Thesis (BS Architecture) University of the Philippines Mindanao, 2023

This study aimed to determine the role of material ageing in the perceived authenticity of churchgoers and church workers towards three parish churches in Davao City, namely, San Pedro Cathedral Parish, Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, and Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish. Specifically, it explored the relationship between perceived authenticity and material ageing perception, as well as the perceived sacredness of churchgoers and church workers. The study also aimed to understand the perception of material ageing in the context of churches. For this study, 30 respondents from each group of each parish church were conveniently selected. Primary data were collected through surveys and photo-elicitation interviews. The data from the survey were analyzed using correlation to determine the relationship between the variables, while ANOVA was used to determine the difference in perceived authenticity between two groups towards the parishes. Furthermore, thematic analysis was used for the photo-elicitation interviews.
Results suggested a direct relationship between material ageing perception, perceived sacredness, and perceived authenticity for both churchgoers and church workers. However, no significant difference was found in the perceived authenticity of both groups from each parish church. Furthermore, age showed an inverse relationship with perceived authenticity among churchgoers in all parish churches, while frequency of visit had a direct relationship in San Pedro Cathedral Parish and Our Lady of the Assumption Parish. Five themes relating to material ageing perception were predominantly found as the basis for assessing material ageing, including material integrity, maintenance, color and pattern, restorative property, and location/placement.