The Architectural Heritage of Manila Project, 1571-1961 - Erik Akpedonu (Quezon City: Manila Studies Associaion Inc., 2017)
ABSTRACT: The architectural heritage of MAnila Project, 1571-1961, is a syatematic, multi-disciplinary , extensive and intensive inventory / documentation of almost all still-existing vintage structures in Metro Manila, conducted by the Institute ofPhilippine Culture (IPC) of the Ateneo de Manila University. Building and massively expanding on earlier inventories by the National Historical Institute and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the project since its inception in2008 has inventoried close to 4,000 structures of architectural and or historical significance in the National Capital Region. The findings of the Project in Manila City willbe published by the Ateneo de Manila University Press in the book Endangered Splendor by Fernando Zialcita and Erik Akpedonu (with Victor Venida), which for the first time gives a nearly-complete overview of the many hidden architectural treasures of the national capital, their evolution and the manifold threats they are currently facing. It comprehensively describes the city and its component districts, their histories and urban layout. highlighting unique characteristics and attractions. In addition, the book offers comprehensive background information on topics such as heritage economics, architectural styles, legislation, etc. and discusses many other aspects of heritage management (translocation, public spaces, tourism, etc), suggesting manifold interventions for better protection of the national built patrimony in Manila and elsewhere in the Philippines. The architectural documentation thus has afforded the unique opportunity to trackover several years the effectiveness of built heritage preservation measures in the country and has offered many valuable insights into importants aspects of heritage and cultural preservation.
FIC
Keywords: Conference papers and proceedings