Monday, February 18, 2008 Constructing criticisms By Arch’t. Karl A.E.F. Cabilao, UAP
FOR architecture, criticism is important. Through exchange of ideas based on architectural theory and wisdom (using the media, such as journals), architects see the buildings that already stand in our midst as the essence that help shape the evolution of building design and planning.
However, with the Filipino’s innate sensitivity, even constructive criticism is often received in bad taste. And Hungarian architect and SVD brother, Bela Lanyi, knows that fully well.
He takes on the challenge of molding future architects into responsible critics by handling the first-time, elective subject (he considers it as an “experiment”), Architectural Journalism and Criticism at the University of San Carlos (USC) College of Architecture.
These future “critics” hope to see their works in architectural journals someday.
“The lack of architectural journals here prompted me to suggest to our dean to offer this subject. Our founder, St. Arnold Janssen, was not only priest, but also a journalist. I dedicate this course to him. He wants his followers to be communicative,” says Bro. Lanyi.
How important is the subject Architectural Journalism and Criticism to architecture students and future professionals?
“The students should learn how to formulate ideas during their academic years. Even if his most important expressions might be the drawings, architecture is primarily communication, a work with humans. An architect has to find clients, find public support for his buildings, organize the work of many contractors and inevitably meet criticisms. The university can hardly teach this in its regular curriculum. The subject provides plenty of practical opportunities to learn communication.
“For professionals, architectural journalism and criticism might be a forum. Famous architects are always networking.”
What was your biggest challenge in establishing the new elective?
“The great expectations of the students urge me to give my best. I try to create a class which is a mixture of lecturing and laboratory work. I do not want to bring much lexical knowledge, but I challenge the creativity of the students. For me, the ‘writing skills’ are not so crucial, since writing a good article needs similar talents as with designing a good building.”
How do you find your class now?
“I also teach ‘obligatory’ classes and, in comparison, I must say that the discipline of class standing is much higher in this elective class than in the other classes. Originally, I expected just some 15 to 20 students.
“I have now 38 students and usually, almost everybody is here. I am very much inspired by this!
“We Europeans are very direct. When I first met our ‘shy’ students, I thought they would not be communicative. No, they are communicative, but in another way. I have learned a lot from them.”
What do you love most about Cebu?
“Public traffic shows the true face of a society. In Hungary, we keep all traffic rules, maybe except speed limit. Here speed limit is not required at all. In the beginning, I thought the people would not keep any traffic rules. But now I can see there are rules, even if not the official ones. In Hungary, if you are aggressive on the road, the other driver will scold you in a loud tone. Here, you just smile.”
How can you relate local architecture to that of your home city in Hungary?
“I really appreciate the efforts to create a Filipino architecture here because the national architectural heritage is an important part of our Hungarian culture.
“I also see, how international trends make their way here just like everywhere in Europe. The main concern of most countries is common: how to create a regional consciousness without rejecting the achievements of the global culture.”
Having been here for just less than a year, Bro. Lanyi is quickly finding comfort and enjoyment in the local culture.
“I think I’m going to be spending a longer time here in Cebu. I love it here. And I think, with the classes I’m handling, I am making myself useful,” he says.
