TED / Talks / Sir Ken Robinson: Do schools kill creativity? (video)

http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/66


Sir Ken Robinson makes an entertaining (and profoundly moving) case for creating an education system that nurtures creativity, rather than undermining it. With ample anecdotes and witty asides, Robinson points out the many ways our schools fail to recognize -- much less cultivate -- the talents of many brilliant people. "We are educating people out of their creativity," Robinson says. The universality of his message is evidenced by its rampant popularity online. A typical review: "If you have not yet seen Sir Ken Robinson's TED talk, please stop whatever you're doing and watch it now."

Taming the M.I.

I just learned that the USC North Campus is adopting the multiple intelligences learning style in their curriculum for primary and secondary education. I learned this from my friends Derrick and Neil. They are fifth year architecture students and this is precisely their thesis. They were discussing their thesis in the faculty room earlier and I simply got curious.

The theory of multiple intelligences was developed in 1983 by Dr. Howard Gardner, professor of education at Harvard University. It suggests that the traditional notion of intelligence, based on I.Q. testing, is far too limited. Instead, Dr. Gardner proposes eight different intelligences to account for a broader range of human potential in children and adults.

There are different learning styles appropriate for each intelligence. Each learning style also has a different learning environment appropriate for it.

These intelligences are:

• Linguistic intelligence ("word smart")
• Logical-mathematical intelligence ("number/reasoning smart")
• Spatial intelligence ("picture smart")
• Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence ("body smart")
• Musical intelligence ("music smart")
• Interpersonal intelligence ("people smart")
• Intrapersonal intelligence ("self smart")
• Naturalist intelligence ("nature smart")

Neil and Derrick evaluated the existing USC North Campus whether it provided the necessary environment for the learning styles and found that it didn't. Their task now is to identify the ideal set up and propose how it can retrofit an existing school to accommodate this set up.

What type of environment does the different learning styles for multiple intelligences require? How can the USC North Campus be reconfigured to accommodate this learning environment? The questions that Neil and Derrick need to answer are simple, but they require a lot of reading and analysis.

I also learned from them that there are already many schools, particularly in the United States, that have adopted the theory. They can get ideas from these schools on how they provided the needed learning environment.

I find the topic very interesting. This is one thesis where I can learn something from the students. I hope I get to watch their thesis presentation.

architectural videos*

http://architecturalvideos.blogspot.com/
blog,dedicated to architectural videos | archive of selected architectural videos

Designing with Permaculture

Just recently I had lunch with Justine, a fifth year student who lives near my place. He is doing his thesis this semester and we got to talk about it. I was particularly interested in the topic because we share a common concern: permaculture. My own thesis deals with permaculture as well.

Their client wants to set up a permaculture institute in their four-hectare property in Carcar, Cebu. The site is along the coast and has a dense mangrove area. In the proposed facility, people get to learn about permaculture through lectures and workshops.

The clients, however, added an interesting twist in their requirements. They wanted to involve artists in promoting permaculture. They intend to invite artists to learn or teach permaculture and create art that promotes the practice. To do this they also intend to set up an artist residency facility within the permaculture institute. This facility will operate as an artist club of sort.

As designers, Justine and his thesis partner, Nigel, should be able to add value to their client's requirements through their architectural solution. They should also be able to make their design respond harmoniously to the constraints of the site. Finally, they should be able to show that urban development and permaculture are compatible. These are the challenges presented to them by their coordinators, advisers, and client.

How will the design contribute in promoting permaculture? How will the design respond to the constraints of the site? How will design show that permaculture is not retrogressive?

If they manage to answer these questions they would not have any trouble passing their thesis. It would be interesting to know their solution. I hope I get to post it here when they finish.

Good luck guys!

Another Start

It's the start of another semester but, unlike any other semester, this one is special.

This semester I am making my thesis for the graduate program. This also means that the pioneering students will be graduating soon... hopefully. All systems related to the graduate program must be in place before the semester ends. Also, in this semester, preparations are being made for the offering of the specialization in Landscape Architecture next school year. We also need to draft the curriculum for the proposed specialization in Heritage Conservation.

The undergrad is not too exciting. There is only the Christmas Party and the Design Awards to look forward to. The former is more exciting, since the latter has started to become less and less appealing. The undergrad thesis also used to be very exciting, but it has started to lose its appeal as well.

I am also setting up a new company that will engage in research and consultancy. I am supposed to be just part of the team but now I ended up as the lead man. Anyway, we have a lot of plans and we're setting it in motion starting this semester.

There are also the new projects I'm working on. I used to simply play a supporting role in our projects but I now find myself taking the lead in some of the new projects as well.

This will be the busiest semester in my entire academic life. I hope my friends will understand me if I become less "sociable" this semester.

Taking a Break!

Have you noticed that I did not post much this semester? That's how busy I am. Who wouldn't when you are playing multiple roles?

Last semester I was teaching Humanities and History of Architecture to undergrads. While I'm a teacher during weekdays, I turn student by weekends.I have four subjects in my graduate studies, but I also have another hat during weekends. As the assistant graduate program coordinator, i handle the admin component in running the program. On top of it all, I have personal projects to design and supervise.

This coming semester, I continue to teach Humanities and History of Architecture. I was also tasked to initiate a tutorial program for English and Math. I will be doing my thesis so I applied for a 12 unit deloading.... etcetera, etcetera...

I guess I need a little break. Tomorrow I'm leaving for Hong Kong with my family. We will be spending four days there then we go back to Davao, then I come back Cebu on November 3. Will still be connected to everyone and everything - thanks to the internet and wireless communications network.
Well... have to pack. Ciao

architecture.MNP

http://architecture.myninjaplease.com/
Who says ninja skills can't be used in architecture? Think again...

Batch gets together

When one of my batch mates died of cancer last June, a memorial service for him triggered a move to create an internet group so we can keep in touch. I took care of setting up the yahoo group. Slowly people started to join. There are those who found it difficult to understand the technicalities of it all but in time I expect more to join.

At first people posted messages, saying hello and giving a little update about themselves and the batch mates they're in contact with. Then came the photos. Slowly albums were created. I created a database which any member can update. It contains full names, email addresses, cell phone numbers and birthdays. I also created links to the usc, cafa, and uap websites. A poll was also made because of a suggestion to hold a mini-reunion this december. To ensure continuity, I assigned co-moderators. So far, the group has been very, very active.

This afternoon, I reviewed all the photos and messages posted and I suddenly felt a wave of regret. I was such a nerd in college and i keep only a few close friends that I neglected joining many activities that the batch organized. Right now, I feel a bit alienated. People keep telling stories about the good times here and there. I read their posts and view their photos as if I'm a mere observer.

No matter. My expertise with the internet and organizing is my way of making up for lost time. The yahoo group is a good first step. The mini-reunion this december is the next step. Looking forward to it...

In the name of the architect

A student approached me one day and asked me how he can make sure that his client would never alter his design. I jokingly asked him in return if his design was worth preserving in the first place. He asked me to answer the question as if he were to be a great architect known throughout the world and whose works should be preserved. Anyway, he approached me at the very appropriate time --- when I was just stretching my arms and legs to take a break from my very, very busy day.

The design of the architect is protected by the Intellectual Property Rights Code of the Philippines (RA 8293). In fact, only the architectural profession has a special provision to protect the copyright of the architect’s design. Chapter VIII, Section 186 of RA 8293 states: “Work of Architecture. - Copyright in a work of architecture shall include the right to control the erection of any building which reproduces the whole or a substantial part of the work either in its original form or in any form recognizably derived from the original: Provided, That the copyright in any such work shall not include the right to control the reconstruction or rehabilitation in the same style as the original of a building to which that copyright relates.”

It would be awkward for an architect to display images of his projects on the walls of his office then be told by visitors that those designs have been changed. In principle, the client should consult the architect if he plans to make any alterations to the design. We all know this. But we also know that most clients don’t bother, and that there are a lot of architects who don’t mind as well. The general perception is that the law is so distant that it can’t change this reality. But if you really want to ensure that your design gets built according to plan and remains that way for eternity, there is something you can do. Your main contract should have an addendum to this effect. This brings the law closer to home. The client would feel more obliged to comply.

A copyright, however, only has a life of fifty years. This means that after 50 years your client can do whatever they want with your beloved structure. But this is where the laws become very interesting. A building that remains intact for fifty years is technically considered a heritage structure. If you get the National Historic Institute (NHI) to proclaim it as such then the client would find it difficult to alter. The structure would now be in an environmentally critical area (ECA) and would require an environmental compliance certificate (ECC) to alter or demolish.

What if you died before the fifty years expired. How can you make sure that the remaining years of your copyright over the structure is covered? Well, when you get your license to practice, aside from registering with BIR and DTI, you should also register with the Intellectual Property Rights Office. In doing so you will be required to specify where to transfer your rights over your works in case of death. In principle, your structure is covered, unless your assignee doesn’t give shit about your work.

What about a case when another architect copies your design, or most of it? Well, it’s another matter to tackle. If the other architect copies your design faithfully, then he’s in big trouble. If he altered a few things then it can be a bit complicated, especially if the copied design is for another client and another site.

Anyway, after telling all these to my student he simply scratched his head, shrugged his shoulders then talked about boxing.

The M Factor

We just hired two new architecture graduates in our office. The teacher in me moved me to sit down and plot out the training they should receive while working on our projects. Among the things they need to learn and experience is to supervise people. The simplest way for me to approach this is to tell them about the M Factor.... M for Maturity.

It's one of those things I learned in the many, many trainings and seminars I attended in the past. People's maturity in terms of their work attitude can be classed into four, depending on their capabilities and their interest in the task. These maturity levels are simply called M1, M2, M3, and M4. How you should treat a person depends on their maturity levels.

M4 people are considered to be matured. They are interested in their work and they are capable of carrying out their task, if not highly qualified. The best way to treat them, if they are under your supervision, is to let them be. Meddling would only hinder their efficiency. But you need to make sure that they are on track in terms of shared goals... Thus you only need to remind them about it in whatever way appropriate.

M3 people may be capable but they are not so interested in their work. They might have been forced by circumstance to fulfill the task. They need a lot of coaching... of encouragement... With a lot of patience, they can move on to become M4's.

M2 people, on the other hand, are very interested to fulfill a task although they are neither knowledgeable about it nor do they have the skills to fulfill it. For some there is that ardent desire to learn. For others there is that nostalgia of fulfilling a dream. On the practical sphere, one only needs to teach them the knowledge and skills they lack. Again, with patience, they can move on to become M4's.

M1 people are those who are neither interested on their work nor are they capable of carrying out their work for lack of skills, knowledge, or some other disabilities. They need to be coached. They need to be taught. The question is: when do we raise the white flag?

I very seldom give up on a person. I spur them on no matter what. Sometime, though, they themselves give up. Anyway, it's a case to case basis...

It is important of course to match assigned task to maturity levels. I always believe that there is always a task that M1's can do that can contribute to the team, even if it requires them to simply carry something or the like... Each one in the team should also acknowledge each one's maturity level, and respect each other.

This little lesson on the M Factor is applicable not only to the construction site. It has helped me even in my dealings with people in executive board rooms. Believe it or not, even the rich and powerful can sometimes be immature. I've also handled geniuses who showed immaturity to some extent. But there is a task to accomplish, and these people somehow find their way into your team.

There is then the need to assess each person's maturity level early on. It requires another set of skills to do so. Sometimes I engage them in a "diagnostic" conversation. Complicated personalities require a little more research. The bottom line is to know your men before you lead them.

I hope these two new hires would learn the tricks soon....

Out-Sourced

I always get asked by architects to recommend the best students in the graduating batch for them to hire. Perhaps it is because I'm in the academe and, therefore, would be familiar with the skills of the students. Recently I received a handful of requests. I decided to sit down and write the names of the noteworthy ones, and where they are now. This exercise revealed something very interesting.... I have heard that many architecture graduates went to call centers, but the good ones have also ended up in a similar venture... outsourcing.

Outsourcing is a very lucrative business. You only need to establish a contact abroad, then a computer at home with auto cad, and finally an internet connection so you can chat with your client about the project in real time. The clients pay in dollars and the outsourcing agents always charge a fee much, much lower than the client's hometown market rate.

Architecture graduates, and even full pledged architects, flock to outsourcing companies simply for the pay. The work has its own stress centers... particularly irregular time and the tendency to remain an auto cad encoder the rest of your life. If they're lucky, they might get assigned to a more "architectural" task like designing and supervising construction. The pay, though, is really good.

There are other reasons why they go to outsourcing centers. Some are not confident to practice, others simply want a hassle free work. Whatever the reason, the bottom line is the pay.

With people going to outsourcing companies, I now have a hard time getting good people for my practicing friends. It seems to me that even if all my architect friends would team up and give a chance for new graduates to shine they would eventually get frustrated. That is, of course, unless they match the salary. But here's where the weighing scale tips out of balance...

Outsourcing pays much for low level skills... computer drafting. Many of the people I know who works in outsourcing centers are not even proficient in auto cad when they entered. The architects, however, can not match the salary considering that the new hires would be inexperienced. They have to learn the tricks within the firm and their salary can only increase if they show that they are learning, and improving.

I have nothing against outsourcing centers. I even tried it for a month to see how it operates. And there are outsourcing centers who hire for a notch higher level of skills, like rendering. I just realized that it is getting more difficult to find people to train. The bright side of it is simply this... what is happening right now is a good way to determine who are really determined to practice architecture.

Buzz.... (re-post)

This is a repost of a blog I made in Friendster last January. The past few days I experimented on blogging my daily activities. When I decided to stop the experiment a friend personally asked me to post this blog in My Multiply... I really don't know the connection but what's the harm of posting it? So... here goes...
-----------------
BUZZZZ.....
No... it's not the latest gossip... it's the buzzing of the busy bee.
I just emailed a friend in Manila after more than a year of silence. Instead of telling him about the past, I told him about my current and future activities. I was surprised to learn that I have so many things to do: work in school, family matter, hobbies, extra-curricular activities, personal projects... In fact, I was overwhelmed for a moment.
This means that I have to be super organized. The laptop and the internet connection in my boarding house is a lot of help. An extra phone with a camera also, especially having access to two cellphone networks. All the techie stuffs are there but my secret weapon is surprisingly a very simple object...
Okay, so if I mention it here it won't be a secret anymore, duh? I don't mind sharing it. A couple of friends have quizzed me about it and I have obliged. What's the fuss? It's just a simple notebook!
After years of experimenting with different types of organizers, I finally settled on a simple notebook to organize my life. The greatest advantages are: availability, portability, and flexibility. I can buy any notebook anytime, I can choose the size most comfortable to carry around, and I can organize the contents any way I can.
My style is.. When you open the notebook, on the left facing page are two columns: one for notes (assignments, phone numbers, etc..), the other for money spent and received. On the right facing page are also two columns: one for things to do, the other for scheduled work and appointments. Each item in the "things to do" column is numbered. The numbers are placed in the "schedule" column so I will know when to complete the task. As soon as I finish it I cross it out. At the end of the day, the unfulfilled tasks are transferred to the following day...
Sounds simple. It is! Like everything else, what makes it difficult is the discipline of doing things. I told my friend that I cannot allow myself to get distracted. I already made a list of my greatest distractions so I can keep watch.
People might think that it's a dull life to be dependent on a notebook. I don't think so, because my social life also gets scheduled in. I make sure I have time to meet friends, play badminton, write blogs, watch movies, etc... In fact, I stay in touch with more friends than the "normal" person. I'm very much aware that all work and no play makes Troy a dull boy (hehe).
Putting order is a great way to start the year.

How far will you go to get the best shot

Germs Torero just loves his camera.... and his hobby, of course. While he goes around taking pictures of what interests him, I tag along taking pictures of him in action (hehehe)

M. Arch - Landscape Architecture

When USC-CAFA decided to open its Masters in Architecture program, they
also decided to delay the M.Arch program specializing in Landscape
Architecture. Those interested in the program should already prepare
this coming school year although it will be offered on the school year
of 2008-2009.

Applicants to the program with a bachelor's degree in landscape
architecture won't find any problems enrolling. Those with a
bachelor's degree in architecture, however, need to "complete
undergrad subjects (3rd year BLA) specifically Design 3 (2 sems), LA
History and Theory, and LA construction courses. They are mixed with
the 3rd year BLA students during this time, although on their first
year they can already enroll in the M.Arch foundation courses." (Text
in quote are from Architect Ann Espina). This simply means they should
enrol this coming school year or earn credits from similar programs
elsewhere.

The program is also open to those with undergraduate degree on
Horticulture. They also need to enrol in the 3rd year BLA subjects.
Archt Ann Espina also clarified that:

"Any BS ARch and BS Horti enrolled in the Master program will be able
to earn the required 20 units of LA courses in their 2nd year, hence
they will be eligible to take the Board Exams by this time. Passing the
LA Board Exams is the Architect's and Horti's passport to legal
practice in LA."

I'm sure that those interested have more questions to ask. As mentioned
earlier, if they plan to enroll on 2008, they should already start
asking their questions now.

A Strength to Behold

I was planning to write about another topic, but an unfortunate event
moved me to write about something else. Irene Congson, who graduated
last March, just lost her dad today. It started with a cardiac arrest
last thursday and progressed to a lot of complications. I followed up
the events through text messages from her friends. It was only today
that I got to talk to her, at the wake of her dad's funeral.

The support of her friends is very edifying. A trip to Baguio was
cancelled, a day's work was sacrificed... Friends with her in the
hospital, or visiting everyday... Now, friends around her at the wake.
I was never close to her as the others, not even as a teacher. I was
silently observing things as they happen and, just as I felt sad about
the unfortunate event, I also felt a great sense of admiration for her
and her friends.

I remember many years ago when I was still working for the University
of Asia and the Pacific. We were translating some seminar materials in
Tagalog for a community service. We got stuck with the word "peer
pressure" so we turned to an expert. His translation made a deep
impression on us. He equated (and translated) "peer pressure" with
"lakas samahan." It brings about a very positive meaning to an
otherwise negative sounding word.

Our friends tend to influence our lives. Many times we associate this
influence with something negative. If you have good friends then the
influence is bound to be good as well. This influence can strengthen
everyone if the bonding is not like a chain link but more of a fabric.
In a chain link, the weakness of one link cuts the whole chain. In a
fabric, the weakness of one stitch can be supported by the other
stitches.

Friendship should not be a chain that ties us down but a fabric that
protects and comforts us. This is what crossed my mind as I silently
sat at that wake. I did not worry so much about Irene because I see the
fabric of friendship strengthening her. Despite what happened, she is
still very lucky to have these people around. But more than luck, it
was due to her own goodness that she has this fabric around her.

Will a fabric of friends last? Depends on how you take care of it.
Eventually some holes might appear, but the whole thing will still
hold. It really depends on the person. Meantime, what I just witnesses
really was a strength to behold...

And so they marched... and will dance...

This year's graduation day of the architecture students is quite special for
me. It is the only time so far when I feel morally obliged to attend.
It is not because I have relatives among the graduating lot, but it
feels just like it. This batch started their college life as I also
started my teaching life in the university.

In my senior years, way back then, we had a graduation ball and I
was in charge of inviting the special guests. In designing the
invitation cards I chose a quotation that starts something like this:
"Let every man dance to his own beat..." We asked Arch't. Espina to
give an inspirational talk and he picked up from the quotation I chose:
after graduation, each one will go on his own separate way... following
the beat of the music he chose to dance...

This was also the theme that the university president, Fr. Rod,
followed in his homily during the baccalaureate mass for this year's
graduates. This time, however, Fr. Rod made reference to a movie
entitled "Shall We Dance?" The same message after seventeen years. The
bottom line, I guess, is that everyone should learn to accept this
reality. But everyone should use this plurality to achieve a harmony.

We can not have everyone putting up architectural firms. Some will
have to put up the support services. In both endeavors, there is money
to be earned. There will be people specializing in construction
documents, estimates, rendering, project management, etc... As a whole
they achieve a harmony in the profession. To appreciate this, however,
one has to constantly stand back to see the bigger picture, the forest
rather than the trees.

I was also moved when I was invited in the evening for a
thanksgiving party of one of the graduates. He belongs to a previous
batch but got delayed because of his thesis. Among those he invited is
someone who was not able to successfully defend his thesis this year.
This person decided to give up and actually dropped his remaining
subjects. What his friends did was to make a video where each one gave
a message of encouragement to go on... That thanksgiving party ended up
as an encouragement party for this guy.

In the quotation I chose for our graduation ball, a part of it says
something like "some will fall a step or two behind, other will move
forward.. but they are all part of the dance..." During that time, we
also invited those who couldn't graduate. Arch't. Espina also addressed
his speech to them, inspiring them to continue... this is part of the
bigger picture. Their future success might depend on this unfortunate
delay.

And so my good friends marched. I felt as proud as the parents
around me, and never sad. As I looked at a picture showing everyone
during the rite, I could not help make predictions of what each one
would do in the future. I was amused to realize that it is very varied.
It amuses me to think of all of them in the future. There seems to be a
pattern emerging, a harmonious movement, a music starting...

Let the dance begin...

Jolly Friends

I didn't know that spending the valentines day with jollibee can be fun!

Much Ado about Vernacular Architecture

When two architecture students in my school, Niño Guidaben and Elka Go, defended their thesis this semester half an hour was devoted on the definition of vernacular architecture. The Dean, Archt Maxwell Espina, stated that vernacular architecture is the architecture of the “un-schooled”. This raised the question on the difference between vernacular structures and heritage structures. After the thesis defense, the students’ quest for an answer continued.

The director of the Metropolitan Museum, Mr. Ino Manalo, clarified things further. It seems that vernacular architecture is indeed the work of artisans who have not been given formal education on architectural design and building construction. Moreover, vernacular architecture is their interpretation of the current trends on architectural design and building construction. Thus it is possible that even during this modern time, a vernacular architecture can still be created.

In the Philippines, the very basic house unit is the “bahay kubo”. The presence of the Spaniards later introduced Spanish architectural styles. The locals interpreted this style on their own and came up with the “bahay-na-bato”. When the Americans came, the locals came up with their interpretation of American architecture resulting in our own colonial style homes, art deco style homes, or bungalows with the “dirty kitchen.” Academics fondly call these as “mestizo houses.” We might be able to get an idea on how the locals interpreted the modern trend if we are able to view the on going exhibit in the National Museum. The theme happens to be “Modern Vernacular.” The exhibit runs until May.

In an interview with an expert in Heritage Architecture, Arch’t Melva Rodriquez-Java, we learned that vernacular architecture is very much a part of the heritage of a place. It is local culture asserting its presence amidst influential foreign cultures.

There had been a long standing debate about what constitute a Filipino Architecture. I have often considered this discussion as boring and futile. I now think that a Filipino architecture does exist. This is created in the hands of the “un-schooled”, but documented in the hands of the “schooled.”

More questions are raised: "If the 'unschooled' can create a vernacular architecture what can the 'schooled' ones create?"; also, "should we allow the 'unschooled' to practice architecture in order to sustain our culture?" The quest for answers continues.