Proxemics of the Ilocano Hut: The "Kalapaw"

Abstract

The study aims to describe the proxemics of the llocano hut, with particular focus on the llocano native
hut, the "kalapaw". It attempts to find out how culture can shape the llocano's conciousness in his
use and perception of the "kalapaw" as his private space. The study is confined to a sitio or segment of Pantay Fatima, a westem barangay in Vigan, Ilocos Sur where the main sources of livelihood of the residents are fishing in the nearby river, occasional farming and small seasonal construction jobs. The "kalapaw" featured for this purpose le located hn the neighborhood. The llocano's use and perception of space are best characterized in his small, low and compact hut- his "kalapaw". Instead  of separate rooms, there is a single room-the main room, yet differentiated whereonecanconverse, sleep, groom, read, pray and dine. The characte of each space is determined by a concrete thing such as a cabinet, a bench, a cookingstove, a mirror, or a table, among others.