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.