5 Historic Icons

By: Que, Klee Aeren B.

1 Ifugao Traditional Houses

First I would like to focus on the icon that struck me the most, the Fale/Bale, a
traditional Ifugao house. This structure is made with good quality timber with
layers of cogon roofing. What struck me the most about the Fale/Bale was its
practical beauty. It uses a stilted design, which prevents flooding and
provides ventilation. It is a showcase on our ancestors adaptation to the
environment. It really shows the knowledge and thoughtfulness of our
ancestors. The design can showcase the nomadic lifestyle of Filipinos in the
past because it can be dismantled and moved around. This is actually
already incorporated into our identity, we always have portable icons such as
dirty ice cream vendors, kwekwek and fish ball vendors, and many more.

It plays a very big role in Philippine architecture because this holds valuable
lessons for our modern designs, offering solutions that are both innovative
and respectful of our heritage. This includes the stilts, thatched roofs, and the
use of local materials that are easy to move. I would definitely incorporate
this icon into my designs as it would be very cost efficient for people. It
wouldn’t be a house but more on a small structure where small groups of
people can come together to converse and enjoy their time together. It also
really brings out the identity of our country and would serve as a great
reminder to us all.
 2 Philippine Ceramic Pots

Next we focus on the beauty of the Ancient Ceramic Pots. Ancient ceramic pots
in the Philippines date back to the early pre-colonial period, around 2000 BCE.
These pots were used for daily life, cooking, storing food, and ceremonial
purposes. These are made with local materials and elaborate patterns,
showing the craftsmanship of our ancestors. Their designs show our pride as
Filipinos, they show our roots and our heritage in creativity.

I do believe that they play a small role in Philippine architecture because the
decorated with intricate designs and motifs show the artistry and
craftsmanship of pre-colonial Filipino cultures. These pots reflect local
materials and creativeness. In architecture, they can provide inspiration for
various design elements. They are not the most important but they definitely
can have an impact on our local architecture

I can definitely find a way to add elements of these pots into my designs. The
patterns and motifs can be incorporated into decorative tiles or mosaic work
for flooring, walls, and facades. This adds a whole new world into the art of
architecture because we can add themes for example, a “Philippine Ceramic
Pot House”. This would definitely be a way to showcase the decorations and
designs used by our ancestors.
 3 Inladdang (Traditional Blanket)

Next, the Inladdang, a traditional blanket. The Inladdang is a blanket woven by

Just like the ceramic pots, I think that the Inladdang plays a small role in
Philippine architecture because they add a new world of patterns that not only
reflect cultural heritage but also offer unique visual and textural qualities that
can be integrated into architectural design.

I can also add the elements of the Inladdang into my designs by using them for
walls, facades, and many more. Other countries have some houses that really
showcase their country and culture, I want to do the same with the Inladdang
as the patterns are truly beautiful and simple. The rich designs can add cultural
depth and visual interest to modern interiors.
 4 Lappi (Traditional Baskets)

The Lappi is a traditional Filipino basket that are woven from natural materials
such as rattan, bamboo, and palm leave. The weaving techniques and designs
are passed down through generations. They are essential in traditional Filipino
life for both practical and ceremonial uses. They reflect the resourcefulness
and craftsmanship of Filipino ancestors, and each design relates to specific
ethnic groups and their ways of life. Through these baskets we can see a
glimpse into the daily and ceremonial practices of our ancestors.

The Lappi are made using weaving techniques that reflect practicality and
culture. The patterns and structural techniques used in basketry can influence
architectural details and functional elements in buildings. In ancient times,
weaving was not just for making baskets but people weaving many local
things like branches and twigs to create homes. This is why I believe that they
play a big role in Philippine architecture.

In my design I can use the weaving patterns of the Lappi into elements such as
perforated screens or partition walls. These elements can provide both
aesthetic appeal and functional benefits, like light filtering or privacy. The
texture and form of basket weaving can be applied to facade treatments,
creating a distinctive and culturally relevant design feature.
 5 Lamin (Spirit Houses)

Last but not least is the Lamin, a spirit house used for ancestral worship and
spiritual practices. They are usually used indigenous and animistic
communities. They have been a part of Filipino culture for centuries, serving as
places for ancestral worship and spiritual offerings. Their design contains
carvings and symbolic elements that reflect traditional beliefs and creativity.
They share a deep spiritual connection and a respect for tradition. Learning
about the Lamin made me reflect on how our spirituality and cultural practices
are integral to our identity.

As this is a small house, I can see that it may have a big impact on Philippine
architecture. They can impact the form and function many designs because of
it’s spiritual symbolism. I can use the Lamin in my designs by following it’s form
and decorative elements to design quiet spaces for meditation like meditation
huts, creating serene environments for personal or communal reflection. I can
also make it into a small pavilion for people to come together to have
meetings or just to enjoy each others company. The possibilities are truly
endless. I believe that these ancient icons from our ancestors can be made
into brand new, revised architectural designs that we can use in our current
era.