Interpreting Alaminos : the cultural context of form

Abstract

This thesis presents a methodology for transforming designs from their traditional context to a new, though continuous, form. In particular, this thesis examines the interactional role of holism - and its underlying mechanisms - between Pilipino architecture and culture. Given this approach, I base my design of a community center for Alaminos, a medium-sized town in Pangasinan, the Philippines, on three levels of analysis: language, time, and behavior. To achieve transformational Pilipino architecture, I conclude that it must be (a) "personalistic" according to regional sensibilities (b) culturally defined and (c) nationally fulfilling in its accurate representation of the indigenous spirit.