Bahay na bato in Vigan: an Eclectic House Style in the Nineteenth-Century Philippines

摘要

This paper introduces a historical residential architecture in Vigan (Ilocos Sur, Northern Luzon, Philippines). Founded in 1574 by Spaniards, Vigan became a commercial- and industrial town prospered by Chinese, Chinese mestizos and natives. The wealthy mestizo class in the 19th century built costly residences called bahay na bato (house of stone) along the grid-patterned streets in the city proper. In December 1999, UNESCO registered Vigan townscape as a World Heritage site, recognizing bahay na bato as a historical "Filipino" architecture. First, this paper explains the history of urban residence in Manila during the Spanish colonial period (1571-1896). By the middle of the 19th century, the urban abode in Manila formed a certain style, bahay na bato, and prevailed in coastal towns in Luzon and Visayas. Bahay na bato has a unique structure, reflecting the environment. Bricks and plaster cover the wooden posts, as a solution to frequent fire and earthquake. The distinctive capiz shell window shows eclectic craftsmanship of Chinese, natives, and possibly Japanese. Following plan analysis of Vigan's existing bahay na batos consists of the study of spatial patterns, house types and the relationship between house- and lot sizes. Examining bahay na bato further suggests the correspondence in block subdivision system, between Vigan and the Spanish colonial towns in Central- and South Americas.