LUID: Unveiling the 1800s-1920s Filipino-Spanish Ancestral Heritage of Angeles City through Architectural Documentation for A.R.

Project idea

The built heritage of the Philippines has been facing various threats due to neglect, armed conflicts, and demolitions or uninformed alterations for the sake of progress. By conducting an architectural documentation and encapsulating gathered data into a coffee table book, the study raises awareness about built heritage, advocates for restoration and adaptive reuse, while serving as a tool for tourism enhancement.

Project description

The study includes an architectural documentation of four selected ancestral houses in Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines and the creation of a coffee table book. The architectural documentation involves discovering its history and significance, creating as found plans and 3D models, with literary pieces inspired by the houses to create a visually appealing coffee table book filled with data and information. It provides a tour to the built heritage of Angeles City, advocating for the boost of local heritage tourism.

Technical information

The preservation of ancestral houses in the Philippines holds immense
significance in safeguarding the country's rich heritage shaped by centuries of colonization and historical events. Despite facing threats from natural disasters, conflicts, and urban development, these structures serve as vital links to the past, reflecting the everyday lives and cultural heritage of Filipino families. However, misconceptions about the challenges of maintenance and distrust in government preservation efforts contribute to their gradual disappearance from townscapes.
Ángeles City in Pampanga exemplifies resilience in preserving its ancestral houses, which stand as testaments to its storied past despite enduring volcanic eruptions, floods, and social upheavals. "LUID: Unveiling the 1800s – 1920s Filipino-Spanish Ancestral Heritage of Ángeles City through Architectural Documentation for A.R.T. (Awareness, Restoration, and Tourism Enhancement)" advocates for conservation and restoration efforts, emphasizing the importance of built heritage in identity, pride, and tourism potential. Through meticulous archival data collection and comprehensive architectural documentation, this research aims to immortalize the historical importance of ancestral houses in a coffee table book.
This study reveals influences of various bahay-na-bato styles originating from neighboring Manila, fused with floral ornamentations characteristic of Art Nouveau. Kapampangan craftsmanship is evident in the heavily ornamented Filipino-Spanish architectural elements. Ángeles pioneered the use of Machuca tiles, concrete, and glass, reflecting the wealth and lifestyle of the hacienderos and political figures of Pampanga. These ancestral houses, now the oldest living witnesses of Ángeles’ rich history and heritage, encapsulate the city's cultural legacy – a priceless gift to Angeleños.
By reviving ancestral houses, Ángeles City revitalizes its cultural heritage, fostering a vibrant hub for collective identity, heritage awareness, and tourism opportunities. This research not only contributes to preserving architectural heritage but also stimulates economic and cultural growth, ensuring that future generations inherit a tangible connection to their past.

Documentation

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