Architecture and Interior Design Issues and Solutions [Archive] - Page 13

flymordecai

December 13th, 2008, 12:33 PM

On the rise: A greener built environment

By Maripet L. Poso, Staff Writer

09/26/2008

Visions of drought, melting icebergs and severe floods tend to crop up whenever we encounter the words “global warming,” which frankly we hear a lot of these days. At the rate the earth is actually warming, as supported by actual studies and scientific research, we should all be sitting up and taking notice.

According to Secretary Heherson Alvarez, Presidential Adviser on Global Competitiveness and Climate Change, during his speech at the recently concluded Construction Show Manila 2008 (ManilaCon 2008), “The earth is now threatened by the mother of all pollutions: greenhouse gas emissions. The past 150 years of fossil-fuel-based industrialization and urban-based civilization or the ‘machine age’ has resulted in global warming that causes extreme weather events that deeply impact the earth and its natural and man-made ecosystems and even evolution itself.”

The notion that factories, transportation vehicles and power plants are the major culprits in making our environment less and less healthy could not be be further from the truth. Studies show that it is the building industry that has the highest impact on energy consumption. “Buildings all over the world consume 70 percent of the world’s total electricity supply and account for 39 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions,” says Alvarez.

Armed with this same knowledge, the construction and building industry is out to prove that it is doing its share in giving back to the environment.

Fresh from the success of CebuCon (Cebu Construction show), L. A. Ducut and Co. Inc., renowned for its brand of exhibition management, organized ManilaCon ’08, a three-day building and construction exhibit at the SMX Convention Center in SM Mall of Asia. With the theme “Sustainable Development in the Built Environment,” it is instrumental in uniting the construction and building industry into taking a green stand.

“At the time we conceived the ManilaCon ’08, sustainability was still in the process of going into the mainstream,” says Lilibeth Ducut-Abais, managing director of LA Ducut & Co. “With the opening of ManilaCOn ’08, we hope to get more Filipinos to think more seriously about sustainability, particularly in the built environment.”

Showcased in the exhibit were the newest offerings in green building alongside traditional building materials, the introduction of the LuzViMinda Eco-House, seminars on green building techniques and different presentations on technology updates.

The LuzViMinda Eco-House

One of the highlights of the ManilaCon ’08 was the display of the LuzViMinda Eco-house, a joint project by Modern A and L.A. Ducut Co. Inc.

“The Eco-house is envisioned as a catalyst for improving the overall being and quality of life of every Filipino through a sustainable built environment,” expresses architect James Jao, one of the three members of Modern A, the others being architects Royal Pineda of Luzon and Zaldy Mascardo of Mindanao.

“The main goal of Modern A for this initiative is for each of us to present a case study of an Eco-House designed for our respective middle income clients, one each in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao,” says Jao.

With the growing concerns of global warming, what better place to start than in our own homes?

“An Eco-House is one that is built in a way that minimizes the use of energy and water and reduces harmful emissions like carbon dioxide,” adds Jao, who designed the mock-up Eco-House that was displayed at the parking area of SM Mall of Asia for the ManilaCon 2008.

According to him, “By constructing a model unit in each major city, this initiative will create awareness and educate the public regarding the principles of the Eco-House.”

To give Filipinos a first-hand experience, the first client to own one, Edith Gapas-Dome, who is now based in Melbourne, Australia, agreed to open her house in Bicol a few hours each week for an open house by appointment.

“It is important that the Eco-House is utilized by an actual family to highlight the fact that it is habitable, a concrete answer to sustainable living and practical and model solution to lessen the impact on the environment,” says Jao.

With the goal of achieving 25 percent more energy efficiency rating (or Level 3) based on the UK Code of Sustainable Homes, the Eco-House uses locally available, rated-green construction materials.

According to him, this rating can be achieved by measuring nine categories: Energy and carbon dioxide emissions, water, materials, surface water run-off, waste, pollution, health/wellbeing, management and ecology.

“Improving the thermal efficiency of the walls, windows and roof as far as practically possible by using insulation or better glass, for example, is one way to achieve this goal,” he adds. “Another is to design the home with no more that about 105 liters of water usage per person per day. This could be achieved by fitting a number of items such as a smaller-shaped bath, still long enough to lie down in, but less water required, or using 6/4 Dual Flush WC.”

The whole process of building an environment-friendly house may be a lot more complicated for a regular housewife, but surely it wouldn’t hurt to own one if it means a little less greenhouse gas being emitted into the air.

With reduced harmful gasses and better adaptation to climate change, plus lower running costs and improved well-being of the residents, the LuzViMinda Eco-House may just be the answer to our prayers. This doesn’t mean that everyone should start tearing down their houses and start building an Eco-House. That would be drastic, not to mention really expensive. Segragating our garbage and recycling, for that matter, is as good as any high-tech insulation or biomass boilers out there.

:okay: Hope they will build model units in smaller towns and cities to increase awareness in this Eco House movement. I fully support this and hope more Filipinos will as well by building more houses like this. Perhaps it will encourage other Filipino architects to develop their own Eco House with perhaps a slightly more attractive design (yet still cheap). :D

flymordecai

December 13th, 2008, 12:33 PM

flymordecai

December 13th, 2008, 12:33 PM

flymordecai

December 13th, 2008, 12:57 PM

Actually, the design of the Luzviminda Eco House on the architect's website isn't that bad. The model unit of the doesn't really show it's clean, neat design or maybe they were just bad pictures?

http://i38.tinypic.com/dypyzk.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/2v15eg9.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/a2yku9.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/6dsqbk.jpg

flymordecai

December 13th, 2008, 12:57 PM

flymordecai

December 13th, 2008, 12:57 PM

jbkayaker12

December 19th, 2008, 11:51 AM

Surprisingly no one has mentioned Pier One, a favorite restaurant chain of mine. I always make sure to visit this restaurant chain whenever Im in the Philippines.

Pier One's structure comprised of stackable container vans. Instead of being left unused in a dumpsite somewhere, Pier One utilized these container vans and turned it into bars/restaurants all over Metro Manila and beyond. Less container vans for the landfill.:) Some of these container vans which are no longer in use for transporting goods are being dumped in landfills. Im sure there are others salvaging these container vans but Pier One through sheer creativity made the best use out of it. Bravo!!

jbkayaker12

December 19th, 2008, 11:51 AM

jbkayaker12

December 19th, 2008, 11:51 AM

kiretoce

December 19th, 2008, 06:10 PM

^^ Hmm....when you said Pier One, I immediately thought of the furniture/home decor store. Because Pier One here in the US isn't a restaurant. :lol:

kiretoce

December 19th, 2008, 06:10 PM

^^ Hmm....when you said Pier One, I immediately thought of the furniture/home decor store. Because Pier One here in the US isn't a restaurant. :lol:

kiretoce

December 19th, 2008, 06:10 PM

^^ Hmm....when you said Pier One, I immediately thought of the furniture/home decor store. Because Pier One here in the US isn't a restaurant. :lol:

stanleymalls

December 20th, 2008, 07:11 AM

stanleymalls

December 20th, 2008, 07:11 AM

stanleymalls

December 20th, 2008, 07:11 AM

icarusrising

December 20th, 2008, 12:54 PM

House in QC 1

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SUy7EMfPdiI/AAAAAAAAGJQ/uZR_Q2w09L4/s512/IMGP4810.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SUy7IVFwCXI/AAAAAAAAGJY/w4lnN3wwoUM/s512/IMGP4811.JPG

icarusrising

December 20th, 2008, 12:54 PM

House in QC 1

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SUy7EMfPdiI/AAAAAAAAGJQ/uZR_Q2w09L4/s512/IMGP4810.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SUy7IVFwCXI/AAAAAAAAGJY/w4lnN3wwoUM/s512/IMGP4811.JPG

icarusrising

December 20th, 2008, 12:54 PM

House in QC 1

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SUy7EMfPdiI/AAAAAAAAGJQ/uZR_Q2w09L4/s512/IMGP4810.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SUy7IVFwCXI/AAAAAAAAGJY/w4lnN3wwoUM/s512/IMGP4811.JPG

icarusrising

December 20th, 2008, 12:56 PM

House in QC 2

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SUy7Suwh4tI/AAAAAAAAGJo/Atr2RqIAIO8/s640/IMGP4813.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SUy7XF-G49I/AAAAAAAAGJw/dXwEpZAEyzM/s640/IMGP4814.JPG

icarusrising

December 20th, 2008, 12:56 PM

House in QC 2

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SUy7Suwh4tI/AAAAAAAAGJo/Atr2RqIAIO8/s640/IMGP4813.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SUy7XF-G49I/AAAAAAAAGJw/dXwEpZAEyzM/s640/IMGP4814.JPG

icarusrising

December 20th, 2008, 12:56 PM

House in QC 2

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SUy7Suwh4tI/AAAAAAAAGJo/Atr2RqIAIO8/s640/IMGP4813.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SUy7XF-G49I/AAAAAAAAGJw/dXwEpZAEyzM/s640/IMGP4814.JPG

icarusrising

December 20th, 2008, 12:57 PM

House in QC 3

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SUy7cmACSVI/AAAAAAAAGJ4/RhXO1CpwfPc/s640/IMGP4815.JPG

icarusrising

December 20th, 2008, 12:57 PM

House in QC 3

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SUy7cmACSVI/AAAAAAAAGJ4/RhXO1CpwfPc/s640/IMGP4815.JPG

icarusrising

December 20th, 2008, 12:57 PM

House in QC 3

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SUy7cmACSVI/AAAAAAAAGJ4/RhXO1CpwfPc/s640/IMGP4815.JPG

overtureph

December 20th, 2008, 09:37 PM

House in QC 1

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SUy7EMfPdiI/AAAAAAAAGJQ/uZR_Q2w09L4/s512/IMGP4810.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SUy7IVFwCXI/AAAAAAAAGJY/w4lnN3wwoUM/s512/IMGP4811.JPG

Igan saan ito sa QC as well as yung ibang mga bahay? Looks very nice.

overtureph

December 20th, 2008, 09:37 PM

overtureph

December 20th, 2008, 09:37 PM

jbkayaker12

December 20th, 2008, 11:15 PM

^^ Hmm....when you said Pier One, I immediately thought of the furniture/home decor store. Because Pier One here in the US isn't a restaurant. :lol:

Hehehe you've got to get with the times but anyway Pier One in the US is a
nice showcase of products not only from the Philippines but all over the world hahaha!

Anyway, I love the food and ambiance of Pier One in the Philippines.
http://www.pierone.com.ph

jbkayaker12

December 20th, 2008, 11:15 PM

jbkayaker12

December 20th, 2008, 11:15 PM

dhalecx

December 21st, 2008, 05:29 AM

Zenday_Design

December 21st, 2008, 07:01 AM

Is there someone here knows where to buy dining tables and chairs like those you see in mall fastfood chains, eg, greenwich, shakeys, pizza hut, etc.

They are very stylish and ideal for small condos with limited space. I cannot find them in any regular furniture stores.

Try Dimensione and Play & Display. They have those kinds of furniture.

kiretoce

December 21st, 2008, 07:30 AM

^^ I find it amusing that the facade of all three houses are whitewashed. Kinda boring, ain't it?

kiretoce

December 21st, 2008, 07:30 AM

^^ I find it amusing that the facade of all three houses are whitewashed. Kinda boring, ain't it?

kiretoce

December 21st, 2008, 07:30 AM

^^ I find it amusing that the facade of all three houses are whitewashed. Kinda boring, ain't it?

kiretoce

December 21st, 2008, 07:31 AM

^^ Yup! I see a lot of "Made in the Philippines" or "Product of the Philippines" tags on many of Pier One's merchandise. :okay:

kiretoce

December 21st, 2008, 07:31 AM

^^ Yup! I see a lot of "Made in the Philippines" or "Product of the Philippines" tags on many of Pier One's merchandise. :okay:

kiretoce

December 21st, 2008, 07:31 AM

^^ Yup! I see a lot of "Made in the Philippines" or "Product of the Philippines" tags on many of Pier One's merchandise. :okay:

jbkayaker12

December 21st, 2008, 02:03 PM

Try Dimensione and Play & Display. They have those kinds of furniture.

Do you guys have EQ3 and West Elm stores in the Philippines? These stores have some of the best furniture/condo decor pieces which I find more suitable for small spaces. I find traditional furniture store to have bulky and at times gaudy pieces. EQ3 is a bit on the high end compared to West Elm which also has similar pieces but with slightly lower prices here in Vegas, both stores definitely carry modern contemporary pieces.

icarusrising

December 21st, 2008, 04:19 PM

^^ For sure , there are houses of other hues but I didn't take individual pictures of them.

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/1/photos/145/1200x1200/46/IMGP4816.JPG?et=2oaj1%2B49OoMBuh7xgjWbxw&nmid=151062377

@ Manong Bogs, it's a subdivision at the back of Balara near the boundary of Quezon City and Marikina.

icarusrising

December 21st, 2008, 04:19 PM

icarusrising

December 21st, 2008, 04:19 PM

dvbaicrviser

December 21st, 2008, 09:02 PM

A house near San Miguel
Manila

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3138/3051899678_1fc5081e2f_b.jpg

Photo by: Gem (http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view?back=http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images%3Fp%3DManila%2Bmansion%26y%3DSearch%26fr%3Dyfp-t-501%26ei%3Dutf-8%26js%3D1%26x%3Dwrt&w=500&h=341&imgurl=static.flickr.com/209/474561695_1a866146d6.jpg&rurl=http://www.flickr.com/photos/treetop_apple_juice/474561695/&size=111.1kB&name=old+house+in+new+manila&p=Manila+mansion&type=JPG&oid=250dfb1cc47df5c0&fusr=_gem_&tit=old+house+in+new+manila&hurl=http://www.flickr.com/photos/treetop_apple_juice/&no=4&tt=705&sigr=11roob335&sigi=11en5koea&sigb=137lj3o06&sigh=11hcseb2i)

Lumang bahay ba ito na nirenovate lang? ang ganda. sana yung mga lumang bahay gawan ng modern touch lalo na yung mga art deco ang style.

dvbaicrviser

December 21st, 2008, 09:02 PM

dvbaicrviser

December 21st, 2008, 09:02 PM

overtureph

December 22nd, 2008, 08:55 AM

overtureph

December 22nd, 2008, 08:55 AM

overtureph

December 22nd, 2008, 08:55 AM

kevinb

December 22nd, 2008, 04:11 PM

^^ Nice but the grasses should be trimmed.:D

^^ I find it amusing that the facade of all three houses are whitewashed. Kinda boring, ain't it?

I actually agree. I like the second house. :)

kevinb

December 22nd, 2008, 04:11 PM

^^ Nice but the grasses should be trimmed.:D

^^ I find it amusing that the facade of all three houses are whitewashed. Kinda boring, ain't it?

I actually agree. I like the second house. :)

kevinb

December 22nd, 2008, 04:11 PM

^^ Nice but the grasses should be trimmed.:D

^^ I find it amusing that the facade of all three houses are whitewashed. Kinda boring, ain't it?

I actually agree. I like the second house. :)

icarusrising

December 23rd, 2008, 03:07 AM

Ayala Heights?

It's La Vista.

icarusrising

December 23rd, 2008, 03:07 AM

Ayala Heights?

It's La Vista.

icarusrising

December 23rd, 2008, 03:07 AM

Ayala Heights?

It's La Vista.

icarusrising

December 23rd, 2008, 03:10 AM

^^ Nice but the grasses should be trimmed.:D

I actually agree. I like the second house. :)

I took the pic from a vacant lot that's why the grass is overgrown.

Anu ba talaga, Quoia? You agreed with Kimber that it's boring but you like it? :nuts:

icarusrising

December 23rd, 2008, 03:10 AM

icarusrising

December 23rd, 2008, 03:10 AM

sloanesquare

December 23rd, 2008, 03:26 AM

Do you guys have EQ3 and West Elm stores in the Philippines? These stores have some of the best furniture/condo decor pieces which I find more suitable for small spaces. I find traditional furniture store to have bulky and at times gaudy pieces. EQ3 is a bit on the high end compared to West Elm which also has similar pieces but with slightly lower prices here in Vegas, both stores are definitely carry modern contemporary pieces.
nope we dont even have IKEA although IKHEA can be seen in the stores..problem is if they were here we would just photograph the furniture and have it copied

jbkayaker12

December 23rd, 2008, 12:18 PM

^^^Hehehe, at least in the Philippines you can have furniture made to order. In a way sometimes it comes out more economical than store bought items. I noticed the square footage of condos in the Philippines even the brand new ones are on the smaller side so I think made to order items are the way to go.

My friend and I are purchasing a 2bed/2bath condo and the sq footage is a little over 300 sqm / 960 sqf of living space. That is about the average size for a condo here in Vegas.

xavierdude

December 23rd, 2008, 07:04 PM

Is there someone here knows where to buy dining tables and chairs like those you see in mall fastfood chains, eg, greenwich, shakeys, pizza hut, etc.

They are very stylish and ideal for small condos with limited space. I cannot find them in any regular furniture stores.

you may check Interior Design Options along Hemady Rd QC. They supplied those Bread Talk "Comet Chairs" and table legs

Chong

December 24th, 2008, 03:59 AM

I guess the houses here are IMO just ordinary. No difference between a Mediterranean house but just added with glassy windows to make them look modern. Isnt modern-contemporary design one of those with the Modernist avant-garde looks?

Chong

December 24th, 2008, 03:59 AM

Chong

December 24th, 2008, 03:59 AM

kiretoce

December 24th, 2008, 04:05 AM

^^ Sometimes "modern" doesn't necessarily pertain to the design concept solely; it could also be used to describe the new composite materials applied to classical and/or traditional elements.

kiretoce

December 24th, 2008, 04:05 AM

^^ Sometimes "modern" doesn't necessarily pertain to the design concept solely; it could also be used to describe the new composite materials applied to classical and/or traditional elements.

kiretoce

December 24th, 2008, 04:05 AM

^^ Sometimes "modern" doesn't necessarily pertain to the design concept solely; it could also be used to describe the new composite materials applied to classical and/or traditional elements.

Chong

December 24th, 2008, 04:23 AM

^^oh, so it all depends on the materials used, Thanks.

The houses are beautiful by the way, but I dont really have the "modern feel" for them :)

Chong

December 24th, 2008, 04:23 AM

^^oh, so it all depends on the materials used, Thanks.

The houses are beautiful by the way, but I dont really have the "modern feel" for them :)

Chong

December 24th, 2008, 04:23 AM

^^oh, so it all depends on the materials used, Thanks.

The houses are beautiful by the way, but I dont really have the "modern feel" for them :)

icarusrising

December 24th, 2008, 04:52 AM

^^ The basic thing is emphasis on functionalism. It can be the form, the materials and technology used. Here's how this particular site puts it...

Modern Architecture

A loose term applied since the late 19th century to buildings in a variety of styles, in which emphasis is placed on functionalism, rationalism, and current methods of construction, in contrast with architectural styles based on historical precedents and traditional methods of building. This category often includes Art Deco, Art Moderne, Bauhaus, Contemporary style, International style, Organic architecture, Streamline Moderne.

Columbia Encyclopedia: modern architecture

new architectural style that emerged in many Western countries in the decade after World War I. It was based on the “rational” use of modern materials, the principles of functionalist planning, and the rejection of historical precedent and ornament. This style has been generally designated as modern, although the labels International style, Neue Sachlichkeit, and functionalism have also been used.

Development of the Style

Since the mid-19th cent. there had been repeated attempts to assimilate modern technology in practice and theory and to formulate a modern style of architecture suitable to its age. A functionalist approach eventually replaced the formerly eclectic approach to design. Technical progress in the use of iron and glass made possible the construction of Sir Joseph Paxton's celebrated Crystal Palace in London (1851), in which a remarkable delicacy was achieved. In the ensuing years iron, steel, and glass enabled architects and engineers to enclose the vast interior spaces of train sheds, department stores, and market halls, but often the structural forms were clothed with irrelevant ornament.

As late as 1889 the exposed, iron skeleton of the newly erected Eiffel Tower in Paris was met with public outrage. In Chicago, William Le Baron Jenney pioneered the use of a complete steel skeleton for the urban skyscraper in his Home Insurance Building (1883–85). His contemporary, Louis Henry Sullivan, first articulated the theory of functionalism (see functionalism), which he demonstrated in his numerous commercial designs. In addition, experiments in concrete construction were being carried out in France by François Hennebique and Auguste Perret, and in the United States by Ernest Ransome.

As a result of these advances, the formal conception of architecture was also undergoing a profound transformation. Frank Lloyd Wright, a pupil of Sullivan, experimented with the interpenetration of interior and exterior spaces in his residential designs. In Holland, where Wright's work was widely admired, the architects of de Stijl sought to organize building elements into new combinations of overlapping and hovering rectangular planes.

Form and Materials

By 1920 there was an increasingly wide understanding that building forms must be determined by their functions and materials if they were to achieve intrinsic significance or beauty in contemporary terms, without resorting to traditional ornament. Instead of viewing a building as a heavy mass made of ponderous materials, the leading innovators of modern architecture considered it as a volume of space enclosed by light, thin curtain walls and resting on slender piers. The visual aesthetic of modern architecture was largely inspired by the machine and by abstract painting and sculpture.

In giving form and coherence to modern architecture, Le Corbusier's book Vers une architecture (1923, tr. 1927) played an important role, as did the writings of the Dutch architect J. J. P. Oud and the German architect Walter Gropius, who also headed the Bauhaus in Dessau. Other early leaders of the modern movement included Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Marcel Breuer, and Ernst May in Germany and Raymond Hood, Albert Kahn, Richard J. Neutra, William Lescaze, and George Howe in the United States.

In 1932 the label “International style” was applied to modern architecture by the Museum of Modern Art, New York City, anticipating its growing acceptance around the world. The United States became a stronghold of modern architecture after the emigration of Gropius, Mies, and Breuer from Germany during the 1930s. By the mid-20th cent. modern architecture had become an effective instrument for dealing with the increasingly complex building needs of a global society. Large architectural firms such as Harrison and Abramovitz and Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill did much to popularize modern architecture around the world after World War II.

At the same time new technological developments continued to influence architects' designs, particularly in the realm of prefabricated construction, as seen in the works of R. Buckminster Fuller and Moshe Safdie. The development of sophisticated air conditioning and heating systems also allowed modern architecture to spread from the temperate climates of Europe and North America to countries with extremely varied weather conditions.

The Style Evolves

Increasingly, during the 1950s, modern architecture was criticized for its sterility, its “institutional” anonymity, and its disregard for regional building traditions. More varied and individual, as well as regionalist, modes of expression were sought by architects of the next generation, although the basic emphasis on structure and materials continued. This tendency was evident in the works of Louis Kahn, Edward Durell Stone, and Philip Cortelyou Johnson in the United States, and the architects of the so-called New Brutalism movement in England. A dynamic sculptural unity distinguished the buildings of Eero Saarinen and the late works of Le Corbusier. Other leading architects of this generation include Alvar Aalto of Finland, the Italians Pier Luigi Nervi and Paolo Soleri, and in Central and South America, Lúcio Costa, Oscar Niemeyer, Juan O'Gorman, and Felix Candela.

Development of Postmodernism

After 1960, a less evolutionary and more revolutionary critical reaction to modern architecture, first articulated in the writings of Robert Venturi, began to form. Architects have become more concerned with context and tradition. Ornament, once banished by modernism, has returned, often in the form of overtly historical revivalism, although it has just as often been reinterpreted in high-tech materials. This has resulted in a stylistic eclecticism on the contemporary scene. Prominent architects working in the postmodern mode include Philip Johnson in his later projects, Michael Graves, Ricardo Bofill, and Aldo Rossi.

See also articles on individual architects, e.g., Walter Gropius.

Bibliography

See Le Corbusier, Towards a New Architecture (1923, tr. 1927); W. Gropius, The New Architecture and the Bauhaus (1937); V. Scully, Jr., Modern Architecture: The Architecture of Democracy (1961); L. Benevolo, History of Modern Architecture (2 vol., 1966; tr. 1972); H.-R. Hitchcock and P. Johnson, The International Style: Architecture Since 1922 (2d ed. 1966); R. Venturi, Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture (1966); S. Giedion, Space, Time, and Architecture (5th ed. 1967); D. Sharp, A Visual History of Twentieth-Century Architecture (1973); W. J. R. Curtis Modern Architecture Since 1900 (2d ed. 1987); and C. Jencks, Post-Modernism (1987).

Source (http://www.answers.com/topic/modern-architecture)

icarusrising

December 24th, 2008, 04:52 AM

icarusrising

December 24th, 2008, 04:52 AM

icarusrising

December 24th, 2008, 01:30 PM

Mary Santos Arcade
West Avenue corner Del Monte Avenue
Quezon City

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/7067/imgp4847rl5.jpg

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/5214/imgp4849zd6.jpg

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/6112/imgp4851sk1.jpg

icarusrising

December 24th, 2008, 01:30 PM

icarusrising

December 24th, 2008, 01:30 PM

icarusrising

December 24th, 2008, 01:33 PM

Crossings Department Store-National Bookstore Building
Quezon Avenue
Quezon City

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/5296/imgp4856qb1.jpg

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/1230/imgp4859pk1.jpg

icarusrising

December 24th, 2008, 01:33 PM

Crossings Department Store-National Bookstore Building
Quezon Avenue
Quezon City

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/5296/imgp4856qb1.jpg

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/1230/imgp4859pk1.jpg

icarusrising

December 24th, 2008, 01:33 PM

Crossings Department Store-National Bookstore Building
Quezon Avenue
Quezon City

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/5296/imgp4856qb1.jpg

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/1230/imgp4859pk1.jpg

jz0ne

December 26th, 2008, 04:23 AM

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1114035&id=737168204

icarusrising

December 30th, 2008, 10:32 AM

I really like this house along McArthur Highway, San Fernando, Pampanga...
It's both modern and a heritage I think...

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SVmm2xYLRkI/AAAAAAAAGdQ/CyPxx0mHLQ4/s640/IMGP5086.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SVmm6APY2XI/AAAAAAAAGdY/-f6SFR2FD7Q/s640/IMGP5087.JPG

icarusrising

December 30th, 2008, 10:32 AM

icarusrising

December 30th, 2008, 10:32 AM

satchel

January 5th, 2009, 05:48 PM

can someone recommend a good ID? kailangan ko sana to finish and furnish a small space around feb. or march this year. thanks. :)

icarusrising

January 6th, 2009, 02:09 PM

The heart of modern Manila (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=27899&publicationSubCategoryId=85)
CITY SENSE By Paulo Alcazaren Updated November 17, 2007 12:00 AM

http://www.philstar.com/newphilstar/www/image/20071117/lif1.jpg

I spent the weekend cleaning out our basement again. I ended up sorting my images in a never-ending process of making sense of all my research and accumulations of Manila’s urban past. Most people who stop me in public and say they read this column inevitably mention that they enjoy most the stories and old pictures of Manila.

Well, just to take another break from my continuing rant and rhetoric about the plight of Filipino designers and the death of creative freedom, here’s a few more of those nostalgic images of Manila — picked almost at random from one of my stray files to show just how much can be told with images from the past.

These five pictures are mainly aerial views of the city taken in the early 1930s. Aerial photography was an innovation then. These amazing images gave Filipino readers of newspapers and magazines a unique perspective of their progressive city. Remember that there were no buildings over six stories high in Manila then. Those that were, like the Insular Life Bldg. on Plaza Cervantes, were already dubbed “skyscrapers.”

The first picture is a bird’s -eye view of the heart of Manila. The Intramuros was still intact in the early ‘30s and was that way by design. The Americans followed planner Daniel Burnham’s directive to keep the old walled city at the core of the new metropolis, since it held the most important institutions of the city and the country.

The American governor general held office beside the Plaza Mayor — the main open space that defined all urban grids created by the Spanish across their empire. This was also the seat of the Catholic Church in the Philippines, as embodied in the Manila Cathedral. The American Armed Forces also was headquartered at Fort Santiago, which guarded entry into the Pasig River — then also the main highway into the hinterland of Luzon via the lake of Bai (Laguna de Bay). The Intramuros also housed all the major private institutions of learning like the Ateneo Municipal de Manila and the University of Santo Tomas.

Seen at the bottom of the picture is the spanking new neo-classically styled Legislative Building. Originally designed to house the National Library, the first of several buildings of Burnham’s planned government center at the Luneta, it was redesigned by Architect Juan Arellano to house the Philippine Legislature. A few years after this picture was taken, Manuel L. Quezon took his oath of office as Commonwealth president. A triumphal arch, created by Guillermo Tolentino to commemorate the event, was to have been erected at the main road fronting the structure leading into Intramuros. Sadly, it was never built.

On the top left of the picture you can see Manila’s South Harbor, the most modern in the Far East before the war. It had the longest passenger pier (no. 7, not visible in the picture), which brought tourists to within 200 meters of the Manila Hotel. Visible in the picture is 13th Street — where the Philippine STAR offices are now located. Note, too, that there was no Del Pan Bridge yet. That had to wait until after the war and the building of the North Harbor (already outlined in detail in the 1931 “zonification” plan of Manila — yes, we were one of the first cities in Asia that had a modern zoning plan for urban development).

The next picture is a lower aerial shot of two key buildings at the waterfront — the Elks Club and the Army Navy Club. Both were bastions of colonial society and were restricted to white Americans. What’s unique in this photo is that the American Embassy is not yet part of the grouping. The complex was not built until late in the 1930s when the Commonwealth government had taken over Malacañan Palace and the American High Commissioner needed a residence and office. The eventual site was roughly where Burnham had envisioned a residential complex for high American officials anyway. The reclaimed land was offered by the city government. Mayor Antonio “Yeba” Villegas tried to reclaim it in the early ‘60s but failed.

Malacañan Palace itself is seen in an aerial shot a little earlier than the two pictures. Here we see the H-shaped Executive Building (now called Kalayaan Hall) built in the 1910s to house the offices of the American governor general. The residence is to the left, still based on the old Spanish-era structure but with additions and improvements mainly to protect it from floods and to bring in modern electricity and plumbing. (For more about the palace, read the book Malacañan Palace: The Official Illustrated History which I co-authored with Manuel Quezon and Jeremy Barnes.)

The final aerial shot is one of ships anchored in Manila Bay. The North Harbor was still in the planning stages so ships that could not be accommodated at the South Harbor had to wait or have passengers and freight offloaded into light barges and brought to warehouses in Binondo via the muellles (quays) that lined the Pasig.

The last image is a ground level picture of P. Burgos. It is a much earlier shot (probably 1915) and shows the two most popular and efficient means of transport — the calesa and the tranvia. The original light rail system carried seven million urbanites a year at its pre-war peak. One could travel as far north as Malabon, as far south as Pasay and as far east as Pasig and Antipolo.

Manila was a modern planned city with an extensive pollution-free transport system. It had a modern port that was expanding. It had two airports to service flights south to Iloilo and north to Baguio. It had good infrastructure that included a sewage and water system, piped gas and electricity. Open space was abundant as were recreational grounds. Most importantly, it had a well-defined center for both business and government.

A large city can only have one heart, one center that controls its growth and sets its direction. As cities enlarge to megalopolises, it still is important to keep a center and a singular authority to coordinate and render basic services, to ensure safety, freedom from crime and natural disasters (and man-made ones like billboards).

Larger cities can decentralize, like New York with its boroughs and Paris with its arrondissements, but no rational garbage, traffic or transport system can be had without a development authority. No sustainable urban revitalization can be accomplished if a metropolis is gerrymandered into countless fiefdoms. Metro Manila can never aspire to regain its glory, reclaim its soul or lead a nation if it cannot consolidate its resources, produce a master plan and create a vision of what it wants to be.

Finally, it has to make sure that such a plan fits well in a larger regional and national context — as the economic, political and cultural center of the nation. What happens in Manila goes for the entire nation. If it loses its soul to greed, graft and globalization, then God help the Philippines.

icarusrising

January 6th, 2009, 02:09 PM

icarusrising

January 6th, 2009, 02:09 PM

icarusrising

January 7th, 2009, 11:57 AM

Does this house look familiar to you?

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/3/photos/164/1200x1200/7/IMGP5305.JPG?et=3Gd4uZCEX4nOlH25hGRChw&nmid=162700951

icarusrising

January 7th, 2009, 11:57 AM

Does this house look familiar to you?

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/3/photos/164/1200x1200/7/IMGP5305.JPG?et=3Gd4uZCEX4nOlH25hGRChw&nmid=162700951

icarusrising

January 7th, 2009, 11:57 AM

Does this house look familiar to you?

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/3/photos/164/1200x1200/7/IMGP5305.JPG?et=3Gd4uZCEX4nOlH25hGRChw&nmid=162700951

kiretoce

January 8th, 2009, 02:22 AM

^^ Should it be?

kiretoce

January 8th, 2009, 02:22 AM

^^ Should it be?

kiretoce

January 8th, 2009, 02:22 AM

^^ Should it be?

icarusrising

January 8th, 2009, 04:43 AM

^^ It's often rented out to the networks and film outfits for commercials, movies or teleseryes though it looks like it's been recently refurbished.

icarusrising

January 8th, 2009, 04:43 AM

^^ It's often rented out to the networks and film outfits for commercials, movies or teleseryes though it looks like it's been recently refurbished.

icarusrising

January 8th, 2009, 04:43 AM

^^ It's often rented out to the networks and film outfits for commercials, movies or teleseryes though it looks like it's been recently refurbished.

icarusrising

January 8th, 2009, 05:27 AM

A recently finished house in BFQC...

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/5/photos/164/1200x1200/8/IMGP5306.JPG?et=xiRVEPjksDki2F39rd8hVQ&nmid=162700951

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/5/photos/164/1200x1200/9/IMGP5307.JPG?et=hIH7V%2BePoM9dzwQyBE8T7g&nmid=162700951

icarusrising

January 8th, 2009, 05:27 AM

icarusrising

January 8th, 2009, 05:27 AM

icarusrising

January 8th, 2009, 05:34 AM

These ones are from Marikina...

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/1/photos/156/1200x1200/9/IMGP5226.JPG?et=EFXlRoKNr8i9faQz1L%2CfAg&nmid=157545039

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/1/photos/156/1200x1200/10/IMGP5227.JPG?et=I1j9LU8zHh%2B4Oy%2BSFFj0TA&nmid=157545039

icarusrising

January 8th, 2009, 05:34 AM

icarusrising

January 8th, 2009, 05:34 AM

kiretoce

January 8th, 2009, 05:42 AM

^^ I noticed that those houses, for their size, they don't have any space devoted for yards (front, back, or side).

kiretoce

January 8th, 2009, 05:42 AM

^^ I noticed that those houses, for their size, they don't have any space devoted for yards (front, back, or side).

kiretoce

January 8th, 2009, 05:42 AM

^^ I noticed that those houses, for their size, they don't have any space devoted for yards (front, back, or side).

icarusrising

January 8th, 2009, 05:51 AM

^^ I noticed that those houses, for their size, they don't have any space devoted for yards (front, back, or side).

Perhaps true for most subdivisions in Metro Manila nowadays wherein the lot cuts are smaller.

Not true for the last one before your comment. It occupies a full block. There are a garden and pool on the side. The one before that also with a blue roof and blue-tinted glass for windows is a corner lot. It has a garden on the side.

These ones from BF in QC occupy most of the lot. They were built within the last two years...

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/5/photos/164/1200x1200/10/IMGP5308.JPG?et=qj7I6ofd8l0%2BR501daOq6Q&nmid=162700951

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/5/photos/164/1200x1200/12/IMGP5310.JPG?et=3Ghk3AUqbqw%2Big4f6MHV0g&nmid=162700951

icarusrising

January 8th, 2009, 05:51 AM

icarusrising

January 8th, 2009, 05:51 AM

kiretoce

January 8th, 2009, 05:57 AM

Also, the frontages of these beautiful houses are unceremoniously obstructed by those hideous walls/gates/fences.

kiretoce

January 8th, 2009, 05:57 AM

Also, the frontages of these beautiful houses are unceremoniously obstructed by those hideous walls/gates/fences.

kiretoce

January 8th, 2009, 05:57 AM

Also, the frontages of these beautiful houses are unceremoniously obstructed by those hideous walls/gates/fences.

icarusrising

January 17th, 2009, 10:53 AM

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SXFsiPTZyyI/AAAAAAAAG8o/eLKfQk0g2kQ/s512/IMGP5628.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SXFqzq8lp3I/AAAAAAAAG8U/6IECpFYcGdg/s512/IMGP5626.JPG

icarusrising

January 17th, 2009, 10:53 AM

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SXFsiPTZyyI/AAAAAAAAG8o/eLKfQk0g2kQ/s512/IMGP5628.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SXFqzq8lp3I/AAAAAAAAG8U/6IECpFYcGdg/s512/IMGP5626.JPG

icarusrising

January 17th, 2009, 10:53 AM

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SXFsiPTZyyI/AAAAAAAAG8o/eLKfQk0g2kQ/s512/IMGP5628.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SXFqzq8lp3I/AAAAAAAAG8U/6IECpFYcGdg/s512/IMGP5626.JPG

icarusrising

January 17th, 2009, 01:01 PM

Quezon Institute

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SXFpoMtnLKI/AAAAAAAAG8A/Hjnpe7bRo_4/s640/IMGP5624.JPG

Philippine Charity Sweepstakes

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SXFoXK1ilUI/AAAAAAAAG7s/JQAXtWVutog/s640/IMGP5622.JPG

icarusrising

January 17th, 2009, 01:01 PM

icarusrising

January 17th, 2009, 01:01 PM

LIKHATURA

January 29th, 2009, 03:35 PM

Here's my contribution:

Proposed Oceanarium:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/ashley_30303/Untitled-1copy.png

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/ashley_30303/scene2copy.png

i think there is something wrong here ..it looks like the designer focus on multi storey instead of underground or a wide structure w/c from top.. what are the activities at the upper floors? is there a shark living there or just a turtle??

LIKHATURA

January 29th, 2009, 03:35 PM

LIKHATURA

January 29th, 2009, 03:35 PM

kiretoce

January 30th, 2009, 08:02 AM

^^ The Oceanarium isn't just for marine wildlife displays. It's also a teaching, research, and rehabilitation facility. The added floors might be space for labs, classrooms and lecture halls, administrative offices, and other workplaces not open for viewing to the visiting public.

kiretoce

January 30th, 2009, 08:02 AM

kiretoce

January 30th, 2009, 08:02 AM

urban Iegend

January 31st, 2009, 02:58 AM

Tacloban:

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll54/marsofalltimes/taclobanperfect006.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll54/marsofalltimes/taclobanperfect022.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll54/marsofalltimes/taclobanperfect018.jpg

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/6351/img0246aaw6gx1.jpg

not sure if this design is final..
http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo174/erwintheater/dzr2.jpg

urban Iegend

January 31st, 2009, 02:58 AM

urban Iegend

January 31st, 2009, 02:58 AM

kiretoce

January 31st, 2009, 03:17 AM

Tacloban:
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll54/marsofalltimes/taclobanperfect006.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll54/marsofalltimes/taclobanperfect022.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll54/marsofalltimes/taclobanperfect018.jpg

Once again, those damn electrical wires are ruining the shot! :rant:

kiretoce

January 31st, 2009, 03:17 AM

Tacloban:
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll54/marsofalltimes/taclobanperfect006.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll54/marsofalltimes/taclobanperfect022.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll54/marsofalltimes/taclobanperfect018.jpg

Once again, those damn electrical wires are ruining the shot! :rant:

kiretoce

January 31st, 2009, 03:17 AM

Tacloban:
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll54/marsofalltimes/taclobanperfect006.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll54/marsofalltimes/taclobanperfect022.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll54/marsofalltimes/taclobanperfect018.jpg

Once again, those damn electrical wires are ruining the shot! :rant:

icarusrising

January 31st, 2009, 08:30 PM

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n37/icarus05x/Iloilo/IMGP5728A.jpg

icarusrising

January 31st, 2009, 08:30 PM

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n37/icarus05x/Iloilo/IMGP5728A.jpg

icarusrising

January 31st, 2009, 08:30 PM

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n37/icarus05x/Iloilo/IMGP5728A.jpg

kiretoce

January 31st, 2009, 08:56 PM

^^ Those two buildings don't seem to complement each other.

kiretoce

January 31st, 2009, 08:56 PM

^^ Those two buildings don't seem to complement each other.

kiretoce

January 31st, 2009, 08:56 PM

^^ Those two buildings don't seem to complement each other.

icarusrising

February 1st, 2009, 05:39 AM

^^ I agree. The Iloilo Capitol building is highly symmetrical having taken inspiration from neoclassical with its dome and vertical lines that suggest of columns. The Museo Iloilo, at least from this angle has an irregular shape. But then again, both are surrounded by other buildings that are pure contrasts such as the ancestral mansions and the old capitol building on the same street.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SYSHq5PJ60I/AAAAAAAAHCk/28xLLf8d_Kw/s640/IMGP5667.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SYSHvf855XI/AAAAAAAAHC0/xwEgIIb33tU/s640/IMGP5669.JPG

icarusrising

February 1st, 2009, 05:39 AM

icarusrising

February 1st, 2009, 05:39 AM

dvbaicrviser

February 1st, 2009, 08:23 AM

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n37/icarus05x/Iloilo/IMGP5728A.jpg

Sana hindi na lang nilagyan ng primary colors yung pader. :ohno:

dvbaicrviser

February 1st, 2009, 08:23 AM

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n37/icarus05x/Iloilo/IMGP5728A.jpg

Sana hindi na lang nilagyan ng primary colors yung pader. :ohno:

dvbaicrviser

February 1st, 2009, 08:23 AM

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n37/icarus05x/Iloilo/IMGP5728A.jpg

Sana hindi na lang nilagyan ng primary colors yung pader. :ohno:

icarusrising

February 1st, 2009, 06:50 PM

^^ Okay lang yan...

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SYSW_1epQwI/AAAAAAAAHKY/MnQnra98V4Q/s512/IMGP5729.JPG

icarusrising

February 1st, 2009, 06:50 PM

^^ Okay lang yan...

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SYSW_1epQwI/AAAAAAAAHKY/MnQnra98V4Q/s512/IMGP5729.JPG

icarusrising

February 1st, 2009, 06:50 PM

^^ Okay lang yan...

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SYSW_1epQwI/AAAAAAAAHKY/MnQnra98V4Q/s512/IMGP5729.JPG

stanleymalls

February 1st, 2009, 07:25 PM

stanleymalls

February 1st, 2009, 07:25 PM

stanleymalls

February 1st, 2009, 07:25 PM

stanleymalls

February 1st, 2009, 07:26 PM

Once again, those damn electrical wires are ruining the shot! :rant:

Yan lang talaga ang panget sa poor urban planning.... :ohno: :ohno: :ohno:

stanleymalls

February 1st, 2009, 07:26 PM

Once again, those damn electrical wires are ruining the shot! :rant:

Yan lang talaga ang panget sa poor urban planning.... :ohno: :ohno: :ohno:

stanleymalls

February 1st, 2009, 07:26 PM

Once again, those damn electrical wires are ruining the shot! :rant:

Yan lang talaga ang panget sa poor urban planning.... :ohno: :ohno: :ohno:

kaw

February 2nd, 2009, 10:25 AM

hi zenday!

may i also know the total cost of the unit you did in victoria towers?
liked the colors!

thanks!

icarusrising

February 6th, 2009, 06:42 AM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3490/3255428339_6f3bd0c8b4.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3094/3257587772_4ae1f34c47.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3346/3257591400_27d9382186.jpg?v=0

icarusrising

February 6th, 2009, 06:42 AM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3490/3255428339_6f3bd0c8b4.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3094/3257587772_4ae1f34c47.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3346/3257591400_27d9382186.jpg?v=0

icarusrising

February 6th, 2009, 06:42 AM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3490/3255428339_6f3bd0c8b4.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3094/3257587772_4ae1f34c47.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3346/3257591400_27d9382186.jpg?v=0

kiretoce

February 6th, 2009, 08:08 AM

^^ Rustic Modern? Kinda oxymoronic, don't you think? ;)

kiretoce

February 6th, 2009, 08:08 AM

^^ Rustic Modern? Kinda oxymoronic, don't you think? ;)

kiretoce

February 6th, 2009, 08:08 AM

^^ Rustic Modern? Kinda oxymoronic, don't you think? ;)

icarusrising

February 7th, 2009, 01:59 AM

^^ Rustic Modern? Kinda oxymoronic, don't you think? ;)

Yeah, but the term exists in design and architecture vocabulary. Here are some examples...

http://www.greenpacks.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/cottage-in-a-day_1.jpg

http://www.greenpacks.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/cottage-in-a-day_2.jpg

http://www.greenpacks.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/cottage-in-a-day_5.jpg

Source of photos (http://www.greenpacks.org/2009/01/27/cottage-in-a-day-by-michael-fitzhugh/)

The idea is to pull elements from both traditional and modern styles so one can have buildings that are simple and laid-back without sacrificing the comforts of modern life.

icarusrising

February 7th, 2009, 01:59 AM

icarusrising

February 7th, 2009, 01:59 AM

icarusrising

February 7th, 2009, 04:20 AM

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SYz6jJIsBKI/AAAAAAAAHvk/O5JBPuqaeLs/s640/IMGP6262.JPG

icarusrising

February 7th, 2009, 04:20 AM

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SYz6jJIsBKI/AAAAAAAAHvk/O5JBPuqaeLs/s640/IMGP6262.JPG

icarusrising

February 7th, 2009, 04:20 AM

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SYz6jJIsBKI/AAAAAAAAHvk/O5JBPuqaeLs/s640/IMGP6262.JPG

icarusrising

February 7th, 2009, 04:25 AM

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SYz28K6tYsI/AAAAAAAAHkg/Q3GwqMQ2MV0/s640/IMGP6161.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SYz2_xb7qtI/AAAAAAAAHko/EqEdwzlmY_4/s640/IMGP6162.JPG

icarusrising

February 7th, 2009, 04:25 AM

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SYz28K6tYsI/AAAAAAAAHkg/Q3GwqMQ2MV0/s640/IMGP6161.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SYz2_xb7qtI/AAAAAAAAHko/EqEdwzlmY_4/s640/IMGP6162.JPG

icarusrising

February 7th, 2009, 04:25 AM

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SYz28K6tYsI/AAAAAAAAHkg/Q3GwqMQ2MV0/s640/IMGP6161.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SYz2_xb7qtI/AAAAAAAAHko/EqEdwzlmY_4/s640/IMGP6162.JPG

icarusrising

February 7th, 2009, 02:52 PM

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SYz4wU9Eo8I/AAAAAAAAHqU/wSq0BKSjh0o/s640/IMGP6213.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SY0Woy7p_1I/AAAAAAAAH3U/a5Blj_5PVpU/s640/IMGP6068.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SY0WcWAMzKI/AAAAAAAAH28/seBnoKMO8kU/s640/IMGP6065.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SY0Wvx4bFyI/AAAAAAAAH3c/NbadQ2_8HXM/s640/IMGP6069.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SY0WgDdEP_I/AAAAAAAAH3E/5UXo3TzAq3s/s640/IMGP6066.JPG

icarusrising

February 7th, 2009, 02:52 PM

icarusrising

February 7th, 2009, 02:52 PM

icarusrising

February 7th, 2009, 02:58 PM

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SY0W3BU8avI/AAAAAAAAH3s/MHgJdCh-Xbc/s640/IMGP6071.JPG

icarusrising

February 7th, 2009, 02:58 PM

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SY0W3BU8avI/AAAAAAAAH3s/MHgJdCh-Xbc/s640/IMGP6071.JPG

icarusrising

February 7th, 2009, 02:58 PM

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SY0W3BU8avI/AAAAAAAAH3s/MHgJdCh-Xbc/s640/IMGP6071.JPG

kiretoce

February 7th, 2009, 09:04 PM

Yeah, but the term exists in design and architecture vocabulary. Here are some examples...

http://www.greenpacks.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/cottage-in-a-day_1.jpg

http://www.greenpacks.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/cottage-in-a-day_2.jpg

http://www.greenpacks.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/cottage-in-a-day_5.jpg

Source of photos (http://www.greenpacks.org/2009/01/27/cottage-in-a-day-by-michael-fitzhugh/)

The idea is to pull elements from both traditional and modern styles so one can have buildings that are simple and laid-back without sacrificing the comforts of modern life.

I think the "rustic" element in those photos you provided pertains to the location, not the architecture. The architectural design and interior amenities are what you can classify as modern.

kiretoce

February 7th, 2009, 09:04 PM

kiretoce

February 7th, 2009, 09:04 PM

icarusrising

February 8th, 2009, 04:27 AM

I think the "rustic" element in those photos you provided pertains to the location, not the architecture. The architectural design and interior amenities are what you can classify as modern.

You'd notice the interior is spartan comparing it to say, Ikea showrooms. The cottages themselves are described as rustic. Here's an excerpt from the source of the photos...

Another great example of eco-architecture, Cottage in a day is an energy efficient factory-built home by architect Michael Fitzhugh. Based on 14-square-foot-modules, with structural insulated panels and natural wood finishes, it’s supposed to be the perfect eco-friendly solution for a rustic cottage in a rural landscape.

icarusrising

February 8th, 2009, 04:27 AM

icarusrising

February 8th, 2009, 04:27 AM

taipan101

February 14th, 2009, 07:54 PM

Hi jeffen. Here's some photos of the studio unit we did in Bonifacio Residences(model unit) :

http://i34.tinypic.com/adyknq.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/2w40mf7.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/2v1lnqr.jpg

Nice work. I designed the the hanging lamp you got that from TOP? :)

3cr

February 16th, 2009, 09:17 AM

Nice work. I designed the the hanging lamp you got that from TOP? :) ^^ I'm in the market for hanging/ceiling lamps and am wondering where is TOP located? I'd love to check out what they have before actually committing to purchase from the selections I've seen so far. I do really like that bedroom ceiling lamp you designed above. Much Thanks. :) :) :)

taipan101

February 16th, 2009, 02:28 PM

^^ I'm in the market for hanging/ceiling lamps and am wondering where is TOP located? I'd love to check out what they have before actually committing to purchase from the selections I've seen so far. I do really like that bedroom ceiling lamp you designed above. Much Thanks. :) :) :)

Hi 3cr they used to have a shop at Serendra but I heard they're closed. But you can check CFIP (Chamber of Furniture Industries of Philippines) if they have contact information. TOP is their local company and export its ROWE or Springsheets.

3cr

February 17th, 2009, 09:32 AM

^^ Thanks for the info Taipan! Will do! :)

you_wish

February 18th, 2009, 03:51 PM

Hi Boe! if you're staying here until march, you might want to visit PIFS - Philippine International Furniture Show in SMX Mall of Asia. Most phil exporters from furnitures, lamps to displays are participating. It will be on March 5 to 8. I think ung last two days lang ung open for public but i can get you passes if you want. Happy Shopping!!!

3cr

February 19th, 2009, 03:01 AM

Wow Thank You You_wish. That will be great if I can check it out. Bakit hindi ka na nag PM bro. Anyway I cleaned out my PM board a bit na so you can PM na at your convenience. Hopefully it does not get filled up again too quickly like the last time. I also posted my Cell No# (during my stay in Pinas) sa BGCityzens threan in Samahan in case you want to contact me via text. Thanks again You_wish and hope to see you at Fairways before I fly back to the States. - Boe / 3cr :)

you_wish

February 19th, 2009, 06:58 AM

sent you a PM boe.

here is my 1br Joya Loft rendering by Stephen David.

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee173/ma_beltran/Beltran_JoyaLoft1BRUnit305_forMike.jpg

sloanesquare

February 19th, 2009, 09:38 AM

are those real bricks or fibre glass faux bricks...where did you buy it

you_wish

February 20th, 2009, 05:06 PM

^^^^ veneer bricks

3cr

February 22nd, 2009, 02:12 PM

Got it You_Wish. I PM'd you back as well! :) :) :)

sent you a PM boe.

here is my 1br Joya Loft rendering by Stephen David.

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee173/ma_beltran/Beltran_JoyaLoft1BRUnit305_forMike.jpg

Wow Very Nice You_wish! Another great looking design proposal from Stephen David as usual. Might want to have Stephen adjust the height of that elevated buffet/bar ledge separating the dining room and kitchen since it looks a little higher than normal even with those matching bar chairs. Btw make sure not to forget to put some provision in the contract regarding compensation/penalties for failure to finish the unit/project on the mutually agreed upon promised completion date as well as for the days the project is delayed in its completion. This is just for your protection na rin bro regardless of who does your unit renovation. Just that I read in the Grand Hamptons thread how long Stephen's project in Hvk's unit is taking and has been delayed quite a bit already up to now and I'm sure you would not want to be in the same predicament and experience the same kind of delays when it's your time to have your unit done. Hopefully Stephen and his crew has also learned from this experience as well so that such delays do not happen again to his future clients para everybody happy di ba! Anyway payong kapatid lang naman. Good Luck and God Bless! :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

stephenpdavid

February 22nd, 2009, 02:44 PM

^^

Hi 3cr! First of all, many thanks for the warm compliment. :)

Yes, we learned a lot from Mr. Hv_K's unit in Grand Hamptons 1. Actually, It is a challenge for us because the client is very particular to the quality of the construction, which is right for being a client. And it is our accountability for the delays of his unit. We will pay the fine (penalty) as stated in the contract. Mr. Hv_K is a nice person & i know that this March his long wait will come to an end...

3cr

February 22nd, 2009, 03:10 PM

^^ That's great! I'm glad! Good to hear Stephen, good to hear... :) :) :)

Yes, we learned a lot from Mr. Hv_K's unit in Grand Hamptons 1. Actually, It is a challenge for us because the client is very particular to the quality of the construction, which is right for being a client. And it is our accountability for the delays of his unit. We will pay the fine (penalty) as stated in the contract. Mr. Hv_K is a nice person & i know that this March his long wait will come to an end...

chillendawg

February 23rd, 2009, 01:07 AM

:ohno:^^ That's great! I'm glad! Good to hear Stephen, good to hear... :) :) :)

Wow I wonder who's telling the truth?:ohno:

stephenpdavid

February 23rd, 2009, 02:59 AM

Architectural/ Interior Design & Build - 3D Design - South Forbes Golf City Bali Mansions Residence

Lot Area: 250 sq.m.
Total Floor Area: 307 sq.m.

Location: South Forbes Golf City, Metro Sta. Rosa, Laguna

3D Design:

GROUND FLOOR:

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/SFGCBaliMansions_Mar302K8_GF_Liv-2.jpg
Living Area - View 01

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/SFGCBaliMansions_Mar302K8_GF_Liv-1.jpg
Living Area - View 02

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/SFGCBaliMansions_Mar302K8_GF_Living.jpg
Living Area - View 03

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/SFGCBaliMansions_Mar302K8_GF_Dining.jpg
Dining Area

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/SFGCBaliMansions_Mar302K8_GF_Kit-3.jpg
Kitchen - View 01

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/SFGCBaliMansions_Mar302K8_GF_Kit-2.jpg
Kitchen - View 02

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/SFGCBaliMansions_Mar302K8_GF_Kit-1.jpg
Kitchen - View 03

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/SFGCBaliMansions_Mar302K8_GF_Kitche.jpg
Kitchen - View 04

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/SFGCBaliMansions_Mar302K8_GF_Powder.jpg
Powder Room

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/SFGCBaliMansions_Mar302K8_GF_Den-2.jpg
Den - View 01

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/SFGCBaliMansions_Mar302K8_GF_Den-1.jpg
Den - View 02

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/SFGCBaliMansions_Mar302K8_GF_Den_ca.jpg
Den - View 03

SECOND FLOOR:

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/SFGCBaliMansions_Mar302K8_2F_Mas-4.jpg
Master Bedroom - View 01

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/SFGCBaliMansions_Mar302K8_2F_Mas-3.jpg
Master Bedroom - View 02

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/SFGCBaliMansions_Mar302K8_2F_Mas-2.jpg
Master Bedroom - View 03

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/SFGCBaliMansions_Mar302K8_2F_Mas-1.jpg
Master Bedroom - View 04

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/SFGCBaliMansions_Mar302K8_2F_Master.jpg
Master T&B

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/SFGCBaliMansions_Mar302K8_2F_Wal-1.jpg
Walk-In Closet - View 01

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/SFGCBaliMansions_Mar302K8_2F_Walk-i.jpg
Walk-In Closet - View 02

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/SFGCBaliMansions_Mar302K8_2F_Bed-3.jpg
Bedroom 01 - View 01

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/SFGCBaliMansions_Mar302K8_2F_Bed-2.jpg
Bedroom 01 - View 02

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/SFGCBaliMansions_Mar302K8_2F_Bed-1.jpg
Bedroom 02 - View 01

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/SFGCBaliMansions_Mar302K8_2F_Bedroo.jpg
Bedroom 02 - View 02

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/SFGCBaliMansions_Mar302K8_2F_Common.jpg
Common T&B

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/SFGCBaliMansions_Mar302K8_2F_Stu-1.jpg
Study Room - View 01

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/SFGCBaliMansions_Mar302K8_2F_StudyR.jpg
Study Room - View 02

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/SFGCBaliMansions_Mar302K8_2F_Hal-2.jpg
Hallway - View 01

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/SFGCBaliMansions_Mar302K8_2F_Hal-1.jpg
Hallway - View 02

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/SFGCBaliMansions_Mar302K8_2F_Hallwa.jpg
Stairs

stephenpdavid

February 23rd, 2009, 03:07 AM

Architectural/ Interior Design & Build - Actual Completed Photos - South Forbes Golf City Bali Mansions Residence

Lot Area: 250 sq.m.
Total Floor Area: 307 sq.m.

Location: South Forbes Golf City, Metro Sta. Rosa, Laguna

Actual Completed Photos:

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20Multiply/SFGCBaliMansions_ActualCompletedPro.jpg

leechtat

February 23rd, 2009, 08:42 AM

^^ i love it.. you are so talented... :) :cheers:

you_wish

February 23rd, 2009, 09:05 AM

^^ i love it.. you are so talented... :) :cheers:

i know, that's why we got him (naks!)

really, i showed my mom all his works and what has been said about him here in ssc and after much deliberation and consideration - we decided to get his services. i had minor problems with the 3D perspective but napagusapan naman.

Thanks Boe! may konting revisions din sa kitchen and bathroom - i will post them as soon as they're ready. regarding delays and penalties, everything will be in black and white naman and i think madali namang kausap si stephen lalu na sa budget. i hope i won't have much problems.

leechtat

February 23rd, 2009, 05:39 PM

in any case, you will deserve what you pay for.. stephen is indeed talented, his work can add to the resale value of your home/condo unit... make me remember to refer him to my wealthy clients.. :)

tjchgo2

February 25th, 2009, 09:35 PM

^ House looks like the house in the TV series of GMA7.

pengki wan kanobi

February 27th, 2009, 01:55 PM

a modern House in Subic

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/36/26/6656263/1_888479934l.jpg

pengki wan kanobi

February 27th, 2009, 01:55 PM

a modern House in Subic

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/36/26/6656263/1_888479934l.jpg

pengki wan kanobi

February 27th, 2009, 01:55 PM

a modern House in Subic

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/36/26/6656263/1_888479934l.jpg

Esso78

March 1st, 2009, 12:57 AM

Approved 3D Interior Design of a 1-BR Unit in Joya dated June 28, 2008

Total Floor Area: 46 sq.m.
Construction Timeline: 14 working days for the interior fit-out & 30 working days for the fabrication of the furnitures.

Note: The design is similar to the 1-br unit that I previously posted esp. the Kitchen & T&B. The client's intention is to lease out the unit.

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/Joya1BRUnit_Jun262K8_01_LivingDinin.jpg
3D Rendering of Living & Dining Area - View 01

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/Joya1BRUnit_Jun262K8_02_LivingDinin.jpg
3D Rendering of Living & Dining Area - View 02

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/Joya1BRUnit_Jun262K8_03_LivingDinin.jpg
3D Rendering of Living & Dining Area - View 03

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/Joya1BRUnit_Jun262K8_04_Kitchen_cam.jpg
3D Rendering of Kitchen - View 01

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/Joya1BRUnit_Jun262K8_05_Kitchen_cam.jpg
3D Rendering of Kitchen - View 02

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/Joya1BRUnit_Jun262K8_06_Bedroom_cam.jpg
3D Rendering of Bedroom - View 01

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/Joya1BRUnit_Jun262K8_07_Bedroom_cam.jpg
3D Rendering of Bedroom - View 02

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee248/stephenpdavid/SPD%20IDesign/Joya1BRUnit_Jun262K8_08_TB_cam01.jpg
3D Rendering of T&B

sir stephen, astig ng designs mo ah! nagandahan ako especially dun sa paint ng walls ng living area and bedroom, iba yung color nung magkatapat na walls.. one is white. what's the color po of the wall paint across the white? yan po ba ang trend ngayon?

psyche

March 1st, 2009, 05:08 AM

i would do it myself, it's a matter of self expression, actually when i was young i used to think why do we need interior decorators/designers, i learned it then ;)

tulip419

March 1st, 2009, 07:00 AM

ericlucky290

March 2nd, 2009, 03:07 PM

Could anybody help? I want custom-made furnitures in my condo unit. I have pictures of the design/style that I like from Pottery Barn... I heard there are several manufacturers in Pampanga and Bulacan, but I don't know the exact name or location. If anybody knows how I could reach them, please post their contact details or PM me.. Thanks so much!

Try Betis, Pampanga. Take NLEX and exit in San Fernando. Then follow markings to Subic and along that road (which is Olonggapo-Gapan Road) there are a lot of furniture shops.

kiretoce

March 9th, 2009, 08:13 AM

You know it’s a Pinoy home if… (http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view/20090306-192774/You-know-its-a-Pinoy-home-if)

Most Filipino contemporary houses are patterned after western style homes, at times, to the point of impracticality. Often, our real needs are ignored just so that the house is “nasa uso,” making the homeowner “in.”

Specific countries have their own idiosyncrasies or style and their traditional structures generally address their needs. In Japan for example, the “Ryokan,” a typical Japanese house, has some features unique to the Japanese: a place to remove and store shoes, rooms covered in “tatami” mats, minimal low-to-the-ground furniture and other features that can be quite strange to westerners.

Similarly, in Batanes, our very own Ivatan houses have almost no furniture inside, enabling multiple uses for the main areas: for dining and entertaining during the day and for sleeping at night. Again, the indigenous houses of the Ifugaos are just as flexible, as well as the houses on stilts of the Badjaos. But as Madonna says in the words of her popular song, we are living in this material world; and so, all the must-haves of the idealized western home fill up our domestic wish list.

True, our homes have evolved out of so many different influences. From the heavily carved furnishings of the Spaniards, to the brocade and lacquer ware of the Chinese, to the steel, glass and plastic of the Americans, we still keep a hodgepodge of foreign touches in our homes today. Too bad the Japanese did not stay here long enough to gift us with their love of restraint and serenity, when, in fact, the decorative instinct of our native tribes seem to have the closest resemblance to their simplicity and naturalness.

The sad part is that we seem to have gotten stuck with the past and persist on old norms, even when these have become impractical. It is hard to accept but it may be true that it is our nature to be complacent, merely accepting how things are and just working around it.

Look at the designs of our jeepneys, for example. Considering how many hours the driver spends behind the wheel of his vehicle, the total lack of ergonomic comfort of the jeepney seat is horrible. The vehicle is neither weather- and pollution-resistant for its passengers and is, sadly, quite inconvenient to enter or exit. Yet we still see this WWII invention plying our streets and it has even become a Filipino icon.

Sometimes our homes are the same. We are stuck with areas that are not very usable but are there because it is common in the West. But the good news is that it’s never too late to design the right home for the Filipino. All one needs is to think, be innovative and bold, and focus on what one needs and not what one only sees on television.

This is why the organizers of the competition, “Ang Pinakamagandang Bahay sa Balat ng Lupa” have to be admired a lot. They have conceptualized an architectural design competition challenging local architects to design the real contemporary Filipino home. The competition is spearheaded by the University of the Philippines.

Factors to consider

In analyzing the Filipino home, the designer must consider several factors. You know it is a Filipino home if…

• Cleanliness is a natural trait. Often, the shoes worn outside are not the same footwear for inside the house. When shoes are left outside the house, storage space should be provided for these.

• Eating is a favorite pastime. It is an activity that goes on almost the whole day and, many times, does not have to interrupt the viewing of favorite TV shows. Some people would like a spot for a TV set in the dining area and, probably, enough bench space to stretch out for an after-meal siesta. It also means we must give priority to dining rooms more than living rooms. Dining rooms must be set up like an extension of living rooms.

• Filipinos love to decorate their walls. In the dining area, there is usually an image of The Last Supper or a display case of the family’s prized dishes or mementos. A wall and shelves for these distinctive decorations must be provided.

Filipinos love to eat bagoong, daing, dried pusit and all the delicious, smelly stuff. The kitchen must be properly ventilated to get rid of the odor.

• Filipinos are very hospitable. There is always an array of guests, relatives, friends and relatives of friends, to entertain. And for certain, serving food is a big part of the equation. When the ubiquitous guests leave, the hosts are left with lots of dishes to dry. A “banguerahan” or dish-drying area may be the best solution.

• Filipinos have been segregating and recycling for ages, storing “bote-dyaryo” for resale to junk shops. It’s about time to plan to make this task easier. Segregation bins must be made more accessible, even from inside the house.

• Filipinos are a hygienic lot and take a bath for long periods. There is frequently a “tabo and balde” inside the toilet. A sufficient replacement or storage must be worked in. In addition, a bench or some seating may be provided inside the area to make this “ritual” more comfortable.

• Filipinos love fashion and dressing up. In our climate, sometimes we need to change clothes more than once a day. You may then see a kilometer-long laundry line behind the house. An innovation is to provide a drying box which makes use of the heat radiated by the refrigerator to dry clothes.

• Filipinos are a talented race and love music. You can hear them singing from the other side of the road. A space for an entertainment center, such as karaoke, DVD player and play station must be provided.

• Devotion to God is given high importance. Maybe, it would be good to put an altar or prayer area in the center of the home. Seating could likewise be provided for longer prayer times.

• Filipinos are family-oriented. We enjoy our extended families and know each one to the nth degree. As a help to our families in the provinces, our homes become like hotels where they can stay when they are in town. Because of our hospitality, we sometimes offer our very own rooms. Day beds could be a solution, situated in the family room or living area.

• Filipinos cannot live without rice. Proper rice storage must be provided, as well as a pantry large enough for a cache of canned goods and cooking condiment.

• Due likewise to the changes in demographics, wherein more women work outside the home, parents need to take turns in the kitchen, while multitasking the tutoring of the kids, caring for infants, plus other housework. So it could be a great idea to set up a corner where the children can study or play quite near the kitchen.

• Security of homes. These days, there are some homes left locked up when the homeowners leave for work. This used to be unthinkable in the city, but is now becoming more and more the norm. Security of homes must then be a prime design element. In our country, homes in the cities may be very different from the homes in the countryside where the air is cleaner, breezes are cooler and the neighborhood is safer.

• In the city, you may have to contend with an enclosed house, for security, privacy and respect for rights of people living next to you, whereas in the countryside you may choose something more open. Not all have the luxury of space in the city, or the feeling of security. The design then must be sensitive to its environment.

To rediscover the design requirements of the contemporary Filipino home amid the jumble of influences requires the designer to look at the traits and practices of the average person. Only then will the home be both the cozy nest and the perfect palace for the modern Filipino.

kiretoce

March 9th, 2009, 08:13 AM

kiretoce

March 9th, 2009, 08:13 AM

sugarboy

March 15th, 2009, 12:27 AM

I used to be an all out fan for modern architecture. I envisioned my dream house to be geometric, quite minimal in trimmings and accented with some of the iconic elements of modern design movements like Mies van de Rohe's Barcelona chair. For some strange reason, I've had a change of mind (and heart) as I've become fascinated of late with Neo-Filipino designs.

How about you? What is your preference in design? Show us pictures too ;)

I didn't know my old thread was merged here. Anyway, lately, I've been having a different taste for architecture. Tuscan Homes seem to be captivating my fancy.

Something a bit like this (by Gasrock) but with more earth tones.

http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/365/newimage4yt.jpg

This is my preference because this is what the wife wanted.

I guess this fancy sprang about when I visited a high school classmate's house in San Clemente, CA last summer.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a94/avenidalasalle/Skyscrapers/jerictuscan01.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a94/avenidalasalle/Skyscrapers/jerictuscan02.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a94/avenidalasalle/Skyscrapers/jerictuscan03.jpg

sugarboy

March 15th, 2009, 12:27 AM

sugarboy

March 15th, 2009, 12:27 AM

icarusrising

March 15th, 2009, 05:51 AM

SM, malls and urbanism (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=82681&publicationSubCategoryId=86)
CITY SENSE By Paulo Alcazaren Updated August 31, 2008 12:00 AM

http://www.philstar.com/newphilstar/www/image/20080831/lif3.jpg

Malls and malling are today an undeniable part of Filipino life. If you think about it, we spend a major part of our waking lives inside or around these modern complexes attending to our needs for recreation, dining and shopping. One of the names most associated with malls is SM, a company that has redefined the retail business in the Philippines. Along the way to establishing itself as a world-class business entity, it is also reshaping our urban landscapes and lifestyles.

Malls are defined as any large, usually enclosed complex, with shops, restaurants, cinemas and other services or amenities organized around or along a pedestrian concourse or promenade. They are mainly an American invention that cropped up with the suburban explosion after the Second World War.

Before that period, most shopping was done in downtown areas where various shops faced a street and large department stores anchored city blocks at the corners. New York and Chicago had Sears and Macys while we had The Crystal Palace and Estrella del Norte on the Escolta and Aguinaldo’s Department Store on Juan Luna.

The architect most associated with modern shopping malls was Victor Gruen, an Austrian émigré to the United States. He managed to establish a practice after fleeing German-annexed Austria in 1938 and after the war designed the first suburban (but open-air) shopping facility called Northland Mall near Detroit in 1954. After the success of the first project he designed Southdale Mall, the first fully-enclosed shopping mall that opened in Edina, Minnesota.

The Philippines of the ‘50s had few urban areas with needs that could not be serviced by downtown shops. Manila’s shops and department stores were already expanding, however, as the city’s population grew with recovery from the war. One of those shops was a shoe store run by a young entrepreneur named Henry Sy. It was located just off Avenida Rizal, which had by then surpassed the Escolta in prominence.

The young Henry had anticipated the need for shoes and promptly travelled to the United States not only to look for stock but also to see how shops were changing to meet new conditions and post-war prosperity.

Henry, who travelled initially around the American East coast, would have noted and visited the new-fangled “shopping malls” and the trend towards suburban expansion. This trend, he surmised, would eventually be followed in Manila.

Back home, the flight to the suburbs started to happen in the mid-’50s. Housing developments like the government projects and Philamlife Homes were examples; but the first and more sustained moves were made by the Ayalas in Makati with Forbes Park and eventually the “villages” of Bel Air, Urdaneta, San Lorenzo, Magallanes and Dasmarinas.

Henry Sy saw this and decided to make the decision most Manila shop owners were wary of — the move out of downtown. The first Shoemart opened in the ‘60s in Makati as part of the Makati Commercial Center. The center was a hybrid open-air mall, which was enhanced by landscaping but lacked the air-conditioned comfort and organizing strength of an indoor pedestrian promenade. Parking was spread across several lots. Cinemas were present but were not fully integrated with the rest of the complex.

Back in the United States mall design had reached a zenith in the 1970s. The classic format was that of a single or double promenade lined with shops with “anchor” tenants, usually a large department store at the ends. This “dumbell” configuration worked extremely well to generate pedestrian traffic in front of shops. From a normally one-story affair, malls also went multi-story with cineplexes and food courts serving to “anchor” top and bottom floors.

Mr. Sy must have noted all of this and anticipated that this was to be the trend even for Manila. Shoemart had expanded its department stores in Makati, Manila and Cubao in the ‘70s and ‘80s but these were still just an improvement over the large downtown or commercial center shop. He knew the future lay in large integrated multi-level complexes with perimeter parking, anchor tenants, indoor promenades, cineplexes and foodcourts. Finding no partner from the established development firms willing to take the risk, Sy decided to do it himself. SM North EDSA was born.

The gamble paid off in spades as SM North set a new standard for integrated shopping malls in the country. This was soon followed by plans for Megamall in the Ortigas Center. This put SM and Philippine malls on the world map since by the late ‘80s we had started to build bigger malls than the average size even in the US.

By the early 1990s, SM malls and department stores were changing shopping habits and expectations of the Filipino shopper. People started to expect — and receive — a secure, clean and pleasant environment for shopping which many other centers did not have. This was seen in the provision for clean toilets in all their malls, by the courteous security guards and spotless promenades.

Entering SM malls in the ‘90s elicited a change in behavior and even in manner of dress. The three S’s were banished — sandos, slippers and singlets (undershirts) disappeared as shoppers’ behavior and decorum was upgraded along with the improved design of SM’s malls. Today, mall behavior is generally good behavior as users know all public areas are monitored and are therefore generally safe. To paraphrase Winston Churchill: “We shape our buildings and then they shape us.”

The late ‘90s and early 2000s saw a boom in SM malls’ construction. Each new mall took in the lessons from the previous ones and SM’s architects and retail planners learned as they built and as they observed the shopping habits of their customers change.

They noticed more OFWs were coming in so money-changing stations became de rigueur. They noticed cinema-goers wanted more selections in smaller cinemas so this was built in. SM noticed the rise of FXs and taxi queues so these were incorporated or older malls retrofitted to accommodate these modes of transportation. They noted the need to integrate with the light rail transits so this was also done. It was noted that Filipinos would get attracted to unique activities and amenities like skating and art galleries so these are now part and parcel of larger SM malls. They also noted a trend toward outdoor cafes and dining ; so we saw these, too, and benefited from it.

In the middle of this decade the Mall of Asia (MOA) was opened. The facility (the third largest in the world) is the latest evolutionary reflection of SM (and Henry Sy’s) forward thinking. MOA is not a solid box as was the standard design in the ‘80s and ‘90s. It has broken out of the box and incorporates a lot of open spaces and generous areas for al fresco dining. The interiors are provided with generous natural lighting with skylights and glazing. Landscape is an important element, both indoors and out.

MOA is big but because it is broken up in segments, has views outward (especially to the sea), is serviced by trams, and is heavily landscaped and brightly lit inside day and night, it is warm and friendly. No wonder it draws millions every week.

The MOA is an example of the “build it and they will come” approach to new city districts. It will, say reports, be the central core of an integrated mixed-use waterfront district that will include hotels, offices and residential towers, and a cruise terminal (for links to SM’s Hamilo Coast project). Already the MOA is linked to SMX, a convention center, SM by the Bay, two office blocks and One Esplanade, an event facility.

Today, the Philippines is an urban nation. More than half of the country is urbanized. This urbanization has, to a large extent, been uncontrolled and haphazard with little infrastructure or thought given to urban design, architecture or landscape architecture. SM malls have redefined urbanization to include those areas serviced by an SM facility. SM retains the services of the country’s best architects, landscape architects and interior designers, pointing to another contribution to the local service economy.

Most SMs are visible from the air so if there’s no SM yet, that city, some say, is not completely “civilized.” Malls have been criticized for their size and impact on communities. The fact that they are there is testimony to people’s need for convenience, comfort and security not far from where they live. This is more important today, given the rising price of fuel.

The shortcomings are mostly from a larger context of the district or region they are located in. It is a sad fact that public infrastructure and social services fall short of providing adequately for citizen’s needs. That is why we are a nation guarded by private security companies; why private schools provide most of our upper-level education; why medical services are by private clinics and why public markets are not establishments of choice for those who have the choice. Of course it’s a chicken-or-the-egg situation and increased sales tax revenue from SMs do boost a local city government’s profit, giving hope for improved public services.

Service has always been part of SM’s culture. It has responded to public needs in ways other than providing access to goods or movies. SM malls now allow public services into their malls. NBI clearances, BIR remittances and driver’s licences can be processed a short distance from your favorite bookstore or café. Good things seem to be brewing at your local SM.

Malls are here to stay but mall developers and operators, notably SM, are changing the way they are built and are built into the urban fabric. SM’s projects like the MOA are themselves large enough to organize the fabric themselves. In less-expansive sites they drive future development mainly towards increased vibrancy and business engagement.

SM is fulfilling Victor Gruen’s original intent to make shopping malls key elements in the building of communities. He was for giving them an integrating function much like the city plazas, squares and commons of old. He had envisioned the large districts around them to include civic structures, churches, hospitals, hotels, post offices, gymnasiums and parks.

MOA has a church (in fact it was the first structure built on the site). Megamall has a chapel and in most others Mass is celebrated along with the Angelus (inside the SM Department Stores). SM malls have private clinics and health clubs. Parcel and messenger services are available in most SM Malls. Soon, hotels will be integrated at the MOA.

The future of Philippine urbanism lies in finding more ways to integrate, rationalize, and connect needed facilities such as SM’s malls in the necessary context of public transport, housing, environmental sustainability and the conservation or evolution of a sense of place. With greater thought given to urban design, architecture and landscape architecture, SM’s developments will increase the value not only of the spaces within its premises but of the larger urban sites they occupy.

Malling fills a big portion of our contemporary lives. It is part of our modern Filipino culture. “Megamalling” is a verb, or people say “magSM tayo.” Most urban Filipinos cannot imagine a life without SM while rural folk travel great distances for the quarterly or semi-annual SM shopping spree. (Boholanos cross over by fast ferry to SM Cebu).

SM is as Pinoy as kare-kare and crispy pata, long Christmas seasons, family reunions, and texting. Balikbayans put it on their “must-do” lists. It is a barkada, date and gimmick place, a park and playground, a cultural center, festival ground, concert hall and, of course, market place. It is a lot of things to a lot of people and the good thing is that it is evolving.

I have to end this long piece now because… I’ve got to get to the mall.

icarusrising

March 15th, 2009, 05:51 AM

icarusrising

March 15th, 2009, 05:51 AM

icarusrising

March 15th, 2009, 06:12 AM

Requiem for a master architect (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=82439&publicationSubCategoryId=85)

CITY SENSE By Paulo Alcazaren Updated August 30, 2008 12:00 AM

The country has just lost an icon of Philippine modern architecture. Carlos D. Arguelles passed away last Tuesday. He was a proponent of the International Style of architecture that had its beginnings in the Bauhaus school and the Rationalist design movements, which were transplanted to the United States where he studied architecture.

Arguelles translated this modernist ideology into buildings that have become landmarks of Philippine architecture in the second half of the 20th century. His body of work includes the Philamlife headquarters and the Manila Hilton on United Nations Avenue, the PNB on Escolta, the DBP, Manilabank, Allied Bank, and Solid Bank buildings in Makati.

The landscape of commercial centers in the ’70s was shaped by Arguelles-designed buildings. Many still remember the Magallanes Theater, which was demolished a decade or so ago, and the Quad — still there but now embedded in the Glorietta complex. Arguelles also pioneered high-rise condominiums with the Urdaneta Apartments and Makati Tuscany on Ayala Avenue.

Arguelles was an inspiration to generations of students and professionals whom he guided either as a professor then dean of architecture at the UST, or as head of one of the most successful architectural practices in the country from the ’50s to the ’90s.

Carlos D. Corcuera Arguelles was born on September 15, 1922 in Manila. He was the fifth son of Tomas Arguelles, a prominent pre-war architect, and Carmen Benedicta Corcuera. Carlos followed in his father’s footsteps and enrolled in the architecture program at the University of Santo Tomas.

He graduated in 1939, then served a year in the Philippine Army as a reserve officer. He then sailed for the United States in 1940 to further his studies. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in architecture from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1941, where he first came into contact with proponents of a new style of architecture that eschewed extraneous ornament and sought to express form as a product of function.

Arguelles immediately enrolled in the master’s program but the war broke out. He enlisted in the army and was promptly sent off to train as a tank commander in the deserts of Nevada. In charge of training there was the infamous General George Patton. As he was about to be shipped off to the European theater of war, he got a telegraph instructing him to join President Manuel Quezon and the Philippine wartime government in Washington D.C. He eventually was assigned as an intelligence officer under Colonel Chuck Parsons in Australia as they planned the return to the Philippines.

After the liberation, Arguelles retuned to the United States to finish his postgraduate studies at MIT. He graduated in 1946 with a master’s degree in architecture. For the next three years Arguelles worked for a number of American architectural firms, including that of Welton Beckett and Associates. Beckett had designed the Jai Alai in Manila and was, by then, head of what was to become one of the largest design firms in America in the ’50s and ’60s.

Arguelles returned to the Philippines in 1949 and worked as an associate with architect and planner Gines Rivera, who was master-planning the new Ateneo Campus in Loyola Heights at that time. That year he also started teaching at the University of Santo Tomas’s College of Architecture. He would eventually become dean in the mid-’50s until pressure from work forced him to concentrate on his growing practice.

Arguelles first came to prominence as the chief architect of the Philamlife Homes in Quezon City. This was the first “gated” community in the country with a secure perimeter, central park, clubhouse and residential designs based on a select number of model units. Philamlife Homes has become the template used by countless developers ever since. Arguelles designed the bungalows in variants to suit middle-class Filipino lifestyles that had maids, a central toilet and bath facility and a modern garage. For this work and a number of small buildings, he was cited by architectural critic Bobby Perez in a seminal series on modern Filipino architects in the Sunday Times Magazine.

From that initial project, the Philamlife Corporation gave Arguelles his first big office-building commission — the Philamlife headquarters. This he shaped into one of the first international-style buildings in Manila. The medium-rise block used extensive ribbon window glazing and aluminum sunshades. Sculpted concrete formed entrance canopies and a roof for the complex’s auditorium. Arguelles also used the artwork of Filipino artists like Galo Ocampo and Manansala to enhance the clean, spacious and brightly lit interiors.

The building was inaugurated in 1962 and set a new standard for local commercial structures. Arguelles’ star was on the rise and his next major design sealed his reputation as a preferred architect for prestigious projects. The site was just opposite the Philamlife but the building was to be the tallest in Manila for the next two decades. The Manila Hilton was the symbol of a progressive Manila. It made the city a global destination and its architectural composition, composed of a tower on a podium deck, became the format for numerous skyscrapers after that.

These skyscrapers sprouted up in Makati and many of them were the product of CD Arguelles and Associates. CDAA became one of the offices architectural graduates sought to gain entry to and many alumni of CDAA (engineers and architects) went on to establish their own successful practices or careers. This included the likes of Romy Caparros, EL Mariano, Dong Abello, Vic Medel, Choy Protomartir, Meloy Casas Freddie Jurilla, Raul, Locsin, Tony Suarez, Jose Silvestre, Ricky Cheng, Tessie de Vera and Danny Silvestre, now the dean of the College of Architecture at the UP.

Another famous alumnus of CDAA is Ramon Orlina. Ramon likes to remind people that he started as an architect and worked for “Carling” Arguelles at the peak of his practice. Ramon kept contact with Arguelles and his “batch mates” at CDAA. The office environment apparently generated a camaraderie that created a bond for all who worked there.

The office transformed into Carlos D. Arguelles and Partners in the ’80s, which went on to design larger complexes and more towers like the Manila Midtown complex, ABS-CBN studios, the Cathedral of the Holy Child, the Church of the Holy Trinity, the IBM headquarters, the Johnson & Johnson complex and a slew of residential projects in the “villages” of Makati.

I managed to interview the architect a few years ago at his Makati office. He was turning 90 then and was still coming to work everyday. He regaled me with stories of his early years in the United States and of the design and construction of the Philamlife and Hilton projects. He was active in the Philippine Institute of Architects and was an honorary fellow of the American Institute of Architects. He took an interest and was an officer, too, of the Automobile Association of the Philippines.

Arguelles’ legacy is a body of architectural work that spans four decades. His office, because of its size and the scope of its projects, helped professionalize the practice of architecture and engineering (since it was an A&E or architecture and engineering firm). He helped train the current movers and shakers of architecture. He gave out scholarships to outstanding students of architecture in several institutions and recruited the best to work for him.

Arguelles projected an ideal image of “the master architect,” a strong, towering presence that assured clients of the quality of design produced. At the helm, herding a multitude of design consultants, engineers and contractors, he showed great leadership and management skills needed to steer complex projects to meet deadlines and produce outstanding modern buildings.

Arguelles’ structures speak of an era where the best-designed buildings in Asia were in Manila and Filipino architects were among the most respected; not as the glorified draftsmen and backroom support many are now in foreign firms abroad, but as world-class innovators and creative talents.

Arguelles used that talent to improve shelter for Filipinos, to build robust edifices for Filipino commerce, superb structures for Filipino industry and sanctuaries for our spiritual refuge. His and his generation’s legacy of building for the Filipino should be the aim of all Filipino architects and allied professionals. There can be no higher goal and one would hope the current generation of Filipino architects set their sights as high.

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icarusrising

March 15th, 2009, 06:12 AM