Yap, Dave Robinson Architecture Parlante

Theory 1 TTh 3:00 4:30

Architecture Parlante or speaking architecture is the concept of designing buildings that explain and express their function and character through its form. This means that you just should be able to get an idea of what the building is used for just by simply looking at its form. One of the best examples of Architecture Parlante is the TWA Terminal by Eero Saarinen at the John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City. The form of the building perfectly and undoubtedly expresses and explains its function and character. At first glance, most people would unmistakably think it looks very much like a bird about to take flight. It does not look exactly like a bird but rather, only resembles a bird. It has a centralized faade where the middle roof resembles the birds head and body while the two large wing-shaped thin shell roofs flanking the middle roof on opposite sides resemble the wings of a bird spread out ready to take flight. Had it looked exactly like a bird, it would not be considered a great work or architecture and would not be considered Architecture Parlante; it would be kitsch. Being an airport terminal, the form of a bird ready to take flight expresses its function so well it almost seems too impossibly perfect. The form and symbolism of a bird about to take flight perfectly represents the function of an airport terminal which is the transition before travelers experience actual flight. When you see something with that kind of form, you cant help but think of it as something to do with aviation or flight and that is exactly what the TWA terminal has accomplished; its form is enough to communicate to people what the building is for. The form is simply magnificent and truly worthy of being designated as a historic landmark of the United States of America. The terminal alone is enough of a tourist attraction with such an interesting architecture. It screams of great human endeavor and achievement while also beaming with elegance and grace. The grand scale is something to awe at, but it is neither heavy nor imposing; it is very light and airy. Its form seems so simplistic yet stands with a subtle confidence. It gives an impression of

safety to the travelers as if taking them under the wings of a majestic bird and ensuring them a safe journey. The form is also indicative of the character an airport wants to portray towards its users and the feeling it should give to its users. Eero Saarinen was truly a very talented architect able to masterfully capture the spirit of flight in the design of the airport terminal. The form is really something so awesome and inspiring that it has inspired many other architects to follow this way of designing; to capture the spirit of the function is the design. This design has greatly impacted the world of architecture and has changed the way people think when designing structures. The TWA Terminal is really one of the best examples of Architecture Parlante.

Architectural Restoration The important provisions of the Philippine Heritage Act of 2010 are the cultural property, heritage zones, cultural education and the penalties for crimes involving cultural properties. The first important provision is about cultural property which is any product of human creativity that reveals the peoples identity. There are six categories of cultural property; national cultural treasure, important cultural property, world heritage sites, national historical shrine, national historical monument and national historical landmark. Works by national artists, national heroes, marked structures and structures dating more than fifty years old are also considered cultural property unless declared otherwise. All cultural property deemed important to cultural heritage are registered under the Philippine Registry of Cultural Property. There are many rules and regulations that the Commission and local government units should follow in the registration, conservation and documentation of these cultural properties. There are also guidelines to regulate the export, transit, import and repatriation of cultural property. Now, maintaining cultural may sound like a very tedious task but there are also perks to maintaining cultural property, such as tax exemption on donations, financial assistance from the Commission, awards and citations. Another important provision is the heritage zones which are historically and culturally significant areas in the country. Heritage zones are designated by the National Historical Institute and the National Museum, in consultation with the Commission and the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board. These zones are maintained by the local government concerned with the zone. We arent expected to remember all the heritage sites, but we must be at least familiar with some and be aware of this law so we wont just unknowingly go around putting up new structures on top of heritage sites. Cultural Education is another important provision in the act. The article aims to educate both local and overseas Filipinos in the conservation, preservation and protection of our cultural heritage properties. It also allows people more access to historical landmarks, monuments and sites so that we may be more educated of our own

past. I think its a good idea to get more people to be educated about our heritage because not a lot of Filipinos are knowledgeable of our own history. The last important provision would be the penalties. Acts of vandalism, destruction, unapproved alterations, and illicit export of cultural property are just some of the acts punishable by law. Upon conviction, the offender must pay a fine of not less than two hundred thousand Pesos or face imprisonment for not less than ten years. The main point of this act is to encourage the conservation, preservation and protection of our culture through historical sites, structures and documents. It aims to teach Filipinos to love our own heritage and be proud of what we have. People need to realize that not everything offered in our modern world is beautiful and meaningful; some of the most eye-catching and mesmerizing artifacts and structures come from the past. All those objects, buildings and places are filled with stories; famous stories told over and over again through the years and stories that will always remain there because they were never discovered.

Architects Code of Ethics The important provisions in architects code of ethics are the virtues of the architect, code of ethics and the relations of the architect to the different people directly and indirectly involved in his work. The virtue of an architect is quoted from Virtuvius and states, May the architect be high-minded; not arrogant but faithful; just and easy to deal with, without avarice; not let his mind be occupied in receiving gifts, but let him preserve his good name with dignity. It basically means that as architects, we need respect ourselves; to see ourselves as someone who can command a certain level of respect but remain down-toearth and respect others as much as you respect yourself. We are mediators and it is our responsibility to be fair and unbiased in our decisions. We should also be approachable and sociable to everyone whether they are rich or poor. Lastly, aside from skills and talent, it is the good name of the architect that will bring him/her to the places they want to go to. To keep your good name, its best not to associate yourself with people of bad character. The first code of ethics is simple; an architect works not only for you but also to your God and country. What we do does not only affect us and the client, but it can also affect the public. We should design for safety first, then convenience and lastly the recreation or the luxuries. Second, an architect must uphold the ideals and follow the norms of a noble profession. Third basically means that architects are not allowed to pay for advertisements but rather have your projects advertise for you. Fourth means that you should not accept any form of commission from suppliers and dealers. Fifth means that you should always think of the impact your actions will have on the client before your own benefit. When you are offered a discount from dealers or suppliers, the most ethical thing to do is give it to the client. This will help in strengthening the trust between client and architect and may prove to be beneficial in the future. Sixth code of ethic means that all the decisions architects make must be unbiased and free of self-interest. Seventh means that you are not supposed to endorse products for a project just because it comes from your private business. There should a sound reason for using your own product. Eight means that you should be a positive

role model to your younger associates and apprentices. Ninth means you are not allowed to criticize another architect or his/her work that will belittle and tarnish his/her good name; only constructive criticisms. Tenth and last code of ethic means that we should always strive for something greater in our field of architecture, and we should generously share our experiences and lessons with our subordinates, colleagues, friends and strangers alike. The code of ethical conduct is basically just a synopsis of the virtues of the architect and the code of ethics. An architect must be someone of the highest integrity, judgment, business capacity and artistic and technical ability. We should be wellrounded in our education and skills. We must be unprejudiced and unbiased mediators between client and contractor. We have different responsibilities towards the people, the client, the contractor, the manufacturers, suppliers and dealers, and our colleagues and subordinates.