American Colonisation and the City Beautiful: Filipinos and Planning in the Philippines, 1916-35

American Colonisation and the City Beautiful explores the history of city planning and the built environment in the Philippines between 1916 and 1935, highlighting the activities of the Bureau of Public Works Division of Architecture. It discusses the two cities of Tayabas and Iloilo, which show the significant role in the urban design of places beyond the typical focus of Manila and Baguio.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 268 pages
Publication date: 21 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Winner of the 2020 IPHS Koos Bosma Prize, American Colonisation and the City Beautiful delves into the rich history of city planning and the evolution of the built environment in the Philippines between 1916 and 1935. In doing so, it sheds light on the crucial role played by the Bureau of Public Works Division of Architecture in the nation's development and decolonisation efforts.

Morley presents a wealth of new archival materials that provide invaluable insights into the dynamics of governance and city planning during the American colonial era in the Philippines. These materials reveal the connections between prominent American university educators and Filipino architecture students, highlighting the exchange of ideas and knowledge that shaped the urban landscape.

The book explores two cities, Tayabas and Iloilo, which stand out as examples of the significant contributions made to urban design beyond the traditional focus on Manila and Baguio. These cities showcase the unique characteristics and meanings of Philippine cities during a pivotal period in the nation's history.

American Colonisation and the City Beautiful is a comprehensive and visually stunning work that appeals to academics, researchers, students of city and urban planning, history, and development of Southeast Asia, as well as those interested in colonial relations. It includes numerous black and white images that enhance the reader's understanding and appreciation of the subject matter.

In conclusion, American Colonisation and the City Beautiful is a groundbreaking contribution to the field of urban studies, offering a fresh perspective on the history and development of the Philippines during a critical period. Through its meticulous research and engaging storytelling, the book provides valuable insights into the complex relationships between governance, city planning, and the built environment, and its significance in shaping the nation's identity.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032475141