When I first think of SDA one of the first things I thought of was that its style looks very modern and somehow international looking. I go there almost everyday for school and I never actually stop for a moment and think how our culture was incorporated to a modern structure like this one.
One of the things we discussed during our theory of design class (THEDES) was about the two Filipino architects who designed this structure, Lor and Ed Calma. The discussion lead on to a point where one of my blockmates mentioned that these architects incorporate Filipino in their buildings. This was the only point where I actually stopped to think how this building have Filipino architecture. I then looked back on my history classes and what my professors thought me throughout my stay in SDA and the first question that popped in my head was...
"What is Filipino architecture?".
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For me, Filipino architecture originates way
back from its past. It underwent a journey of various styles from different perspectives
and different styles – it basically had a story to tell, from vernacular
architecture to the present style. It shows multiple contexts from multiple
places. I also believe that it is not just its physical aspect but also its
context that we see the culture of Filipinos that makes a place/structure to be
called a Filipino architecture.
I believe that they have applied the concept of a bahay kubo and bahay na bato in this building. One of the things that I saw that has
similarity to the Bahay na bato is the skin of the walls of the SDA building.
Just like the second floor of bahay na bato, it consisted of mostly windows as
its wall. One of the reasons behind this concept in bahay na bato was to be
able to socialize and interact with the people outside – they can just look out
the window and watch people pass by and when they know someone, they get to
have small talk with them inside the premises of their home while the other is
just passing by in front. Another reason why it is open is because of
ventilation. It allows air and sunlight to pass through freely inside the
space. Although, one of the things that I would like to change about this is
that they could have added a brisolei because glass does allow sunlight to pass
through but then that sunlight transforms into heat. Another
factor similar to bahay na bato is the hallway or what was then called a
“volada”. It connects different rooms and a part of it consists of windows overlooking
the outside of the structure.
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On a more contextual note, the hallways connects
each other to achieve the social purpose of the school – we Filipinos, like to
interact and socialize with one another. Basically, the hallways do not just
have one function. It contains multiple activities and is adaptable to its
environment – individuals are able to socialize, they are able to work there
(sometimes even sleep), they are able to enjoy the view from outside and it can
serve as a waiting area/space.
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The foundation can also be related and compared
to the structure of bahay na bato. As
you can see in the picture, its foundation isn’t found in the external part of
the structure but is found inside the structure. Just like the bahay na bato,
its main foundation are the stilts and not the concrete walls and just like
bahay kubo, the overhanging 5th floor is able to stay in place
because of the foundation of the stilts.
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In addition, there are indoor plants around the
area and there are crosses found inside rooms which shows our main religion and
our connection with the environment.
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Basically, SDA shows features found in bahay
kubo and bahay na bato – its adaptability, openness, socialization, frameworks
and foundations.
What is lacking with Jean Nouvel that is with the Calmas?
Jean Nouvel is a French architect that has obtained a number of award over the span of his career - Pritzker Prize, Wolf Prize in Arts and more. He said "It is not possible to design always the same. How to be different in each different place - that is the most important work and duty of the architect to find out."
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| Fondation Cartier, Paris |
Lor amd Ed Calma are both Filipino architects and both have a numerous awards and a number of great works in the Philippines. They are also both known for their modern architecture with Lor Calma being more known with his clean lines and glass. |
| School of Design and Arts Building, Philippines |
One of the things that I believe is important in building are its story. There should be a more personal touch and pride in what we architects make. I also agree to the idea that a structure should be able to still be in context with its surrounding place. Jean Nouvel, from what I have seen, is lacking in his designs are his passion from where he came from. He is a French archictect but his works doesnt really show much of the French culture. On the other hand, the Calmas are Filipino architects who then shows the Filipino culture in his works.
Critque on Jean Nouvel
Through time and research about Jean Nouvel, I have seen a few points of his good side and bad side.
On his good side, I'll use his work in "Arab World Institute, Paris, France". I got attracted to this structure because of its play in shadows and its adaptibility by using technology - automatic mechanical louvers which shows light and void. It formed with geometric patterns that dramatically modifies its interior and exterior.
On the other hand, one of the things I do not find that appealing about him is that he may get literal with his structures/buildings. One of which is his design for "Monolith Expo. 02 Exhibition. Switzerland.". Although, I found out that Nouvels intention of the structure was that it is suppose to be able to stand anywhere in the city and is suppose to give an intriguing effect to the people who see it. I think he was somehow able to do that because in my class, we were all critiquing the structure in different ways and asking each other why he made a structure like that. The design was also suppose to oppose density and show a floating block, which was why he placed it being reflected by water.
