Social distancing is the most effective way to slow the spread of the coronavirus — more so than face coverings and eye protection — according to a meta-analysis published in The Lancet.
An interesting view on the challenge of social distancing in highly populated areas like Metro Manila based on the size of the homes people live in.
source: IBON
Architecture in the Philippines has come a long way since it the profession was recognized 100 years ago.
More than a century ago, one will not find a school for architecture in the land. The closest one can get is to undertake studies to be a Maestro de Obra — then considered as builders. If one wants to earn the title, seeking studies abroad is the best possible way.
Despite not having architecture schools at that time, Maestro de Obras and surveyors established the first organization of architecture as interest in this field grew. More and more Filipinos were able to study abroad and return to the country to practice their profession. In 1921, the Engineers and Architects Law was passed, stating the separation of board of examination for engineers and architects. The same law also mandated Maestro de Obras to be automatically registered as architects, with Tomas Mapua as the first licensed Filipino architect.
Three separate associations of architects were established from the early 1930s to the late 50s. These are the League of Philippine Architects, the Association of the Philippine Government Architects, and the Philippine Institute of Architects. However, it took over a few more decades before the profession saw a clearer path towards professional unity.
After careful and meticulous process of incorporation, the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) was finally established in 1975 and was recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) as the duly accredited professional organization of architects in the country. With a pool of more than 50, 000 members and a strong network of 181 chapters from various regions across the globe, the UAP is a prime mover in making the architecture profession known not only in the country, but also in the international arena. It is an award-winning professional organization which has clinched the PRC’s Most Outstanding Accredited-Professional Organization Award or the APO Award for several consecutive years since 2002 — a testament that it is serving its purpose of protecting the profession.
Today, architects are considered as master builders of all vertical structures, working hand-in-hand with allied professionals in creating builds and designs. Considered not only as a lucrative career, but also a fulfilling path for every builder, the profession has paved the way for notable Filipino architects to showcase their creations not just in the Philippines, but also abroad.
We have renowned architects we all look up to for their distinct designs — National Artist Leandro V. Locsin, who is the talent behind The Cultural Center of the Philippines;
Juan Felipe Nakpil, who designed the Manila Jockey Club, Magsaysay Building, and Rufino Building among others; and Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa who designed the San Miguel Corp.
Headquarters inspired by the Banaue Rice Terraces. These architects are the representation of what the Filipino talent truly has — love for country, creativity, vibrancy, and innovation.
We continue this with a new breed of contemporary architects of equal caliber who are carving their names in their respective fields. In the UAP’s pool of members are laudable professionals in various specializations — from commercial and residential designs, industrial, landscaping, interior, green design and urban design buildings, and many others.
All of their contribution are part and parcel of a bigger role — to help the country in building a nation that is adaptive, sustainable, and livable for more generations to come.
This year, as we celebrate the 100 years of architecture in the Philippines, it is the UAP’s vision to see architecture continuing to thrive in these trying times, and emerge as a leading profession not on in the building industry, but in rebuilding society as well.
Architects take the challenge of giving helpful contributions in adapting to the needs of the times.
Furthermore, we believe that architecture is a primary mover towards modernization while highlighting the importance of the past. As architects and gatekeepers of architectural gems sprawled in various places in the country, it is our goal to help in pushing for thriving cities while still doing our duty of architectural heritage conservation — one of the greatest manifests of our identity that we are forever embedded in.
This celebration serves as a motivation for the UAP to continue living up to its mission of protecting the profession and its members through various programs that not only enrich and cultivate learning among them, but also give the inspiration to do more and contribute more for the betterment of the country. With its Member-First Policy, a flagship campaign of the current administration, the UAP is anchored in the mission of serving its members by providing tangible benefits that would up their skills and talents in the field, even amidst an ongoing global crisis. The UAP works not only within their internal organization. It also puts emphasis on external affairs — promoting their profession with its “Get An Architect” advocacy campaign, an award-winning drive of making the professional known to the public, specifically to the masses. It also comes with a stream of active corporate social responsibility projects in various regions, with the aid of its chapters, by providing pro bono professional consultations, volunteer works, and donations to both public and private sectors for housing problems, environmental conservation and promotion of socio-economic development.
Despite facing hurdles to protect the interest of the professionals, the profession in general, and the laws that govern it in the past years, the UAP believes that architecture is here, not only to stay but to continue soaring. It will not cease from flying high to reach lofty pursuits.
The UAP aims to maintain the architecture profession in the country in the next hundreds of years, through its thousands of Filipino architects ready to take on the challenge of making a better, livable spaces for everyone.
Author: Arch. Renato A. Heray, FUAP is the current National President of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP)
Source: Manilatimes.net
Have you ever worried about how to arrange the furniture in your house before a big party? Ever agonized over where exactly to position the desk in your office?
There are many directions one might turn to seek advice on such matters, but an increasingly trendy source of wisdom can be found in the principles of Feng Shui (pronounced fung shway), an ancient theory about the relationship between people and places - there are even professional Feng Shui consultants who are waiting to help you out.
Feng Shui started in China more than 6,000 years ago, and it was the early inspiration for the design of temples and other sacred places—including the Great Wall of China itself! Over time, it has become synonymous with building with respect for nature and for the earth in general.
Feng Shui is based on the belief that there is a continuous flow of energy between humans and their physical surroundings.
The name is derived from the Chinese symbols for wind and water. A balance between the energy represented by the wind and the calmness represented by water creates harmony among people and between people and their surroundings, and this harmony promotes success, health, and a sense of community.
Feng Shui principles can be applied to interior spaces such as offices and living rooms, as well as to outdoor spaces such as gardens. The proper configuration of the objects and space around us is said to maximize the flow of the positive energy needed to sustain a happy life and an overall sense of well-being.
The key to understanding Feng Shui is appreciating the role played by “Chi” (or “Qi”).
Chi is the positive energy that we wish to encourage in the places where we spend time, and it circulates best in spaces that contain soft objects with rounded edges. Irregular objects with sharp points or angles can block or disrupt to the flow of chi, resulting in “sha chi,” which is a negative energy that has a bad effect on both people and places.
To increase the flow of chi and to minimize the presence of sha chi, the five elements - water, earth, fire, wood, and metal - should be in balance with each other; you do not want to have too much or too little of any one of them.
Feng Shui as it is practiced today is actually a New-Age Westernized makeover of the ancient Chinese philosophy. It became popular in America in the 1970s about the same time that acupuncture, herbal medicine, and anything ancient and Chinese were all the rage. In many respects, Feng Shui has strayed far from its roots.
Practitioners of Feng Shui use color, sound, and lighting to create an ambiance, with the strategic use of artwork, plants, and flowers further modifying our moods. Water features such as fountains and aquariums and wind-sensitive objects such as wind chimes or flags can be included, often to dramatic effect.
In interior spaces, the size of the furniture should match the scale of the space, couches should be kept against walls, and configurations of furniture that make conversation difficult should be avoided; pathways between areas within rooms should remain open and uncluttered.
While a rectangular table can be fine in a dining room, circular or oval tables are preferred in living rooms, and a mix of shapes can create a nice effect. Mirrors, reflective metals, and crystal chandeliers can be used to make dark or small spaces seem larger and brighter.
In bedrooms, it is thought best to put the head of the bed against the wall farthest from the door, but do not line it up directly with the door, as this has come to be known as the “coffin position.”
All of this sounds beautiful, but what does science have to say about the effectiveness of Feng Shui design?
Unfortunately, environmental psychologists who have studied Feng Shui (see attached file) have concluded that there is no evidence that following Feng Shui principles have any measurable effect on human beings. The main problem is that there is no reason to believe that “chi” even exists, and without Chi there can be no Feng Shui.
So for now, we must reluctantly conclude that there is no science behind Feng Shui, and if you are looking for a boost to your health, mental acuity, and career success by harnessing unseen forces through the arrangement of furniture, you will probably be disappointed.
Having said this, adhering to Feng Shui principles can still result in very attractive, inviting spaces and it may also inject a bit of fun into the design process—and what is the harm in that?
Author: Frank T. McAndrew Ph.D
