Diwa ng Lunan (Spirit of Place)

Diwa ng Lunan, otherwise known as ‘spirit of place’, is a theory on how architecture may be understood by feelings and instinct.

A place may be considered as a ‘designed environment’, an alteration from what architecture was once defined as a ‘built environment’, due to the fact that a place may either be built or natural. A place theoretically implies a space with feelings or memories unique to an individual or a collection of individuals. There are several factors about a place that may affect an individuals feeling or memory towards that place, including: the architectural styles used, that materials used, the climate, and the functions and activities that place it used for. The theory of Diwa ng lunan suggests that a place or a building may be understood in alternative ways rather than just its appearance. This understanding may be linked to architecture and the self. Each individual has his or her own exclusive feelings about a place. This may reflect on their personality and preferences. In addition, an individual may have a memory of that place. However, feelings and memories in a place may also be shared collectively, for instance, a school reunion. Some people may share the same memory and feeling, and others may share another memory or feeling in that same place.

Diwa ng Lunan may be used to reflect on how and why it is significant in understanding Filipino architecture. The architecture in a country may portray that country’s culture and their history. Throughout history, Phillipines have been influenced greatly by other cultures such as the Spanish, Japanese and Chinese cultures. This means that the Filipino architecture also has been influenced by these cultures. For example, the ‘Bahay na bato’ style house emerged during the Spanish colonial period over the Philippines. These are large houses built using wood and stone, with the mixed style of the Spanish, Chinese and Japanese culture. The structures that have been built and still stands today make the history of Philippines evident. Moreover, the theory of Diwa ng Lunan allows us to understand more than just the physical appearances of a structure. It gives us a more profound understanding of the memories and feelings that Filipinos have in these designed environments, which is also a prominent factor of the shaping of the Filipino culture we have today. Hence the reason why Diwa ng Lunan is an important approach towards the architectural and cultural understanding of the Philippines.