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Saturday, October 27, 2007
Time eases pain, it even erases memories. It allows us to forget bad events. It also allows us to remember good ones. Time is powerful in a way. It is forceful in some ways too.
It is truly amazing, how it heals wounds and open up secrets long buried under the realm of imagination. Time is great! It is a gift, a phenomenon, a way of being. Something which can be sensed, longed for, awaited to, let go of, etc. The list is endless.
How fast time flies too! It has been thirty years now since my early college years, and I can still feel the smiles we had when we had our Founder’s Day. A pageant was held then and I was one of the contestants. Oh boy, it was fun! I garnered three awards, one for Miss Friendship,another for First runner- up and one special award for Best in Uniform. Ah! those were great moments!
After three decades, I’m still the same person, but better. I’m still the same girl but more mature. I still carry the same sentiments but stronger. I still cry over sad movies and smiles over cartoons. I am what I was then but nimbler, smarter and more provocative.
Ah yes, because, I am a Filipina! (You can click on the picts to enlarge)
Thursday, October 25, 2007
I have here my report on Urbanism as a requirement of my graduate studies program in Architecture for the first semester of this school year, 2007. After reading variuos journals, books and/or citations about Urbanization, i find it wholesome to impart here my views. It is quite long, i hope you wont get bored. Here goes:
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Introduction
Planning a space, a building or a structure, requires a sense of a well-perceived mind and soundness of decision, with considerations of various aspects, which might affect directly or indirectly the end-user in relation to the community it co-exist. Either way, it projects the same result- a harmonious, workable and livable environment. Eventually, it should be sustainable enough for long-term livability.
Likewise, Urban Planning requires the same. If done righteously, a harmonious design is achieved while a sated end-user feels comfort and well-defined functional spaces are attained equally. As Vitruvius (the man considered to be the first accepted and published artist, architect and engineer of his time) perceived it then:
“… three vital things which make a sound design: Vistas, Utilitas, and Venustas…”
These were the foundation of design, which played great roles in defining spaces, buildings or structures, and still continue to be used as bases in design at these present times, and simply interpreted as: Vistas (views) or the form of the structure; Utilitas (use) of function of the structure or space; Venustas (beauty) or aesthetics.
A better explanation provides a clearer picture on these matters. Vistas – is a Latin word which means- view - was used by Vitruvius in ancient era, as basis in defining the shape, the form, and overall outline of the structure. On the other hand, Utilitas – also a Latin word signifying – use or function of the structure or space in terms of design in relation to the user it provides for; and finally, Venustas, (still Latin word) which means beauty, aesthetics, physical looks. These were the essential aspects, which made designing in the past as significant as it is now. It compliments more on its aesthetic side of the design process. While it implies beauty, Venustas also connotes the refinement and overall soundness of perception with regards to the charm of the space or structure, as it fulfills its gracefulness to which it compliments. Planning a space or structure or social environment projects a broader sense of distinction with the character of design while enhancing the structure or space or social environment it modifies, thus, urbanization is attained.
Urban planning, as the encyclopedia defines it, becomes a discipline of land use planning, which deals with the design and organization of urban space and activities. As used as an instrument for proper usage of land areas and built structures, it also made use of the various aspects of design in the attempt of attaining an organized space in the city level (urban) with respect to the community while determining and composing sketches and drawings in planning its physical arrangement and condition for future use.
Planning the city or Urban Planning, follows the same principles with planning open spaces municipalities or sub cities. By urban, it means – citywide- explorations of the built and social environment. It is likewise a key role in urban renewal and re-generation of inner cities by “…adapting new urban planning methods to existing cites suffering from long-term infrastructural decay.”
Discussions
Beginnings...
Planning a space, a building or a structure, requires a sense of a well-perceived mind and soundness of decision, with considerations of various aspects, which might affect directly or indirectly the end-user in relation to the community it co-exist. Either way, it projects the same result- a harmonious, workable and livable environment. Eventually, it should be sustainable enough for long-term livability.
Likewise, Urban Planning requires the same. If done righteously, a harmonious design is achieved while a sated end-user feels comfort and well-defined functional spaces are attained equally. As Vitruvius (the man considered to be the first accepted and published artist, architect and engineer of his time) perceived it then:
“… three vital things which make a sound design: Vistas, Utilitas, and Venustas…”
These were the foundation of design, which played great roles in defining spaces, buildings or structures, and still continue to be used as bases in design at these present times, and simply interpreted as: Vistas (views) or the form of the structure; Utilitas (use) of function of the structure or space; Venustas (beauty) or aesthetics.
A better explanation provides a clearer picture on these matters. Vistas – is a Latin word which means- view - was used by Vitruvius in ancient era, as basis in defining the shape, the form, and overall outline of the structure. On the other hand, Utilitas – also a Latin word signifying – use or function of the structure or space in terms of design in relation to the user it provides for; and finally, Venustas, (still Latin word) which means beauty, aesthetics, physical looks. These were the essential aspects, which made designing in the past as significant as it is now. It compliments more on its aesthetic side of the design process. While it implies beauty, Venustas also connotes the refinement and overall soundness of perception with regards to the charm of the space or structure, as it fulfills its gracefulness to which it compliments. Planning a space or structure or social environment projects a broader sense of distinction with the character of design while enhancing the structure or space or social environment it modifies, thus, urbanization is attained.
Urban planning, as the encyclopedia defines it, becomes a discipline of land use planning, which deals with the design and organization of urban space and activities. As used as an instrument for proper usage of land areas and built structures, it also made use of the various aspects of design in the attempt of attaining an organized space in the city level (urban) with respect to the community while determining and composing sketches and drawings in planning its physical arrangement and condition for future use.
Planning the city or Urban Planning, follows the same principles with planning open spaces municipalities or sub cities. By urban, it means – citywide- explorations of the built and social environment. It is likewise a key role in urban renewal and re-generation of inner cities by “…adapting new urban planning methods to existing cites suffering from long-term infrastructural decay.”
Discussions
Beginnings...
Urbanization is a process of making or becoming into urban or improved city or town thru physical planning and designing. This kind of development dates back from the time of the early civilization in Mesopotamia, a Greek city of ancient times, when Latin was still the medium of communication between peoples. It wasn’t called such then but similar processes were laid out and considered in relation to the design settlements and organization of space and outlying environment, whether built or social in nature. What actually transpired during those early times was the “… conscious forethought and design in the laying out of structures while identifying its functionality…” and integrating the internal and external spaces within and around it made up urban planning of today.
Streets of ancient times were so designed as to be laid out at right angles in a grid pattern and very often paved. And history told that there existed already ‘hierarchy like wider commercial boulevards to smaller residential alleyways. There was a basic plan “… a central plaza surrounded by a compact of rectilinear grid of streets and wrapped in a wall for defense. To reduce travel times, two diagonal streets cross the square grid corner to corner, passing through the central square.” This was followed by more planning schemes by the Romans where they developed fortresses or fortified abbeys for military defenses and civil conveniences.
But later an ideal city ‘resurfaced’ during the Great Renaissance age and was adapted, where radial streets extend outward from a defined center of military, communal or spiritual power.
“…the city, which he compared to an ideal human body, was inscribed within an eight-pointed star of walls inscribed within a perfect circular moat, the first of many ideal star-shaped city plans that reacted against the crowded, irrational spaces of the medieval city."
Eight towers were placed as bastions at the salient points of the star, and eight gates were the outlets of radial avenues that each passed through a market square, dedicated to certain goods. Other radiating streets had the parish churches and convents on them. A canal system connected with the river and the outside world, provided transport for goods.
At 's centre was the formally composed piazza, a double square that was a stadio long and half a stadio wide, with the duomo at its head, and a lookout tower. Sforzinda's buildings and their highly symbolic decor were minutely described, and the astrological calculations required for harmony, together with thoroughly practical matters concerning fortifications, with the discovery of a Golden Book detailing the buildings of Antiquity.”
Streets of ancient times were so designed as to be laid out at right angles in a grid pattern and very often paved. And history told that there existed already ‘hierarchy like wider commercial boulevards to smaller residential alleyways. There was a basic plan “… a central plaza surrounded by a compact of rectilinear grid of streets and wrapped in a wall for defense. To reduce travel times, two diagonal streets cross the square grid corner to corner, passing through the central square.” This was followed by more planning schemes by the Romans where they developed fortresses or fortified abbeys for military defenses and civil conveniences.
But later an ideal city ‘resurfaced’ during the Great Renaissance age and was adapted, where radial streets extend outward from a defined center of military, communal or spiritual power.
“…the city, which he compared to an ideal human body, was inscribed within an eight-pointed star of walls inscribed within a perfect circular moat, the first of many ideal star-shaped city plans that reacted against the crowded, irrational spaces of the medieval city."
Eight towers were placed as bastions at the salient points of the star, and eight gates were the outlets of radial avenues that each passed through a market square, dedicated to certain goods. Other radiating streets had the parish churches and convents on them. A canal system connected with the river and the outside world, provided transport for goods.
At 's centre was the formally composed piazza, a double square that was a stadio long and half a stadio wide, with the duomo at its head, and a lookout tower. Sforzinda's buildings and their highly symbolic decor were minutely described, and the astrological calculations required for harmony, together with thoroughly practical matters concerning fortifications, with the discovery of a Golden Book detailing the buildings of Antiquity.”
Modifications...
Planning a city in this modern world, or Urbanism is a process, which connotes more implications than it signifies. It was learned that the Muslims were the true descendants of the Greek rational planning strategies, who have thought of the idea of formal zoning and stewardship.
Then there were modifications made in Western World and also in Western Europe, North America, Japan, Australasia. There were a series of change in planning and architecture like industrialization of a city; Garden City concept and large scale city rebuilding were seen. Engineered urban planning in many cities in Central American civilization included the sewage systems and running water integration in the sketches and working plans. At the onset of modernism,
"...the modernist city stood for the elimination of disorder, congestion and the small scale planning, replacing them instead with preplanned and widely spaced freeways and tower blocks set within gardens."
Urbanization of a place, or environmental space and/or buildings/structures greatly modifies the principle of a basic urban planned city. It touches various aspects of society including the following: Aesthetics; safety; housing conditions (slums); restrictions/ renewal and transport.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
My gaze soared
seeing the wonders
i once thought would go by
My moment came...
Realizing my dreams wasn't easy
I quickly ran out of thoughts
as if life is so short yet, i live!
Ah, yes! I'm here.
Weren't you too ?
You were always a part of me
teenny bits of me
engulfing around you.
You are always by me
caring for me, loving me.
thus...
I love you more!
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
I lost a friend...not because she died
not even because she took off, or did she?
But because: she isn't my friend, not anymore.
I'm saying she 's lost because...
she isn't with me anymore
not even within my boundaries
not within my thoughts.
She is gone, gone to where i am not.
Away from my viewpoint
away from my dreams.
I sure miss you dear one
my good old beacon
a close chum
much tighter than a kin.
Goodbye to you
but I thank YOU, for old time's sake
but i won't fret too much
because i might see you again
up on that HILL!
Sunday, September 23, 2007
"... It is amazing when strangers becomes friends, But is so sad when friends becomes strangers.I never wanted to lose you as a friend.I met you as a stranger ,I took you as a friend.I hope we met in heaven, when friendships never ends! "This was sent to me by a friend. I find it so sweet thus im posting it here. Every friend was once a stranger but with good judgement and kind heart, that stranger won't be a stranger no more. He might even become your best of your best friends! Say mo?
Monday, September 17, 2007
'twas a cold morning as I drove early to where we ought to meet. Ms. Davao was already there and so was Mr. K. We ate and wait. Then another colleague appeared (Ms. Tru-or-falls) and joined in our table. Still, we ate and wait.After a while, we decided to text two more: Ms. C. and of course, SIR EnP- both our mentors! Sure thing, they are the reason why we are having this field trip... or was it just a trip? (I thought it was our assignment). Anyway, we all converged and wheeled off @ exactly ten fifty nine (10:59a.m.) take note of the time, coz it’s significant. It was surely THE RIDE! We had so much fun that we forgot about LUNCH! Not to mention how thrilling the whole trip was, at least, for me, coz it was my FIRST TIME (first time mu?) to traverse that "…long and winding road…" (kanta man na’) Trans-Central Highway.
Ahhh yes! We were in Balamban! The thriving municipality west of Cebu City. It is a quite but cool place (kay tugnaw man didto oy!). So, we ordered something to fill our empty stomachs and "...talked a while." (kanta na pud na). Many things followed after that like laughter and smiles and what-have-you, while we made some shots and poses on their windy but magnificent seaside eatery (a, balak man manang).
Here are some snapshots. (pls click on the picts to enlarge)
...To be continued...
Friday, August 31, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
For once in my life...opps! I think that's a song, right? Okay, okay, here is my blog:The other other weekend that passed (Aug 19-20), we had a family (Montebon) trip. Everyone was there including baby Earnest (newest baby) and we headed up north to where my Daddy (Eddie, Sr) was born: Tabogon! There we had so much fun, particluarly the hilltop where it stops to the sea, deep enough for a "Dugong" to swim in! I mean, really, it was so steep, i almost slipped down the VERY rugged terrain full of black pointed rocky edge of the the hill (Camobo-an). Oh boy! but it was fun! Just wasn't used to going down hilltops.
Anyway, we stayed over for a day and we headed back home. But before we reached halfway with our trip, we passed by a rotunda in Liloan and saw a replica of a lighthouse. I saw that lighthouse once from a friend and it made me wonder how beautiful that place really is. So, to satisfy my anxiety, we drove and side tripped down the Amara way. Photos down here. Just click on the picts to enlarge
Anyway, we stayed over for a day and we headed back home. But before we reached halfway with our trip, we passed by a rotunda in Liloan and saw a replica of a lighthouse. I saw that lighthouse once from a friend and it made me wonder how beautiful that place really is. So, to satisfy my anxiety, we drove and side tripped down the Amara way. Photos down here. Just click on the picts to enlarge
Friday, August 24, 2007
OOOH YEAH! I’m back! Back to where my passion is. Back to where my heart belongs! Back to being a student again!
Indeed! And i feel great! to be back in school this year, enrolled @ University of San Carlos (USC)- Talamban campus – College of Architecture and Fine Arts (CAFA)- Graduate studies, taking up my second masters (‘coz I recently graduated Master in History last March of this year), and this time it is: Master in Architecture major in URBAN DESIGN! Isn’t that great?
Sure enough, though I just finished one graduate study in the field of Arts and Sciences, today, I’m trying to improve more on my field of design- as an architect, for the simple reason of enhancing what I’ve learned! Whether it is an acceptable reason or not, who cares? I don't! As long as I feel good in this undertaking, I’m happy! And that is what matters. Am I right? Or I am right?
Oh yeah!
Opps! I'd better work on my assignments now coz i remembered i have a couple already. 'Got to go for now. See you in the library, ciao!
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Hello ! This is an invitation for our chapter's second Student's Forum to be held in University of San Carlos (USC) Talamban campus. This is one of the lined up activities of our very own UAP Sugbu Chapter for this Fiscal Year 2007-2008.
As a receipient of the "Most Empowered Chapter for the FY 2005-2006", we continue to impart our achievements to other sectors of society as part of our commitment to our profession. Thus, we came up with events such as this. We hope to be as supportive as we could and to be of service to the community, in more ways than one. See you around!
This poster says it all! For inquiries, please click on the image to get a larger view. Thanks so much !
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- Ms.B
- Hi! your friendly neighbor Architect who loves ART eternaly... and poetry is my PASSION!
