PNR: Philippine Nationality Room

PNR Design Concept: Bahay-na-Bato 09.15.2007

Keeping in mind the principles and guidelines set forth by the University of Pittsburgh for the creation of the Nationality Rooms, the PNR Committee developed a rigid set of criteria for evaluating the proposed design concepts. These included uniqueness (distinctly Filipino), timelessness, ability to promote the country, and most importantly, the power to tell a story and depict the soul of the Filipino.

On September 13, 2006, the committee unanimously voted in favor of the Bahay na Bato design. [TODO: Add when the FAAP board concurred]. The design concept was unveiled to the FAAP membership at its 50th Anniversary Ball on October 28, 2006. Enthusiastic support was evident from the financial contributions generated that evening.

Bahay-na-Bato Interior Renderings. Click the image to enlarge.

Proposed Design Concepts 09.15.2007

Over 5 years of research and consultation with experts and artists to decide on this most important element of the project resulted in three concepts for consideration:

Bahay Kubo (Nipa Hut) is a rural dwelling on stilts with thatch roofs, and walls made of bamboo, grass, leaves, and reeds. The proposed design originated from the student laboratory of Prof. Rene Luis S. Mata at the University of the Philippines, College of Architecture.

Dap-ay is a circular stone-paved court structure which served as a community space for villagers since pre-colonial days. The design concept is proposed by artist Eliseo Art Silva who is now based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Bahay na Bato (Stone Ancestral House) is a Spanish-influenced stately house with stone lower walls and a wooden upper story with high ceilings, sliding capiz shell windows, balustrades, and wood floors and walls. The design concept is proposed by Philippine Heritage and Conservation Architect and author Maria Cristina V. Turalba.