Helping our country through architecture

11/24/2005

This article was inspired by the ideas I picked up from a newspaper column discussing a new book by a refreshing Filipino writer.  That book, which I haven’t read, and its author, who I haven’t met, have stirred me to view my personal field and apply his thoughts to circumstances I know best.

The problems that plague our country are so great that, sometimes, we feel dwarfed by them.  We are helpless by ourselves. Alone, we cannot seem to make a difference.  Take heart!  On the contrary, there are a number of ways we can help our country.    Here are a few ways:

1. Speak well of the Philippines:  We need to paint a good picture of our country, especially to the people abroad.   We have to entice them to visit as tourists or, even better, as investors.   And we do not have to lie about anything.  There are so many things we can be proud of.  Great scenery, friendly people and charming customs. We have a booming real estate industry, though some still refuse to admit it.  Good words could create a snowball effect that will create more opportunities, more jobs and greater spending power, and thus a more vibrant economy. Real estate development is an industry that other countries cannot readily dominate within our own shores.  Unlike the manufacturing sector, which has suffered stiff competition with countries such as China, we have first option at developing our own lands.

2. Buy local products:  Buying locally produced items not only helps our manufacturing sector, it also keeps wealth within the country.   Instead of using imported roof tiles, floor tiles and natural stone, we can opt for the local alternatives which are just as durable and could even be more economical.  Architects have the responsibility of educating their clients about the feasibility and availability of locally manufactured materials.  Again, this will create more jobs, greater buying power and additional markets for various industries.

3. Initiate project development.  There are people with bright ideas; there are people with money; there are people with property; and, there are those who are good at orchestrating things.  Put them together and you can have a development.  It all starts with identifying a particular need and thinking of ways to address them.  This way, we solve problems, help the community, and together make a decent living.

4. Plan efficiently.  Planning efficiently is not limited to analyzing layouts and flows or external appearance.  Planning consists of thinking first before acting.  This may involve simple tasks such as properly scheduling errands to the complex job of city planning.  Blunders occur when people act without thinking and these could be committed by the lowliest employees to the highest national leaders.   Errors could crop up in layout, cost efficiency, and energy efficiency, among others.  Planning reduces wastage.  And waste does not do anybody any good. 

5. Develop a distinctive Filipino architecture.  Having a distinctive architecture is good, not just for the collective Filipino pride and culture; but in the most practical sense, it is good for tourism.  Bali is known for its customs and architecture.  It can be an attraction in itself.   One of our national artists, Architect Bobby Manoza, is years ahead in espousing and promoting this endeavor and has reaped laurels for his efforts.  He has published a book “Designing Filipino” which gives us an overview of what is innately Filipino architecture.  He has also been promoting the use of local materials in astoundingly creative ways. 

6. Promote sustainability.  A damaged ecology is devastating to a country.  Respect the existing terrain.  Avoid the practices and uses of materials that are harmful to the environment.  Excessive use of lumber contributes to deforestation, which ultimately ends up in landslides, floods and loss of lives.  Some chemicals used in construction and the improper disposal of construction waste likewise affect our soil and potable water.   Aerosols used in automotive lacquer paints affect the ozone layer, thus contributing to global warming.  Awareness of the danger solves half the problem.  But only concerted and committed action can solve the other half.

7. Innovate and develop better systems in building.  Conventional ways of construction seem to be wasteful.  We are left with so much debris after every construction job.  I remember an Australian contractor commenting that it seems there is more debris being hauled out of a building, rather than construction materials being put in.  Again, an effort towards this would minimize our dumping and waste disposal problems, as well as cutting down on fuel and energy use.

8. Follow construction codes and building regulations.  Rules are placed there for a reason.  Generally, following them benefits the greater majority.  Though building regulations, particularly those in the latest Building Code Implementing Rules and Regulations issue, are relatively new and not always in perfect sync with the local authorities’ interpretation, adhering to the code is encouraged.  For innovations in planning and design, the local authorities are often open to new and positive ideas. 

These recommendations are nothing new.  But in order to instill them in the minds of our fellow builders, it must be repeated often enough to be remembered, if not to be enacted.    Alone, we may not matter but collectively, we will make a difference!