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.
Interview with Alner Pablo: An Architect of Value
It can be argued that the value of a design is measured by the ability of that idea or object to amend quality of life. There are others who see the value of design not only the end product, but the value of the process of design and how it contributes to the community.
SEA Olympus Marketing, Inc. is fortunate to have recently met Alner Pablo, a 5th year architecture student of Bataan Peninsula State University, who not only understands the value of design, and the individuals behind the ideas, but is actively engaged to bring together like minded individuals to redirect the design community’s process to new heights.
Alner Pablo is the 1st Placer of the 1st Polycarbonate Sheets Architectural Design Competition held last June-July 2012 and sponsored by Sunshield Polycarbonate Sheets, Sunlite Polycarbonate Sheets and Shutter Polycarbonate Sheets. He is the former Chapter President (A.Y. 2011-2012) of UAPSA-BPSU (United Architects of the Philippines Student Auxiliary). An active student-leader who shows an utmost passion in serving his co-students, colleagues and in the community. In our interview, he humbly shared his thoughts and his dream to become an architect of value .
Why do you want to become an architect?
Before, I want to be an architect because I want to work abroad to have big income. Many say that there's a lot of money in architecture. Somehow it is true, but as I grew up and continue to study architecture, I realized that earning should be my last priority. And now, I want to be an architect because I want to protect the earth. As a future designer, I’ll make sure that my proposals or my future projects must complement with nature so that others can still witness how beautiful our planet is.
What are the essential things that you learned in architecture?
Don’t waste your time. During my early days in architecture, time management is one of my weaknesses. I have lots of priorities and I admit that I can’t handle it “before”. I have also proven that “Kapag may tiyaga, may nilaga.” Masarap kasi sa pakiramdam kapag nakikita mo na mataas ang grade mo sa mga plates na pinagpuyatan at pinaghirapan mo, lalo kung nakikita din ng mga instructors mo yung improvement mo as you go along the way.
Do you have a dream project? What is your dream project?
Actually, one of my childhood dreams is to build an orphanage or shelter for those people who are less fortunate. I really love serving people. I also want to own a restaurant because I also love cooking, and with that I think having a green or sustainable orphanage and restaurant would be my dream project.
As an architecture student, what do you want to achieve in the future?
I want to be a respected professional in the near future. I do not want to be just an architect, but rather be an architect of value. I want to have lots of projects, big projects. Kasi, kapag yumaman ako, mas maa-achieve ko talaga yung dream ko na tumulong sa iba in the future.
Are there people in the field of architecture (both international and local) whom you admire most?
There are lots of people whom I admire in the field of architecture. My instructors (Architects) are some of them. They are my inspirations. I want to be or better than my instructor, Arch. Jose Emmanuel C. Pilar, who is very simple, approachable, God-fearing and an architect of value. Arch. Jun Palafox and Arch. Jose Ling who are well-known architects in our country are also my inspirations. I really admire all architects; they are an inspiration for me.
What is the most challenging part of being an architecture student?
In my case, the most challenging part of being an architecture student is to divide my time between academics, extra-curricular, and my social life as well. Engaging with all those responsibilities and passing my minor subjects are big challenges for me.
What are the tips that you can share in order to become a successful architecture student?
An architecture student should know his priorities. Exerting effort on how you will manage your time should also be a must. Always have a room for improvement. Put into your mind that there’s always better than you and what you are doing. Let that better being be your inspiration for your improvement. Do not stop challenging yourself and discovering new things. Always be down to earth and be fair to everyone. Lastly, an architecture student should always know how to pray regardless of how many deadlines you are required to meet.
Meet Architect Abadia, the Woman of Style and Creativity
As we hear the word “architecture”, names of the male architects who have been undoubtedly successful in constructing different projects would usually echo in our ears. However, a lot of women who are venturing in this field are becoming as successful as those men who are into this profession. Among the women architects who have valiantly shown that men and women have equal talents and skillfulness in this area is Architect Maria Sarah Abadia.Architect Abadia was born in Silay, Negros Occidental where she finished her primary and secondary education. She decided to enroll at the University of San Carlos when she graduated from high school. According to her, attaining her degree in architecture was an accident. Instead of taking up Civil Engineering in the said university (which was her first choice), she enrolled in architecture as suggested by the university registrar.
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| Bigfoot IT and Media Park Masterplan (image courtesy of Arch. Abadia) |
Her career started to flourish the moment she passed the licensure examination in 1993 and she became the Project Architect in some huge architectural firms in Cebu.
She served as the Managing Partner for Design Works in 1997 where she worked with various famous architects in the south.
She was chosen as the President of United Architects of the Philippines-Cebu Chapter in 2005-2007 because of her excellent achievements.
She was chosen as the President of United Architects of the Philippines-Cebu Chapter in 2005-2007 because of her excellent achievements.
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IAFT Dolby Digital Mix Theater (photo courtesy of Arch. Abadia) |
In 2003, she became the Project Architect of the US-based Bigfoot Global Solutions, the very first film school and production studios in the country.
Because of her remarkable skills in designing and her exceptional creativity, in less than a year the owner appointed her to be the Chief Architect for the multi-million dollar projects of Bigfoot Properties, Inc.
Because of her remarkable skills in designing and her exceptional creativity, in less than a year the owner appointed her to be the Chief Architect for the multi-million dollar projects of Bigfoot Properties, Inc.
In her almost seven years of stay with Bigfoot, she was able to design 10 infrastructures; six of these projects were fully built. These six structures were six sound stages, a 200-room hotel, a 68-room dormitory, a 12-storey condominium, corporate office tower, and the post production facility housing.
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| Bigfoot Executive Office (image courtesy of Arch. Abadia) |
With the desire of widening her expertise in architecture, she is also taking up her Masters Degree in Architecture major in Landscaping at the University of San Carlos.
Architect Abadia revealed that it was not that easy to practice her profession and continue her Masters Degree at the same time. Her intense passion to improve her knowledge in architecture and the burning desire to enhance her works motivate her to persist.
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| Bigfoot Executive Office (photo courtesy Arch. Abadia) |
Like Architect Partosa and Architect Anino, Architect Maria Sarah Abadia is also an advocate of “green architecture”. In fact, she described herself as a nature lover who would appreciate the view in the mountainside and would love to watch the waves and to feel the breeze.
For her, taking up Landscape Architecture would surely improve her knowledge in maximizing nature’s gift to people.
For her, taking up Landscape Architecture would surely improve her knowledge in maximizing nature’s gift to people.
Architect Josephril Partosa: “Simple is Effective”
Architecture is all about using various colors and stylistic designs for some. However, this style does not apply to Architect Partosa’s approach in architecture. “Simple is effective”, this is how he describes architecture. Despite the simplicity, elegance, sophistication, and aesthetics are still manifested in his designs.
Architect Josephril Partosa graduated at Cebu Institute of Technology-University and after eight years of practicing his profession he established, together with his wife, JRPartosa Arkiteks in Pardo, Cebu City.
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| Arch. Partosa used Solid Sheets for Sy House |
He observes Zen Minimalism and green approach in architecture. Zen Minimalism provides simplicity and calmness while the “green” technique brings tranquility and relaxation.
With an objective of achieving simplicity and aesthetics where concern for the environment would still be manifested, Arch. Partosa used Sunshield Twin Wall Sheets and Solid Sheets in some of the structures that he constructed such as Chua house and Sy house.
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| Chua House (Twin Wall Sheets were used) |
Since twin wall sheets have various colors, these give aesthetics to the structure. Twin wall sheets or hollow sheets are coated with 12% UV absorbing agent and have the ability to minimize heat penetration.
Meanwhile, solid sheets are durable and have higher impact resistance compared to glass. Like twin wall sheets, solid sheets also have different colors to choose from which add aesthetics to the structures.
To know more about Architect Partosa, please visit http://sunshieldph.blogspot.com/2012/07/simplicity-in-architecture-interview.html
Simplicity in Architecture: An Interview with Architect J.Partosa
Architect Josephril Partosa is one of the renowned architects in Cebu whose expertise contributed a lot to architecture in the present time. He is famous for his works with Zen Minimalist touch and “green” designs. The combination of his techniques provides the structures clean, calm, simple effects and relaxing environment. His expertise in the field of architecture that is evident in the various projects he constructed made him the Director of UAP (United Architects of the Philippines)-Rajah Humabon Chapter in 2008-2009. In 2009-2010, he became the Vice President for program of the same organization and was elected as the Vice President for operation in 2010-2011. He was the founder of Arkiteks’ United Futbol Club (AUFC) in 2011 and one of the founders of United Architects Basketball Club (AUBC) in 2007.
When asked if as a child, he ever dreamed of becoming an architect, Arch. Partosa truthfully said no. However, his innate talent in sketching and drawing as well as his neighbor’s encouragement influenced his decision in taking up architecture at Cebu Institute of Technology-University.
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| Tangpuz House (photo courtesy of Arch. Partosa) |
After 8 years of experience, he broadened his skills in the field of architecture as he and his wife Lizanne Abarquez-Partosa established JRPartosa Arkiteks in 2008. This architectural firm that is located in Pardo, Cebu City offers services such as design, interior, landscaping, furniture design, and site development and planning.
JRPartosa Arkiteks has an approach of Zen minimalist and green architecture. The Zen minimalism that gives clean, relaxed and calm effect and the green design that provides tranquility and breathable space are highly effective in every building that they are making.
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| Sy Kitchen (image courtesy of Arch.Partosa) |
Amidst these accomplishments, the happiness and satisfaction that his clients would feel every time he finished a project were considered his greatest achievement as an architect.
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| Chua House(photo courtesy of Arch.Partosa) |
The use of different colors and decorations need not be done in constructing infrastructures for according to Architect Partosa aesthetics are attained in architecture by making the design simple, cost effective, and green. Being “simple is effective”, he added.
To know more about the services being offered by JRPartosa Arkiteks please visit http://jrpartosaarkiteks.multiply.com/ or you may also check their Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/jrpartosa-arkiteks/232988510092347
Know More About Architect Darell Dave Anino
1. Can you tell us a brief background of yourself?
I graduated in Cebu Institute of Technology Batch 2007. My parents inspired me to become an architect because both of them are architects too. I grew up seeing them practice this profession, observing its facet, learning what architecture is in general. After graduation, I had a 2-year apprenticeship in DGAnino Architects Builders where I am currently connected at after taking the licensure exam last June 2009 and luckily landed in top 8. Aside from being affiliated with the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP), UAP- Rajah Humabon Chapter as Vice-President, I am also with the National Master Plumbers Association of the Philippines (NAMPAP) as a licensed Master Plumber and just recently, the Philippine Institute of Real Estate Service Practitioners (PHILRES) as a licensed Real Estate Broker.
My dream project as of this moment is not to build the tallest structure in the country nor the grandest, but rather as simple as my own dream house, a kind of home which promotes green architecture and sustainability, giving joy to its owners and to the environment where it exists.
2. What makes you interested in the field of architecture?
Architecture enables me to express my ideas and stance into different perspectives, seeing my designs come to life and getting appreciation from satisfied clients give me a certain sense of fulfillment.
3. How will you define architecture?
In my personal definition, architecture is everything that surrounds us and everything that we see.
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| photo courtesy of Arch.Anino |
4. What is your style or approach in architecture and design?
Functionality comes first before form but not sacrificing aesthetic as well. White and earth colors are the ones I usually used although I adjust to the client’s preference also.
5. What were the projects that you have worked in the past? How about your ongoing projects?
I’ve done commercial projects, though most of my projects are residential buildings, interior works and renovation.
6. What was the most challenging and successful project that you made?
The most challenging project that I’ve encountered so far was a renovation of an old house wherein lots of things had to be considered and carefully planned so that the existing details integrate harmoniously with the new ideas to be implemented.
My most successful project I consider was when I designed an 8-unit apartment, not because of the scale or design of the project itself but because of its contribution to a faster turn-over of return to my clients where all the units were occupied in less than a month and made them happy and satisfied with my services.
7. Being one of the top notched architects in 2009, how did it affect you?
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| photo courtesy of Arch.Anino |
It made me feel confident and convinced that with perseverance and Divine Providence, nothing is impossible in life.
8. As an architect, what was the most impressive structure you have seen and why?
The Pyramid of Giza. It is the place where pharaohs were buried, the most safe and stable structure that have endured throughout the centuries, long before the invention of modern machines and technologies. They have justifiably served their essence of protecting their pharaohs.
9. Are there people in the field of architecture (both international and local) whom you admire most?
Local: Leandro Locsin International: Richard Meier
10. What are the tips that you can share in order to become a successful architect?
Building a relationship with your client is as important as passing the board exam. Treat them as your boss. Build a structure as if it was your own. Always have a room for improvement, and lastly, observe professionalism at all times.
To know more about the services offered by DGAnino Architects.Builders you may visit this link http://dganinoarchitects.carbonmade.com/about
To know more about the services offered by DGAnino Architects.Builders you may visit this link http://dganinoarchitects.carbonmade.com/about
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