City living these days is like living in a concrete jungle. Lot cuts are smaller. People try to maximize its usage by building up to the limits of standard building codes and local ordinances. In some areas, houses stand cheek by jowl with small business establishments, townhouses, or (heaven forbid!) high-rise condominiums. In cases like these, builders resort to constructing firewalls mainly to lower the risk of fires spreading rapidly between buildings and, secondary, to create a visual separation and muffle noises and fumes from the neighboring structure. Firewalls, those flat concrete fences that rise as high as the homeowner dares, are a double-edged blade that can give a semblance of privacy and security while simultaneously increasing the density of our concrete jungle.
MMDA's Bayani Fernando is promoting "see through" fences to reduce the tempting effect of walls on vandals and graffiti artists and to showcase the greenery that lies beyond them. It is a perfectly good concept and I hope he succeeds in getting the cooperation of property owners. Visualize the golf course of Camp Aguinaldo
Sadly, however, we are stuck with these blank walls and must learn to live with them. The reality of these barriers in city areas is quite literally set "in concrete". However, that doesn't mean we can't improve what we already have. There are good sides to these opaque blockades and, with just a little imagination, the good side could lie on your side.
Fences are mainly built for security. Ironically, studies show that homes with high walls are burglarized more often than those visible from the street. The conservative opinion is that a solid wall prevents criminals from “casing the joint” or observing how to cart away your valuables. Others believe that walls lessen witnesses to a crime and can even prevent homeowners themselves from seeing who or where their unwanted “visitor” is. I think, having walls (or not) and its being a deterrent to crime (or not) depend entirely on the owner’s psyche.
Privacy is another key reason for the construction of these towering borders, especially when you have a swimming pool or a nice garden that you love to lounge around. A simple alternative to a wall is to plant hedges, which are more visually appealing and environment friendly. In addition, it can shield you more pleasantly from the scorching sun. Your landscaper will know which plants are best for your requirements.
Fire is the main concern for the proliferation of these gigantic walls, which is the reason they are called firewalls. The logical rulings regarding their construction are enshrined in the building and fire codes. Particularly for communities with a mix of establishments, this invention is a god-send and must be recommended. However, firewalls are likewise found between neighboring homes and can be quite a boring sight.
Now what if you live next to these looming walls? Are you the claustrophobic type? Are these boundaries blocking your view? Not getting any wind? Do you find the bulkiness unsightly, unnecessary? You can make it work to your advantage, despite the limitations, legal aspects, and ownership.
Here are some frequent questions I've received about firewalls, along with my suggestions:
Can I build on top of my neighbor's existing wall? If it is a shared wall, yes. If not, ask your neighbor's permission. Build only if he agrees to the idea and if the original wall is structurally sound.
Can I drive a nail on the side of my neighbor's wall facing my property? No, but you can build something adjacent to it on which you can nail to your heart’s content.
It is surprising to some that the answers to these questions pertaining to property walls and its ownership are found not in the National Building Code but in the Civil Code of the Philippines
Now for the opportunities found in firewalls:
If there is no view, create one. There are very innovative architects and landscape architects who can create wallscapes, complete with water features and stylized accents that are soothing to the senses – appealing to the sight, relaxing to the ears, cool, and even aromatic. A simple mosaic tile design on the wall adds color and style to something originally dull. With the proper landscaping and addition of potted flowers, bird cages, or planting strips, you can achieve the pleasing courtyard effect that many developers are now promoting. To lessen the massive impact and feeling of coldness, it can be planted with ivy, or covered with natural stones, bricks, bamboo, bakawan, or reeds. It can serve as a showcase of your collection of artifacts and souvenirs from travels around the world. At night, with the proper lighting, you could get a dramatic effect.
It is also a good place to express and display art, using the wall as a huge canvas. My kids use it as a chalkboard for colorful murals and funny cartoons that can easily be washed out as often as their creativity desires.
If you enjoy out-door dining, a bare wall is always a good place to position a barbecue pit. Just make sure it is high enough to cover most of the smoke and smell of your roast.
Sometimes, we use it as a projection screen to show family videos during outdoor parties. Or, you can project televised games and concerts for a big group to enjoy.
Firewalls beside large buildings are lucrative opportunities for advertisers, particularly so if it is situated in a high-traffic area. Within the plant or factory perimeter, the blank wall can be painted over with slogans and company news.
Firewalls can be both a bane and a boon, depending on how one wants to view it. With the right creative touch, this ubiquitous monument of city living can transform into a wall of pride.
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