there is a Filipino Architecture!

“There is Filipino Architecture, the nipa hut or Bahay Kubo to Bahay na Bato are concrete exemplifications of Filipino Architecture.

As he always say “I Design Filipino.” Mañosa designs have been described as Neo-Vernacular. A compilation of his works, which summarizes his philosophies is now a book called “Designing Filipino”.

He explained that Filipino Architecture responds to its climate. The Bahay kubo which is a symbol of Philippine Architecture was designed organically. The open gabled roof is intended to allow ventilation; the materials used like bamboo, anahaw, nipa palms etc. are indigenous; its stilt type structure is made to get away with floods and rodents; the awning windows which is being supported by a stick (tungkod) can be adjusted according to the sunlight or ventilation you need.; the open plan layout (meaning no partitions) has been used to maximize the space --so it is not true that Frank Lloyd Wright was the first one to use the open plan in house designs.

Arch. Bobby Mañosa , despite his cheery disposition, he has only one sentiment----on why Filipinos would always go western in getting an inspiration for design. He said we must take pride of our cultural heritage towards forging an architecture that is at once truly Filipino and truly of our time. He said in one of his speeches, “We as Filipino citizens must continue to develop Philippine Architecture. By the practice of other cultures, we pollute the minds of the future architects. We must stop copying other cultures. We have our own.”