What Architecture Should Be

Posted on July 20, 2015 by deanne

Image retrieved from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2750431/It-s-sew-cold-Turning-autumn-winter-needle-thread-neat-idea-laying-roads-artist-creates-fantastic-surreal-landscapes.html

The book “Image of A City” written by Kevin Lynch is a well-written book that talks about the concepts of imageability, legibility and way-finding that contributed to urban planning, architecture and even environmental psychology its variety, importance and how the users react to it. Lynch discussed how the elements of the city are interrelated to one another that contributes to the formation of its image. He cited three cities in his study discussing the conceptual framework for the “imageability” of each one and their dynamics: Boston Massachusetts, New Jersey, and San Francisco California, which are radically different from each other. He talked about the recurring elements of the city and its interrelation and how Paths, Edge, Districts, Nodes and Landmarks affect its image. In that sense, Lynch was thinking of “Image” as a picture that is seen in the mind on different perspectives of different observers. He stated that a highly imageable city should be well-formed, distinct and remarkable. The said image is a dynamic process that does not only differ from scale but by viewpoint and time. At this point in time, cities continue to grow according to the needs of the users but the form shall not be retained as simple when it started growing, rather, it continues to grow into complicated forms that is receptive to new formation to be able to create a new image, thereby, a clear city image allows the observers to perceive it as a whole.

Upon reading the book, a formulation came in to mind about the notion of what architecture should be. Architecture should not only be perceived, it must be experienced, just like the concept in the book of Kevin Lynch, Image of the City. Perceiving buildings is a complex process. It involves sensations such as seeing and feeling, more like a perception. Good architecture must be able to communicate with the users and its built environment. Through architecture, surroundings can be created that is not only well organized but tells a story about a certain time and place with certain type of symbolism that triggers emotions, memory and sensation of the observers which give them a kinesthetic experience that they are able to enjoy. This entails taking into consideration the relationship of the individuals and their designed environment. It should be able to convey to the observers or users and their lifestyle based on their perceptions and their culture, and historical traditions of the natural setting and of the complicated functions and movements of the city world. The clearness of structures and vividness of identity are the initial stages to the development of strong symbols. This could provide a ground for the clustering and organization of these meanings and associations. Such a sense of place itself enhances every human activity that occurs there and encourages the deposit of a memory trace. Aside from that, architecture provides an environment that will enhance the sense of security for the people. More importantly, architecture, through experience, will be able to create new purpose and new meanings to the end users and observers and provide them a new way of understanding space.

Cheers!
Deanne

Universal Design and Coexistence in the Philippines

Posted on July 8, 2015 by deanne

image retrieved from http://imagineerremodeling.com/universal-design-home-remodeling/

Universal Design involves designing products and spaces so that they can be used by a wide range of people and goes further by recognizing that there is a wide spectrum of human abilities. Everyone passes through childhood, periods of temporary illness, injury and old age. By designing for this human diversity, we can create things that will be easier for all people to use. (http://www.universaldesign.com/about-universal-design.html)

In its simplest sense, it is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for specialized designs.

However, it might be simple in its premise but more complicated in practice. Thus, this paper aims to discuss about the statement of Adelson from a magazine read online entitled “Universal Design: Opening Every Door” and relate it to the existence and status of Universal Design in the Philippines.

According to Adelson (2004), Universal Design enables everybody-not just people with disabilities-to navigate, manipulate, and appreciate the world. It makes products, communications, and the built environment not only aesthetically pleasing but also more usable by more people-at little or no extra cost. There’s just one little problem: Universal Design is not exactly universal. Not yet. If it were, many special accommodations for people with disabilities would disappear. They wouldn’t be needed.

In the Philippines, the awareness about universal design is minimal. There are laws and guidelines that aim to give equal opportunities to people with disabilities to maximize their capacity to navigate around a given environment. Some of which are the Batas Pambansa Bilang 344 Accessibility Law, Republic Act No. 7277 Magna Carta for the Disabled Persons and the likes, however, only a few abide with the rules and is barely reflected in the structures. Some designers pave way to follow them, nonetheless, sacrifices and compromises the aesthetic qualities of the design.

Quoting Kwan, the BP 344 and its IRR first published by the Official Gazette in 1984 by the National Commission Concerning Disabled Persons in the Philippines is a comprehensive document; however, enforcement was a major issue from the inception of the Law, and today very few of the concepts implied in the Accessibility Law is actually translated into reality. (Kwan, 2005)

According also to Imrie and Hall (2001), in the Philippines, access legislation has been framed in a context where, as the UN argues, the awareness of the needs of disabled and the elderly at the local level is very minimal. The ineffectiveness of access codes and statutes in the Philippines is due to their disregard by those “in the private sector and government”.

In other Asian countries like Hong Kong, Universal accessibility is gradually improving. The statutory requirements on disabled access have been in force since 1984. Such requirements were revised to provide barrier free access to buildings in 1997. Furthermore, the Disability Discrimination Ordinance, which came into operation in 1996, gives the legal reasons for the people with disabilities to fight for equal opportunities and against discrimination. (Universal Accessibility Best Practices and Guidelines Hong Kong 2004)

According to Kwan (2004), In Hong Kong, both the Disability Discrimination Ordinance and the Equal Opportunities Commission was respectively enacted and established in 1996. It can be regarded that both these instruments made significant contributions towards facilitating access in Hong Kong in terms of the built environment, transportation, accommodation, education, employment, services, etc.

Likewise, in Singapore, the relevant authorities are also targeting at more innovative and friendly design to improve usability and livability for everyone. It is the intention of the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) to instill awareness among designers and building owners/developers who have the influence to cater for the full range of human needs and be sensitive to incorporate them in the design. Singapore, being a small island state has placed great emphasis on its planning to ensure the efficient use of the limited resources. The 2001 Concept Plan of Singapore envisioned to develop Singapore towards a thriving world-class city in the 21st century. It establishes the strategies to develop Singapore into a dynamic city, a distinctive city and at the same time a delightful city. At the implementation level, BCA envisions a built environment that incorporates universal design and will transform Singapore into an accessible and user-friendly city for all. (Building and Construction Authority. (2006) Universal Design Guidelines. Singapore)

To encourage designers and planners in Hong Kong and Singapore to apply the guidelines and laws in Universal Design, some initiatives that their Building Administration has done was to acknowledge the best practices and guidelines through photographs, creating galleries and even gave awards and prizes to buildings for compliance, even the people involved in the design process, so that other designers will emulate these practice.

In conclusion, the researcher agrees with Adelson that Universal Design is not yet universal especially in the local Philippine setting. In Asia alone, the Philippines is being left out in terms of implementation of Universal Design by other ASEAN countries like Hong Kong and Singapore to which it is already included in their Concept Plan and has created guidelines for its enforcement. To address this issue, the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Program of the Philippines should be encouraged to play a key role in the implementation of Universal Design that can somehow be included in the Philippine Development Plan to obtain a higher standard of Universal Design in the country. Likewise, the local Filipino architects and planners still need to instill a deeper sense of sensitivity towards inclusive design by reviewing and updating the existing laws and guidelines with the aid of the Local Government Units through the participation and pioneering act of the United Architects of the Philippines and even the allied services in the built environment sector such as landscape designers, interior designers, surveyors, engineers, etc. to carefully and intently include it in the design implementation and program initiatives of any given structure to better address the needs of all people from all ages and different abilities especially those who are physically challenged to give them equal opportunities, experience and have ease of access without compromising the aesthetics and design quality of the building and its built environment.

References:

Adelson, R. (Oct-Dec 2004). Universal Design: Opening Every Door Inside MSS, 4, 30-34 Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/215864701?accountid=36184

Building and Construction Authority. (2006) Universal Design Guidelines. Singapore

Kwan, J.(May-Aug 2005). Architecture for All- Part 1, 42, 20-24.

Architectural Service Department. (2004) Hong Kong Universal Accessibility Best Practices and Guidelines

Imrie, R. & Hall, P. (2001). Inclusive Design. Designing Accessible Environments. Spon Press 11 New Fetter Lane, London

What is Universal Design? (2015). Retrieved May 23, 2015, from http://www.universaldesign.com/about-universal-design.html

Structural Concepts in Architecture

Posted on December 3, 2013 by deanne

So, this is how my students do it. We learn by doing. When it comes to teaching Theory of Architecture, I always want to be ready weeks before teaching the topic. With the busy schedule that I have, I only have a few time to really be ready for my lecture. However, having handled the subject for three years already, every time I enter the classroom, it all comes down to me naturally. My train of thought is there once I get hold of the topic I get to discuss for the day. Thanks to my mentor(s) for instilling to me the wisdom in teaching this subject. One does not have to memorize to be able to get the jist of something. You just have to simply understand and you can already deliver it by heart.

For this topic, we had to tackle the Structural systems in architecture for Theory of Architecture 2. My students barely have the knowledge regarding this topic. So what we did was for them to construct a skyscraper made out of barbecue sticks and apply the simple laws of physics. Of course, they were having such a hard time pondering upon how to their skyscraper would rise. After a few trial and errors, they were able to come up with these set of amazing output.

After they have come up with their final model, we gathered around to discuss each and every output. The critiquing part is where we exchange ideas and where I conduct my lecture as well. It turned out to be a very dynamic exercise for the students for it stimulated their cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills in studying architecture. I try my very best to teach architecture wherein my students and I learn together by doing these types of activities making the study of architecture dynamic, interactive and fun!

: Messy much?

: Joma and Karl and their sticks

: Gone is the poise when working on the model

: Gerard and his Skyscraper

: Gerard and his Skyscraper

: Focused on his Model

: by Johnniel

: Fe analyzing the system

: Concentration level- 1000!

: Opalyn and her Pink skyscraper

Music and Architecture

Posted on November 28, 2013 by deanne

Music. Ahhh. One of my first loves. It actually runs in the family. Growing up, we were expected to master one or more instrument. Be it piano, violin, harp, guitar, harmonica or whatever it is that produces music. We had to regularly practice and read the solfeggio after. I remembering growing up playing the piano and my mom would be in the garden and when I hit the wrong notes, she would yell “WRONG NOTE!” or “AGAIN!” or “That’s my girl!” when I play the piece right. As I grew up, the less time I had to engage in music, except when I listen to the radio, MTV, YouTube and the likes. But as I continued to pursue my career, little did I know that music would still play a big role in creating good architecture. Good thing that in the university that I stay in now, they offer a subject in the curriculum named “Arts in Architecture”. It is actually a study on the aesthetic and creative foundation of architecture through integration of architecture and fine arts particularly literature, poetry, music and dance. It aims to poetically explore creative possibilities in engaging to the origin of the said disciplines and their architectonic translations for the students to develop an understanding of the aesthetic and creative foundation in architecture and to provide opportunities to explore creative possibilities in engaging to the rudiments of literature, poetry, music, sculpture and dance and discover the different architectural morphology through the appreciation and study of the different forms of arts and to promote poetic attitude in creating architecture and to develop competence in creating architectural works with true artistic meaning.

In the age of K-Pop or J-Pop or whatever they call it nowadays, music has somewhat lost its meaning to some of the younger generations. That is why I had to reintroduce them to one of the worlds revolutionary bands during the ’60s in the music realm, The Beatles. Who wouldn’t know John, Paul, George and Ringo?

What they had to do was to dig into the lyrics of the songs they were assigned to. They have to study its rhythm, the notes and its melody. After that, they have to think of a way to come up with an architectural sculpture that is close to their understanding of the song assigned to them.

So they have come up with the following models.

Voila! Music in Architecture- The Beatles Collection!

: “A Hard Day’s Night” – by Estephanie Agutaya

: “A Hard Day’s Night” – by Estephanie Agutaya

: “Twist and Shout” by Chester Atienza

: “Twist and Shout” by Chester Atienza

: “Twist and Shout” by Chester Atienza

: “Penny Lane” by Gerard Artemio Villaruel

: “Penny Lane” by Gerard Artemio Villaruel

: “Penny Lane” by Gerard Artemio Villaruel

: ‘Eleanor Rigby” by Jose Ma. Rueda

: ‘Eleanor Rigby” by Jose Ma. Rueda

: by Fe Galimba

: by Fe Galimba

: by Johnniel Serrano

: by Johnniel Serrano

: by Johnniel Serrano

: by Mariel Margarette Burce

World Day of Architecture 2013

Posted on October 13, 2013 by deanne

Every year, the FEATI University College of Architecture celebrates the World Day of Architecture together with all the architects not only in the country, but globally. The theme for this year’s celebration is CULTURE-ARCHITECTURE because the UIA (Union Internationale des Architectes) believes that the link of architecture and culture are constant subject of analysis and discussion and that they hope to create new ideas of interpretation and illustrations of architects’ diversity, richness, imagination and capacity for invention through their designs and realizations. Globally, architects sees as October 7, 2013 to be the official date of WAD, however, COA decided to celebrate it on Sept. 19 and 20, 2013 since it coincides with the Final examination of the University. The college prepared a line-up of speakers to talk about Culture- Architecture: Philippine Architecture as a Living Culture: Arch. Walther Ocampo, Arch. Maundelito Florendo and Arch. Joel Rico.

Day 1. September 19, 2013

The College of Architecture faculty together with the speaker facilitated a whole-day workshop entitled “Mutation- The Survival of Architecture on the Age of Pluralism” conducted by Arch. Walther Ocampo. The students were divided into 5 groups that are comprised of 1^st year to 5^th year students. The challenge was to come up with a sketch model of the Ifugao Rice Terraces made up of packline boards and then conceptualize a design derived from a traditional Ifugao House. The students have to come up with a modern design of a Ifugao House but take into consideration to maintain the original functions of the house. At the end of the workshop, each group have to present their work and explain their design and concept in front of everyone.

: Arts in Architecture Plate

: Exhibit

: Mutation- Architecture in the Age of Pluralism

: Group 2- Team Baaah

: Group 5 – Team Burton

: Arch. Walther explaining the rationale

: Group 1- Ma-i Team

: Group 3 – Team Building

: Making of the contour

: Look! We have falcon visitors!

: A visit from the Dean of COA

: Conceptualization Stage

: This is how we roll

: Group 2

: Group 1

: Group 5

: Group 3

: WAD Day 2 NBC Rules 7&8

: Arch. Joel Rico on Reviving Heritage

: Dean thanking the students

: Dean with the COA students

: Critiquing of works

: The winner- Group 1 Mai-Team!

Day 2. September 20, 2013 (morning activity)

The COA morning speaker for the day was Arch. Maundelito Florendo. Arch. Florendo, is a product of EARIST Sampaloc Manila. After a few years of practice in architecture, he entered the academe as an instructor in EARIST and Adamson University and then eventually became a Dean in EARIST College of Architecture. He is also a member of the EARIST Board of trustees. Apart from that, he is also the past president of UAP Arkizonian Chapter, now president of the PIA Quezon City Chapter president and also a lecturer at The Brown Bauhaus Studio Architecture.

Arch. Florendo discussed about the Rules 7 and 8 of the Revised IRR of PD 1096 or the National Building Code of the Philippines. The topic is very essential and timely to the students of architecture because it is one of the main subjects that is being tackled in the Architecture Board Exam. It was well- presented through a PPT presentation with step by step 2D and 3D analysis and showed a lot of mathematical computation on how to consider the lighting and ventilation system of the building, how to compute for the Maximum Building Footprint, Allowable Building Footprint, allowable building Heights and the likes. Upon discussing the data and computations, it was thoroughly explained to the students how proper lighting and ventilation affects a certain design solution with regards to building types, building requirements, design/ aesthetics and zoning.

Day 2. September 20, 2013 (afternoon activity)

The COA invited Arch. Joel V. Rico, fpia as the afternoon speaker for the WAD celebration. He is a practicing architect for 15 years and an architectural historian/author, with passion for Philippine heritage structures, history and restoration/conservation with outstanding skills in Architectural conceptualizing & designing, research and actual construction methods. He is a graduate of the National University in Manila (1993 and one of his prominent projects is the Ciudad Real de Acuzar or Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan. He is also the national president of the Philippine Institute of Architects (2011-2013). Aside from being a practicing architect, Arch. Rico is also an instructor at De La Salle University-College of Saint Benilde.

Arch. Rico shared his topic “Reviving Heritage” to the students of COA some very insightful history of some of his projects he was able to work on, discussing the features and story behind each and every house. Passionate as he is in his field of specialization, he was able to impart to the students how he was able to start anew amidst the many controversies he went through at that time and taught them the value of reviving heritage.

The students were very inspired in hearing his stories about Philippine architecture and opened a new door of opportunity to not only go into design and construction but they realized there is also a career waiting for them in the field of architecture which is heritage restoration and conservation.

Pecha Kucha on RA 9266

Posted on October 12, 2013 by deanne

It has been a practice in the College of Architecture to conduct regular sessions of what we call the Pecha Kucha sessions wherein a speaker is invited to deliver a talk anything related to architecture and share it to the students of COA.

COA is indeed very fortunate to have one of the “big personalities” in the industry of Philippine Architecture- Arch. Armando Alli, apec architect. He is a product of the University of the Philippines School of urban Planning (1994). He has had more than thirty (30) years of progressively responsible/ diversified experience in the professional practice of the architectural and allied design professions, particularly in the fields of land use, site, physical, transportation, and environmental planning, environmental design, general consulting, professional practice regulation, construction arbitration and mediation, volunteer government service, architecture advocacy, the project management of consulting services and the crafting of national laws and regulations that concern the management and use of the built environment.

The speaker discussed in the forum about the introduction of the RA 9266 and stressed out the importance of this “special law” and how it would affect the students in undertaking architecture. He was able to discuss the following issues:

The Philippine Legal framework presented in such a way that the students could easily comprehend.
Discussed about the issue on the Registered and Licensed Architects versus the Civil Engineers on their roles on building design.
Introduced the scope of the RLA Practice from architectural programming and other related architectural services.
The essentials on taking up the ALE / LEA (Architecture Licensure Examination) and explained the importance of theory and practice of architecture in preparation for the board exam.
Explained the illegal practice of architecture such as people practicing architecture without a valid PRC ID card renewable every 3 years, BS Architecture graduates and students doing works of architecture for unregistered persons, RLAs performing acts violative of RA 9266, Code of Ethical Conduct and the Standards of Professional Practice.

All in all, the Pecha Kucha turned out to be an interactive activity as the students were able to voice out their questions, issues and concern with regards RA 9266 and was addressed by Arch. Alli.

The second part of the Pecha Kucha, COA has invited another speaker, Arch. Walther Ocampo. He is an architect, educator, professional perspectivist, illustrator, scale model maker, installation artist, and a social entrepreneur. He received his master’s degree in Architecture Education at the Mapua Institute of Technology in 2011 and his architecture degree at the Technological University of the Philippines in 1996.

He is the Studio Master, Director, and co-Owner of The Brown Bauhaus Alternative School of Architecture and Design. The Brown Bauhaus is the first alternative learning center in the country which was founded from the principles of the Staatliches Bauhaus by Walter Gropius and other progressive pedagogues. Its main manifesto is to advance the learning experience of the Filipino architects and students in exploring the many possibilities of architecture and design beyond the conventional educational borders which is heavily influenced by the Beaux Arts tradition.

He is also the founding mentor of The Brown Bauhaus’ student arm, PROVECTUS> School of Advancing Architecture Students. An alternative group of architecture students whose main objectives are to explore architecture, learn progressive creativity and innovate design ideas through multi and inter-discipline collaboration while responding to the architectural needs of communities. Not to mention, Arch. Ocampo has been my mentor during my college years, and upto now, I always look up to him as one.

His topic for the Pecha Kucha is about the Significant Insights on Architectural History and Its Relevance on Present and Future Design. He presented his topic through a powerpoint presentation and introduced to the students some of the important and significant icons of architecture.

He explained to the students the importance of the balance of theory and practice of architecture. One of the highlights of the event was that it opened a sense of architectural criticism to the students on the how to apply historical elements in their present and future design.

Sessions like these are indeed very important in undertaking architecture as the students get to be exposed to different speakers and different views on architecture. However, we have noticed that activities as such are time consuming in the part of both the students and faculty prior to the preparation of the said event. Students had to be excused from their classes, thus missing out on some of the topics of the day. On the part of the faculty, the preparation really took a lot of time since it is one of the first activities wherein COA invited such big personalities in the architecture industry to conduct a talk in the college.

Nevertheless, the students still benefited from the Pecha Kucha Series because they get to have first-hand information from the people who are expert in their respective specialization in the field of architecture and able to share them to the students of COA.

: Introduction on RA 9266 01

: Arch. Alli explaining the Philippine Legal System

: Utopian Manila Shown by Dean Mananghaya and Arch. Ocampo to Arch. Alli

: FEATI’s pride- Utopian Manila Shown by Dean Mananghaya to Arch. Alli

: Historico- Metodico- Critico

: Pecha Kucha Series

: Pecha Kucha Series

Casa San Pablo Educational Field Trip 2013

Posted on October 6, 2013 by deanne

Every year, the College of Architecture of FEATI University makes it a point to go out on a field trip as part of their Great FEATI Experience or The Great COA Experience to make the study of architecture more experiential in nature and is a tool for the enhancement of creativity of the students. This year, the College of of Architecture decided to conduct an educational field trip down south of Metro Manila- Nuvali, Sta. Rosa Laguna and Casa San Pablo, Laguna.

Living up to the thrust of the College of Architecture which is achieving sustainable and green architecture, the college went to Nuvali located in Sta. Rosa Laguna which one of the pioneers of sustainable planning development of the country. Some of the features of the place are as follows:

– Largest sustainable community in the country.
– The planning of the place promotes healthy and active lifestyle.
– The workspaces are integrated in the environment.
– It transforms the work landscape optimizing productivity and efficiency.
– Social, Environmental and Economic stability wherein facilities are creatively designed tort the needs of business while nourishing harmony, balance and interconnection between individual and communities, human interface and natural landscape.

: Nuvali, nuvali but you.

: Here fishy fishy!

: Nuvali 01

: Nuvali 02

: Nuvali 03

: Bike for fresh air

: errr… worms?

: Walkathon

: Timber decking

: Mr. Detail 🙂

: Penster

: Walkathon again

: Urban art

: More walking!

: Reminds me of Villa Savoye

: Villa Savoye-esque

: Concrete+ Glass + Steel = modern

: Explaining green

: Green is happiness!

: Lines

: Contrast of line

: Retaining wall

: Action star?

: Contrast of texture

: My babies.

: Paeng!

The second destination was at Casa San Pablo. It is a bed and breakfast country inn situated in a corner of San Pablo Laguna family compounds. It is owned by a couple, avid art collector and hobby enthusiast Boots Alcantara and his wife, An Alcantara, a writer and a magazine editor.

Casa San Pablo is designed in a very eclectic manner as majority if the furniture and elements are made or collected by the couple themselves which they gathered from the places they have travelled to. It is said that the aim of Casa San Pablo is for people to appreciate the small things and make you feel at home. Since the couple are frequent travellers and is a fan of bed and breakfast lodging, they had the idea that they wanted people to go their place and make the guests feel at home and that they experience the kind of hospitality they had from the places they’ve been to. On almost every corner of the Casa, there is a story behind it that makes it much more interesting.

What makes Casa San Pablo special is that it is a place where people from the city can regain their connection with nature and develop more sense of creativity. It is one of these places wherein you just want to let your inner creativity let loose. Art, sculpture (pottery making), poetry making, photography and music are just some of the things that you can do in the Casa that can boost your creativity.

Creativity is one of the important ingredients in taking up architecture that is why the students of the College of Architecture enjoyed the trip at Casa San Pablo for they felt that they have renewed they passion for the arts and of course, architecture for they had the opportunity to visit some of the rooms, each with different design approach, concepts and themes.

The field trip that took place this day helped develop their critical thinking and observation as well for some of them were asking the faculty and the tour guide many questions regarding the design i.e. Their take on eclecticism versus modern minimalist concept, details versus urban scale appreciation, simple landscaping versus massive urban scape, intimate versus social scale and the likes.

In conclusion, having field trips as such helps the students in developing their design skills and critical thinking because they are able to visually and physically experience the place itself. Immersing themselves in new places and new experience aids in the discovery and appreciation of what architecture really is.

visit their website for more info:

www.casasanpablo.com and www.nuvali.ph

Las Islas Filipinas de Acuzar 2013

Posted on April 17, 2013 by deanne

The FEATI University College of Architecture conducts field trips twice a year. This year, the college conducted a field trip at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac Bataan and Mt. Samat in Pilar, Bataan.

First stop was at Mt. Samat, Pilar Bataan. The students got the chance to visit one of the historical sites of the Philippines which is the Shrine of Valor (Dambana ng Kagitingan) and got to know its role in the history of the country. They also got to see and the Memorial Cross which was is a sign of courage and heroism of the Filipino soldiers during the WW2. Because of this, the COA students were able to grasp the idea of how to design a massive monument that portrays solemnity, honor and valor.

(Click to enlarge image)

The second stop was at the Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar at Bagac Bataan. The aim of the said tour was to educate the students of COA about architectural heritage conservation and appreciation of Philippine Architecture during the 18^th century up to the early 20^th Century.

It is a hands-on experience for the COA students as well as the faculty to be able to immerse themselves in an old town Philippine setting wherein they are able to meticulously study the architectural components of the several old houses that were showcased in the heritage resort.

During the trip, a tour guide was provided to be able to appreciate more of what the resort has to offer. It was explained to the college about the history of each and every house in the area. After the guided tour, the students were again convened by the faculty to discuss thoroughly on the missing aspects that the tour guide was not able to tackle, in terms of architectural aspects. It was explained to them on the old construction methods, material and the planning methods used in during the Spanish colonial era.

Tip: Try to look for Dexter the tour guide.

What was interesting about the tour was the students was able to develop critical thinking, because all of the houses were transferred from one province to the said resort, therefore, the students could not help but think if this is a good move, as the house loses its authenticity upon dismantling it and then reassembling it at the site.

All in all, this was a very good opportunity for the students and faculty to be able to learn more about pre-colonial houses and most importantly, about Filipino architecture.

If it’s not Baroque, don’t fix it!

Posted on May 5, 2012 by deanne

Cogsworth: As you can see, the pseudo-façade was stripped away to reveal the minimalist Rococo design. Note the unusual inverted vaulted ceilings.
[as he, Lumiere, and Belle walk past the knights in armor, they turn their heads to follow them]
Cogsworth: This is yet another example of the late neoclassic Baroque period. And, as I always say, “If it’s not Baroque, don’t fix it!”
[notices the knights with their heads turned]
Cogsworth: As you were!
[the knights turn their heads back forward]

-The Beauty and the Beast (1991)

I developed my interest in architecture eversince I was still a kid by watching cartoons and by tagging along my mom whenever she has to go somewhere related to her work. It was my idea of fun. While my mom was on business, I would go around the area checking on the structure and I find myself enjoying the view up to the littlest detail. Little did I know, I get to have a few friends from the place also! From there on, I got to establish my curiosity in architecture and interior design.

When I do my design work, I can honestly say that I am into modern minimalist concepts. I admire its simplicity and functionality. However, I also on the other hand, appreciate classical design. As people say, I am an old soul. When it comes to the classics, I really am into baroque style.

Baroque style evolved in Rome during the 16th Century falling under one of the renaissance phases. Characteristic of the Baroque architecture includes the following: Chiaroscuro (use of light and shade to produce dramatic effect), High frescoed ceiling, use of trompe l’oeil and the blending of painting and architecture, Fragmentary or deliberately incomplete architectural elements, external façade often characterized by a dramatic central projection, etc.

I was first introduced to this type of design from the movie “Beauty and the Beast”, and I had no idea then that it was called as such.