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