WHAT adds color, interest and even mystique to the field of design is its ability not just to inspire awe and admiration but also to initiate discourse even from the curious observers outside its psychedelic realm.

This was an impetus that spurred the faculty members of the University of San Carlos College of Architecture and Fine Arts (USC Cafa) to produce its own art and architecture magazine-style journal.

Aptly named Lantawan (meaning: view deck or a place where one can look at the outside world and observe it), it allows readers an in-depth view of local design and put design in the consciousness of people.

USC Cafa dean Maxwell Espina says that apart from initiating “discourse in our advocacies,” the journal hopes “to be able to elicit a reaction from the public” whether affirmative or critical.

“The important thing is to get a feel of the community’s view of our advocacies so that we can shape our ideas and directions more appropriately,” adds the journal’s publisher.

The magazine was officially launched last year in time with the Nationwide Architecture Week in December. Coming up with the first issue was a “long and tedious process,” according to its editor-in-chief, Hungarian architect Bro. Bela Lanyi, SVD.

From the seemingly endless debates on its name and theme to the arduous collection of articles and page layout, each member of the editorial staff (consisting of professors, students and alumni of the College) poured out their all for the successful publication of Lantawan’s maiden issue.

When people think of journals, they often associate it with scholarly and text-heavy tomes that often induce yawns to a common reader. Not this one.

Articles, written by prolific writers from the architecture and design profession, are concise but rich in relevance. And the excellent layout, photographs and illustrations by top advertising students led by professor Radel Paredes make for a vibrant and enjoyable read.

Bro. Lanyi and his team truly worked hard to make the journal readily available not just to his USC Cafa family but also to the rest of the Cebuano community. Aside from being sold at a reasonable price at the USC’s textbook and Cafa departments, the magazine is also available at the Catholic Trade on P. del Rosario St. and in all Cebu branches of Cagnaan Bookstore.

Envisioning things, dean Espina says, is what architects and designers are good at. So, as early as now, they already have a lot in mind for Lantawan’s future. Going quarterly and tackling urban design as its next theme are just among the ideas brewing in their heads. Bro. Lanyi has also initiated efforts in bringing Lantawan to the cyber world through its website.

With Lantawan, Cebu looks forward to a breath of fresh air as it opens a new window toward local design appreciation.

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(January 14, 2009 issue)
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