Learning from the master

11/05/10

A Self-Protrait: Marcos De Guzman Sr.

Marcos back in the day

  

 The most valuable lessons I learned about the practice of architecture, I learned from one man. In my reckoning, he is one of the greatest architects the country has ever had. He is my father, Marcos C. de Guzman.

I am writing this while at his bedside at the St Luke’s Hospital. He is 87 years old, a couple weeks shy of celebrating his diamond wedding anniversary, and mounting a valiant stand against cancer, a challenge he has taken on with strength and determination from day one of his diagnosis. Even at his weakest, he still makes firm decisions regarding his treatment, his medication, even his resting positions.

location: Bag of Beans, Tagaytay
photo by: Glee de Guzman

He needs to be involved and know the reason and method behind every procedure. I am not surprised. It is just like him to show such strength of character. In fact, another testament to his strength of will is that among his six children three of us have become architects due to his great influence and inspiration.

The architect began his career in the 1950s and practiced for around 30 years, designing hundreds of residences, banks, hotels, office buildings, schools, churches, movie houses and commercial buildings. Even now I am awed by the breadth of his clientele and the variety of his projects. When I look back at those structures, I can still recognize the distinguishing mark of his artistry, for definitely he is more than just a skilled architect, he is an artist who can turn even a very commercial space into an attractive landmark.

Addressing people’s needs

location: Pannzian, Ilocos
photo by: Glee de Guzman

But over and above the basics of architecture, which I learned from him even before I set foot in the university, I realized that architecture was not about preparing a legacy, establishing fame or earning recognition, but all about service. Through him, I learned that architecture was not about designing monumental buildings, but about addressing the needs of people. Through his example, I learned that architecture was not about amassing financial wealth but about upholding integrity, honesty and honor. It did not matter that the credit and accolades for his work did not fall on him; what was important was that the benefit and value of the structure reverted to the user.

Above all, through him, I learned that architecture is not about gaining glory for one’s self, but in reflecting and spreading the glory to God. Every building must enable even an ordinary man to live and move in decent and pleasant surroundings. Every project must be undertaken with this mindset, this commitment.

I may have taken up architecture for all the wrong reasons, many of which were rooted in youthful vanity. But thanks to my father, I discovered that it is more fulfilling to find the humanity behind each building, the divinity moving every project. I am proud to have learned at the foot of the master.

location: Crosswinds, Tagaytay
photo by: Glee de Guzman

Over-Development

10/21/2010

We seem to have a way of self destructing. When we see a good thing, it is in our nature to use, over-use, and abuse that good thing, not knowing when to stop.

Boracay was once a pristine island. But its beauty attracted so many to the point of its near-destruction. Somewhere in the last decade, they lost control over the developments there. Any attempt to regulate and police construction on the islands just started and ended with the term of each local authority. There may have been laws in place but there is a lack of political will to enforce them.

The same is true with Tagaytay. The city used to have very strict building regulations; but now, the once green city has become a concrete jungle. Sooner or later, the cool breeze it has been known for will be gone because there will be more concrete than greenery.

In Baguio, the fresh pine scented air has been replaced with sickening diesel fumes. So much of the natural terrain has been carved out to make way for property development.

Even in the remote Tubataha Reefs, we have been too lax about the number and quality of divers allowed to visit the park and this has taken its toll as well. I shudder to imagine any more commercialization within the area.

Even the parks and free spaces very near our homes, which are often the only remaining greenbelt within the metropolis, are being built over with barangay halls, commercial centers, parking lots, and covered courts. Is this really the road to “development” or is this the certain way to our demise?

The authorities probably mean well, trying to chalk up brownie points for spending on infrastructure projects, but they may not be aware of the effects of all these man-made structures on our ecological future. Perhaps, some could be driven by greed, since more buildings mean potentially more income-generating space. Some are not aware that they have put nature on the balance, just on the verge of self destruction. We lack the awareness about, much less the will, to preserve a good thing. That is a sad commentary about development, an even sadder epitaph to nature.

In other countries, these natural gems are zealously protected. They know that when abused the natural attractions will be gone and cannot be replaced. Even in the middle of real-estate hungry New York City, their people have chosen to maintain the green expanse that is Central Park! In our case, unfortunately, no one cares enough to do something about over-development. We must resolve to analyze every building project and see how it will affect our surroundings, our environment, our future. We must put more effort in reinstating nature in our communities. If there is a choice between constructing and planting, we must always give Nature a fighting chance.

A Green Home in Subic

10/15/2010

To see it is to believe it. There is a lot of talk about green architecture but not as many examples. There are a few structures which were built as showcases of green concepts, showing the ecologically-sound and -sustainable features in place, but no one is there to validate if it works in actual everyday use. But with the help of some friends, I was able to meet and visit with the creator and resident of a real lived-in green home. The experience would turn any cynic into a believer of the green concept.

Meet Kevin Wickham and Sherry Apostol, who have made their home amid the lush rainforest of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Zambales.  Their home features green roofs, living walls, and passive cooling elements, all the key concepts of green architecture. They started off with a 250 sq.m. concrete duplex, originally built in the 1950s. The owner decided to eliminate the previous owners’ poorly planned renovations, opting for a modern feel with smooth cement block walls, porcelain tiles, and perforated aluminium ceiling panels. Aside from restoring the structure’s original footprint, the removal of the wood additions likewise made it easier to eradicate the termite infestation. He transformed the structure into a residence in the minimalist style with six variable-use rooms, including two home offices, while using 90% locally-made materials, thus keeping a tight rein on construction costs. The owner, also the principal of Terrain Concepts, specified that recycled fly ash from coal-burning power plants be used as an additive to the cement mix. He claims this method reduces the amount of concrete needed and strengthens the cement finish. He likewise specified non-VOC (volatile organic compound) paint to avoid toxic fumes. Natural cross ventilation is maximized through the home’s upper venting windows, while exterior custom sunshades, made from recycled tubular steel, contribute to its passive cooling system. A major feature of the home is a dramatic six-foot wide stairwell that opens up two floors. This technique, while an aesthetic plus, also works to help circulate and cool indoor air. No air-conditioning unit was installed as none seems to be necessary. Rainwater is collected with two 750 liter water tanks set up to accept water runoff from the roof. Gray water, or that used from showering, laundry, and dishwashing, is recycled and filtered for garden irrigation. Energy efficient fluorescent lighting was installed, instead of the usual incandescent bulbs to reduce energy use. Vertical planting was applied to the east and west facades of the home, as well as a green roof, to help insulate from heat and create more garden spaces. In fact, the couple has allotted a large part of their 1250 sq.m. grounds to the planting of vegetables in raised beds.

Living green is a great challenge for everyone. It takes a lot of creativity, intelligence, and dedication to achieve that perfect mix of the beautiful, liveable, and sustainable. But it is possible!