Interview with Michael Luigi Manzano: Improving Quality of Life -through Architecture
“Architecture isn't just sculpture; architecture is about creating forms to compensate issues regarding strength, function, beauty, and sustainability.”
Michael Luigi Manzano is the 3rd Placer of the 1st Polycarbonate Sheets Architectural Design Competition held last June-July 2012, sponsored by Sunshield Polycarbonate Sheets, Sunlite Polycarbonate Sheets and Shutter Polycarbonate Sheets. He explains that he takes his inspirations from life in general. His ideas are based on street life, community, ordinary people and culture. That is why he thinks that it is incredibly important to have a specific connection with normal life.
Luigi believes that Architecture is not an abstract idea to build the building which you like or not. It is something that belongs to life because it connects history through the past into the present and even beyond the future. The point of architecture is to contribute to the culture of a community or the culture of a nation. Architecture changes the way you see yourself, the way others see you. Read on to see what this humble young man has to say about his dream for the future generations.
Can you give us a brief background of yourself?
I am a fourth year architecture student of Cebu Institute of Technology-University. I have my dad, Franklin Manzano, and my mom, Cora Manzano, who both show great support for my course and what I really want to be in the future. I also have my sister, Kristine Angeli Manzano. I love to draw, sit in front of the computer, and play chess. Sometimes, I read articles or books that discuss topics I am curious about. I am a sport enthusiast although my favorite sport is football. People say I am a silent and serious type but I love to mingle and have fun with my friends.
Who and what inspires you to become an architect?
Ever since I was in grade school, I always draw buildings and structures in my small drawing book and show these to my parents. I don't know what inspired me. All I wanted is to create something big, let people see and experience it, and give them satisfaction. At the end of the day, I want my structure to stand through time and let people in the succeeding generations able to see it. Nobody in my bloodline is an architect; I hope I'm going to be the first in my clan.
Do you have a dream project? What is your dream project?
My dream was first shallow- "to create something big, let people see and experience it, and give them satisfaction". But as I traveled longer in my journey to become an architect, I wanted to create a deeper goal. My dream project is to create a charity that will build zero energy settlements for Filipinos below poverty line. Though hard to realize, I want to build Filipino houses that have no bills, flexible, and can grow through time. I wanted to change the phase of Filipino architecture - sustainable, responsible, and respectful Filipino Architecture.
What was the most impressive structure you have seen and why?
Although far from sustainable, I am really impressed by Burj Khalifa's mighty height. As I watched the documentary "Big, Bigger, Biggest", I realized that Burj Khalifa isn't just another tall building, it underwent a very unique and comprehensive process that allowed it to stand tall. It was at that moment I realized architecture isn't just sculpture; architecture is about creating forms to compensate issues regarding strength, function, beauty, and sustainability.
What was the most challenging part of being an architecture student?
Fighting drowsiness. We always get into a dilemma of which to choose - finishing our plates in time or passing in our quiz the next day. This is the reason why we lack of sleep almost every night to manage our time for all our subjects. Sometimes, we have to miss our other classes. And sometimes, although we come to class, we can't help but sleep. Our teachers always say we do wrong in managing our time but I think it's part of every architecture student's life. This makes architecture one of the hardest courses.
Are there people in the field of architecture (both international and local) whom you admire most?
Yes, I always admire Shigeru Ban and his paper structures. They are simply amazing. His buildings state that even the lightest materials can be the strongest. People always consider used paper as trash or inferior and wood as impulse choice for constructing buildings. However, this brilliant Japanese was able to provide possibilities which can inspire people like me to create new, unique, and almost impossible concepts for the progress of a community and the survival of our natural resources.
As an individual who is into architecture, what are the things that you're still planning to do?
I have a lot of plans in life but most are just short-termed. As of now, I just want to focus on my goal to become an architect to help my parents someday and ultimately, to improve the lives of Filipinos through architecture.
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