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Monday, June 26, 2006
The Skin of Space
By Arch’t Karl A.E.F. Cabilao, uap
“Build bridges, instead of walls,” one of the lines that you always find in cheesy autographs when classmates ask me to sign their yearbooks during high school. It either reflected their natural friendliness or the lack of a better quote to fill the space. Nonetheless, it’s one of the clichés that I’d always remember.
Now that I am an architect, and with respect to the Architecture Law (R.A. 9266), I know I can’t delve into the literal essence of such an adage. First, I’m no high-ranking public official who keeps a fat pork barrel. Second, R.A. 9266 dictates architecture is limited only to licensed architects. Building bridges, together with roads and skyways, are already part of the civil or structural engineers’ work. (Architects have always taken cognizance of that and we hope the engineers return the favor by being aware of the legal work limitations).
Still basing on the cliché, it leaves us architects the chore of building walls – walls of houses, buildings and the spaces within. But don’t get me wrong, we are not the upper-class introverts many perceive us to be.
Walls are essential in defining spaces, keeping privacy and ensuring safety for its user. Spaces are not created equal. There are areas that cater to more activities. A bedroom or a toilet needs to be “enclosed” to preserve the privacy they must possess. Buildings, with its sturdy walls, helps secure its inhabitants from the extremes of weather and the harmful societal elements.
When a person’s skin is riddled with pimples and blemishes, people almost instantly think that he/she lacks personal hygiene. The same goes for a building’s wall, especially those of its exterior. It is the skin that, through time, tells if its owners have been religious with their maintenance rituals.
Now, thanks to technology, there are wall systems that are extra durable and efficient. This is welcome news for clients who abhor the turtle-like pace of construction. These walls come with a number of client-friendly features that could better the public’s perspective on wall construction. Fast and easy installation, image quality, maintenance free property, fire prevention performance, high waterproof function and sound insulation are just among the new attributes in walls.
To build walls nowadays does not necessarily always mean the piling of concrete hollow blocks or fabricating wood studs and paneling. Walls might be needed at times for a more intimate setting, but through this momentary privacy, a different portal is opened towards discovering and enhancing one's inner self.
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (June 26, 2006 issue)
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