Our high school batch is supposed to sponsor the 2011 grand alumni homecoming of my high school alma mater. As early as now, a small group of batchmates have started to lay the groundwork for this event. Phase 1 was designed to gather contact information of batch mates starting with our section, Mars. Phase 2 was to assemble those we manage to contact. Last December 29, 2008, was the implementation of Phase 2: The Martians have assembled.
It happened in Barbeque Boss in Torres St., Davao City. Radley "Bong" Barrientos owns the place so it was very convenient for us. Those who went aside from Bong and myself were: Joseph Tagalog, Edmund Mayormita, Joel Aguilon, Alex Mandin, Robert Floyd Salise, Nilo Luciano, and Ronnel Saligumba. We also had an "honorary member" in the person of Hector Barnes. He actually belongs to a different class, Pluto, but we don't mind.
There were those who confirmed or promised to come but failed to do so for one reason or another: Rey Aba-a, Carlito Siy, Roland Magayano, Ronald Pizarro, and Ronald Amorado. Some had to decline because they were out of town: Dennis Habana, Benjun Crave, Fred Aguila, and Fred Nasiad (and those out of the country, of course!)
There were a lot of exchange of information on the whereabouts of the rest of the batch mates. One resolution we had is to expand the invitation to the yahoo group to include people outside Mars. "Big Nilo" suggested setting up a new website for HCDC using NING.COM. It looks like my hands will be full this coming days.
We also noted, with sadness, the news of the deaths of some batch mates: Neil Sison, "Borj" Borja, and Alan (or Alain?) Santos. There was also the news of the death of Mr. Rey Puno and Mr. Misola.
Looking ahead, Joel said that the activities for the grand alumni homecoming on 2011 will depend on what we want to do. There are no fixed prescriptions (although I need to confer with HCDC about this). In any case, there was a general agreement to hold a "bikini open"! (gulp!). Blame Joel for the suggestion, and Bong for seconding.
In the near future, however, there are events to be planned. One is an invitation from Joel Aguilon for an overnight stay in their place in Tubalan, a great diving site. The other is my invitation for an overnight stay in our rest house in mountains of Buda.
Phase 3 is to assemble all the batch mates in 2009 so we can discuss in detail the plans for the grand alumni homecoming.
So guys, let us move our asses. Send me contact information so I can invite and gather the rest. Let us not procrastinate, for as the late Mr. Misola would say:
"It is the thing you leave undone that gives you a bit of heartache at the setting of the sun."
Monday, December 29, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Architects-a-buzzing
It's been two weeks since I last posted. It's not that I ran out of things to say, rather I have so many things to say that I ended up not writing! The architects in Cebu had been particularly busy this month especially because of the National Architecture Week celebrations. The Architecture Department of USC had been very busy as well. Here's a rundown of the events.....
A series of lectures were organized in CAFA in different dates and different occasion. There was William Green, an american industrial designer, who shared his fascination for product design, as well as his own prototype of a car that made it to the Guiness book of world record. William (or Bill) Green was just visiting the Philippines so we were lucky to get him to give the get-together.
Faculty members Bela Lanyi and Glenn Green also gave lectures on their fields during the architecture week celebration. Bela talked about his expertise in sacred art and architecture, while glenn talked about the studies he made on the global peak oil phenomena.
The Chairman of the Board of Architecture of PRC also visited the university and gave a whole day get-together with architects and students. He expounded on many aspects of the architecture law. He also shared many background stories around the implementation of the laws.
Other than lectures, there was also the turn-over ceremony of books donated by a German Foundation. I wanted to write about the collection they donated because there were so many interesting books! What I particularly liked about the collection is that it has many books written by contemporary architects about their life and works.
Outside the university, the architects had an exhibit in Park Mall. There was an
"architects' night out" in Pier One, and the Christmas party last night in Montebello. What makes this Christmas Party special for me is that I got something in the raffle draw! It is very rare for me to win in anything that involves luck.
There will be a series of Christmas parties to attend next week. CAFA's party will be on Thursday, the 18th. The university party will be on the following day. On the 20th, my batch mates in college will also gather for a Christmas dinner.
I'm sure everyone will have their calendar full this month. Tis the season to mess up our diets. Haha!
A series of lectures were organized in CAFA in different dates and different occasion. There was William Green, an american industrial designer, who shared his fascination for product design, as well as his own prototype of a car that made it to the Guiness book of world record. William (or Bill) Green was just visiting the Philippines so we were lucky to get him to give the get-together.
Faculty members Bela Lanyi and Glenn Green also gave lectures on their fields during the architecture week celebration. Bela talked about his expertise in sacred art and architecture, while glenn talked about the studies he made on the global peak oil phenomena.
The Chairman of the Board of Architecture of PRC also visited the university and gave a whole day get-together with architects and students. He expounded on many aspects of the architecture law. He also shared many background stories around the implementation of the laws.
Other than lectures, there was also the turn-over ceremony of books donated by a German Foundation. I wanted to write about the collection they donated because there were so many interesting books! What I particularly liked about the collection is that it has many books written by contemporary architects about their life and works.
Outside the university, the architects had an exhibit in Park Mall. There was an
"architects' night out" in Pier One, and the Christmas party last night in Montebello. What makes this Christmas Party special for me is that I got something in the raffle draw! It is very rare for me to win in anything that involves luck.
There will be a series of Christmas parties to attend next week. CAFA's party will be on Thursday, the 18th. The university party will be on the following day. On the 20th, my batch mates in college will also gather for a Christmas dinner.
I'm sure everyone will have their calendar full this month. Tis the season to mess up our diets. Haha!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Cebu's Iconic
Lately I’ve been asking people around me to tell me a building that best represents Cebu City. I always get the same reply: Magellan’s Cross. Does this mean that our contemporary architects are not capable of building an iconic building? Or is it necessary to do so in the first place?
Most buildings in the classical and medieval period can be considered iconic, especially those that were built like monuments. Heritage buildings are also iconic in the Philippines. People can easily associate a place when shown a picture of an old church or old structure. My concern, however, is the local contemporary architecture.
What does it need for a building to be iconic anyway? First, as mentioned in my previous blog, the building has to be unique enough to catch the attention of media. Second, I think that the form should be simple enough to be drawn or described by anyone from memory. Third, the building should be situated in a place where it can easily be viewed in totality in at least two sides. Finally, the building should have a deep connection with the people in the locality.
In Cebu, I am yet to find a building that meets all these criteria. Other than the Magellan’s Cross, the structures that would find its way to post cards are the Provincial Capitol and the Mactan Bridge. The Provincial Capitol, however, is not really contemporary and its neoclassical style is not so unique. The Mactan Bridge, on the other hand, is not a building in the first place. Because a second bridge was constructed, the Mactan Bridge started to lose its significance.
The tallest building in the city is probably the Club Ultima. The building, however is complicated in form and is not viewable from good vantage points, especially because only one side faces the street. The Terraces in Ayala has been attracting a lot of people but a picture of this can easily be mistaken for the Greenbelt in Makati. Even the controversial Cebu International Convention Center, failed to meet the criteria of an iconic building because its form is not unique enough.
For me, the best candidate for an iconic building in Cebu would have been the original design of the Megadome which won in the Design Competition. It enjoyed good media coverage, its form is unique yet simple enough to be retained in memory, it is also easily seen from many vantage points because of its site (it can even be seen from the Mactan Bridge), and most of all, everyone felt that it was a fitting design for Cebu.
Unfortunately, it will never be realized for now the CICC stands on the site allotted for the Megadome.
It is not easy to find a building that can be considered iconic. Cebu had its chance but lost it. For now, we will content ourselves with the Magellan’s Cross.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Architecture of Presence.... and Absence
My first day in the Architecture Journal class of Bro. Bela Lanyi was uneventful. Students already got wind that I will be joining them. I also tried to keep a low profile so as not to intimidate the students. What is more important is the lecture which Bro. Bela gave. I don't know if he did it on purpose but after mulling over the lecture he gave I suddenly realized that he was talking about two opposing phenomena in architecture. On one hand, there is an architecture that seems to command presence; on the other hand, there is an architecture that must emphasize what is absent.
Iconic buildings command attention. They stand out in their immediate environment. They manage to find their way into magazines and post cards. Iconic buildings, however, are very effective if they are far apart from each other. It is easy to imagine how the Sidney Opera House and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao would compete for attantion if they were constructed side by side.
There are a few exceptions, of course, as in the case of China's Water Cube and the Bird's Nest. Although each is iconic in themselves, they are also contextual.
Bro. Bela referred us to the book of Charles Jencks entitled "Iconic Buildings" for a more thorough discussion on the subject. It is interesting to know that what makes a building iconic is not its perfection but its unique character which must capture the eyes of media. The key player then is media. Even if a building is unique if it does not meet the fancy of media it will ultimately fail to gain the status of an iconic building. One great factor that contributes to a building's uniqueness is its form. A building may fail in terms of function and still become iconic.
The approved design for the World Trade Center is one example of an architecture that must emphasize what is absent. The saying "absence makes the heart grow fonder" immediately comes to mind. It is a way of viewing a memorial from a different perspective. The concept, however, seems applicable only for a memorial in situ. The proposed design is envisioned for the site where the World Trade Center used to stand. The design seems to speak of "hope" amidst tragedy. This is emphasized by trees growing at random around the site, water flowing out, and a vessel containing unidentified remains waiting for science to remove their anonymity.
Personally though I find the design crowded with elements. Maya Lin succeeded with her Vietnam Veteran's Memorial with very few elements: a mere scar on the ground, made permanent by granite where the names of those who suffered were etched.
I have not studied the proposed World Trade Center design. Although the footprints of the two towers were left as a hole on the ground their absence could be further emphasized if there were pathways leading towards where the building should be but are cut short because of the building's absence... an expected door that wasn't there, or an expected stair for example.
It is facinating how architecture can express any idea. It is also facinating how new ideas continue to evolve. It is exciting to know that there are still many of this to be explored.
Iconic buildings command attention. They stand out in their immediate environment. They manage to find their way into magazines and post cards. Iconic buildings, however, are very effective if they are far apart from each other. It is easy to imagine how the Sidney Opera House and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao would compete for attantion if they were constructed side by side.
There are a few exceptions, of course, as in the case of China's Water Cube and the Bird's Nest. Although each is iconic in themselves, they are also contextual.
Bro. Bela referred us to the book of Charles Jencks entitled "Iconic Buildings" for a more thorough discussion on the subject. It is interesting to know that what makes a building iconic is not its perfection but its unique character which must capture the eyes of media. The key player then is media. Even if a building is unique if it does not meet the fancy of media it will ultimately fail to gain the status of an iconic building. One great factor that contributes to a building's uniqueness is its form. A building may fail in terms of function and still become iconic.
The approved design for the World Trade Center is one example of an architecture that must emphasize what is absent. The saying "absence makes the heart grow fonder" immediately comes to mind. It is a way of viewing a memorial from a different perspective. The concept, however, seems applicable only for a memorial in situ. The proposed design is envisioned for the site where the World Trade Center used to stand. The design seems to speak of "hope" amidst tragedy. This is emphasized by trees growing at random around the site, water flowing out, and a vessel containing unidentified remains waiting for science to remove their anonymity.
Personally though I find the design crowded with elements. Maya Lin succeeded with her Vietnam Veteran's Memorial with very few elements: a mere scar on the ground, made permanent by granite where the names of those who suffered were etched.
I have not studied the proposed World Trade Center design. Although the footprints of the two towers were left as a hole on the ground their absence could be further emphasized if there were pathways leading towards where the building should be but are cut short because of the building's absence... an expected door that wasn't there, or an expected stair for example.
It is facinating how architecture can express any idea. It is also facinating how new ideas continue to evolve. It is exciting to know that there are still many of this to be explored.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Architecture Journal for USC
This Wednesday, those enrolled in the Architectural Journal class of Bro. Lanyi Bella will have a pleasant (?) surprise. A new student will be added to the class.... ME!
When Bro. Bella started teaching in USC, he expressed his intention of making a journal for architecture. This desire was shared by the dean and some other faculty members so Bro. Bella got the full support from the College.
He started out by proposing an elective course on Architecture Journal (ArchJourn). From the class, Bro. Bella was able to identify students who have the talent and skills to help him with the journal project. He invited these students and true enough they showed full dedication. The maiden issue will be launched during the National Architecture Week celebtration this December.
They decided to call it "Lantawan." Personally I do not like the name. Although it is very Cebuano, I would prefer a more "sellable" title since they intend to sell the journal outside the university. Bro. Bella has no idea yet on the frequency of publication. It might come out once or twice a year, depending on the outcome of the maiden issue.
With the journal, he wants to "enhance" the intellectual environment surrounding the architecture profession. He even has a plan of putting up a website which is affiliated with the university and which will serve as a venue for intellectual discussions among architects, students and others who are interested.
The last attempt to publish an architecture journal was by Archt. Melva Rodriguez-Java. The journal, however, was a project of the United Architects of the Philippines. After three issues the publication stopped. The main reason was that their office was robbed and all the money for publication was stolen. They never managed to revive it.
For me, the reason why the UAP journal was never revived was the fact that it relies so much on the architects who are not able to devote full attention to the project. With students as a base, Bro. Bella has a more stable work force. Also, the fact that UAP has so many personalities involved makes it difficult for the journal to focus on a particular direction.
So what is my interest in all of this? I want to write... I think that much is clear. I also share Bro. Bella's desire to stir the intellectual atmosphere around me. Whether I will get involve in the architecture journal remains to be seen. For now, I'll try to learn as much as I can.
Can't wait for my first day in his class.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
In Memoriam: Edison and Charade
The news about Edison and Charade really affected me. I met these two when I was still new in the university. They were consulting my friend, Ellis, regarding their thesis and I happen to be around. Ellis also asked for my opinion and we had a lively discussion about it. During their defense, I sat in their panel. I could not forget their defense because of a drawing they made of a baluster post. It was drawn in a very big scale and it naturally caught my attention. When I asked them about the significance of the drawing they candidly answered me that there was none!... that the drawing was meant to cover an empty portion of their presentation!
Ellis and I found these two quite amusing. On the surface they look like two clueless people and yet they managed to pass their thesis defense without any revisions! They left us with a memento, a black shirt with the logo of their thesis project printed at the back. I still have the shirt and I still wear it even if the logo has faded.
The two seems destined to be together. They took the board exam together and made it to the same rank in the top ten. It seems they were also together in their practice and, of course, got married eventually. They're destined to be together alright, until the very end.
We were never really close since I was new and they were graduating when we met. We also met during their consultations with Ellis. It's funny how I still remember them. Despite their simplicity, I simply find them remarkable.
P.S.: I got the picture from their Multiply. I hope the relative don't mind. I think everyone will agree that it is a very good picture. Seems to tell a lot about them for those who don't know them.
Ellis and I found these two quite amusing. On the surface they look like two clueless people and yet they managed to pass their thesis defense without any revisions! They left us with a memento, a black shirt with the logo of their thesis project printed at the back. I still have the shirt and I still wear it even if the logo has faded.
The two seems destined to be together. They took the board exam together and made it to the same rank in the top ten. It seems they were also together in their practice and, of course, got married eventually. They're destined to be together alright, until the very end.
We were never really close since I was new and they were graduating when we met. We also met during their consultations with Ellis. It's funny how I still remember them. Despite their simplicity, I simply find them remarkable.
P.S.: I got the picture from their Multiply. I hope the relative don't mind. I think everyone will agree that it is a very good picture. Seems to tell a lot about them for those who don't know them.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
111108 - Heritage and School Mayhem
I mentioned in my other blogs how I started to gather my former classmates in grade school, high school, and college. For those I've met so far, we agreed to keep ourselves updated through blogs. Not everyone writes so we all agreed to try writing on a monthly basis. Those who know me, however, asked me to write every week! Well, I have the habit of writing my thoughts anyway so what the heck!
Well, that adventure led me to Blogger. I happen to read a blog here that talked about the benefits of blogging and even the possibility of earning. I guess I'm just too adventurous because I actually ended up creating an account here. The plan is to continue writing about my weekly activities here and just place links in my other sites to visit this one... So where were we...
After settling down I attended a three-day seminar on Heritage Conservation. It was fantastic. The speakers are very good. There was Prof. Ambeth Ocampo, the head of the National Heritage Institute, and also Prof. Fernando Zialcita, who authored the book "Philippine Ancestral Houses." I joined the workshop on Integrating Heritage in the Curriculum since I teach in the university. I ended up writing a blog about the result of the workshop. I'm also writing to our dean regarding suggestions on how to impliment workshop output in our college.
The third day was a tour to the old town of Carcar. I didn't join the tour because my friend Chris wanted me to go to Bantayan Island with him to see a site for his project. Unfortunately there was a storm so our trip was cancelled. I decided to hang out with a friend who came to Cebu for a jewelry show. She was selling all these very expensive jewelries. I bought two necklaces which I intended to give to my dad and mom.
That night, my housemate had the bright idea of a "general cleaning" for the apartment... It's a Saturday night. I should be out with my friends drinking beer! (although I've been doing that the past three nights). We managed to make the place look really neat... Cool... I plan to do general cleaning every Sunday but in different areas. One Sunday for the living areas, another for the kitchen and backyard, another for the toilet, and another for my room. This way the whole apartment is covered every month.
The following day was a Sunday but I was holed up in my room most of the day. I was finishing a textbook I was making for Descriptive Geometry. The goal is to print the materials by Wednesday. It's one of those legacies I want to leave behind in the university. I've actually done a lot for the college but I always worked in the background. I think it's time to put my name on anything that I manage to produce which benefits a lot of people.
Since it's a weekend I decided to meet up with friends. We hang out in Ayala Terraces. I've been waiting for this place to open. Unfortunately I was in Davao when they did. Anyway, I was with Chris and we talked about his project. Carlo Rodriguez also joined us and I found out he was selling these home made jewelries and accessories made of wood, glass, and other stuffs. I bought some for Christmas gifts. I also bought a necklace and bracelet which I'm now wearing everyday.
Monday is supposed to be the first day of class. I have a 7:30am class so I went. There were only three students! Apparently students are still adjusting their subjects. Because of the sudden shift to the old enrolment system a lot of subjects already enrolled disappeared in the process. Some students had to go back from square one. It was total chaos! I decided to help out in encoding and I actually enjoyed it. I'm actually free so far since the department has not finalized my teaching load and I only know of a couple of subjects so far.
I think the best thing that happened on Tuesday is that my housemate assembled his drumset in the living area. It's really, really coooollll!!! He used to be the drummer of a band that's getting national recognition but he decided to drop it and concentrate on schooling. The rest of the day was spent on the textbook and other stuffs I wanted done by Wednesday.
I really can't wait for classes to go full swing. Surprisingly a lot of students also texted me that they too are very eagier to go back to school! Anyway, I have many things to look forward to. I'm supposed to print my textbook and some drawings tomorrow. I also expect to know my final teaching load. I'm also quite excited about this blogging adventure...
Well, that adventure led me to Blogger. I happen to read a blog here that talked about the benefits of blogging and even the possibility of earning. I guess I'm just too adventurous because I actually ended up creating an account here. The plan is to continue writing about my weekly activities here and just place links in my other sites to visit this one... So where were we...
After settling down I attended a three-day seminar on Heritage Conservation. It was fantastic. The speakers are very good. There was Prof. Ambeth Ocampo, the head of the National Heritage Institute, and also Prof. Fernando Zialcita, who authored the book "Philippine Ancestral Houses." I joined the workshop on Integrating Heritage in the Curriculum since I teach in the university. I ended up writing a blog about the result of the workshop. I'm also writing to our dean regarding suggestions on how to impliment workshop output in our college.
The third day was a tour to the old town of Carcar. I didn't join the tour because my friend Chris wanted me to go to Bantayan Island with him to see a site for his project. Unfortunately there was a storm so our trip was cancelled. I decided to hang out with a friend who came to Cebu for a jewelry show. She was selling all these very expensive jewelries. I bought two necklaces which I intended to give to my dad and mom.
That night, my housemate had the bright idea of a "general cleaning" for the apartment... It's a Saturday night. I should be out with my friends drinking beer! (although I've been doing that the past three nights). We managed to make the place look really neat... Cool... I plan to do general cleaning every Sunday but in different areas. One Sunday for the living areas, another for the kitchen and backyard, another for the toilet, and another for my room. This way the whole apartment is covered every month.
The following day was a Sunday but I was holed up in my room most of the day. I was finishing a textbook I was making for Descriptive Geometry. The goal is to print the materials by Wednesday. It's one of those legacies I want to leave behind in the university. I've actually done a lot for the college but I always worked in the background. I think it's time to put my name on anything that I manage to produce which benefits a lot of people.
Since it's a weekend I decided to meet up with friends. We hang out in Ayala Terraces. I've been waiting for this place to open. Unfortunately I was in Davao when they did. Anyway, I was with Chris and we talked about his project. Carlo Rodriguez also joined us and I found out he was selling these home made jewelries and accessories made of wood, glass, and other stuffs. I bought some for Christmas gifts. I also bought a necklace and bracelet which I'm now wearing everyday.
Monday is supposed to be the first day of class. I have a 7:30am class so I went. There were only three students! Apparently students are still adjusting their subjects. Because of the sudden shift to the old enrolment system a lot of subjects already enrolled disappeared in the process. Some students had to go back from square one. It was total chaos! I decided to help out in encoding and I actually enjoyed it. I'm actually free so far since the department has not finalized my teaching load and I only know of a couple of subjects so far.
I think the best thing that happened on Tuesday is that my housemate assembled his drumset in the living area. It's really, really coooollll!!! He used to be the drummer of a band that's getting national recognition but he decided to drop it and concentrate on schooling. The rest of the day was spent on the textbook and other stuffs I wanted done by Wednesday.
I really can't wait for classes to go full swing. Surprisingly a lot of students also texted me that they too are very eagier to go back to school! Anyway, I have many things to look forward to. I'm supposed to print my textbook and some drawings tomorrow. I also expect to know my final teaching load. I'm also quite excited about this blogging adventure...
Friday, November 7, 2008
Heritage in the Curriculum
I joined a three-day workshop on capacity building for the conservation of heritage structures. Well, technically the one and a half day was devoted to lectures, half day was devoted to the workshop proper, and the last day for a tour. Being in the academe I joined the workshop on integrating heritage consciousness in the academic curricula. We had some very interesting discussions.
Generally we agreed that a major factor why students and teachers no longer give importance to heritage is the idea of globalization. People train or go to school with the end of going out of the country to find work. Even on the level of CHED, the emphasis is on technical subjects rather than on sociology or history. We find that it is necessary to orient people that globalization and heritage awareness is actually compatible. The knowledge of their heritage can make Filipinos more competitive abroad. Filipino nurses, for example are preferred because of their caring ways which are borne out of their heritage. Many other examples were given on Filipinos who use their knowledge of their own heritage to become successful abroad. The group, however, was not able to pinpoint an action plan to promote awareness on this area.
There were many issues discussed in the tertiary level. We found that the architecture curriculum is already rich in subjects that deal with heritage. In USC, in fact, we offered Architectural Conservation subjects. The problem that we saw was the tendency of students to compartmentalize everything they learned. The students seem to have difficulty integrating all the subjects. Their tendency is to think that what they learn in one subject is not related to the others. There was a suggestion to hold a similar workshop in each school of architecture to all teachers handling the subjects. There was also the suggestion on how to approach the discussion on heritage: to start with issues and trace the causes through heritage. On the part of architectural history, the suggestion is to give examples in the Philippines as the development of western architecture is discussed.
We also found that there is a need for teachers to know more about Filipino heritage if they are supposed to impart and integrate this in the curriculum. There was a suggestion that teachers should go out of their way to learn. There is, however, the observation that there are very few instructional materials on heritage but we also found out that there are a lot of graduate thesis that deals on this field. The group agreed that something should be done to make the thesis works more accessible.
In relation to training teachers handling courses on heritage, there was the observation that the number of sociology students have decreased drastically because of the "makabayan" subject initiated by then Sen. Raul Roco. It seems that potential teachers of the subject are turned off by the content of the subject imposed on them. The makabayan subject for example requires the teacher to sing or to teach it. Generally the group agreed that the makabayan needs rethinking.
The group also realized that the courses other than architecture are slowly dropping sociology or history subject. This is true especially with engineering courses. We agreed that this could be an effect of the CHED's policy on globalization where the emphasis is to make the students more technically competitive. Some schools decided to merge subjects like sociology and Philippine history, literature and humanities, sociology and anthropology. There was a general consensus that the schools should be asked to review their policy on the need to provide a good foundation on heritage related subjects in all the courses they offer.
There was a consensus that ideally these subjects should have been taught in high school, but this is only possible if the educational system includes a senior high school. We noted a report that Philippines is having difficulty in gaining professional recognition abroad because the number of years spent in high school is less than all the other countries. While other countries have 12 years of preparation prior to college, Philippines only has ten.
On the micro level, the group discussed the importance of museums in heritage education, the importance of local language, and the importance of heritage in conducting research.
There was a suggestion to make museum more interactive, so as to communicate more to the students; however, the main problem found in making museum a part of heritage education is the fact that schools have started to discourage visits to the museum for safety reasons.
In teaching heritage, local language should never be substituted for English. An English translation may be provided but people should be very familiar with the local terms. The group noted that local newspapers have started using Vis-Lish and Tag-Lish. Even carpenters no longer use the local terms for parts of the house, instead they use English words which are inaccurately spelled or pronounced.
Finally there is the need to emphasize that knowledge of heritage can actually facilitate research work particularly in data gathering. The group noted the experiences of students who deal with other people for interviews or group discussions. Their lack of sensitivity to culture in general has led to many complaints thereby putting the reputation of the schools at risk.
The workshop was facilitated by no less than Prof. Fernando Zialcita, author of the book "Philippine Ancestral Houses." It was an eye-opener for most of us, including the facilitator. We hoped that the workshop output can somehow find its way to implementable plans of action.
Generally we agreed that a major factor why students and teachers no longer give importance to heritage is the idea of globalization. People train or go to school with the end of going out of the country to find work. Even on the level of CHED, the emphasis is on technical subjects rather than on sociology or history. We find that it is necessary to orient people that globalization and heritage awareness is actually compatible. The knowledge of their heritage can make Filipinos more competitive abroad. Filipino nurses, for example are preferred because of their caring ways which are borne out of their heritage. Many other examples were given on Filipinos who use their knowledge of their own heritage to become successful abroad. The group, however, was not able to pinpoint an action plan to promote awareness on this area.
There were many issues discussed in the tertiary level. We found that the architecture curriculum is already rich in subjects that deal with heritage. In USC, in fact, we offered Architectural Conservation subjects. The problem that we saw was the tendency of students to compartmentalize everything they learned. The students seem to have difficulty integrating all the subjects. Their tendency is to think that what they learn in one subject is not related to the others. There was a suggestion to hold a similar workshop in each school of architecture to all teachers handling the subjects. There was also the suggestion on how to approach the discussion on heritage: to start with issues and trace the causes through heritage. On the part of architectural history, the suggestion is to give examples in the Philippines as the development of western architecture is discussed.
We also found that there is a need for teachers to know more about Filipino heritage if they are supposed to impart and integrate this in the curriculum. There was a suggestion that teachers should go out of their way to learn. There is, however, the observation that there are very few instructional materials on heritage but we also found out that there are a lot of graduate thesis that deals on this field. The group agreed that something should be done to make the thesis works more accessible.
In relation to training teachers handling courses on heritage, there was the observation that the number of sociology students have decreased drastically because of the "makabayan" subject initiated by then Sen. Raul Roco. It seems that potential teachers of the subject are turned off by the content of the subject imposed on them. The makabayan subject for example requires the teacher to sing or to teach it. Generally the group agreed that the makabayan needs rethinking.
The group also realized that the courses other than architecture are slowly dropping sociology or history subject. This is true especially with engineering courses. We agreed that this could be an effect of the CHED's policy on globalization where the emphasis is to make the students more technically competitive. Some schools decided to merge subjects like sociology and Philippine history, literature and humanities, sociology and anthropology. There was a general consensus that the schools should be asked to review their policy on the need to provide a good foundation on heritage related subjects in all the courses they offer.
There was a consensus that ideally these subjects should have been taught in high school, but this is only possible if the educational system includes a senior high school. We noted a report that Philippines is having difficulty in gaining professional recognition abroad because the number of years spent in high school is less than all the other countries. While other countries have 12 years of preparation prior to college, Philippines only has ten.
On the micro level, the group discussed the importance of museums in heritage education, the importance of local language, and the importance of heritage in conducting research.
There was a suggestion to make museum more interactive, so as to communicate more to the students; however, the main problem found in making museum a part of heritage education is the fact that schools have started to discourage visits to the museum for safety reasons.
In teaching heritage, local language should never be substituted for English. An English translation may be provided but people should be very familiar with the local terms. The group noted that local newspapers have started using Vis-Lish and Tag-Lish. Even carpenters no longer use the local terms for parts of the house, instead they use English words which are inaccurately spelled or pronounced.
Finally there is the need to emphasize that knowledge of heritage can actually facilitate research work particularly in data gathering. The group noted the experiences of students who deal with other people for interviews or group discussions. Their lack of sensitivity to culture in general has led to many complaints thereby putting the reputation of the schools at risk.
The workshop was facilitated by no less than Prof. Fernando Zialcita, author of the book "Philippine Ancestral Houses." It was an eye-opener for most of us, including the facilitator. We hoped that the workshop output can somehow find its way to implementable plans of action.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Break's Last Leg
Ok, ok... I gained weight! Big deal! Let it be known throughout the world wide web!
I just got back from Cebu and top on my agenda was to visit USC to check my teaching load for the semester. I was perplexed to hear the same greeting from my students: "Hello sir! You gained weight!" Aaargh!... Anyway, who wouldn't? After the NCA I was recuperating from my cough so all I did was stay at home. ILater on everyone in the family started arriving for the All Souls Day so we decided to have a reunion party. In short, there is plenty of food everyday!
Just because I stayed at home most of the time doesn't mean I was idle. I managed to make a sample of a center piece for a table arrangement for my cousin's wedding in December, I got to correct the invitations they printed, I also submitted five designs for a Zen Zest stand, draw and extension of a dormitory, and complete a set of working drawings for plotting.
The reunion was quite emotional especially for my dad. Well, there's a long story behind it which is quite personal and private, but my older sister will be going to Dubai, my youngest sister will be going to Japan, and my other sister stays in Bukidnon. It will take a few more years before we gather again. The only person not present during the reunion is the husband of my youngest sister who is in Japan, and the husband of my oldest sister who is AWOL (hehe).
The night before I left for Cebu, these two sisters of mine and also the husband of my other sister decided to have beer with me in Torres Street. I brought them to the place designed by my friend. After that we had balbacua in Bulca-Chong. They updated me on the family issues. For some reason my family does not have the habit of telling me about the happenings in Davao. I've learned to accept that and, anyway, I have a way of getting information.
Back in Cebu, aside from the greetings from my students, I was also perplexed to know that the teaching load has not been finalized yet! I wanted to use this week to prepare so now I'll be idle! USC postponed the start of class because the internet based enrolment system which they launched last semester failed a week after the start of enrolment for this semester. They had to revert to the old system which was internal in USC. This means encoding all the enrolment data from one system to the other.
On the bright side, the painting works and repairs work done in the apartment has finished so I can now start arranging my things! The workers also did a miracle in cleaning the toilet! The best news... we're now wi-fi in the apartment! Yahoooooooh!!!
That's about it. The last leg of my sem break... Some things to look forward to aside from start of class on Monday is a three-day seminar on heritage starting tomorrow, and a site visit in Bantayan on Sunday.
I just got back from Cebu and top on my agenda was to visit USC to check my teaching load for the semester. I was perplexed to hear the same greeting from my students: "Hello sir! You gained weight!" Aaargh!... Anyway, who wouldn't? After the NCA I was recuperating from my cough so all I did was stay at home. ILater on everyone in the family started arriving for the All Souls Day so we decided to have a reunion party. In short, there is plenty of food everyday!
Just because I stayed at home most of the time doesn't mean I was idle. I managed to make a sample of a center piece for a table arrangement for my cousin's wedding in December, I got to correct the invitations they printed, I also submitted five designs for a Zen Zest stand, draw and extension of a dormitory, and complete a set of working drawings for plotting.
The reunion was quite emotional especially for my dad. Well, there's a long story behind it which is quite personal and private, but my older sister will be going to Dubai, my youngest sister will be going to Japan, and my other sister stays in Bukidnon. It will take a few more years before we gather again. The only person not present during the reunion is the husband of my youngest sister who is in Japan, and the husband of my oldest sister who is AWOL (hehe).
The night before I left for Cebu, these two sisters of mine and also the husband of my other sister decided to have beer with me in Torres Street. I brought them to the place designed by my friend. After that we had balbacua in Bulca-Chong. They updated me on the family issues. For some reason my family does not have the habit of telling me about the happenings in Davao. I've learned to accept that and, anyway, I have a way of getting information.
Back in Cebu, aside from the greetings from my students, I was also perplexed to know that the teaching load has not been finalized yet! I wanted to use this week to prepare so now I'll be idle! USC postponed the start of class because the internet based enrolment system which they launched last semester failed a week after the start of enrolment for this semester. They had to revert to the old system which was internal in USC. This means encoding all the enrolment data from one system to the other.
On the bright side, the painting works and repairs work done in the apartment has finished so I can now start arranging my things! The workers also did a miracle in cleaning the toilet! The best news... we're now wi-fi in the apartment! Yahoooooooh!!!
That's about it. The last leg of my sem break... Some things to look forward to aside from start of class on Monday is a three-day seminar on heritage starting tomorrow, and a site visit in Bantayan on Sunday.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Life and Ideas
I'll be going back to Cebu tomorrow. I'm actually both excited and anxious. Excited because of the new semester and because I also missed my friends in Cebu. Anxious because of the uncertainties ahead, especially my teaching load. Until this time I'm not really stable in this department but that's a long story...
While in Davao, I got in touch with old friends and we spent time updating. The long and short is that we got to talk about blogs, among other things. Some of them know that I write every now and then in my multiply and friendster accounts. After a while we decided that we should all write blogs about our activities as a way of updating the rest about us. This is better than writing emails to many people only to give updates about our lives.
I told my friends that I wanted to write blogs about my life in my friendster account and write blogs about ideas in my multiply account. Apparently my friends have different preferences when it comes to these social network websites. In the end, they told me to write both types of blogs in both accounts. Ok then... I promised that we start next Sunday.
The plan is to write every Sunday about the activities during the week. Some of the guys asked to write every month since they're not really into writing. In my case, they requested it weekly. I liked the idea as well since I look at life as an adventure to the extent of viewing mundane and trivial matters with a different perspective. I also prefer writing than posting pictures since I'm not really into the latter. Aside from the fact that I don't have a camera with me all the time, I also don't find myself interesting to look at.
There are also the ideas that I want to download from my mind so I don't get crazy. Anyway, I have to accept that blogging will now be a major part of my life. I hope there's a way to earn from this. Oh well, at least I get to update my friends.
While in Davao, I got in touch with old friends and we spent time updating. The long and short is that we got to talk about blogs, among other things. Some of them know that I write every now and then in my multiply and friendster accounts. After a while we decided that we should all write blogs about our activities as a way of updating the rest about us. This is better than writing emails to many people only to give updates about our lives.
I told my friends that I wanted to write blogs about my life in my friendster account and write blogs about ideas in my multiply account. Apparently my friends have different preferences when it comes to these social network websites. In the end, they told me to write both types of blogs in both accounts. Ok then... I promised that we start next Sunday.
The plan is to write every Sunday about the activities during the week. Some of the guys asked to write every month since they're not really into writing. In my case, they requested it weekly. I liked the idea as well since I look at life as an adventure to the extent of viewing mundane and trivial matters with a different perspective. I also prefer writing than posting pictures since I'm not really into the latter. Aside from the fact that I don't have a camera with me all the time, I also don't find myself interesting to look at.
There are also the ideas that I want to download from my mind so I don't get crazy. Anyway, I have to accept that blogging will now be a major part of my life. I hope there's a way to earn from this. Oh well, at least I get to update my friends.
Monday, October 27, 2008
The Rise of Mars
MARS is the name of our class in fourth year high school. For a long time my contact was only my best friend, Dondon, who stayed in Davao. Later, however, a friend in Washington DC found me in Friendster. Last summer, Dondon also arranged that I meet with one other former high school classmate. After some exchange of ideas we agreed to gather the rest of the guys for a reunion.
I created a Yahoo group for this purpose and we managed to enlist another. I was hoping to search all the social network sited in the internet (Multiply, Facebook, Friendster...) to find the rest. I also planned to visit their homes in Davao. Unfortunately I was not able to find time before summer break ended. Now that the semester's break is here, I renewed my plan.
I didn't have to do so much. One of the first members bumped into one of our batch mates while on a business trip in Makati. This guy happens to be in contact with several other guys. He gave me email addresses and cellphone numbers. The ripple effect has started... I was also contacted by another friend who found me in Friendster... Amazing!
I didn't know I can replicate what I did with my college batch. This group is now super organized with a monthly get-together and a system for communicating with each other. I'm now organizing a get-together this December for my high school batch. There are suggestions to include the other sections of the fourth year batch. It's going to be a lot of work but I guess it's worth a try.
What really prompted me to write this blog is an email I just received. It came from a classmate in grade school. He is now in the US. He tells me that he is in contact with several other classmates in grade school.... uh oh...
I guess I shouldn't be surprised that I became the hinge for all these guys. Our family have stayed in the same house since I was in grade school. I also had the habit of bringing the whole class to our house for parties, sleepovers, or simply to hang out. Anyway, I better start organizing my search for grade school classmates as well... Good luck to me... =)
I created a Yahoo group for this purpose and we managed to enlist another. I was hoping to search all the social network sited in the internet (Multiply, Facebook, Friendster...) to find the rest. I also planned to visit their homes in Davao. Unfortunately I was not able to find time before summer break ended. Now that the semester's break is here, I renewed my plan.
I didn't have to do so much. One of the first members bumped into one of our batch mates while on a business trip in Makati. This guy happens to be in contact with several other guys. He gave me email addresses and cellphone numbers. The ripple effect has started... I was also contacted by another friend who found me in Friendster... Amazing!
I didn't know I can replicate what I did with my college batch. This group is now super organized with a monthly get-together and a system for communicating with each other. I'm now organizing a get-together this December for my high school batch. There are suggestions to include the other sections of the fourth year batch. It's going to be a lot of work but I guess it's worth a try.
What really prompted me to write this blog is an email I just received. It came from a classmate in grade school. He is now in the US. He tells me that he is in contact with several other classmates in grade school.... uh oh...
I guess I shouldn't be surprised that I became the hinge for all these guys. Our family have stayed in the same house since I was in grade school. I also had the habit of bringing the whole class to our house for parties, sleepovers, or simply to hang out. Anyway, I better start organizing my search for grade school classmates as well... Good luck to me... =)
Sunday, October 26, 2008
My NCA Chronicle
The National Conference of Architects started a day early for me. Two of my companions in the graduate studies, Jun and Agnes, flew in before Day O. We actually had it all planned. Our other companion, Connie, arranged for us to stay overnight in Chemas Resort in Samal Island. Another part of this crazy group is Karl but he could not come early so he missed our first day escapades.
From the airport, Jun and Agnes went to Poblacion Restaurant behind Victoria Plaza. We all met there for breakfast. We then went to Connie's office for last minute preparations. To get to Chemas, we had to take a boat inside the Waterfront Hotel, one of Davao's first class hotels. Chemas is a great place to relax. Anyone going to Davao should include this place in their agenda. We also managed to get a good bargain on some pearl jewelries. Connie was attending a seminar on hospital design so she couldn't join us during the day.She joined us during dinner time and stayed overnight. She brought her car along.
We were supposed to leave early the following day but Connie's car got stuck in the mud just outside the gate of the resort. With the help of the locals, we managed to get the car free after almost an hour. It was my first time to use the barge to cross the sea between Samal Island and the city. Connie had to rush to her hospital design seminar so after we checked in our hotel I brought Jun and Agnes to a walking tour of the city. Jun and Agnes asked two of their friends, Randell and Ces, to tag along. We first went to People's Park, then walked to the City Hall and Cathedral. I then brought them to Aldevinco where native products were sold. We ended in Gaisano Mall to take lunch and buy some toiletries and needed items.
Most of the delegates have arrived. Karl arrived around lunch time but we didn't go out again until dinner time. This time, Connie had finished the seminar so she brought us to Jack's Ridge. We then went to Studio Onnie, a comedy bar in Torres Street. Connie's husband, Eming, requested for his favorite performance which we really enjoyed a lot. Karl and I were thinking of bringing these comedians to Cebu for one of UAP's events.
The following day was the conference proper so we stayed in the hotel all the time. What is memorable on this day is the announcement that the Mayor had signed an Administrative Order enforcing the RA9266. The vice-mayor also announced that they are working on the paper works to set up a City Architect's Office in Davao! Before we broke up in the evening, our group had a lot of fun during the raffles especially because Agnes won a box of pomelo.
For the second day of the conference, we decided to sign up for the eco-tour. It was a wise decision. We first went to the Philippine Eagle Preservatory, then to the Malagos gardens where we watched a very entertaining bird show. We had our lunch in Malagos gardens. Across it is the Puentespina gardens, famous for their orchids and other ornamental plants. Our last stop was the crocodile farm. After the closing ceremonies in the hotel, we all went back to the Crocodile Farm for the Fellowship Night. It was fun! It was overflowing with beer as well! Davies was also very generous with their raffle prizes. We were very happy when someone from our group won the HongKong trip for two!
Agnes, Karl and Jun left the following day. Their flight was at 9:20am. After seeing them off my attention was diverted to a group of friends who were not due to leave until 4:40pm. These guys were part of our basketball team for the sports fest so they didn't get a chance to tour around Davao. I brought them to Aldevinco and the fruit stands so they can buy their "pasalubongs", then toured them to People's Park. We then ate in Whaw. I didn't know that there was such a thing as a "tuna chicharon" until one of the guys bought some for "pasalubong".
When they left for the airport I headed home as well. I spent the rest of the day setting up the internet connection in the house so I can get in touch with everyone else.
This is the last NCA. Area assemblies will replace it starting next year. I can not wait for another opportunity like this one to have fun with friends again.
From the airport, Jun and Agnes went to Poblacion Restaurant behind Victoria Plaza. We all met there for breakfast. We then went to Connie's office for last minute preparations. To get to Chemas, we had to take a boat inside the Waterfront Hotel, one of Davao's first class hotels. Chemas is a great place to relax. Anyone going to Davao should include this place in their agenda. We also managed to get a good bargain on some pearl jewelries. Connie was attending a seminar on hospital design so she couldn't join us during the day.She joined us during dinner time and stayed overnight. She brought her car along.
We were supposed to leave early the following day but Connie's car got stuck in the mud just outside the gate of the resort. With the help of the locals, we managed to get the car free after almost an hour. It was my first time to use the barge to cross the sea between Samal Island and the city. Connie had to rush to her hospital design seminar so after we checked in our hotel I brought Jun and Agnes to a walking tour of the city. Jun and Agnes asked two of their friends, Randell and Ces, to tag along. We first went to People's Park, then walked to the City Hall and Cathedral. I then brought them to Aldevinco where native products were sold. We ended in Gaisano Mall to take lunch and buy some toiletries and needed items.
Most of the delegates have arrived. Karl arrived around lunch time but we didn't go out again until dinner time. This time, Connie had finished the seminar so she brought us to Jack's Ridge. We then went to Studio Onnie, a comedy bar in Torres Street. Connie's husband, Eming, requested for his favorite performance which we really enjoyed a lot. Karl and I were thinking of bringing these comedians to Cebu for one of UAP's events.
The following day was the conference proper so we stayed in the hotel all the time. What is memorable on this day is the announcement that the Mayor had signed an Administrative Order enforcing the RA9266. The vice-mayor also announced that they are working on the paper works to set up a City Architect's Office in Davao! Before we broke up in the evening, our group had a lot of fun during the raffles especially because Agnes won a box of pomelo.
For the second day of the conference, we decided to sign up for the eco-tour. It was a wise decision. We first went to the Philippine Eagle Preservatory, then to the Malagos gardens where we watched a very entertaining bird show. We had our lunch in Malagos gardens. Across it is the Puentespina gardens, famous for their orchids and other ornamental plants. Our last stop was the crocodile farm. After the closing ceremonies in the hotel, we all went back to the Crocodile Farm for the Fellowship Night. It was fun! It was overflowing with beer as well! Davies was also very generous with their raffle prizes. We were very happy when someone from our group won the HongKong trip for two!
Agnes, Karl and Jun left the following day. Their flight was at 9:20am. After seeing them off my attention was diverted to a group of friends who were not due to leave until 4:40pm. These guys were part of our basketball team for the sports fest so they didn't get a chance to tour around Davao. I brought them to Aldevinco and the fruit stands so they can buy their "pasalubongs", then toured them to People's Park. We then ate in Whaw. I didn't know that there was such a thing as a "tuna chicharon" until one of the guys bought some for "pasalubong".
When they left for the airport I headed home as well. I spent the rest of the day setting up the internet connection in the house so I can get in touch with everyone else.
This is the last NCA. Area assemblies will replace it starting next year. I can not wait for another opportunity like this one to have fun with friends again.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Presenting.... !
I was the lone audience during the presentation of project outputs of the graduate students taking up urban heritage and conservation. Other than supporting my friends who were presenting that time, my other intention was to observe and give suggestions regarding the improvement of the program.
My observations can be categorized into three areas: presentation, methodology, and analysis. I realized that I have so much to tell about each area so I decided to deal with them in different write ups. This blog deals only with the first area: presentations.
I have always emphasized the importance of doing research but now I realized that students should also be trained to present their research. Just as we try hard to sell objects, we should also learn to sell our ideas. What use is a brilliant idea if it only ends up in a folder or a filing cabinet?
Using presentation software like Microsoft PowerPoint is a great help but this should be treated like cue cards to guide the presenter. I always feel sleepy every time the presenter writes all his script on the slides then reads them verbatim! What the heck - have they never heard of "bullet points"? The presenter is simply sending the message that he is not prepared.
Another observation is the need to go direct to the point. Many students get nervous when presenting their report so I expect them to make it as short as possible. Unfortunately for them (and for us audience) the tendency is to drag the presentation by roaming around the bush. The best is just to state the problem, the process for solving the problem, then the solution (see figure 1). What normally happens is that the problem is not clearly defined, then comes a winding discussion of topics remotely related to the problem, then suddenly the solution is presented out of nowhere (see figure 2).
Figure 1
Figure 2
My observations can be categorized into three areas: presentation, methodology, and analysis. I realized that I have so much to tell about each area so I decided to deal with them in different write ups. This blog deals only with the first area: presentations.
I have always emphasized the importance of doing research but now I realized that students should also be trained to present their research. Just as we try hard to sell objects, we should also learn to sell our ideas. What use is a brilliant idea if it only ends up in a folder or a filing cabinet?
Using presentation software like Microsoft PowerPoint is a great help but this should be treated like cue cards to guide the presenter. I always feel sleepy every time the presenter writes all his script on the slides then reads them verbatim! What the heck - have they never heard of "bullet points"? The presenter is simply sending the message that he is not prepared.
Another observation is the need to go direct to the point. Many students get nervous when presenting their report so I expect them to make it as short as possible. Unfortunately for them (and for us audience) the tendency is to drag the presentation by roaming around the bush. The best is just to state the problem, the process for solving the problem, then the solution (see figure 1). What normally happens is that the problem is not clearly defined, then comes a winding discussion of topics remotely related to the problem, then suddenly the solution is presented out of nowhere (see figure 2).
Figure 1
Figure 2
There is also the need to know when to talk, and when not to talk. Sometimes the panelist prefers that the presenters do not reply to his comments. When presenting, common sense is a great ally. Unfortunately, common sense does not work if the presenter is tired or sleepy. This is why I always advise students never to cram the night before presentations. They can answer better with common sense than with memorized items (which they have the tendency to forget).
I guess these are the basic points to bear in mind when presenting, at least from what I observed in the presentation...
I guess these are the basic points to bear in mind when presenting, at least from what I observed in the presentation...
Research vs. Design
The graduate students who submitted their thesis proposals this semester were advised to revise their work and thus were given more time to work on it. The main problem: their proposals were on "design" and not on "research."
This development supported my observations regarding the undergraduate thesis program of the University of San Carlos (USC) and that of the Cebu Institute of Technology (CIT). I heard many claims that the CIT thesis is better than USC. What bothered me was that the claims were made by USC students. Were the claims based on how the thesis programs were run or on content?
After a series of interviews I concluded that the CIT thesis is not a "thesis" per se but a major project. As a major project most requirements are technical (actual lot descriptions, financial study, construction details, etc.). These requirements are the main reason why USC students consider CIT thesis better. They do not find these requirements in the USC thesis program.
I always tell students that in a thesis what you are actually doing is to prove a point. You ask a question, hypothesize, then prove or disprove your hypothesis. This is why a proposal to design a facility can not be considered a Design Thesis. In USC, proposals like these are referred to as "plates." This is why it is very common to hear panelists say that the thesis being presented is "like a plate."
Some possible Design Thesis would be:
So, does this mean that the CIT thesis is not at par with USC's? Can we now consider it as having lower standard? Certainly NOT! When we designed the graduate program of USC CAFA, the original intent was to have two options: thesis or major project. These two are at the same level. They have the same level of difficulty. They only differ in approach. It is more fitting to refer to them as different "categories" rather than "levels". The latter seems to connote that one is above the other.
During the meeting with the coordinators of the graduate thesis program and the students, when the decision to postpone the proposal hearing was explained, I was very happy. The discipline for research is starting to take root. I just hope that everyone learns to appreciate it.
This development supported my observations regarding the undergraduate thesis program of the University of San Carlos (USC) and that of the Cebu Institute of Technology (CIT). I heard many claims that the CIT thesis is better than USC. What bothered me was that the claims were made by USC students. Were the claims based on how the thesis programs were run or on content?
After a series of interviews I concluded that the CIT thesis is not a "thesis" per se but a major project. As a major project most requirements are technical (actual lot descriptions, financial study, construction details, etc.). These requirements are the main reason why USC students consider CIT thesis better. They do not find these requirements in the USC thesis program.
I always tell students that in a thesis what you are actually doing is to prove a point. You ask a question, hypothesize, then prove or disprove your hypothesis. This is why a proposal to design a facility can not be considered a Design Thesis. In USC, proposals like these are referred to as "plates." This is why it is very common to hear panelists say that the thesis being presented is "like a plate."
Some possible Design Thesis would be:
- A study of the applicability of a particular Design theory on a particular project
- Finding the causes of success or failure of an architectural project
- Evaluating a proposed architectural project as to compatibility with its site or context
- Predicting trends and patterns in design or user behavior
So, does this mean that the CIT thesis is not at par with USC's? Can we now consider it as having lower standard? Certainly NOT! When we designed the graduate program of USC CAFA, the original intent was to have two options: thesis or major project. These two are at the same level. They have the same level of difficulty. They only differ in approach. It is more fitting to refer to them as different "categories" rather than "levels". The latter seems to connote that one is above the other.
During the meeting with the coordinators of the graduate thesis program and the students, when the decision to postpone the proposal hearing was explained, I was very happy. The discipline for research is starting to take root. I just hope that everyone learns to appreciate it.
Monday, October 13, 2008
A Vision for USC CAFA-AD
Background
For those who are not familiar with the acronym, USC CAFA-AD stands for University of San Carlos - College of Architecture, Architecture Department (whew!). The "AD" is not part of the official acronym, but I had to add it since this blog is about the Architecture Department.
Our chairman asked the faculty to share their ideas to help craft the vision and mission statement of the department. He made the request two months ago and there were a couple who submitted "something." One shared a write up on what should be in a mission/vision statement, the other shared the mission/vision statement of another school to serve as example (or to be copied?).
The truth is, the topic had been on my mind since college years (duh!). People were comparing USC with CIT then. I remember arriving school at 6am and decided to make use of my time by thinking about what could be USC's cutting edge. A friend had suggested that I bring out a pen and paper if I go into this "mode", so I did. When the school bell rang at 7:45am I looked at my paper and saw the following words: RESEARCH, URBAN DESIGN.
The Vision of Research
The department should be known for a research-based process in design. It does not need to be an innovator, it does not need to be set up as an R&D institution, although its doors are wide opened to innovation. The discipline of research, however, must be instilled in each one, including the undergraduate students. This serves as the mark of the department, its way of doing things.
The Mission of Urban Design
The department should be known and respected for a particular field. It should, in fact, become an authority recognized especially by the government, not only locally but nationally. It can specialize in urban design with a bias in creating sustainable communities and a deep respect for heritage.
The Statement
The official vision/mission statement can be: A research-based design institution with a deep respect for heritage and committed to building sustainable communities.
Rationale
The resources in the department right now seem to favor this proposed vision and mission. We have architects who are experts in urban planning, heritage conservation, landscape architecture and related fields. We have also established three units: the Institute of Planning and Design, the Heritage Studio, and the Architecture Computer Center (for GIS, CAD/CAM, Statistics). There is also the graduate program, as well as the undergraduate thesis program. Finally, there is the facility - a new building thus open to any configuration. We can also add the open mindedness of the faculty members as well as their influence in social circles and the government.
Interior Design
Research discipline, respect for heritage and sustainable practices are also compatible with the Interior Design program which now falls under the Architecture Department. In fact, it is good to emphasize that these concerns are not confined to the public realm.
Caveat
This is not official. These are just my thoughts. I will try to send this to the chairman for his consideration. For all I know, the faculty might throw it out of the window... but then again, they might not.
For those who are not familiar with the acronym, USC CAFA-AD stands for University of San Carlos - College of Architecture, Architecture Department (whew!). The "AD" is not part of the official acronym, but I had to add it since this blog is about the Architecture Department.
Our chairman asked the faculty to share their ideas to help craft the vision and mission statement of the department. He made the request two months ago and there were a couple who submitted "something." One shared a write up on what should be in a mission/vision statement, the other shared the mission/vision statement of another school to serve as example (or to be copied?).
The truth is, the topic had been on my mind since college years (duh!). People were comparing USC with CIT then. I remember arriving school at 6am and decided to make use of my time by thinking about what could be USC's cutting edge. A friend had suggested that I bring out a pen and paper if I go into this "mode", so I did. When the school bell rang at 7:45am I looked at my paper and saw the following words: RESEARCH, URBAN DESIGN.
The Vision of Research
The department should be known for a research-based process in design. It does not need to be an innovator, it does not need to be set up as an R&D institution, although its doors are wide opened to innovation. The discipline of research, however, must be instilled in each one, including the undergraduate students. This serves as the mark of the department, its way of doing things.
The Mission of Urban Design
The department should be known and respected for a particular field. It should, in fact, become an authority recognized especially by the government, not only locally but nationally. It can specialize in urban design with a bias in creating sustainable communities and a deep respect for heritage.
The Statement
The official vision/mission statement can be: A research-based design institution with a deep respect for heritage and committed to building sustainable communities.
Rationale
The resources in the department right now seem to favor this proposed vision and mission. We have architects who are experts in urban planning, heritage conservation, landscape architecture and related fields. We have also established three units: the Institute of Planning and Design, the Heritage Studio, and the Architecture Computer Center (for GIS, CAD/CAM, Statistics). There is also the graduate program, as well as the undergraduate thesis program. Finally, there is the facility - a new building thus open to any configuration. We can also add the open mindedness of the faculty members as well as their influence in social circles and the government.
Interior Design
Research discipline, respect for heritage and sustainable practices are also compatible with the Interior Design program which now falls under the Architecture Department. In fact, it is good to emphasize that these concerns are not confined to the public realm.
Caveat
This is not official. These are just my thoughts. I will try to send this to the chairman for his consideration. For all I know, the faculty might throw it out of the window... but then again, they might not.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Sustainable South Bronx
http://www.ssbx.org/staff.html
Founded in 2001 by life-long South Bronx resident, Dr. Majora Carter, SSBx addresses land-use, energy, transportation, water & waste policy, and education to advance the environmental and economic rebirth of the South Bronx, and inspire solutions in areas like it across the nation and around the world.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Sundance Channel : Architecture School
http://www.sundancechannel.com/architecture-school/#
The six-part series from creators Michael Selditch and Stan Bertheaud follows a group of students at Tulane University's prestigious School of Architecture as they submit competing designs for an affordable home in Katrina-battered New Orleans. The stakes are high: the winning model will be built during the course of the school year and put up for sale, enabling one fledgling architect to begin his or her career with a high-profile splash.
The six-part series from creators Michael Selditch and Stan Bertheaud follows a group of students at Tulane University's prestigious School of Architecture as they submit competing designs for an affordable home in Katrina-battered New Orleans. The stakes are high: the winning model will be built during the course of the school year and put up for sale, enabling one fledgling architect to begin his or her career with a high-profile splash.
Open Architecture Network : Improving living standards through collaborative design.
http://www.openarchitecturenetwork.org/
The Open Architecture Network is an online, open source community dedicated to improving living conditions through innovative and sustainable design.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Technicalities... and a Piece of my Mind!
I had to delete a blog upon a request. It has become a bit controversial, it seems. I am not able to follow all the discussions since most of those who posted deleted their posts after some time.
There is a valid point raised regarding technicalities. It is true that my blog offers a logical explanation on how thesis presentations with very few sheets manage to make a passing grade, but it is a different story when a policy of minimum number of sheets exists. I realized though that it is not necessary to go into this detail because I saw a very clear flaw in this policy. The greatest weakness is the fact that the policy is not written down. As such, it is nothing but hearsay no matter how loudly we argue for or against it.
I post these blogs so everyone can make an intellectual discussion on the issues at hand. This is one way for the system to improve. Without these dynamics, if everyone prefers just to backstab and argue "ad hominem" (taking things personally), the faulty system continues as well as the grumblings.
We're on a higher level here. Those who are not mature enough (emotionally or intellectually) should refrain from joining in the fray.
There is a valid point raised regarding technicalities. It is true that my blog offers a logical explanation on how thesis presentations with very few sheets manage to make a passing grade, but it is a different story when a policy of minimum number of sheets exists. I realized though that it is not necessary to go into this detail because I saw a very clear flaw in this policy. The greatest weakness is the fact that the policy is not written down. As such, it is nothing but hearsay no matter how loudly we argue for or against it.
I post these blogs so everyone can make an intellectual discussion on the issues at hand. This is one way for the system to improve. Without these dynamics, if everyone prefers just to backstab and argue "ad hominem" (taking things personally), the faulty system continues as well as the grumblings.
We're on a higher level here. Those who are not mature enough (emotionally or intellectually) should refrain from joining in the fray.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Comes the Rain
At 3pm today I left my apartment to go to school. It's the final exam week and today, Monday, is supposed to be a free day. The thesis coordinators, however, decided to go ahead with their scheduled deliberation for thesis proposals. Unfortunately for me, one of the group I am advising is scheduled today. Most of the advisers don't bother to join the deliberation but I decided to support the coordinator's policy as well as support the students I am advising.
Since I live near the school, I walked. Along the way some students called me and we decided to have snacks together. I was quite early so I took my time. As the first group of students left another group arrived. We chatted leisurely. One of the students asked me about my plan to go to Singapore. I was surprised that she knew. She said that one of the guys I hang out with lately told her. The guy told her that they should make full use of me while I have not left for Singapore yet... The word he used was actually "abuse"....
The story of my life....
I pondered long and hard... and decided to let go... let go of my friendship with students... I have nothing more to say about it...
Since I live near the school, I walked. Along the way some students called me and we decided to have snacks together. I was quite early so I took my time. As the first group of students left another group arrived. We chatted leisurely. One of the students asked me about my plan to go to Singapore. I was surprised that she knew. She said that one of the guys I hang out with lately told her. The guy told her that they should make full use of me while I have not left for Singapore yet... The word he used was actually "abuse"....
The story of my life....
I pondered long and hard... and decided to let go... let go of my friendship with students... I have nothing more to say about it...
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Vertical Landscapes?
Recently I posted an article from the TreeHugger website which featured buildings covered with plants. There were a lot of people who expressed interest in it, at least I received many feedback in school. Most of them asked about the types of plants that can be used here in the Philippines. There were also those who asked about any projects in the Philippines that has these features.
I passed the questions to a friend who is an advocate of Permaculture. Unfortunately he has no answers for me yet. He suggests that we simply observe what types of plants grow on walls and make cuttings.
His suggestion made me wonder whether landscape architects and LA students consider green walls as part of their practice. Is there such a thing as a "vertical landscaping"? How convenient it would be for our landscape department in school to take on the task of cataloguing all the plants that can be used for this purpose.
The best way is to throw this idea to our graduate students specializing in landscape design.... a possible thesis?.... hmmm...
I passed the questions to a friend who is an advocate of Permaculture. Unfortunately he has no answers for me yet. He suggests that we simply observe what types of plants grow on walls and make cuttings.
His suggestion made me wonder whether landscape architects and LA students consider green walls as part of their practice. Is there such a thing as a "vertical landscaping"? How convenient it would be for our landscape department in school to take on the task of cataloguing all the plants that can be used for this purpose.
The best way is to throw this idea to our graduate students specializing in landscape design.... a possible thesis?.... hmmm...
Saturday, October 4, 2008
CAFA Circus
CAFA is really turning out to be a circus. There are just too many colorful characters around... not to mention the fancy appearances.... The gay community has flourished, and has become very expressive. One of them even comes to school with a fancy head band which he changes everyday. Everyone else is simply... comfortable.
A couple of days ago, while I was busy going around the building I suddenly realized something which made me stop in the middle of CAFA's lobby... The freshmen has taken over the whole building! Everywhere I look they're there. They all feel very comfortable. No inhibitions. High profile.... a stark contrast to the higher years.
When we transferred to the new building five years ago I wondered what culture would emerge in CAFA. There are cultures which can be institutionalized as initiated from the top. There are those that simply formed out of everyday activities and concerns. On the first part, I took part in defining the culture that CAFA should take, but its success will depend on the other part. Together they will form the unique character of CAFA which the students will unconsciously carry with them when they leave. The character that will mark them as USC-CAFA and which will consequently make (or break) the image of the college.
So far, the process has been slow, as expected. For now what has emerged is a circus. It will mutate into something else after some time. In my estimation, the batch of first year students now will be the trailblazers.
A couple of days ago, while I was busy going around the building I suddenly realized something which made me stop in the middle of CAFA's lobby... The freshmen has taken over the whole building! Everywhere I look they're there. They all feel very comfortable. No inhibitions. High profile.... a stark contrast to the higher years.
When we transferred to the new building five years ago I wondered what culture would emerge in CAFA. There are cultures which can be institutionalized as initiated from the top. There are those that simply formed out of everyday activities and concerns. On the first part, I took part in defining the culture that CAFA should take, but its success will depend on the other part. Together they will form the unique character of CAFA which the students will unconsciously carry with them when they leave. The character that will mark them as USC-CAFA and which will consequently make (or break) the image of the college.
So far, the process has been slow, as expected. For now what has emerged is a circus. It will mutate into something else after some time. In my estimation, the batch of first year students now will be the trailblazers.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Nights in School
This week I spent three nights in school to accompany a group of fourth year students who worked on their plates. The college allows the students to work overnight provided that they process the necessary permit forms and that a faculty member accompanies them.
I'm not the design teacher of these students but I happen to be the convenient choice. Aside from the fact that I am single, I also live just across the school. In fact, I seem to be the only choice for this role... uh oh...
Anyway, after three nights of sleeping on chairs and tables I should be happy to go back to my bedroom. Unfortunately, the painters have started to work on my bedroom so I was forced to stay in the living room until they finish. That means sleeping on our bamboo sofa... Aside from lacking sleep, my muscles are really feeling weird... Lately my colleagues and friends have spotted me falling asleep anywhere in the campus. I hope no one thought of taking pictures...
Aaah... I miss my bed... zzzzzz....
I'm not the design teacher of these students but I happen to be the convenient choice. Aside from the fact that I am single, I also live just across the school. In fact, I seem to be the only choice for this role... uh oh...
Anyway, after three nights of sleeping on chairs and tables I should be happy to go back to my bedroom. Unfortunately, the painters have started to work on my bedroom so I was forced to stay in the living room until they finish. That means sleeping on our bamboo sofa... Aside from lacking sleep, my muscles are really feeling weird... Lately my colleagues and friends have spotted me falling asleep anywhere in the campus. I hope no one thought of taking pictures...
Aaah... I miss my bed... zzzzzz....
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
11 Buildings Wrapped in Gorgeous Green and Living Walls
Somebody introduced me to the green wall technology and I was very attracted to the idea. I'm now thinking of putting a green cover on a small commercial building my family owns in Davao. When I shared this idea to my parents they couldn't understand what I wanted to achieve. They thought everything was weird. Oh well, I'll have to educate them very slowly on this aspect. It's hard to teach old dogs new tricks.
The article below came from TreeHugger. I just want to share them with everyone. Happy reading! =)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flower Tower by Edouard François
Frank Lloyd Wright once said, “A doctor can bury his mistakes, but an architect can only advise his clients to plant vines.” It turns out that his suggestion is also a good idea for creating handsome buildings. And who wants to hide an investment in green away on the roof when you can hang it out for everyone to see?
Vertical gardens reduce cooling loads in summer by shading buildings; this “blanket effect” also cuts heating loads in winter, with the green layer acting as extra insulation. As the plants grow, they trap carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, and soak up such pollutants as lead and cadmium. Green walls absorb noise; help reduce the heat island effect, keeping cities cooler; and provide a habitat or insects and spiders, which in turn feed birds and bats. And, as Wright noted, these interventions can hide a lot of ugly buildings. (Read article in Azure on Green Walls)
Green Façades by Edouard François
Randy Sharp of Vancouver's Sharp and Diamond describes two kinds of green walls: green facades, where a trellis structure is attached to the ground, and living walls, where the wall becomes the growing medium.
Edouard François is the master of the green façade, saying "'Man can live solely within architecture. He needs a complex building which must be decorated. Only in this way can he be happy.' Indeed, in François' view, working with nature offers a welcome complexity: 'Watch a tree. It has a thousand branches, it moves, grows, changes colour!' Green facades are much simpler as they are planted in the ground and do not need elaborate watering systems.
More on Living Green Facades from Edouard François
Edouard François is also working on Eden Bio, featuring 100 terraced units set within dense organic gardens, with stairways enclosed in greenery. ::Eden Bio by Edouard François
Sharp and Diamond's Vancouver Aquarium
Randy Sharp of Sharp & Diamond, designed the Vancouver Aquarium’s 50-square-metre green wall of polypropylene modules filled with wildflowers, ferns and ground covers. It has a modular grid of wall panels, a soil or felt growing medium, and irrigation and nutrient-delivery system and a support structure; these are the virtually universal features of a living wall. That isn't a lot to grow on, but Sharp notes that there are many native plants that cling to rocks and shallow soils and survive harsh winters. The trick is to blow all of the water out of the system before it freezes, and the plants go dormant. More on Randy Sharp's Award-winning Vancouver Aquarium wall: 2008 Award-Winning Green Roofs and Walls
Patrick Blanc and Le Mur Végétal
But the reigning king of the living wall is Patrick Blanc. He invented a version that he calls Le Mur Végétal, or Plant Wall, a dense sheet of vegetation that can grow against any surface, or even in midair. It works by doing away entirely with dirt, instead growing plants hydroponically in felt pockets attached to a rigid plastic backing. His most famous is at the Quai Branley Museum; Read more at A Really Green Building: Quai Branley Office Wing
Blanc also built a big wall at Madrid's newly opened CaixaForum museum. It is 24 metres high and takes up one wall of the square in front of the building. It has 15,000 plants of 250 different species and has become an instant drawing card to the area. Read more at Madrid Gets a Vertical Garden Too
He is even working on a boat design with Dutch architect Anne Hotrop. "The effect of the plants will be double. First, they will make the houses look like green hills floating on the water. This underscores the idea of the landscape approach. Second, the plants produce oxygen, compensating for the CO2 produced when the houses are manufactured." More on Floating Homes Made From Coffee Cups with Green Walls
Ann Demeulemeester's Store in Seoul by Mass Studies
Designed by Korean-based architecture firm Mass Studies, this four-level structure is a grassy oasis of nature in an otherwise gray and dense city. The perennials (clover, says one source) are planted into something Mass Studies bills a "geo-textile." According to Pavingexpert.com, these are "woven, non-woven or knitted, permeable sheets, usually, but not exclusively, non-biodegradable." More at Undulating Living Facade at Seoul Shop
Oulu by Evangeline Dennie
Named for the cultural epicenter of northern Finland, Oulu adds a shock of green to Williamsburg's bricks and asphalt. Unlike the other bars in the torrent that's hit the neighborhood, Oulu features a living facade and a thoroughly green design. More at Interview: Oulu's Designer, Evangeline Dennie
Topiade by Gas Design Group for Louis Vuitton
Gas Design Group, made up of Gregory Polleta and Sung Yang, with Clino Castelli, have designed Topiade, an "overlay facade," for existing Louis Vuitton stores.
It appears to be a new kind of intermixing of living walls with topiary. This is wonderful because everything Louis Vuitton does gets knocked off instantly. Soon all of Canal Street in New York, Spadina Avenue in Toronto, countless cheap shopping streets around the world will sport green living facades. More at Topiade by Gas Design Group for Louis Vuitton
Sao Paulo Office Building With Green Walls by Triptyque
Triptyque has built an office building in Sao Paulo that proudly wears its services on the exterior with a very industrial aesthetic, but is also full of planted "pores", complete with a misting system. They write:
"Like a living body, the building breathes, sweats and modifies itself, transcending its inertia. The walls are thick and covered externally by a vegetal layer that works like the skin of the structure. This dense wall is made of an organic concrete that has pores, where several plant species grow, giving the facades a unique look." More at Sao Paulo Office Building With Green Walls by Triptyque
Parabienta Green Wall from Shimizu
Shimizu, one of Japan's great construction dynasties with Minoru Industries, has developed a rather interesting one that looks good and seems relatively affordable at 80,000 yen per square metre, about 80 bucks per square foot. This "wall surface afforestation system" (parabienta) is light, can be designed in different patterns and grids, and cools the building significantly. More at Parabienta Green Wall from Shimizu
Living walls clean the air, humidify and provide oxygen. ELT, noted before for their exterior living walls and roofs, has introduced pre-packaged sets of systems so that you can grow your own. ELT Indoor Living Wall Kits
TreeHugger just can’t get enough of verdant architecture, whether it’s green roofs from Chicago to China, or living walls. However while we’ve been concentrating on greening the exterior surfaces of buildings, the German company Indoor Landscaping have taken their grass inside. They describe their work as ‘a connection between man, enclosed spaces and open nature... Nature should become tangible for people even within buildings, our plants change with the seasons, they age within the architecture enhanced in character and charm. More at Indoor Landscaping – Growing Green Inside
Grass Your Wall, by Ustatic
How about a green air-purifying grass wall in your apartment? Believe it or not, it’s possible without having a mess thank to these grass panels from Argentinean company Ustatic. The “Wall Grass” is a system of grass rectangular panels, which function with a structural substrate, a humidity retainer substrate with small conducts that warrantee the homogeneous distribution of water in the entire surface, and a basement formed by the grass’ roots, which add support. More at Grass Your Wall, by Ustatic
The article below came from TreeHugger. I just want to share them with everyone. Happy reading! =)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11 Buildings Wrapped in Gorgeous Green and Living Walls
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 09.24.08
Design & ArchitectureFlower Tower by Edouard François
Frank Lloyd Wright once said, “A doctor can bury his mistakes, but an architect can only advise his clients to plant vines.” It turns out that his suggestion is also a good idea for creating handsome buildings. And who wants to hide an investment in green away on the roof when you can hang it out for everyone to see?
Vertical gardens reduce cooling loads in summer by shading buildings; this “blanket effect” also cuts heating loads in winter, with the green layer acting as extra insulation. As the plants grow, they trap carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, and soak up such pollutants as lead and cadmium. Green walls absorb noise; help reduce the heat island effect, keeping cities cooler; and provide a habitat or insects and spiders, which in turn feed birds and bats. And, as Wright noted, these interventions can hide a lot of ugly buildings. (Read article in Azure on Green Walls)
Green Façades by Edouard François
Randy Sharp of Vancouver's Sharp and Diamond describes two kinds of green walls: green facades, where a trellis structure is attached to the ground, and living walls, where the wall becomes the growing medium.
Edouard François is the master of the green façade, saying "'Man can live solely within architecture. He needs a complex building which must be decorated. Only in this way can he be happy.' Indeed, in François' view, working with nature offers a welcome complexity: 'Watch a tree. It has a thousand branches, it moves, grows, changes colour!' Green facades are much simpler as they are planted in the ground and do not need elaborate watering systems.
More on Living Green Facades from Edouard François
Edouard François is also working on Eden Bio, featuring 100 terraced units set within dense organic gardens, with stairways enclosed in greenery. ::Eden Bio by Edouard François
Sharp and Diamond's Vancouver Aquarium
Randy Sharp of Sharp & Diamond, designed the Vancouver Aquarium’s 50-square-metre green wall of polypropylene modules filled with wildflowers, ferns and ground covers. It has a modular grid of wall panels, a soil or felt growing medium, and irrigation and nutrient-delivery system and a support structure; these are the virtually universal features of a living wall. That isn't a lot to grow on, but Sharp notes that there are many native plants that cling to rocks and shallow soils and survive harsh winters. The trick is to blow all of the water out of the system before it freezes, and the plants go dormant. More on Randy Sharp's Award-winning Vancouver Aquarium wall: 2008 Award-Winning Green Roofs and Walls
Patrick Blanc and Le Mur Végétal
But the reigning king of the living wall is Patrick Blanc. He invented a version that he calls Le Mur Végétal, or Plant Wall, a dense sheet of vegetation that can grow against any surface, or even in midair. It works by doing away entirely with dirt, instead growing plants hydroponically in felt pockets attached to a rigid plastic backing. His most famous is at the Quai Branley Museum; Read more at A Really Green Building: Quai Branley Office Wing
Blanc also built a big wall at Madrid's newly opened CaixaForum museum. It is 24 metres high and takes up one wall of the square in front of the building. It has 15,000 plants of 250 different species and has become an instant drawing card to the area. Read more at Madrid Gets a Vertical Garden Too
He is even working on a boat design with Dutch architect Anne Hotrop. "The effect of the plants will be double. First, they will make the houses look like green hills floating on the water. This underscores the idea of the landscape approach. Second, the plants produce oxygen, compensating for the CO2 produced when the houses are manufactured." More on Floating Homes Made From Coffee Cups with Green Walls
Ann Demeulemeester's Store in Seoul by Mass Studies
Designed by Korean-based architecture firm Mass Studies, this four-level structure is a grassy oasis of nature in an otherwise gray and dense city. The perennials (clover, says one source) are planted into something Mass Studies bills a "geo-textile." According to Pavingexpert.com, these are "woven, non-woven or knitted, permeable sheets, usually, but not exclusively, non-biodegradable." More at Undulating Living Facade at Seoul Shop
Oulu by Evangeline Dennie
Named for the cultural epicenter of northern Finland, Oulu adds a shock of green to Williamsburg's bricks and asphalt. Unlike the other bars in the torrent that's hit the neighborhood, Oulu features a living facade and a thoroughly green design. More at Interview: Oulu's Designer, Evangeline Dennie
Topiade by Gas Design Group for Louis Vuitton
Gas Design Group, made up of Gregory Polleta and Sung Yang, with Clino Castelli, have designed Topiade, an "overlay facade," for existing Louis Vuitton stores.
It appears to be a new kind of intermixing of living walls with topiary. This is wonderful because everything Louis Vuitton does gets knocked off instantly. Soon all of Canal Street in New York, Spadina Avenue in Toronto, countless cheap shopping streets around the world will sport green living facades. More at Topiade by Gas Design Group for Louis Vuitton
Sao Paulo Office Building With Green Walls by Triptyque
Triptyque has built an office building in Sao Paulo that proudly wears its services on the exterior with a very industrial aesthetic, but is also full of planted "pores", complete with a misting system. They write:
"Like a living body, the building breathes, sweats and modifies itself, transcending its inertia. The walls are thick and covered externally by a vegetal layer that works like the skin of the structure. This dense wall is made of an organic concrete that has pores, where several plant species grow, giving the facades a unique look." More at Sao Paulo Office Building With Green Walls by Triptyque
Parabienta Green Wall from Shimizu
Shimizu, one of Japan's great construction dynasties with Minoru Industries, has developed a rather interesting one that looks good and seems relatively affordable at 80,000 yen per square metre, about 80 bucks per square foot. This "wall surface afforestation system" (parabienta) is light, can be designed in different patterns and grids, and cools the building significantly. More at Parabienta Green Wall from Shimizu
Living walls clean the air, humidify and provide oxygen. ELT, noted before for their exterior living walls and roofs, has introduced pre-packaged sets of systems so that you can grow your own. ELT Indoor Living Wall Kits
TreeHugger just can’t get enough of verdant architecture, whether it’s green roofs from Chicago to China, or living walls. However while we’ve been concentrating on greening the exterior surfaces of buildings, the German company Indoor Landscaping have taken their grass inside. They describe their work as ‘a connection between man, enclosed spaces and open nature... Nature should become tangible for people even within buildings, our plants change with the seasons, they age within the architecture enhanced in character and charm. More at Indoor Landscaping – Growing Green Inside
Grass Your Wall, by Ustatic
How about a green air-purifying grass wall in your apartment? Believe it or not, it’s possible without having a mess thank to these grass panels from Argentinean company Ustatic. The “Wall Grass” is a system of grass rectangular panels, which function with a structural substrate, a humidity retainer substrate with small conducts that warrantee the homogeneous distribution of water in the entire surface, and a basement formed by the grass’ roots, which add support. More at Grass Your Wall, by Ustatic
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Speech... Impromptu!
The first year architecture students had their leadership training seminar in school today. As usual, I was in school also for the graduate program - a weekly routine. I was supposed to meet someone outside school during noon break but I decided to stop by their seminar to say hello to my friends who were facilitating. That was a decision I truly regretted.
When the guidance councilor saw me, she "forced" me to make a small speech in behalf of the dean. I was supposed to tell the first year students why we came up with that sort of activity. I knew that she had been trying to get some faculty members to make the speech but they all turned her down. I was never approached, so I guess I was the unwanted saviour.
To my surprise I was actually nervous and uncomfortable. To think that I used to meet with very important people in the board rooms of banks, universities and government institutions. Later I realized why. I don't want the students to be intimidated with my presence so they can approach me anytime, so I tried to suppress any manifestation of authority. It was terribly uncomfortable.
Darn, I ended up looking like an idiot... It was embrarassing... but I'll get over it... dum dee dumm.... I guess it's the image I want. Haha!
When the guidance councilor saw me, she "forced" me to make a small speech in behalf of the dean. I was supposed to tell the first year students why we came up with that sort of activity. I knew that she had been trying to get some faculty members to make the speech but they all turned her down. I was never approached, so I guess I was the unwanted saviour.
To my surprise I was actually nervous and uncomfortable. To think that I used to meet with very important people in the board rooms of banks, universities and government institutions. Later I realized why. I don't want the students to be intimidated with my presence so they can approach me anytime, so I tried to suppress any manifestation of authority. It was terribly uncomfortable.
Darn, I ended up looking like an idiot... It was embrarassing... but I'll get over it... dum dee dumm.... I guess it's the image I want. Haha!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Thesis: The Subjective Rules for Approval
The following points are the result of my observation on how the thesis panel makes its decisions. As everyone well knows, the thesis puts the student's five years worth of effort to the test. Technically, to suffer a delay in graduation because of the thesis alone is valid. A well prepared student should not find it difficult to pass.
I drew up these points after studying how the thesis was conducted and how the panelists judged. There are no written rules on this area, but I am aware that the panelists (at the time of my study) are educated persons and as such, should follow a pre-conceived format on judging. They very seldom confer, but when they do, they manage to come to a consensus without much detailed explanation.
This write up is an attempt to put into writing the "pre-conceived ideas" of the jurors, which they practice by instinct. Other than the observation of their actuations, I also studied special cases which, at the surface, did not seem to follow conventions.
Because of lack of time, I decided to do away with the presentation of case studies for each scenarios presented below. I may be able to offer them upon request, but such case studies are private and sometimes confidential so I will be very selective on this point.
These points may come as a shock to many people. I am not presenting this as a result of a formal research study, but as an "educated opinion." They may shed some light in our understanding of events, but they are not meant to be presented or referred to as a guideline or a rule.
Here goes....
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The person presenting the thesis is judged according to the following categories:
Category 1: On his ability to present his ideas on paper, and how accurately he does this. (This includes completeness of drawing, draftsmanship, presentation technique)
---------------------------------------------------------------
For me, I will only question cases that do not fall in any of the scenarios above. Other people may have different bases.
Dum dee dumm....
I drew up these points after studying how the thesis was conducted and how the panelists judged. There are no written rules on this area, but I am aware that the panelists (at the time of my study) are educated persons and as such, should follow a pre-conceived format on judging. They very seldom confer, but when they do, they manage to come to a consensus without much detailed explanation.
This write up is an attempt to put into writing the "pre-conceived ideas" of the jurors, which they practice by instinct. Other than the observation of their actuations, I also studied special cases which, at the surface, did not seem to follow conventions.
Because of lack of time, I decided to do away with the presentation of case studies for each scenarios presented below. I may be able to offer them upon request, but such case studies are private and sometimes confidential so I will be very selective on this point.
These points may come as a shock to many people. I am not presenting this as a result of a formal research study, but as an "educated opinion." They may shed some light in our understanding of events, but they are not meant to be presented or referred to as a guideline or a rule.
Here goes....
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The person presenting the thesis is judged according to the following categories:
Category 1: On his ability to present his ideas on paper, and how accurately he does this. (This includes completeness of drawing, draftsmanship, presentation technique)
- Category 2: On his ability to explain his ideas. (This includes mastery over his work, familiarity with the data and all other aspects of it, even if the output is very conventional)
- Category 3: On his ability to arrive at a novel solution. (a possible genius in our midst?)
- If the person is judged to belong to category 1, he must be able to satisfy the requirements of that category to pass.
- If the person is judged to belong to category 2, he must be able to satisfy the requirements of that category. If not, he is given the chance to satisfy the requirements of category 1 to pass. But this "chance" is given if the panelists "feel" the person deserves it (because of personal knowledge of his ability, or whatever valid reason)
- If the person is judged to belong to category 3, he must be able to satisfy the requirements of that category. If not, the same rule in category 2 applies. If he still does not satisfy the requirements of category 2 a very rare opportunity will be presented to him to satisfy the requirements of category 1. The person, however, has to be truly deserving or truly special.
- the mentor must be well-respected for his objectivity or clear judgment.
- at least one other person must concur. in this regard, a tie-breaker may be called upon if needed.
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For me, I will only question cases that do not fall in any of the scenarios above. Other people may have different bases.
Dum dee dumm....
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Video et Taceo
Actually, I'm writing this to express my confusion. I simply don't know how to react. The result of the thesis defense came out. While I'm happy that some made it, I'm also sad that others didn't... especially those who are close to me. And then there are the complaints against teachers and other students... I guess it's always like this every semester.
I've been trying to improve the thesis program and we were doing well. Suddenly everything changed. For some reason rules kept changing, faculty members are shying away from serving among the thesis panel, more confusions arose...etc.. etc... I hear it everywhere!
I am pretty sure that I'm not the only faculty member who is aware of this. I'm also sure that the current dean is fully aware of the situation. In the past I would do something about it, but I end up always confronting walls. Even the students who complained would not lift a finger. Perhaps it is best to apply the motto of Queen Elizabeth I: video et taceo (I see, and say nothing).
It seems like a motto eveyone else has adopted, even the students themselves. Sure they don't lack in the expletives and threats... but it ends there. If the people in government in the college and department are silent about it, if the students with valid complaints are silent about it, if the colleagues who can influence each other are silent about it... then taceo!
I've been trying to improve the thesis program and we were doing well. Suddenly everything changed. For some reason rules kept changing, faculty members are shying away from serving among the thesis panel, more confusions arose...etc.. etc... I hear it everywhere!
I am pretty sure that I'm not the only faculty member who is aware of this. I'm also sure that the current dean is fully aware of the situation. In the past I would do something about it, but I end up always confronting walls. Even the students who complained would not lift a finger. Perhaps it is best to apply the motto of Queen Elizabeth I: video et taceo (I see, and say nothing).
It seems like a motto eveyone else has adopted, even the students themselves. Sure they don't lack in the expletives and threats... but it ends there. If the people in government in the college and department are silent about it, if the students with valid complaints are silent about it, if the colleagues who can influence each other are silent about it... then taceo!
A typical day
Yesterday, after giving a 1.5 hours lecture to first year students about Baroque art, I decided to make an experiment. What would happen if I go to the library and sit near the entrance (I always hide in the faculty area to focus on work).
Well, first came a group of fourth year students. We discussed how they computed their number of stalls for the public market project they were working on. Then a group of second year students asking about setbacks and other considerations for their project, a mixed-use condominium. A fifth year student followed. He needed help on rendering so I made arrangements for him to meet a friend who can help him. Then a graduate student came and asked for help on his landscape project and his research proposal. We discussed a bit and decided to set a schedule for it. The fourth year students came back. They made arrangements to work overnight in school next week and I'm supposed to accompany them....
There was a lot of "hellos" exchanged with students passing by... also text messages of students setting appointments.... after all of it I leaned back and reflected on the result of my experiment. My conclusion was plain and simple... I told myself that I needed a drink.
Thirty minutes later, I was in Cheaverz with some friends. I realized the reason I'm drinking is not because of my desire to unwind. I actually scheduled this already. I was supposed to meet up with other people to talk about things outside of school.... Otherwise I would be playing Generals in my laptop, or cleaning the apartment, or going to the malls...
Oh well... a typical day...
Well, first came a group of fourth year students. We discussed how they computed their number of stalls for the public market project they were working on. Then a group of second year students asking about setbacks and other considerations for their project, a mixed-use condominium. A fifth year student followed. He needed help on rendering so I made arrangements for him to meet a friend who can help him. Then a graduate student came and asked for help on his landscape project and his research proposal. We discussed a bit and decided to set a schedule for it. The fourth year students came back. They made arrangements to work overnight in school next week and I'm supposed to accompany them....
There was a lot of "hellos" exchanged with students passing by... also text messages of students setting appointments.... after all of it I leaned back and reflected on the result of my experiment. My conclusion was plain and simple... I told myself that I needed a drink.
Thirty minutes later, I was in Cheaverz with some friends. I realized the reason I'm drinking is not because of my desire to unwind. I actually scheduled this already. I was supposed to meet up with other people to talk about things outside of school.... Otherwise I would be playing Generals in my laptop, or cleaning the apartment, or going to the malls...
Oh well... a typical day...
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Some wishes...
Yup. I'm still awake. =D
I was going over the National Building Code hoping to summarize the applicable provisions for a particular project. Suddenly I couldn't help wishing that there are better ways of doing this...
I wish someone would write a program where you only need to input the needed parameters and the program gives you back the applicable provisions for the project... This will make it easier for both architect and building official to check the plans....
I wish someone would specialize on the National Building Code so that any questions on the Code may be answered, and any conflicts settled... This will also pave the way to further refinements of the law...
Yup, I'm awake alright... but dreaming... ;p
I was going over the National Building Code hoping to summarize the applicable provisions for a particular project. Suddenly I couldn't help wishing that there are better ways of doing this...
I wish someone would write a program where you only need to input the needed parameters and the program gives you back the applicable provisions for the project... This will make it easier for both architect and building official to check the plans....
I wish someone would specialize on the National Building Code so that any questions on the Code may be answered, and any conflicts settled... This will also pave the way to further refinements of the law...
Yup, I'm awake alright... but dreaming... ;p
Irritated
This afternoon a student approached me in school to ask me about his thesis. Fine. I have so many students asking me for help regarding their thesis so I consented. This time, though, I ended up infuriated.
The system in USC is that you start working on your thesis while you're enrolled in the Design 9. Other than the major projects you are given in Design 9, you are supposed to submit a part of the thesis book.
Anyway, their deadline is October 10. Then comes this guy who asked me these questions: what should he do because someone told him his thesis is not possible? How should he solve his thesis?... For some reason I suddenly felt blood rush through my head....
I helped this guy to craft his thesis problem which the coordinators approved without any objections. Even his adviser did not offer any objections. We all saw that the thesis question was valid. So why is he doubting? Just because one person said otherwise doesn't mean we're all wrong. Is he saying that the coordinators, his advisers, and me are stupid?
My temper flared up when I learned that the dissenter is my "bestfriend." Is this student trying to make us fight over our opinion on his thesis? His reaction also made me realized that he has not done any research yet to prove or disprove anything! The deadline is just 18 days away! In effect, he was asking me to spell out the solution to him so that he does not need to read anything anymore. What a wacko!
I don't know... I made myself approachable to students so I can help them. It is just irritating to know how that majority of their problems is caused by acting only on the last minute. You see students with great potentials ending up with lousy output because of lack of time, even if they were given enough time at the start.
I cooled down after a while, and we both apologized (I think I really gave him a piece of my mind), but I never got to focus on what I was reading that time. I went back to my apartment still feeling hazy that I decided to just sleep it off.
I actually just woke up and, obviously, that incident was my first thought....
The system in USC is that you start working on your thesis while you're enrolled in the Design 9. Other than the major projects you are given in Design 9, you are supposed to submit a part of the thesis book.
Anyway, their deadline is October 10. Then comes this guy who asked me these questions: what should he do because someone told him his thesis is not possible? How should he solve his thesis?... For some reason I suddenly felt blood rush through my head....
I helped this guy to craft his thesis problem which the coordinators approved without any objections. Even his adviser did not offer any objections. We all saw that the thesis question was valid. So why is he doubting? Just because one person said otherwise doesn't mean we're all wrong. Is he saying that the coordinators, his advisers, and me are stupid?
My temper flared up when I learned that the dissenter is my "bestfriend." Is this student trying to make us fight over our opinion on his thesis? His reaction also made me realized that he has not done any research yet to prove or disprove anything! The deadline is just 18 days away! In effect, he was asking me to spell out the solution to him so that he does not need to read anything anymore. What a wacko!
I don't know... I made myself approachable to students so I can help them. It is just irritating to know how that majority of their problems is caused by acting only on the last minute. You see students with great potentials ending up with lousy output because of lack of time, even if they were given enough time at the start.
I cooled down after a while, and we both apologized (I think I really gave him a piece of my mind), but I never got to focus on what I was reading that time. I went back to my apartment still feeling hazy that I decided to just sleep it off.
I actually just woke up and, obviously, that incident was my first thought....
Monday, September 22, 2008
Bright Built Barn is Net-Zero Energy
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 09.18.08
Design & Architecture (prefab)"The next generation of sustainable building practices will not be about material performance or building imprint on local environments. The next generation of our most sustainable structures will be about designing with future adaptations and flexibility in mind, allowing the building to change overtime to adapt to both use and the environment. They will tell us when they are sick or healthy and sustain life itself."
The BrightBuilt Barn, designed by Kaplan Thompson Architects and built by Bensonwood, is a demonstration a net-zero building that attempts to do it all.
We have covered Bensonwood before; they try to build houses that last generations, using a process called "open building", where components in the house can be easily changed and upgraded. According to the extensive and thorough press kit, the Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) walls ensure an R-40 shell that needs no furnace, even in Maine.
They call it a 200-year house: " In today’s building culture, the average lifespan of new built structures is measured in decades, not centuries. There is little economic incentive for a developer or original owners to create structures that outlast their lifetime. This means that the carbon debt incurred by building the structure has a relatively brief period of utility, before the structure is demolished and another structure built, incurring additional carbon debt. The BrightBuilt Barn, on the other hand, is designed and constructed to last indefinitely as a result of both the durable qualities of its materials and by keeping its systems disentangled, allowing for flexibility and adaptability of design. "
I had my doubts at first, thinking that if they are sitting that roof on top of a SIP they are dreaming, that there is no way a particle-board and styrofoam sandwich is going to hold up that roof for two hundred years. But on closer examination of the pictures and section below it appears that the SIP is only used as a cladding and not as a structural system. (I hope my reading is correct)
1. PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR PANELS
2. TYPICAL ROOF CONSTRUCTION
3. TIMBER RAFTER
4. COLLAR TIES
5. TIMBER PLATE
6. ARBOR TRELLIS
7. 25mm DUO-GARD PANELS W/NANO GEL
8. THERMOTECH FIBER GLASS WINDOWS, TRIPLE GLAZED
9. STRUCTURAL C-CHANNEL W/INJECTED URETHANE INSULATION
10. BUILT-IN MECHANICAL/SERVICE CHASE
11. TYPICAL WALL CONSTRUCTION
12. TYPICAL FLOOR CONSTRUCTION
13. LIGHT SKIRT CHAMFERED TIMBER, LED LIGHTING
14. FOUNDATION WALL
15. FOOTING
Other Notes:
Net-Zero: This building will generate more electricity over the course of a year than it uses.
Super Insulation: Continuous R-40 envelope (floors, wall, ceiling). This mid-coast Maine building requires NO FURNACE.
Open Source Collaboration: Team members have used web based communication systems to send and exchange information.
If it isn't the greenest project we have presented, it is certainly the best marketed, with a website, a wiki, a blog and an extensive press kit. We will check back when the interior is finished. ::Bright Built Barn
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Sorted out...
Whew! I just finished sorting the things left behind by the former tenant. I managed to salvage some very useful stuffs: pens, notebooks, drawing instruments, bags.... a lot! Well, can't throw the thrash yet. The garbage truck comes only on Tuesdays. Meanwhile I had everything placed in plastic bags ready to be thrown away. Can't wait for Tuesday...
The painters finished the ceiling downstairs. They are now applying the base coat for walls. By the time they come up here, my room should be ready for painting.
Hmmm... I need to buy a lockset and a pair of window blinds...
The painters finished the ceiling downstairs. They are now applying the base coat for walls. By the time they come up here, my room should be ready for painting.
Hmmm... I need to buy a lockset and a pair of window blinds...
Friday, September 19, 2008
Connected
I'm finally connected to the world wide web!!!
Next step is to sort out and throw away the stuffs the old tenant left behind. Aaargh!! There's a lot! .... must buy garbage bags.....
Next step is to sort out and throw away the stuffs the old tenant left behind. Aaargh!! There's a lot! .... must buy garbage bags.....
Thursday, September 18, 2008
The Transfer
It took two days but I finally transferred all my things to my new abode.. yey!
I've made a list of things to do and buy... We're having everything repainted. The painters started this morning... Tomorrow, Smart Bro will install our internet connection. We're going wi-fi so my housemate and I can work anywhere in the apartment...
Hmmm.... Can't party yet until everything is done.
I've made a list of things to do and buy... We're having everything repainted. The painters started this morning... Tomorrow, Smart Bro will install our internet connection. We're going wi-fi so my housemate and I can work anywhere in the apartment...
Hmmm.... Can't party yet until everything is done.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Adviser in Deliberation...?
Fifth year students are telling me that the advisers are now requested to join in the deliberation of thesis proposals. Normally, after the letter of intent is approved the next step is to approve the research design.. or loosely called as "chapter one." This is the only time, however, that the presence of the adviser is required.
It seems that the first batch of proposals to be deliberated will be those submitted by the students I'm currently advising. Fine. I have already briefed the students concerned on what to do. There shouldn't be any problem.
I guess this new ruling is ok. My only concern though is whether they can sustain this improvement. It is common knowledge among those who have passed through the thesis program that the thesis coordinators are not really coordinated. On my part I always want to look at the bright side of it. For me, everything will turn out well... somehow....
It seems that the first batch of proposals to be deliberated will be those submitted by the students I'm currently advising. Fine. I have already briefed the students concerned on what to do. There shouldn't be any problem.
I guess this new ruling is ok. My only concern though is whether they can sustain this improvement. It is common knowledge among those who have passed through the thesis program that the thesis coordinators are not really coordinated. On my part I always want to look at the bright side of it. For me, everything will turn out well... somehow....
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Fun with Research
Nothing beats our research class.... Actually I'm not enrolled in it. I already took it two years ago but I volunteered to assist the instructor. She's a sociologist. Our dean was very impressed with her when he heard her make a report in a research forum. He recommended that she teach the subject. I even had a blooper when I first called her up about the teaching offer. I thought I was calling a male persons since the name given to me was "Jo". Turns out it was a "Josephine."
Apparently she does not know anything about the practice of architecture. She was overwhelmed the first time she taught the subject. Some of the graduate students even questioned her ability to teach the subject. Well... long and short is... I decided to lend a hand. So far, things are doing well.. very well...
She had the idea of involving the class in a pilot research project. So every time we meet we would "huddle" to brainstorm in formulating the questions, defining goals, indicators, etc... We drew up a set of questions for interviews, went through a list of respondents, did actual interview, and just this afternoon she taught us how we are going to process the data. Unless the students are not interested at all, the activity was actually helping us understand the subject better.
The best part of it is actually LUNCH! Haha!... We arranged for pot luck and our class is like a picnic. It eases away tension, we get to talk freely about ideas... blah, blah.... My only complaint is that they ask me to finish up everything.... but they bring so much food!!!
Our teacher is celebrating her birthday next Saturday. Since we don't have a scheduled meeting that day, we arranged to meet outside Friday night so we can also celebrate. Hmm.... we should give a gift... think.. think...
Apparently she does not know anything about the practice of architecture. She was overwhelmed the first time she taught the subject. Some of the graduate students even questioned her ability to teach the subject. Well... long and short is... I decided to lend a hand. So far, things are doing well.. very well...
She had the idea of involving the class in a pilot research project. So every time we meet we would "huddle" to brainstorm in formulating the questions, defining goals, indicators, etc... We drew up a set of questions for interviews, went through a list of respondents, did actual interview, and just this afternoon she taught us how we are going to process the data. Unless the students are not interested at all, the activity was actually helping us understand the subject better.
The best part of it is actually LUNCH! Haha!... We arranged for pot luck and our class is like a picnic. It eases away tension, we get to talk freely about ideas... blah, blah.... My only complaint is that they ask me to finish up everything.... but they bring so much food!!!
Our teacher is celebrating her birthday next Saturday. Since we don't have a scheduled meeting that day, we arranged to meet outside Friday night so we can also celebrate. Hmm.... we should give a gift... think.. think...
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Meet my computer-saurus!
I have a friend who is a computer engineer. We got to know each other in college and we also got together when I worked in Manila. He inspired me to be a computer freak. Since we lived in the same residence hall, we were assigned to take care of the computers. I was in charge of the software while he takes care of the hardware.
To make our chores interesting, we assigned names to computers. It was the time when the Jurrasic Park movie was a hit so we named the computers after dinosaurs. Before we adopted that idea, we have already named our favorite computer as "compy" (for computer-saurus). We actually talk about our computers as if they were pets.
When I got my laptop I decided to continue the tradition... I gave it a name. Since it has become so much a part of me I decided to give it my second name: DINO (also because it can stand for dino-saur).
Just this afternoon I added more RAM to Dino so he runs faster now. I guess this is what prompted me to talk about him. I am just so happy that I don't have to wait so long for my programs to start... Dino used to crawl a lot... at least now he trots.
Oh well... I am such a nerd... ;p
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Name Fame, Name Shame
Last week some of my students invited me to ride with them. I thought they were on their way home so I hopped in. Well, turns out they were still meeting some friends near Paseo so I decided to just hang out and relax.
Except for my students, the rest were strangers to me. I found myself a comfortable corner and decided to just observe everyone and chit chat a little... This girl noticed me and introduced herself. When I told her my name is Troy I nearly fell of my seat because of her reaction... She actually gasped. "Sir Troy?" she exclaimed, "I heard so much about you!" Darn!
She must have noticed the effect on me so she quickly added: "... good things, of course." Then she actually pranced back to her friends and "whispered" to someone that "sir Troy is here..." Oh well....
I'm old enough to know that you can never stop people from talking... about anything! But I still feel uncomfortable when people talk about me... especially strangers. It's been a week but I guess the impact is so much that it found its way here in my blog! haha!....Anyway.... moving on....
Except for my students, the rest were strangers to me. I found myself a comfortable corner and decided to just observe everyone and chit chat a little... This girl noticed me and introduced herself. When I told her my name is Troy I nearly fell of my seat because of her reaction... She actually gasped. "Sir Troy?" she exclaimed, "I heard so much about you!" Darn!
She must have noticed the effect on me so she quickly added: "... good things, of course." Then she actually pranced back to her friends and "whispered" to someone that "sir Troy is here..." Oh well....
I'm old enough to know that you can never stop people from talking... about anything! But I still feel uncomfortable when people talk about me... especially strangers. It's been a week but I guess the impact is so much that it found its way here in my blog! haha!....Anyway.... moving on....
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