Interview with Ongie Jimenez: Architects Create Something Out of Nothing
“Nature is the greatest teacher for me and even became my solid inspiration in every project that I encountered. It is the best design to be emulated, for until now, it lasted billions of years and some are still in existent up to this time.”
Onginev Jimenez, a 5th year student of University of Santo Tomas, has risen to become one of the most talented architecture students today. His design inspired by a unique contextual awareness has put him into the 2nd place of the recent 1st Polycarbonate Architectural Design Competition held last June-July 2012 and sponsored by Sunshield Polycarbonate Sheets, Sunlite Polycarbonate Sheets and Shutter Polycarbonate Sheets.
It also comes as no surprise that his work has garnered him wide acclaim not only from critics, but most notably, from his contemporaries. On this rare occasion, Ongie answered few of our questions regarding his style, design, and even a little something about his childhood. Read on to see what this innovative thinker has to say about his journey in the world of architecture.
Can you give us a brief background of yourself?
Whenever I have my free time, you will probably find me at a corner of a room, doodling or sketching anything. I haven’t changed much since my teenage computer gaming days, for up to now you can still see me in front of the computer, but not with playing games anymore, instead, playing with architectural models and programs.
I always feel excited when a new project arrives, from the day of conception, to completion. I never felt that I was working. I certainly found elation and delight when working with architectural models, designs of houses and other structures. I am also into architectural animations and 3D rendering and also got some sidelines from these skills and talent.
What is architecture for you?
PERSPECTIVE. It's not only about architecture, but I also apply it with my everyday life experience. I am talking about how we perceive things. We have the vision to take a sneak peek into the future, on how the environment and surroundings would look like. Architecture is about perspective. Turn threats into opportunities, turn weaknesses into strengths, and I know, it will help us succeed with our endeavors. Have a positive outlook in life.
What makes you interested in the field of architecture?
“Deus Architectus Mundi, Architectus Secundus Deus." "God is the architect of the world, Architects are second to God". Architects create something out of nothing. I am always fascinated with tall glamorous buildings that soar our skyline. The constant conurbation influx of ideas and constant agglomeration of problems has driven me to move forward, emulate and innovate new solutions. We should learn how to start from plinth, until we build our own obelisk. Every project requires a different approach and solution. Therefore, architecture is not routinely done, there is always something new.
What style or approach in architecture and design do you like the most?
Deconstructivism. There is always beauty in chaos. As I have said, it’s all about perspective. This style gives out a natural order from chaos, which will not only convey expressions to its users, but it also gives a different notion of architecture. Thinking outside the box.
What are the structures that you like the most?
Lyon Airport Station and Milwaukee Art Museum by Santiago Calatrava. I always wanted architecture that were not conventional. Architecture that is dynamic gives a pleasant sensation to the viewers. I am also fascinated with how architects plan spaces in relevance to transportation. Management and the ease of navigating inside the structure was a great mystery for me. There were some ambiguities in how they transport different kinds of users, people, travelers, onlookers and bystanders in a big shell but still zoned the spaces so that the users wouldn't overlap with the other users' spaces. Architecture about transportation is always the best type of structure for me.
What is the most challenging part of being an architecture student?
Architecture in the university is branded "The College that never sleeps". Sleep deprivation is one of those challenges that we learned to accept in the span of 5 years. We already adapted the norm of the college for it slowly trains us and hone us into better individuals. In the near future, endless deadlines and sleepless nights will accompany us for the rest of our lives. Beating deadlines, staying awake for a whole week to pass the plate, and absence of social life is the challenging part of our college life.
Are there people in the field of architecture whom you admire most?
Architect - Engineer Santiago Calatrava of Spain. He is a world renowned architect, engineer, and a sculptor as well. It was very evident in his works that buildings were inhabited sculptures. I have never seen any architectural works that equalized the level of aesthetics as he has attained. For local architects, I admire Architect Dan Lichauco, a respectable professor from University of Santo Tomas, a principal architect of Archion Architects, and a registered planner at the same time. I also admire Architect Manuel Maximo Lopez del Castillo-Noche and Architect Felicisimo Azagra Tejuco, Jr., two of the most reputable architects in the country.
As an architecture student, what do you want to achieve in the future?
I know the idea would be far fetched, but I wanted to be the first ever Filipino to grab hold onto the ever elusive Pritzker Prize Award. It is often referred to as a Nobel Prize for Architecture, and is the highest honor that an architect can ever obtain. I also wanted to be a National Artist for Architecture. The National Artist Award is a title given to a Filipino who has been given the highest recognition for having made significant contributions to the development of Philippine Arts.
I'll set my goals high, and aim for the best to attain these goals.
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