November 3, 2009

A new old door

Our East Gwillimbury tour guide asked in my CDP theme day post why the Manila Cathedral had been built so many times since the 16th century. The answer is simple: fires, when Manila's structures were made mostly of wood and bamboo, and earthquakes, when stone was finally used. Then of course, there was the Battle of Manila during WWII when almost the entire city was razed to the ground. The war especially is the reason why, despite the age of the city, we have very few old buildings and those that look old are usually just reconstructions. However, even in the old walled city of Intramuros, only buildings with historical significance were reconstructed. Intramuros used to be the City of Manila but is now just one of its districts. It is a commercial zone and therefore has many office buildings. It has a law which I love though: any new structure built there has to follow the architecture of the Spanish colonial era. This office building is probably very modern inside but it doesn't look out of place beside the Manila Cathedral or the San Agustin Church.

doorway of an office building in Intramuros

15 comments:

Carlos Lorenzo said...

That's an interesting door Hilda. It looks like some kind of fantastic face.

Unknown said...

The Moorish influence in southern Spain architecture.

Lois said...

That is a great law and I really like those doors!

Lowell said...

Sounds like The Villages where new structures are built to look old. This is one beautiful door, whenever it was made!

Debbie Courson Smith said...

I saw a robot face with the windows.

Don and Krise said...

I really like the idea behind that law. I understand it. They just want to maintain the overall sense of history. It makes for some wonderful architecture.

Mirela said...

I love the portal above the doors. I've also learned history I didn't know of...

Unknown said...

That's a very nice and sturdy door!

the top of the door is so interesting btw!

Layrayski said...

I love the history lessons, and the door! :)

VP said...

Trying to imitate old building may be seen as a form of respect. Faithful reconstructions of ancient building are more common around the world than we could think. By the way, the top of this door is really amazing!

Cezar and Léia said...

I liked it, beautiful result!And thanks for these information!
Léia :)

Michel Benoit said...

Is it a cathedral ?
It seems like a mosque !

escape said...

i like the intricate design of the circular mini windows. so beautiful and it actually looks so classic.

George said...

I think it's wonderful that the exterior of buildings have to blend in with the historical surroundings.

Dina said...

Nothing can beat the old style for elegant beauty, IMHO.
So hard to fathom the idea of a city being totally destroyed in war. :(