IDEAS : Structural + Organic

Architects have their own design processes and styles by which they find forms, meaning, and context. We have our own different perspective on Architecture and it is not always inherent with what everyone believes in. That being said, what we believe in gives our building or structures individuality and Character.

I believe that everything comes from something. Everything is made of something. All the things we see, touch, hear, smell and taste all comprise of a building body that enables it to fulfill its purpose. That explains how I work, how my buildings look, the feeling or experience it conveys and how I work with an Element and treat it as a tool.

Inspiration can come from everything and anything. It can be an idea or an object. Most of the time, my concepts come from nature or in other words, it is organic. At first, I never thought that a Structuralist can blend with Organic concepts, but I discovered it can. Structuralists are concerned with the relationships of elements, processes and how it can work as a whole. As of now, my works and designs look very Structural and complex but at the same time it is also organic. Curvilinear forms are dominant in creating spaces. Though the Structure is very structural, the lines are clean and curved.

Back in High school, I really liked Chemistry and Physics, I guess that somehow influences on how I design and how my designs look. I’m a really a nature lover. I don’t like rigid objects. Growing up, I was surrounded by people who are very traditional, even my house. The furniture, how it is planned, everything is traditional. I kind of want to break away from that traditional background and create something new and unexpected in everything I do. I try to be unique and unhabitual. I have always been a music lover. I play a lot of instruments. I love to dance regardless of what type it is. That explains how I like movement and dynamism. It comes out naturally, and unintentionally. I love how a Structuralist can apply movement in structures. I’m amazed at how much I can do with a single form. How much your body moves with the structure. Your eyes follow the movement of the elements and your feet allow you to interact with the structure.

Masters of Architecture : DANIEL LIBESKIND and his 17 words of Architectural Inspiration

There is no hesitation that Architecture is indeed very powerful. It’s one of the things that coincides with everything. Emotional aspects, Physical, Sustainability, Economical, Structural and many more. Being an Architect is not just about buildings, it’s about building in consideration of all the intangible things as well. In Daniel Libeskind’s talk, he tackled all the things that he believed in. He took all the thoughts that buildings or structures instill in people and deconstructed it to come up with these ideas that are real and are true in reality. We can never escape from the fact that we as Architects should consider more than being able to build a certain building. We should think about other ideas or notions that can affect the people and the environment we are building for.

The moment a person walks inside a Structure, there is always a feeling associated in them that gives them an impression of the building. Libeskind talked about Expressive vs. Neutral which for me brings out your visions, ideas and feelings. It comes out of an experience, a story or a realization. It is necessary for us to be able to express our ideas into something that other people can relate to or can communicate with.

People are always looking forward for new things, always comparing, always weighing things. Nowadays, technology has been a part of our daily lives. Since the modern age, technological products have been used by people to socialize and interact. Since the Apple empire begun we have always been updated of the latest Ipad, Ipod or Iphone. This hunger of people for new things are also seen in Architecture just like what Libeskind said, Optimism vs. Pessimism and Unexpected vs. Habitual. He said we should always see things Beyond the normal and Beyond itself to reach a human soul. I strongly agree with this just because personally, part of our profession includes influencing people and introducing new ways breaking away from the usual. We are creative people and by that we should always look forward, be an Optimist, create new things, new experiences that will enhance people’s lives. Buildings should speak for itself. It does not have to have a sign for you to know just what it is. It should be able to communicate rather than being mute. It’s almost the same as being Expressive. When you are able to express, your work will be able to convey your expressions onto other people.

Libeskind’s buildings have been famous for the fact that it is built around history, experiences and expressive ideas and not just by Cake decorating.

IDEAS : Pre - Colonial + Spanish

It is in our nature as humans to find shelter, food and find ways to survive. Back in the Pre-colonial era, some of the most basic necessities that has shaped our modern way of living has been a testament to the Filipinos, in both our culture and tradition. From being hospitable, to the Filipino Lifestyle, Structures and the way certain buildings are planned and built all of these reflect how us Filipinos evolved from the many years that we have been colonized by other countries.

I find that most of the technologies that other countries have at that point in time were also present in our Country and has been interpreted in other ways. That is why I find it really peculiar to have known that we had the knowledge and the technology early on, it's just that it has been modified to fit the Filipino Lifestyle. But before we go through all of that, before the technology had arrived, Early settlers has been influenced with a lot of things like Religion, Government, Weather, Language, Cultures and Beliefs that then developed and flourished the country. We all know that the early Tabon Man had nothing permanent, whether it was religion, language, shelter, nor sense of government. But they had one thing in mind which was survival. The need to survive contributed so much in terms of Architecture, leading to the Bahay Kubo and eventually the Bahay na Bato.

Both the Bahay na Bato and Bahay Kubo resulted from Man’s needs and all of these needs has been translated in many different ways. The Spanish Colonial era was not only known for the Bahay na Bato but also for the advancements in many other fields. Religion played a huge part in this era’s development. The Spanish rule gave way to numerous religious dioceses that provided Filipinos Government, Education, and influenced us largely in terms of Culture and Tradition.

I find that the Spanish had influenced us a lot, but I think these influences are only seen in a more Physical way, the intangible aspects are Filipino in nature, another Peculiar thing. I guess many Filipinos do not think of it that way. If you think of it as a whole thing, The Bahay na Bato may look very Spanish, but the plan and the way a person moves around the areas are very Filipino. Like having places for Family to bond, having a place to store wet and dry goods, a large table for the family to eat in and many more are based on Filipino Beliefs and Culture. It just shows how Filipinos are Practical and adaptive to everyday life.

It’s also Peculiar for me when some Filipinos say that there is no Filipino Architecture, which I completely disagree in. I think all these colonizations have made people believe that this particular building is Spanish, or this house is Japanese but Architecture isn’t just about that, it’s bout experience and emotion as well. Architecture is so wide that it connects to almost everything, that’s why we shouldn’t limit ourselves from seeing only the Physical side of it.

Our modern day Architecture has gone so far from the simple house. Nowadays, everything’s possible. From the materials to the manner of construction, An architect’s vision can always come to reality with the use of today’s technological advancements but little did I know that some of these technologies have emulated from have dated back from these eras, mainly the Spanish and Pre-Colonial eras. Modern day construction has started since the early settlers built their simple “lean-to” houses as their shelter. When the Spanish era came, more complex houses required complex construction procedures and materials. As early as the Pre-colonial period, we have seen Walls, post, Flooring, Joists, Trusses and even ventilation. When the Spanish era came, all these developed into larger scales. Intensive planning is seen on the Bahay na Bato using Practicality and Common sense as their tools. Spatial planning is much more defined and has spaces for certain functions. Family, Religion and others are seen influencing how the Bahay na Bato is built like having a Sala, having Ventanillas for processions, and Placing Family emblems in Bedrooms and Newel posts. As early as this era, They already have gutters, in consideration with the weather. They also have stairs, service passageways, Bathrooms, and Kitchens that are all considerate of Hygiene and Cleanliness. They also have Joists, Beams, that produced a more defined and solid structure.

We can all see how the Pre-Colonial and Spanish era contributed so much on many aspects. Whether its about Culture, or Construction, we should keep in mind that all these influences are just instruments to develop our own Architecture.

Masters of Architecture : THOM MAYNE

THOM MAYNE

We have been talking about concepts and designing ever since school started and I can say I have improved atleast quite a bit. All the things I’ve have been continually and gradually applied in my designs and that is a vital part of this profession. We learn gradually and apply what we’ve learned in any way we can whether in concept or the structure itself.

Last meeting we discussed about some Architect and their Design processes, Philosophies and how they are able to manifest their ideas into a structure. Thom Mayne was aone of those Architects that we have tackled. Personally, I haven’t heard of him or any of the Structures he has built, but I really find his Philosophies and concepts interesting and unique than others. It is a typical notion of an Architect to be unique in Many ways, but I think Thom Mayne’s ability to input his knowledge and philosophies are a lot more complex and has an underlying concept that he shows with control over his forms. Thom Mayne’s firm “ Morphosis” explains his way of thinking and his view of Architecture. He is adventurous and continues to explore may forms and possible ways to improve Architecture. He focuses on concepts and ways that he could enhance life by means of his Architecture. He is constantly evolving and is open to new concepts that may come in his way and one can see that in his buildings. He is dynamic in terms of concept and has the power to apply it flawlessly unlike other Architects. As an Architecture student, I already know that Architecture is a very demanding field. We have to know what’s beyond a structure and take into consideration a lot of things. As an Architect, we are creators, we design to create a beginning of something. I have learned through my Freshmen years that we should not look forward on to the end product when designing. It is important to go through a process and that process gives you a chance to produce Architecture that has Identity, Functionality, Sustainability, and Purpose. Like Mayne, I’d like to keep in mind that we should not think of Architecture Physically, but more of a way to respond to human needs, activities and problems. Architecture touches everything. Economical, social, space, geometry, Indeed it is the Queen of the Arts. Mayne doesn’t think of it as simple decoration or Designing for your preference but considers more than the clients but the environment, the city, the world.

I saw a video of Thom Mayne giving a Lecture in TED. He was stressing the relationship of a building and ground. For him, it should not be separate entities, it should be connected in a way and communicates with one another. Everything is made up of an Element and he uses that to connect the Landscape into his concepts and the building itself, like a Connective tissue he says. All this is explained in his firm’s name ‘Morphosis”. He is all about connection, relationship, environment and development. Though at first look his structures wouldn’t look that much grand and exuberant unlike other architects but it’s the concept and the thought process that goes into his design that is Flamboyant.

He thinks like a philosopher does. He is practical and uses his knowledge to cater to people. It is very hard for me to conceptualize and develop ideas though he makes it look easy. I look up to his works for that.

I think he’s a great Architect. Not for his style or how his buildings look but for the process it undergoes and the ideas, concepts and philosophies that goes into it.

An office is a workspace that all humans encounter daily. In an office, we are expected to work productively, efficiently and produce a working environment to fulfill a purpose or demand. Mayne designed the San Francisco Federal Building in San Francisco California. I t is meant to be a Office building situated in one of the most busiest streets of California. It stands 18 storeys and has a Pavilion/cafeteria for both the Public and the workers. Unlike conventional Commercial office spaces, this building is what Mayne calls a “Hybrid”. It uses natural ventilation and is meant to utilize natural daylight as well as free flowing air produced by the environment. The first floors where there are more people situated and equipment are the ones air-conditioned. The skin of the building acts as sort of a “lung” which ventilates the air regulating in the building. This is what I love about Mayne. He addresses problems that in a complex yet straightforward way. He thinks about what the building needs, what the environment doesn’t need and he solves that by building an eco-friendly structure. He also manages to relate his concepts to the clients themselves. He wanted to create an environment which promotes Creativity and Productivity among the workers and that in return their work performance increases.

I think one of the most important thing in designing is to keep in mind your clients. What they want, what they need, they’re strengths and weaknesses, their preferences and that in turn dictates how you make a structure work. That is what I love about this profession, it touches everything and anything. It influences people in every possible way. Following Mayne’s point of view, I did not look at it as if it was just a building. Analyze, Criticize and Conceptualize what makes it a building and what is a building for Mayne.

There is a common Language that Thom Mayne produces In his buildings. He uses the Concepts as design processes that would lead to a solution to the problem. I had never known that he did such environmentally conscious buildings. Again, addressing a problem and finding a solution.

Thom Mayne captures the essence of the land being an empty canvass and shaping it into a usable form. You can notice that his structures have this kind of mobility that you see when walking over land. Like sand dunes or a system of roads, his structures stress the relationship between the land and the structure. He never neglects an element that would make his structures more efficient. He considers everything when designing, and that is how we should design. Early on, I’ve been trying to design buildings with soul or meaning not just for display, just like Mayne. I try applying concepts on both how it looks and the experience when going inside. Gradually I can see my designs evolving from a simple concept into a form that can actually be done in real life. It’s been really hard for me, ever since this school year started. The design subjects are really hard and spot on, but I know years of practice will teach me how to Conceptualize and Design properly, and Mayne has been known to be a master in that field. It’s not about how many buildings you have built, but how many have affected people, have been a monument or has enhanced life. Thom Mayne is also a master of that matter. People hire him not because of his beautiful buildings but for its purpose.

Thom Mayne is really a master of Architecture for many things. I think I have emphasized it enough and I personally have learned many things from him. I think his buildings speak for itself and are an example of what true architecture is. I have encountered many famous Architects who are just flamboyant in form. They say it’s modern and beautiful. You would look at a structure and say “Nice building” and then what? Nothing follows. I cannot judge these Architects because I don’t know their story and their design processes but for me, Architecture is so powerful, it is a tool and it should be used and utilized to its maximum potential. Whether its social, economical or human factors and needs that inhibit us to build a structure, we must all address these problems for Architecture does not only serve as a sculpture but as a system, shelter, refuge, and other functions. This is the beauty of our Field. We can change lives, and improve people’s lifestyles. We can solve problems. We can be an instrument to inspire people and motivate them. We are so powerful that all these factors even our own lives could be affected. Like our professor said, We are the only ones that know how to tell the sun where to go or to shed light. I laughed, but I realized it’s true in a way.

Thom Mayne is brilliant in his own way. W e as Architects have our own ways of influencing people whether on how we design, how we conceptualize or how we derive forms. But we should always keep in mind the essence of the structure and what makes it a structure. Thom Mayne may not be as famous as other Architects but his works have been remembered and have created a legacy early on, and that’s where an Architect’s performance should be based on.

BAHAY KUBO

Modern cities have been a venue for many technological developments that have paved the way for us humans to improve our way of living. Technology at this point in time surely is a huge influence among us especially in our lifestyle that reflects our traditions and cultural heritage. Filipinos are very attached to tradition. Our daily lives revolve around Filipino ways and up until now, we all rely on these traditions as the foundation of our Filipino family. Our lives also revolve around the simple Filipino home. Our lives are dictated by it and we are still fond of this tradition that started way back when the Tabon Man lived in the cold, isolated caves of Palawan.

As Filipinos we all know that the first inhabitants of the country were the Tabon Man or Taong Tabon in Palawan. Since then, they started to develop their ways in terms of usage of stone, and also in their dwellings. The very first dwellings were considered to be caves followed by the Lean-to then the ever famous Bahay Kubo. The Bahay Kubo is a symbol of Filipino Identity. It is not only a dwelling but also a reflection on how we Filipinos developed our Culture. The Bahay Kubo is truly a versatile structure. All the regions have a different version of the Bahay Kubo depending on the weather condition, use, and other factors. That is what I love about the Bahay Kubo, It is very Practical for us Filipinos because it comprises of everything we need. It is also Multi-functional unlike any other structure in other countries. It is Modular and can be put anywhere. It can adapt to certain conditions and can be of multiple uses or just a single room. It has an open floor plan allowing the user to have control on what he/she wants/ It can even be up in a tree. The fact that it can be for multiple uses makes it a lot suitable for our modern world. Taking the concept of the Bahay kubo, it translates to different modular housing solutions that we have today. Using its flexibility and versatility, The Bahay Kubo’s modern counterparts are High rise buildings, Condominiums and Modular housing. It is very important for Filipinos to live in a breathable environment, that’s why I thought of comparing Bahay Kubo’s concept in affordable, livable, practical housing.

Taking the Bahay kubo’s Modularity, I thought of building or designing a house that if also Modular. My design depends on the user’s needs, like a Bahay kubo. If the user has a certain need, then he can add on a part of the scheme. I think being able to study about the Bahay Kubo made me realize a lot of things. I used to think that our country has very little knowledge about things but it turns out, we have developed that technology that is present in other countries because of the Bahay Kubo. I really love how the Bahay Kubo made it’s simplistic values be an influence to today’s architecture and how the concepts are still present today.

For me, a cube is very versatile. This modular "Kubo" can be stacked up into a structure of multiple uses. It can be a house, commercial center or even a mall at the lower level and then translating into a Condominium at the higher levels, another concept from the Bahay Kubo which is Multi-functionality.

FILIPINO ARCHITECTURE

It is not too often that I see my Lola who lives in Isabela which is roughly abouth 12 hours aways from where I live. She used to tell me stories about her life during the Japanese Ocupation, Wars, as well as the American colonization. Her stories made me realize how much our country has undergone and how these countries have influenced our own in terms of Culture, tradition and also Architecture.

Since I studied here in Benilde, All the professors have been talking about how we should think like an Architect, Conceptualize, Analyze and Appreciate when designing or simply looking at our own Architecture. But is there really a Filipino Architecture?. This was the mind blogging question we tackled during our last meeting in HISTARC4. Of course, I agreed that there is a Filipino Architecture. Well, at first I was hesitant, I hesitated even more before When I was in my First year in this course. That's because I've been focusing on the more Physical aspects of Architecture. Before, it was a dream of mine to do an outstanding airport for our country. I was thinking on how it would WOW people rather than thinking for the people. This is similar on how I viewed Filipino Architecture before.

Architecture does not only concentrate on Tangible aspects but also the Intangible ones, just like what Sir Karlo said. The soul of a structure lies in its meaning, context, emotion, the feeling it conveys and that is what gives a structure identity and originality. Buildings somehow represent life, in a way. Architecture can also tell a story and in our case, it's our Architecture that defines who we are as Filipinos.

We are known for being hospitable in all times, We are also one of the happiest people in the world no matter what problems we're encountering. We are caring, loving and very family oriented. All of these Filipino attitudes as well as others can translate to how our structures are planned, and less on how it looks. Personally, I think people do not believe that there is a Filipino Architecture because we dwell to much on other factors such as materials, physical appearance, and I guess people are very hooked on Western Aesthetics that we forget our own. I once saw a flier of a Village that was given to me while I was walking in Paranaque. It showed me how much people are so contained in having their homes look like Victorian, American, or European because for them that is beautiful. I get so frustrated looking at the Fliers that it made me think of our Architecture. I cannot deny that it was beautifully constructed but the fact that it is patterned after another countries Architecture just bugs me. Enough said, I thought of everything that could have tolerated this to happen in so many parts of the country. Political, social and economical issues have made this style of living and has made people believe that it can actually work in our Philippine setting.

It really motivated me more to be an Architect. Part of my Manifesto says that I want to improve the lives of people in our country through Architecture. As how I understand it, Filipino architecture is more about our culture, and identity as Filipinos. It is not that distinct unlike other countries but I believe that it is there somehow. I just don't like to think Literally towards this topic because obviously if I would've disagreed in the first place. I look at it like when I see my wallet, It's just there, but I know that there's something inside. You can feel it once you enter a Filipino home. The living room is the first one you enter in that's close to the kitchen. This is because we are Family oriented and we like to eat as a family, chat with friends on the table and invite people over to dine. We are also sensitive when it comes to faith and religion, that is why most Filipino homes have Altars inside. The most basic Filipino Architecture is the Bahay Kubo. It shows the simplicity of a Filipino's life. We wake up in the morning, go to work or school, and go home and spend time with the family. It's an open floor plan consisting basic necessities that humans need and nothing more to it. Even our churches have a Filipino touch in them. We celebrate Fiestas in honor of the Patron Saints. We go to Church every Sunday to hear mass and I think we are one of the few countries who do that. Thus, our Churches are situated even in small communities, consist of an open floor plan, natural light, and Simplicity.

Architecture is a learning process. It is evolving, and we cannot say that an Architecture of a country may not change, because it will. One of the Architects I look up to is Jason Buensalido. He created a modern Bahay Kubo. He used purely Filipino Concepts in creating the design. I was amazed at how he merged his Philosophies as well as creating a Filipino inspired modern house. All I have mentioned was present. Open floor plan, Importance of the living room and Kitchen as well as flexibility and Adaptation to weather conditions.

Last session, we had an exciting quiz about all Filipino places and different facts. I was really excited about it because I like reading about Filipino Architecture and I was confident that I knew some of the Questions regarding the Quiz. Our country is beautiful. Many of the sites here are one of a kind and cannot be seen in other countries bu here. But as had seen a lot of the Structures mentioned in the quiz, I find it kind of sad that some are not recognized or aren't recognizable anymore. Some are demolished, and some are just plain abandoned. I really think that our Architecture is very undeveloped, it is still very raw. It is because people focus more on the more relevant issues we are facing, and those issues never seem to be solved. I guess our architecture can still develop and be recognized if it is just supported by a lot of people. I would really like to do that, when I become a professional.

COMPACT V.1

Nowadays, modern technology provides humans the power to have almost everything Compacted into a single Gadget or Instrument. The first thing that came up to me is an Ipod, just because it has all the tools for communication that us humans use in everyday life.

My concept for addressing this design problem is being able to provide the client with a space that is customizable. Following this, my inspiration came from Lego. Like legos, the spaces I'll be making the spaces adjust to the users preference so that even though the space is small, it can provide what the client needs.

The house i'll be doing will have an open floor plan that can be separated by the use of sliding doors, which I think is a huge space saver. Adding to that, I'll be making furniture that can be hidden when it's not needed such as the beds, chairs, places for storage, studio or working area, and of course the kitchen. My overall approach to this design problem is that, Practicality comes a long way. When you don't need something. it doesn't need to be lying around thus, clever planning and flexible spaces take a vital role in solving this dillema.