Urban pattern and architectural style guide for the historical core of Vigan

Ref.: 255
Key theme: 03 Visual integrity of historic urban landscapes
Date of reception: 15/11/2008

AUTHORS (*Main author)

REODIQUE-OLIMPO, Rhea * (Philippines) - University Of Philippines

ABSTRACT

The historic town of Vigan is one of the five World Heritage Site found in the Philippines. Its cultural significance is embodied in its fabric, setting and a Southeast Asian commercial trading seaport in the 15th century, as an exceptional intact building design and an outstanding Spanish colonial town planning in 16th to19th century to American colonial period of 20th century.
Because of time, neglect and rapid urbanization within the historical core of Vigan that threaten its inscription as UNESCO World Heritage Site, the objectives of the study are to establish its urban pattern based on historical and archaeological precedent in the context of its original urban configuration that will be used as basis for the conservation processes ; to establish the prevailing architectural styles of the amended five typologies of Vigan house for the purpose of guiding new construction and restoration within the historical core ; and to submit this study to Vigan Conservation Council as basis for an implementation manual.
Research methods and analysis used is a quantitative approach that involves ocular surveys, photo documentations and space syntax analysis. In macro level or in urban pattern basis, urban elements were defined through the street orientations, block sizes, lot types, public spaces/ plaza and the present status and physical condition of these domestic structures during the Spanish and American colonial periods. To maintain its urban scale and image, building placements were determined from its existing built area and facade length ratios.

In micro level or in the architectural style guide basis, profiles of the amended five typology of Vigan house are: all brick type; brick and wood type (straight façade); brick and wood with volada/overhang; camarin and the houses built during the American colonial periods were described and summarized. Through space syntax analysis, basic plan patterns, functions and spatial layout are shown including the double panel and single panel doors schedules. Space requirements, building and façade heights, fenestration sizes, ratio and styles as acquired data were applied to the recommended architectural style guidelines in Vigan.

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