Map view with 3D-printed models of Manila landmarks. Opposite page: Wireframes of buildings for
inclusion in the Manila Heritage Model Project, which spans the Binondo, Quiapo, Intramuros and Luneta
areas of the city
A map, being a symbolic depiction of a place, an area or a district,
enables us to see the relationships between the elements of a space—
the objects, its buildings, regions or themes of districts.
The Manila Heritage Model Project aims to highlight the architectural
heritage of Manila through 3D Modelling and 3D Printing. Originally a
finals project for the History of Architecture class of the DLS-College of
St. Benilde School of Design and Arts – Architecture Program, the students
selected heritage buildings from the old districts of Manila: Intramuros,
Luneta, Quiapo and Binondo. The selection of buildings feature colonial
buildings, houses, as well as modern mid-rise structures of the American
and post-war Manila.
Manila is a place of a wide range of architectural styles encompassing
the rich history of Filipino architecture. In this old city, heritage structures
offer a diverse selection of building types and aesthetics dictated by their time
of creation. Despite surviving World War II, they have become victims of
continuous neglect and decay, all but hidden in the chaos of urban growth.
The model is a product of data gathering and presentation through
maps, archival images, photo documentation, 3D modeling and printing.
A grid was overlaid on a 1:2500M scale map of Manila and was laser-cut
onto 200-by-200-millimeter wood and clear acrylic modules. Selected
heritage buildings were 3D-modeled and 3D-printed thru scaling and
proportioning based on current and archival photos.
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