REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

PALAWAN STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURE, AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE

ASSIGNMENT:
ARCHITECTURAL
COMPREHENSIVE COURSE

INSO, SHARMAINE LOTILLA

BS IN ARCHITECTURE-5

AR. CHRISTOPHER MAGRATA, UAP

INSTRUCTOR- ARCC

JULY 23, 2018

ESSAY
1.) What role does the study of History of Architecture play in your design? Make an in-depth
review of this and analyse its purpose to the application of design ideas.

During Prehistoric architecture of the Paleolithic and Neolithic ages, for example, depicted
a movement from wandering to settling. That is, the beginning of dwelling within defined spaces
as a community (mostly for protection) that would eventually become cities. Sites such as
Stonehenge, too, depict the beginnings of architecture as iconic, as this design is thought to have
recorded an important historical event.
Greek architecture displays the emergence of reason and calculated thought. Buildings
and cities were designed with precise mathematical calculation, great attention to detail, and
were thoughtfully laid out; reflections of the mathematicians, scientists, and philosophers that
the buildings housed. Similarly, the way that Roman architecture was designed reflected the civil
aspects of that society, putting greater emphasis on designing cities with a core central area, or
heart.
Byzantine architecture heralded the strong significance of religion to architecture. In this
way, buildings became dedicated spaces of purpose, meaning, and emotional experience.
Furthermore, Romanesque monasteries not only reflected the religious consciousness of the time,
but also literary and cultural life. This architecture depicted a hunger for knowledge and learning
and a development of cultural identity.
The Byzantines also greatly influenced European Medieval architecture, which introduced
a stronger demarcation between city and countryside, more deeply embedded class distinctions,
and increased mobility for citizens. These aspects in turn laid the groundwork for modern
architectural trends.
Within a contemporary context, architecture has developed into relational and dynamic.
Our current contribution to the landscape through contemporary architecture, with green
buildings and smart city designs with mobility optimized layouts is one of efficiency, functionality,
and a brighter, more sustainable future for cities and their inhabitants.

The role that the study of History of Architecture plays in Design is that it brings an aspect
of culture and heritage, which I believe reveals much about a location, its people, and their
culture. Architecture tells us about who we are, where we’ve been, and where we are going.
In our country, Philippine Architecture is a reflection of the country’s historical and
cultural heritage. Most prominent historic structures in the archipelago are based on a mix
of indigenous Austronesian, Chinese, Malay, American, and Spanish influences where the latter
dominated the architecture of the Philippines the most and the style “bahay na bato” emerged,
as an innovative design from the cube house or “bahay kubo”.
History of Architecture helps in connecting the past architectural styles to the present
which gives the designers an opportunity to innovate and introduce a new architectural style that
will adapt and meet the current needs of the people and the community without leaving out its
original style and the culture of the place.
Human beings may design buildings, but buildings also shape our human experiences;
they shape how we feel about and experience space and our sense of place in it. Architects are
therefore “constructing reality,” and that “buildings don't just reflect our society, they shape our
society down to the smallest spaces.”