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Monday, July 10, 2006
In the Director’s chair
By Arch’t. Karl A.E.F. Cabilao, UAP
COLLEGE professors almost always have this hair-raising reputation of being stern and heartless. This gentleman surely does not belong to that breed. Arch’t. Benjamin John A. Aliño has always been one of the very few cool-mannered pedagogues around. This I can say, since I was under him in some classes during my five years of studying architecture at the University of San Carlos. He has been teaching there for almost 25 years now.
This July, this architect/professor takes on a new challenge as he assumes his post as the new district director of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) Regional District C-1 (composed of six chapters in Central Visayas). And with his serene personality, he aims to “bridge the gap between chapters in the region and bringing them a bit closer than before” and of course, help promote the architecture profession.
Arch’t. Aliño is both a leader and an achiever. During his elementary and high school days, he was always on top of his class. When he took the PRC Architecture Board Exams in Manila 24 years ago, he placed third. Aside from that, he also holds an NTC “Class C” Amateur Radio Operator’s license. Leadership-wise, he served as president of UAP-Cebu Chapter in 1995 and 1998.
What do you consider as a “highlight” in your life as an architect and as member of the UAP?
It would be when as a fresh graduate and a young architect, I was asked by a cousin to design a teahouse in his backyard. All the details that I made were implemented during the work. I was so proud at that time to have done something to my own credit. Then during one of the receptions that my cousin did in his house, one of the guests asked me to design his company’s showroom. I guess that started the ball rolling for me as an architect. With the UAP, I consider the first time I was elected as president of UAP-Cebu chapter at the age of 26. It was a great honor for me to be serving a professional organization composed of other architects most of them a lot older than I was.
What do you love most both in the academe and private practice? And what is the downside about it?
In the academe, I get to teach my students things that I have learned through the years in practice. It is also fulfilling to impart knowledge to young protégés who are more than eager to listen to you even though your lecture may have been boring. In private practice, I love the challenge of designing the space for my clients. I get fulfillment to see people walk through a building that I created and experience the spaces intended for them. The downside about it though is the occasional conflicts of time between the two. You have to strike a balance and sometimes you have to make a compromise.
What’s your most memorable moment as a professor of architecture?
When I was given a grant by the Japanese Government under Jica (Japan International Cooperation Agency) to see new hotel designs all over Japan as well as experience those spaces. I went to at least 12 different hotels and was amazed by the high tech gadgets they used in their operation. My other memorable moment as an instructor was during the first time that a student of mine and much more my apprentice topped the board exam. I felt so proud to have contributed to his success and to have helped mold what he is now. Of course, that wasn’t the last. We have a lot of topnotchers now.
What do you think is the most important thing that the public should know about the architects and their profession?
That what we do is not just plain scribbling of pens and drafting. Architects are a crossbreed between Technology and Art. We have to harness our artistic side to make our buildings visually appealing. We use the elements of design such as the line, form, color light and shadow, space and the building materials as the ingredients to design buildings. Yet we also follow certain principles such as balance, rhythm, emphasis, proportion, unity and variety. On the other side, an architect has to be adept with the technology that goes along to make the building work. Although we have allied professionals who act as our consultants, the architect is still involved in the planning for the structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and electronic aspects of the building. We give building owners well-arranged and functional areas, buildings that are appealing to look at and an efficient technological support for its functionality.
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (July 10, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here.
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