Ideal Campus Design

8/11/2007

My office, Architecture Network, is located along Katipunan Ave. in Quezon City, and being on an upper floor, I have a commanding view of my Alma Mater of 12 years, the Ateneo de Manila University.  While I was there, I never really gave much thought to the architecture of the campus.  For one, at that time, I had never gone to any other school so there was no basis of comparison.  It is only in retrospect that I truly appreciate the simplicity of the old campus and the abundance of space on which it nestles.

Lush Greenery

Not many schools have the luxury of 110 hectares of prime land, with approximately 80 percent as open space, dotted with trees and grassy fields.  When I was there, and I believe until now, the grade school and high school classrooms were arranged in rows, mostly on ground level, connected by corridors. Stairways are few, therefore reducing the risks of accidents and mishaps.  The quadrangles are tree lined with lush greenery, cooling the area and minimizing dust.  The rows of classrooms are far apart enough that special building material specifications are not needed to manage the acoustics.  Corridors are single loaded, which means that the classrooms are only placed on one side of the corridor allowing for comfortable cross-ventilation.  In addition, being situated on top of a hill several meters above the Marikina valley eliminates the need for air-conditioning.  The classrooms are located several hundred meters away from busy Katipunan Ave., creating the perception that you are not within the city. 

Since my time, the school has modernized.  Buildings are being erected with the likes of Bobby Manoza and Recio-Casas designing them.  Yet, some wide, open spaces remain intact, shielding the community from urban chaos.  Perhaps, this is how peace and serenity can be achieved amid the bustle, through an abundance of nature and space.

However, it does not mean that even with the relaxing environment, the students do not experience stress.  Jesuit education does come with some amount of stress, but at least it is not compounded by congestion, noise, pollution, and heat. 

Unfortunately, most schools are not as lucky.  They have to settle for air-conditioning, artificial sound insulation, and space optimization techniques.  But, even with minimum land area, it must still be possible to squeeze in space for plants and landscaping.  Nature could be nurtured on decks, balconies, trellises, potted gardens, and windowsills, among others.  Fish in aquariums and ponds can also liven up certain corners.  Noise could be masked by the use of water features like fountains or falling water.  Most often, it is only the classrooms and canteens that are air-conditioned, while the remaining areas are not.  Using plants and water features in these places could help lower the temperature and make these areas more comfortable, if not more beautiful. 

Growing up in a simple and relaxed atmosphere enhances learning and the cultivation of ennobling ideas. 

Comfortable and peaceful surroundings encourage creativity and openness.  School planners must be aware that environment plays a lot in the absorption of knowledge. 

The youth who will people their institutions are not merely “users” of space; they are malleable, receptive persons, who must be helped in the pursuit of their future.  As such, campus designs must allow for sufficient open areas, natural or man-made, wherein young, thirsty minds can be refreshed, soothed, or buoyed.  At the very least, some corners must be designed as attractive, quiet oases, maybe showcasing calming, thoughtful art pieces, for the restoration of tired souls.

On the other hand, designing purely for aesthetics is not the solution.  The basic purpose of a structure must be the builder’s guiding consideration.  Eminent architect, Frank Lloyd Wright has stated, “Form follows function.”  The formula seems simple enough but it takes maturity and experience for it to be truly followed, to strike the perfect balance.  One needs to overcome whim to see beyond cosmetics, to be able to appreciate “true to form” design.