIGN OF CULTURAL CENTER

IN BENGUET STATE UNIVERSITY

A Thesis presented to

The Faculty of the Department of Architecture

College of Engineering and Architecture

University of the Cordilleras

In Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for the Degree of

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ARCHITECTURE

by

BRADLEY ROME VILORIA BALTAZAR

OCTOBER 2016
 Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Culture is a shared meaning, shared understanding and

shared sense making. (Griffin, 2009)

Culture refers to the different factors;

traditions, beliefs, values arts and language that a group

possessed. Combination of which creates a unique and

distinctive character of an ethnic group. Different ethnic

groups are known for their uniqueness in a particular

feature.

Variety of indigenous ethno-linguistic groups inLa

Trinidad and Benguet State University continues to enrich

the socio-cultural scene in the area. The Ibalois,

Kalingas, Ifugaos, and Kankanais comprised about 10% of the

total population.

According to Goda, T., many anthropologists who have

done their field work among the folk society during the

1960s and 1970s have to face the catastrophic culture

change of folk society due to the strong influences of

modernization and development of information sciences.

Due to growing population of La Trinidad, agricultural

research and commercial developments along downtown core

that showcase their own products and goods and progressing

average annual income La Trinidad is recognized as a first

class municipality of Benguet under the memorandum circular

no.01-M (b) January 28, 2002 and due to extensive

production of temperature vegetables, by 1950, La Trinidad

as reputed as The Salad Bowl of the Philippines and earned

its distinction among neighboring towns.

It is strategically located near Baguio City which

serves as the gateway to the mountain provinces.

Furthermore, La Trinidad serves as a center for education

and agricultural researches in collaboration with Benguet

State University.

Benguet State University is nestled in the heart of La

Trinidad, Benguet, the strawberry capital of the

Philippines. It started as the La Trinidad Farm School in

1916. Nowadays Benguet State University serves as one of

the center for education, agricultural activities and plays

an important role in preserving Cordilleran culture in the

area.

Cordilleran history and culture is in crisis due to

loss of cultural identity, loss-determination and self-

efficiency. Some Cordillerans are focused on moving forward

without looking back, looking at the present yet unmindful

of the past. Cordilleran languages are not often used

during gatherings but instead they used Iloko or English

language on their speeches. (Catajan,2013)

 Nowadays, history, culture and performing arts are

slowly fading in the mind-sets of some Cordilleran citizen.

The province of Benguet supports the program of National

Commission for Culture and Arts program for the

conservation of cultural heritage and establishment of

schools of living traditions wherein a master of culture or

specialist imparts to a group of young people the

knowledge, skills and techniques of making an art or craft.

(Paraoan,2013)

As said by Cordillera Tourism Director Purification

Molintas (2013), everyone will contribute to the

preservation of history, culture and performing arts of the

Cordillera; that youth plays the biggest role in it as they

portray the culture and traditions of Cordilleran people

through expressing it by means of theatrical plays, dancing

and singing.

According to Benguet State University Land Reservation

Office Director Engineer Delos Santos, the students used to

do all indoor activities like rehearsals and presentation

of performances on gymnasium which is to be used as sports

facility.

The above mentioned condition calls for a design

of a cultural center in able to further develop

youths skills and talents and to house such facility

that will accommodate every cultural performing group

 to accompany them in their preparation for such

performances and rehearsals; create an outdoor place

for socialization and to share their common traits and

their own culture to others; as well as to serve as a

house for Cordilleran artefacts; the said cultural

center is to be located on Benguet State University

Campus (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Site vicinity and location

La Trinidad map. Digital image. Benguet State University retrieved

September 07, 2016 from https:/maps.google.com

According to Architect Hazel Tibangan of Benguet State

University, the site is considered as a commercial area.

This Cultural Center shall cater the needs of Cordilleran

students for their rehearsals and performances, house the

Cordilleran artefacts and promote the richness of

Cordilleran culture.
 Figure 2: Existing commercial stalls (near main entry to
the site. BenguetState University. BradleyRome Baltazar.8
September (2016)

Figure 3: Serves as a parking lot for the area and for the customers
and visitors in the area. BenguetState University. BradleyRome
Baltazar.8 September (2016)

The aim of the study is to create a place where

every Cordilleran, regardless of their ethnic group

will form and promote the richness of Cordilleran

culture through educating tourists and local people

and the students, as they play a big role in

preserving and promoting it. Through this study the

researcher will be able to produce a planning and

design approach that will focus on physical planning,

design of a cultural center and socio-cultural aspect.

This proposed project will be appreciated by the

following beneficiaries:

The owner the proposed project is an opportunity

to raise and promote culture and performing arts as a

part of their continuing legacy.

The Local Government this Cultural Center will

promote tourism and as well as promoting the

Cordilleran Culture.
 The society and community this will serve as a

symbol of unity in diverse culture and a reminder to

everyone to continue utilize ones culture and

promoting it to further appreciate the richness of it.

This research study is being conducted to determine

the planning and design that is suitable for a Cultural

center and based on the existing laws, ordinances,

guidelines and needs of the users. The aspects only to be

considered are architectural, socio - cultural aspect of

the cultural center base on its quality and character in

relation to planning and design.

Architectural aspect

A.1 Planning and Design According to Max Fajardo, a

good plan are those that are functional and economically

designed adhering to the principles of form follows

function. Meaning for every establishment, it must be

design for the purpose or reason for its erection become

more functional and workable. As a result, we could

provide maximum comfort and security of the building.

Projecting a distinct character that once people will

have a first glance on the building they already know

its function (Salvan,1986)

A.2 Architectural Building Form and Character the

purposes of a building are to provide a shelter for the

performance of human activities. The form of a building is

an outgrowth of its function, its environment and various

socio-economic factors. (Salvan, G. 1996). The character

and form of a building is a result of its purpose,

environment and its users. It should reflect the Culture of

the users to emphasize the richness of it through designs

of interior spaces and exterior features. As said by Moore

(1997) If culture is symbolic, then it follows that it is

used to create and convey meanings since that is the

purpose of symbols (Moore,1997). Incorporating different

Cordilleran elements in the design serves as a symbol for

oneness of different ethnic groups in one building.

B.General Planning and Design

B.1. Area Planning and Circulation considers the

circulation of entry and egress from outdoor areas of the

Cultural center to the building interior, orientation and

location public and private areas to observe the flow

activities and users,connection of hallways and corridors

to the different areas in the building,viable location of

emergency exits, stairs for private individuals and main

stairs for public users. The consideration also includes

the circulation of parking spaces considering for the

suitability of disabled person.

B.2. Function According to Benguet State University Land

Reservation Director Engineer Feliciano Delos Santos they

used to perform and do all indoor activities in the

gymnasium, whereas it should be used for sports activities

the students cannot maximize their time and space to do all

the preparations needed for their performances.

Socio Cultural Aspect

Goda believes that diversity by culture change

was already takingplace among the Cordillera groups

even before the period of westerncontact. Primitive

society or tradition is flexible and has a power to

change their systems as they negotiate through the

ever changing socio-cultural situations. (Canilao,

M.A.2001) Interaction between different ethnic groups

create opportunities for cultural exchange which

promotes Cordilleran culture despite of

diversity.Since Baguio City, is a neighbouring town of

La Trinidad it is comprised of different ethnic groups

otherwise known as melting pot, the control of modern

arts is conquering the practice of traditional

culture. This cultural field with different folkloric

groups shares different cultural and religious

beliefs, lifestyle, languages and performing arts.

Some of the group remains primitive society but later

then due to influences of other cultural groups and

todays modernity a combination of traditional and

modernity is created.

Since Baguio City, is a neighboring town of La

Trinidad is comprised of different ethnic groups otherwise

known as melting pot, the control of modern arts is

conquering the practice of traditional culture. (Apilis

et.al. 2014)

Communal Symbolism of Cordilleras (Fiar-Od,C.,Phd, 2015)

1. Heavenly Bodies. The stars and sun in emblems give

impression of sun rays at day break heralding the

dawning of a new era. The stars signify that the

region is integral part of the Philippines

contributing substantially to national development.

The rising sun depicts the glories of the peoples

past. The rays of the sun symbolize the peoples

indigenous knowledge as the light in attaining the

peoples vision.

2. Unity Gong. This instrument gives sound to convey

unity, cohesion and solidarity towards the attainment

of a singular and unified vision for development and

industrialization. It also symbolizes the highland

culture of the Cordillerans being optimistic in their

outlook.

3. Abundant God-given resources- symbolized by the

mountains, valleys, hills, river systems, waterfalls,

majestic terraces, green fields that carry with them

the peoples resilience, steadfastness, and self-

reliance in the face of adversity and challenge. Among

the Igorots are their innate indigenous engineering

 skills, and agricultural potentials to develop tourism

landmarks.

4. Shield/Spear and Head Ax. These gadgets speak of the

courage of the people, the traditional weapon for

self-defense. These are all symbolic weapons of war,

protection against ignorance, apathy and intolerance.

They also symbolize the Igorots indomitable spirit of

preserving their way of life, their environment, their

customs and traditions.

5. Symbolic shapes. The triangular shape manifests

stability and strength. The circles and wheels stand

for the earnest vision of every province towards

development and industrialization.

6. The indigenous knowledge of back strap weaving,

tattooing, mummification, food preservation, stone

engineering, rice farming, cooperatives, local

governance is innate among the Igorots.

Tangible Heritage and Icons of the Cordilleras

1. Rice terraces.Are 2,000-year-old terraces that were

carved into the mountains of Ifugao in

the Philippines by ancestors of the indigenous people.

The Rice Terraces are commonly referred to by

Filipinos as the "Eighth Wonder of the World". It is

commonly thought that the terraces were built with

minimal equipment, largely by hand. The terraces are

 located approximately 1500 metres (5000 ft) above sea

level. They are fed by an ancient irrigation system

from the rainforests above the terraces. It is said

that if the steps were put end to end, it would

encircle half the globe.

2. Cordilleran Houses/Rice granaries. Each provinces

appears to have its own distinct type of house, from

the complex timber structures of the Apayao rain

foreststo the roof-heavy pine cubicles perched among

the Ifugao terraces like gigantic mushrooms on four

legs, from the shoot-shiny darkness of Bontoc

interiors to the split-bamboo floors of Kalinga that

can be rolled up and carried down to the river to

wash, these are only some features of cordilleran

architecture that may distinct from other indigenous

architecture here in the Philippines.

3. Bamboo and rattan crafts.Rattan or bamboo wares and

other farm implements were original among the Igorots

as means to maximize their resources and for specific

uses. While these antiques reveal the ingenuity and

tells the life of Igorots in the past, it is getting

lost due to lack of appreciation and advocacy. As a

result, remnants of such ancestors legacy have gone

to world museums for exhibits.

4. Tribal Costumes. Different provinces of the

Cordilleras have their own distinct tribal costume

 generally called as the tapis for women and the

bahag(g-string) for men.To maintain originality, the

proper use of costumes should be observed.

5. 7 Attribute of Cordillerans

Figure 4 Attributes of Cordilllerans

Digital Image. 7 attributes of Cordillerans retrieved

September 21, 2016from http://www.google.com.ph

SOCIAL ACCEPTABILITY

People plays a big part in such decision making and

during the design process, the building reflects their

needs as the place to be created should makes sense for

them. A place and a building must create a place of

belongingness to the users, they feel comfortable and

secured within the area and the building. The building

should reflect the culture of the users as it promotes and

preserves it. Cordilleran elements to be integrated should

conform architectural solutions and building form

considering the differences among different groups. Through

public consultation, people will play a big role in doing

such design that they will accept and adapt. The proposed

cultural center will enhance the progressive and socially

responsive area through sharing and promoting Cordilleran

culture.

In summary the study is intended to provide a symbolic

design solution for a cultural center that represents the

cordilleran themeproviding enough space for the users to do

rehearsals, performances and other activities and spaces to

house different artefacts showcasing the Cordilleran

culture. This is to be fulfilled by considering the

following phase of conceptualization, planning and design;

these are the input, process and output. There are three

intervening factors for this study first is the

architectural aspect, second is culture aspect and third is

the social acceptance. The architectural aspect is divided

into two specific sub inputs which include architectural

character and form and architectural planning and design.

For the cultural aspect, it intends to focus on evaluating

Cordilleran elements that has similarities and differences

among different ethnic tribes and. The social aspect that

considers the acceptability and adaptation of the users to

the design and the building itself.

Architectural (input process)

a. Architectural Character the process starts with data

gathering and evaluation on how the character of the

building will have a significant impact on the people,

on the existing character of the buildings nearby and

how it will blend to its surrounding. The building

 character shall possess a Cordilleran theme on its

interior spaces and its building facades.

b. Architectural form this will give an idea to the

viewer to determine a certain form that has a

Cordilleran motif. The process will start on data

gathering of related representations of the

cordilleran culture that can be use on design and

conceptualization.

CulturalAspect (input process)

Cultural study data gathering using interviews to

the masters of Cordilleran culture and questionnaire is the

primary action to do in able to know some understandings,

similarities and differences of different ethnic groups in

the area, Next, is evaluation of the data gathered in

relation to planning and design of the cultural center.

Social Aspect (Input process)

Through data gathering and understanding some insights

regarding the issues to be arise from differences of their

culture, the researcher will be able to incorporate the

Cordilleran elements on the design based on the

similarities available in every ethnic tribe and doesnt

create conflict with another local group.

As the different processes above is satisfied, the

researcher shall have an output of a community acceptable

building form, function and character and showcasing the

richness of Cordilleran culture through incorporating such

Cordilleran elements on the design of interior spaces, its

building faades and landscaping.

Paradigm of the Study (Table 1)

INPUTS PROCESS OUTPUT

1. ARCHITECTURAL a. Planning, Design
ASPECT and Function
observance and
compliance to
the different
laws and
regulations that
may affect the
Cultural center.
This includes Symbolic
the National Architectural
Building Code Character of
and local Cultural Center
ordinances. depicting
Cordilleran
b. Building form, Culture
character
integration of A community
Cordilleran acceptable
elements to the building
building faade, character and
interior spaces form of a
and landscaping.
 2. CULTURAL cultural
ASPECT a. Data gathering character based
a. In terms of through on Cordilleran
the users interviews among culture
Cordilleran
culture masters
and assessing
the similarities
and differences
among different
ethnic groups to
avoid conflicts

3. SOCIAL ASPECT a. Considering the

a. In terms of similarities of
socially Cordilleran
accepted element among
design, form different ethnic
and character groups
of the
building with
respect to
ones ethnic
group.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The main problem is to design a cultural center

incorporating Cordilleran elements with respect to social

acceptability, cultural and architectural aspect.

Specific Problems

The purpose of the study is to answer the following

questions:

1. What are the factors to be considered for the

Socio-cultural aspect in diverse Cordilleran

culture?
2. How to incorporate Cordilleran elements on the

design of cultural center in terms of

2.1 Architectural Aspect

2.2 Social acceptability

 3. How to integrate Cordilleran culture on the design

of a Cultural center in terms of area planning and

circulation?

Independent Intervening Dependent

-Planning and Design -Architectural Aspect -Symbolic

-Building Form and -Cultural Aspect apprroach of

Character -Social Aspect Design

-Similarities and -Socially

Differences among acceptable design

different Ethnic -Showcasing the

Groups Cordilleran

-Different Cordilleran culture for the

elements cultural center

BIBLIOGRAPHY

From books

- Griffin, EM, (2009), First Look at Communication

Theory Boston McGraw-Hill Higher Ed. (p.251)

- Salvan, George, (1996), Architectural and Engineering

Topics (page 13)

- Fajardo, Max, (1996), Planning and Designers Handbook,

2nd Ed., 5138 Merchandizing (page 1)

- Salvan, George, (1986), Architectural Theory of

Design, 1st Ed., 388 Quezon Avenue Quezon City (JMC
Press Inc., (p.80)

- Goda, Toh, (2002), Cordillera: Diversity in Culture

Change- Social Anthropology of Hill People in Northern
Luzon (pages xi)

- Moore, Jerry D., (1997)Visions of Culture: An

Introduction to AnthropologicalTheories and
Theorists. London: Altamira Press, (p.212)

From Internet

-Canilao, M. A. P. 2008. Understanding the Peopling of

Benguet Through Archaeology, Ethnohistory, and Oral
Tradition. Masters Thesis. Archaeological Studies Program,
University of the PhilppinesDiliman. Quezon City.
-Fiar-Od,C.,Phd, (2015), Communal Symbolism of Cordilleras
retrieved from Preservation and Promotion of the Cordillera
Cultural Heritage and Addressing Prevailing Issues in
Society Powerpoint
From Newspapers
-(Catajan, Sun Star Baguio, July 19, 2013,p.2)
-(Paraoan, Sun Star Baguio, May 18, 2013,p.3)
From existing Laws, Ordinances and the like
- BOR Resolution no. 1833, series of 2009 Created
center for culture and arts Benguet State University

- RA 10096: An act of 2009 an act providing for the

protection and conservation of National Cultural
Heritage, strengthening the National Commission for
Culture and Arts and its affiliated cultural agencies.
- Article XIV of Philippine Constitution