National Thesis Competition: Entry No. 2018-09

Miskawayh Madrasah: Islamic Institute for Cultural & Research Studies; Inspiring the Revival of Marawi City through the Integration of Distinctive Filipino-Islamic Architecture 

Miskawayh Madrasah: Islamic Institute for Cultural & Research Studies is a 3-building complex composed of a Grand Mosque with a capacity of 1,300pax and 2,100pax on festivities; a Madrasah for pre-school, primary and intermediate education; and an Islamic Institute for Cultural & Research Studies, which houses the Administrating body, the School for Living Traditions and the Research Library. Inspiring the revival of Marawi City through the integration of distinctive Filipino-Islamic Architecture, by giving identity to the local architecture, giving appreciation and value to the roots of the Maranao community, for which the cultural heritage of the place is preserved and nourished. 


One of the objectives of the study is to design with its traditional Filipino architecture and its incorporation into Islamic architecture while maintaining its own cultural distinctiveness. Islamic Architecture has been diverse on every region. One’s style has a touch of its local culture, i.e. the Middle Eastern-Islamic Architecture has adapted the high temperature climate in the region, and with this walls are built so thick that it would protect the people from the invigorating heat. Meanwhile in the South East Asian region, Islamic structures has adapted to the tropical climate having larger openings for ventilation, some has high-pitched roofing, and so on. So the aim of this study to identify what is Filipino-Islamic Architecture or is there a Filipino-Islamic Architecture and what makes it unique from the Middle Eastern-Islamic Architecture and South East Asian-Islamic Architecture. 

Miskawayh Madrasah is a pioneer of the Marawi City rehabilitation plan. The Miskawayh Madrasah priorities’ to rehabilitate the education sector, to develop the learning and moral of the young Maranaos, strengthen their Islamic faith through the right education and guidance. It shall serve not only the Muslim community, but to educate public on Islamic Values and Culture; promotes an open-relationship of the Islamic Culture to society; attracting tourism and economy to the war-torned city. 


ANALYSIS & FINDINGS 

The Filipino Islamic Architecture is defined mostly by the architectural elements in its physical appearance. One very distinct element is its exterior finish. Mosques in Marawi City are mostly wall painted in which: 
1. Wall paints has been part of our conventional building methodology. 
2. Wall painting has been a mastered craft by our local labourers. It is a highly skilled craft to be one. 
3. Wall paints are locally available in the market. 
4. It is basically cheaper than the distinct exterior finish of foreign Muslim regions, ceramic mosaic tiles featured in their façade. 


Another distinct element is the window treatment. Fenestrations in Marawi City mosques’ are generally open or covered with jalousie, sliding window, or fixed glass.
1. These types of fenestrations have been a local option for our buildings. 
2. These types of fenestrations are locally available, can be done by a sub-contractor and deliver ready to install to the site. 
3. These choice of fenestration might be affected by the local climate & weather; the comfort of the users. 


Distinct Filipino Islamic Element 

The local art, depending on a community, was incorporated in the Mosque’s design which serves as the identity. The carvings/Okir is evident in every space of a Mosque. In central Mindanao (Lanao), Panolong is the inspiration of local art design. In the islands of Mindanao (such as Tawi-tawi and Sulu) it is with combination of Sarimanok
1. The presence of calligraphy, verses from Qur’an incorporated in lintel, from door, window, interior of dome, mihrab, and so on 
2. The traditional bantings, tapestries, okir, Islamic geometrical patterns are used to accentuate architectural elements which is inspired from the Arab region by the elders, Islamic leaders during their hadj/pilgrimage. 
3. There are Muslim structures that have tiered roofing due to availability of local materials and the building methodology also depends on the skill of the laborers. Domical roofs require complexity in placing its form, while some structures have dome roofing. 
4. The colors of Filipino-Islamic architecture is white, a symbolism for purity, golden yellow for something grand, royalty, and green as a universal symbolism of Islam. 


Miskawayh Madrasah: Islamic Institute for Cultural & Research Studies; Inspiring the Revival of Marawi City through the Integration of Distinctive Filipino-Islamic Architecture 
Cherylle Anne M. Bacason, Adrian A. Ocampo 
Polytechnic University of the Philippines
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