Senator Loren Legarda's thoughts on redesigning tomorrow
MANILA, Philippines — We ask Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda what her views are regarding contemporary architecture and ecological balance, as the Philippines recently launched its national pavilion at the 18th Venice Architecture Biennale.
What role does cultural diversity play in shaping contemporary architectural designs?
SENATOR LEGARDA: Cultural diversity creates spaces that reflect the unique identities of different cultures. Simply put, cultural diversity translates to creative diversity.
For the longest time in our history, mainstream Philippine architecture has always been resistant to cultural diversity. Our architectural schools are steeped in the Western tradition. Our architects turn to the West for design inspiration.
Meanwhile, shantytowns and the rural poor have had no access to professional architects due to cost considerations. But that population contributes to the landscape and shows starkly the underside of wasteful practices that even high-end communities share.
Our growing environmental consciousness has made more and more architects turn to the use of vernacular and renewable materials, such as the stones, bamboo and thatch. Some are mastering the possibilities of using renewable energy sources in the structures and edifices they design.
It is critical that we all learn more about the diversity of our culture as a nation. Only then can unlock the wisdom that can be derived from indigenous knowledge systems and practices and find and enhance creative practicality in urban blight. It will enable us to create spaces and edifices that reflect our diverse identities; suit the unique ecosystems in which they are found; provide true comfort in a tropical setting. We want architectural designs to convey the narratives and local histories of our people and their relationship with their environment.
How does contemporary architecture integrate with existing historical structures and environments?
This approach requires a careful balance between two relevant concepts I have faithfully advocated for decades: innovation and preservation. The integration of contemporary architecture with existing historical structures and environments requires a deep understanding of the historical significance of the site, as well as the cultural, social and environmental context in which it exists. The design should honor its ecological context, preserving the original architectural details while providing a new and fresh perspective through modern elements that add sustainability and complement and enhance the existing structure.
How do we create the edifices of the future while promoting energy efficiency and environmental sustainability?
As the world becomes increasingly conscious of the impact of human activities on the environment, the demand for energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable architecture continues to grow. The adoption of energy-efficient buildings has the potential to significantly reduce our carbon footprint, which currently accounts for a significant portion of global carbon emissions.
Contemporary architecture can promote energy efficiency by carefully designing buildings that utilize sustainable materials, optimize natural lighting and ventilation and use renewable sources onsite. It should also incorporate design that lends itself easily to practices of segregation and water conservation, utilizing rainwater collectors and gray water recycling. By incorporating these features, facilities can reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs, lessen environmental impact and teach the way forward.
