Bagtikan Makati Residence

This is a scheme for a project located at Bagtikan corner Pasong Tamo Sts. in Makati. There are existing buildings at the three sides of the site and a residential structure at the middle. The owner wanted to build a new residence atop the existing one without demolishing the house which would be coverted later on to commercial shops. The new structure would be four stories with the upper two floors for the new duplex type residence. The pool will be above the old house. Parking for the residences will be at the second level and below it is the parking for the commercial shops. The new structure have to adopt to the existing layout to minimize demolition below. The two exisitng structures fronting Bagtikan and Pasong Tamo will be linked together. and the commercial spaces at the ground level will have access from both streets.

Bahia Spa and Wellness

My second spa project, Bahia is located in Davao City and part of the Metrolifestyle Fitness and Wellness Complex. It was also featured in My Home magazine.

http://www.metrolifestyledavao.com/bahia/index.html

Sanctuario Spa Malate

My very first spa project and the most successful, Sanctuario Spa is an oasis in busy Malate area. Originally designed as a men's spa, it was redesigned to cater to both sexes. It features an outdoor jacuzzi area and cold lap pool. The soak tubs were made of teakwood imported from Thailand. The spa has been featured in the architectural magazine Blueprint and My Home as well as being featured in other magazines, both local and international. It has also been featured in several TV shows and has become a favorite place for photo shoots. The spa introduced Filipino healing and so the design did conform to the concept.
View more of Sanctuario at http://www.sanctuario.com.ph

Boracay Beach Chalet Resort and Hotel

My very first big project, the 150-room Boracay Beach Chalet Resort Hotel sits on the existing site of the Beach Chalets near Station2 of the famed white sand beach of Boracay. The development along the beach walk is commercial housing a restauran/bar, an executive suite and a spa. The client wanted to retain the character of the old beach chalet and opted for cottages covering half of the area. The hotel buildings were at the back of the property to conform to building regulations in the area. The cotages are arranged in quadruplex with private gardens at the center. Bathrooms open to the pocket indoor gardens.
Unfortunately, the project was not constructed because of the problem in land ownership in Boracay brought by the sudden announcement of DENR declaring the lands there as A&D land. Presently, owners only have rights over the area but if plans push through ownership will go to the highest bidder.

Cainta Residence

My longest running project so far, this multi-level residence sits on a sloping terrain in Ridgemont Subdivision Cainta. The project started with the renovation of the main house and later on the adjacent site was procured to provide for more space for parking and guest house. But soon, the owner also bought the next lot and the garage was transferred to the third lot and above it is a multi-purpose area/gym and gazebo. A swimming pool was provided in the center. The design of the main house was adjusted to conform to the new style. The roof deck level of the guest house and the master bedroom of the main house have an unobstructed panoramic view of Metro Manila and the spectacular sunset of Manila Bay.

In The Mood Dance Club

In the Mood Dance Club relocated to its new home in Brittany Bay in Paranaque from its old venue in Malate. Owned by the LJC Group of Companies of the famous Bistro Remedios, the dance club boasts of a bigger dance floor and the feeling of a ballroom with its high ceiing and chandeliers plus two semi-grand staircases leading to the lounge/dining area on the higher level.

Balara Residence

After a year of delay, finally this house in Pansol, Balara will start its construction. Owned by a veterinary doctor, the house features three bedrooms in the upper floor and a guest room at the ground floor. The look the client wanted was minimal and modern.

Sorsogon Residence

Soon to start construction, my very first project in my hometown city, Sorsogon, is a residential building with 4 bedrooms and a guest room . It has a large family hall at the second floor and a balcony with a view of Sorsogon Bay at the back. The living room has a high ceiling with a winding staircase going to the family hall above and it has its own patio as an extension of the living area. The dining room also has a patio extending to the backyard. The client specified a Mediterranean look for its exterior.

Ligao Residence

Above are the perspetives for a residential project in Ligao, Albay. The client specified that the structure should all be in concrete (their old house was destroyed by typhoon Milenyo) including the roof and no painting works to be provided in the exterior. It has 4 bedrooms and 3 T&Bs. The living room area has a high ceiling extending below the elevated roofdeck. The project is nearing completion. View current stage below.
The roof and overhangs are in red colored cement and the walls with grooves are ordinary cement mix with black cement to achieve a dark grey effect. The columns and beams are in synthetic beige adobe (we had a hard time getting someone to do this as this is an old technique already)

One Metro - Davao

The Metrolifestyle building in Davao renamed One Metro - Davao formally opened last month. The ground floor consists of rentable spaces consisting of restaurants, grocery and beauty parlor/spa. The second floor and second floor mezzanine houses the expansion of the Metrolifestyle Gym connecting from its existing space in the building beside it. The gym now has a bigger aerobics room, spacious exercise area, a jogging path, a boxing area, bigger spinning room and locker areas. The third level is an office space but not yet completed.

The building is envisioned to provide additional offices in its upper floor suitable for a call center. A new design for its addition was prepared and will soon start its construction. Above is a view of the proposed addition.

Rock World

For your stone requirements for landscape works and for decorative pieces refer to http://philrockworld.blogspot.com

Bahay Pinoy Design Competition

THE “BAHAY PINOY” DESIGN COMPETITION is a project of the Rotary-UAP Joint Committee on Housing of the United Architects of the Philippines and Rotary Makati Central D-3830


The project shall be to design low-cost single-detached dwelling with a 20-30 sqm. floor area with no particular lot utilizing bamboo as the major building material for both structural and architectural components


WHO MAY JOIN
The competition is open to the following:
Category I - Registered Filipino Architect (Team/Individual)
Category II - Graduate of BS Architecture / Students (3rd year, 4th year & 5th year of architecture course)




COMPETITION TIMETABLE
Launching (October 25, 2008)
Deadline for registration (January 5, 2009)
Deadline for submission of questions (January 19, 2009)
Deadline to dispatch answers to questions (February 5, 2009)
Deadline for submission of entries (March 5, 2009)
Judging (March 12 – 15 , 2009)
Deadline for submission of boards by winners (April 15, 2009)
Awarding (April 25, 2009)

Registration Fee
Category I–ONE THOUSAND PESOS (PhP 1,000.00)
Category II-FIVE HUNDRED PESOS (PhP 500.00)


PRIZES
Category I
First Prize Php 100,000.00
Second Prize Php 50,000.00
Third Prize Php 10,000.00
Category II

First Prize PhP 25,000.00
Second Prize PhP 10,000.00
Third Prize PhP 5,000.00

DELIVERABLES
- Competition Entry Form
- Three (3) sets A3 size:
•- Architectural drawings showing perspective, plans,
four (4) elevations and two (2) sections.
•- Structural concept details of primary framing of walls,
columns and roof system.
•- Concept report/detailed drawings describing the design approach and
innovative features.
•- Direct cost estimate of the project.

After the deliberation and six (6) winners have been announced by the jury,
the six (6) winners will be notified through e-mail/fax/telephone and
be required to submit, re:
•Three (3) boards of A1 size (594mm x 841mm)
a) Board 1 – Perspective (eye-level)
b) Board 2 – Floor plan, 4 elevations & 2
sections
c) Board 3 – Concepts & Details
•
594mm (vertical) and 841mm (horizontal)
•
dimensions in metric scale preferably 1:100m.
•
Detailed cost estimate of the project.
•
Electronic files of each board in pdf format saved to a CD.

Instructions and Presentations
Drawings may be done in color or monochrome.
Boards shall have a 1mm black line all around, setback 25mm from the edge

COMPETITION SECRETARIAT
United Architects of the Philippines
53 Scout Rallos Street, Diliman, Quezon City
Telephone (63-2)4126364, (63-2)4126374 Fax (63-2)3721796
Email: bahaypinoy @ yahoo.com

Diversified Architectural Experience

There has been so much talk with regards to the requirement for diversified architectural experience before one can take the board exams.

At present, the two years diversified experience is counted AFTER graduating from college, meaning five years (or more?) of BS Architecture and another two years of work training. This requirement is as per the IRR of RA 9266 which defines "diversified architectural experience" as a POST-baccalaureate, pre-licensure experience of two (2) years required of a graduate of architecture prior to taking the licensure examination; consisting of a variation of experiences in the different phases of architectural service.

Sec. 13 of RA9266 provides the qualifications of applicant for examination. Paragraph (c) states that "he/she is a holder of a degree of Bachelor of Science in Architecture conferred by a school, college, cademy or institute, duly recognized and /or accredited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and IN ADDITION has a specific record of at least two (2) years or equivalent of diversified architectural experience duly certified by a registered/licensed architect; Provided, however, that an applicant holding a Master's Degree in Architecture from a school, college, university, or institute recognized by the government shall be credited one (1) year in his/her practical experience." (Note: the law did not define diversified architectural experience)

The IRR (Implementing Rules and Regulations) of RA 9266 was promulgated by the Board of Architecture in Resolution No.2 Series of 2004 under then BOA Chair Ar. Eugene Gan and members Ar. Fernando Santos and Ar. Miguel Caluza.

This is in accordance with Sec. 41 of RA 9266 Final Provisions: Implementing Rules and Regulations - Within 60 days after the effectivity of this Act, the Board, subject to the approval of the Commission and in coordination with the integrated and accredited professional organization shall adopt and promulgate such rules and regulations, Code f Ethical Conduct and Standards of Professional Practice, to carry out the provisions of this Act and which shall be effective fifteen (15)days following their publication oin the Official Gazette or in two major daily newspaper of national circulation."

Generally, rules and regulations are imperative because Congress cannot conceivably provide all necessary details in the enforcement of a particular law. Note that the IRR is just an administrative act to interpret the law which is RA9266 and since the construction of a statute by those administering it is not binding on their successors, the BOA can revoke the IRR and formulate a new one in accord with Sec. 41 of RA9266 (note italics in red).

The question now is whether the two years diversified experience is to be counted after graduation or can start counting the moment the applicant starts getting work training even during college.

What is your interpretation of the phrase "IN ADDITION" of Sec. 14 of RA9266?

Please post your comments.

TAO Pilipinas' YP Design Challenge

TAO Pilipinas is very pleased to inform evrybody about the launch of the YP Design Challenge, a design ideas competition for young professionals and students that aims to generate ideas and design solutions for sustainable community development in urban poor settlements.

The YP Design Challenge is comprised of three design challenges, working around themes of sustainable community development. Each category has its own set of competition guidelines, judging criteria and prizes. Participants may choose to join in any or all of the following design challenge categories:
Design Challenge 1: Sustainable Shelter
Design Challenge 2: Trash Transformation
Design Challenge 3: Portable Playground

For partners in the academe, TAO Pilipinas is encouraging architecture/id, planning and engineering schools in Metro Manila to consider the design challenges in this competition as student design plate/project requirements for a semester. The competition is seen as a vehicle for the students to directly deal with sustainability issues in their academic design assignments and offers design educators an opportunity to orient and guide the students on important ideas on sustainability in their design studios.

The YP Design Challenge Launch will be on June 06, 2008 (Friday) at ISO-Ateneo (1:30pm). During the launch, the competition rules and guidelines will be introdced as well as its website, www.ypdesignchallenge.tao-pilipinas.org. (This website can already be accessed for more information about the competition.)

Millennium School DEsign Competition Winner

Eleena Jamil of Malaysia won the top prize in the just concluded Millennium School Design Competition organized by the MyShelter Foundation, National Disaster Coordinating Council, Department of Education, ABS-CBN, and the United Architects of the Philippines.

The classroom structure consists of two main parts: the reinforced concrete frame structure and the bamboo structure. The concrete frame structure is essential to anchor the lightweight elements to the ground. The bamboo frame construction consists of 4 layers of joined bamboo poles, with horizontal and diagonal bracing. The diameter of bamboo culms used are no less than 100mm. Steel pins and nylon lashings are used to create a strong but flexible joints. This means that the framing poles can slightly move in relation to one another, making them able to withstand the power of strong winds. At ground connections, concrete is injected into the culm to provide a strong joint.

The classrooms are kept small and separate so that damage can be restricted and repairs can be carried out separately. The walls are kept porous with clear small openings to reduce wind pressure on the walls. During a typhoon, loose furniture such as table and chairs be kept in storage. Small classrooms are built in cluster of two rather than in a continuous line to allow wind to pass through between them, lessening wind damages. Permanent ventilation opening on either side of the classroom and at roof level can reduce the wind pressure inside the classrooms and keep the internal spaces cool at all times. The roofs will be built at a pitch of 30 degrees and above to prevent wind lift off. The high pitched roofs also provide ample shade to the spaces below.

Review Questions

I am posting architectural board exam sample review questions in my other blog.

Refer to http://pupclass.blogspot.com/search/label/Review%20Questions

Happy reviewing...

Writ of Preliminary Injunction on IRR of PD1096 Lifted

Good News for Architects!

The Writ of Preliminary Injunction issued by the Court last June 1, 2005 on the provisions of the IRR of PD 1096 or the National Building Code, particularly Section 302(3) in relation to Section 302(4) was finally DISSOLVED by the Regional Trial Court Branch 22 in Manila. The court found the questioned provisions neither invalid nor unconstituional, and finding the petition devoid of merit, the petition was dismissed and the writ finally lifted and dissolved.

PETITIONERS CONTENTIONS and COURT RULINGS:

Petitioners asserted that "the case is about the practice of civil engineering because it assailed provisions restricting their practice..."

- Court rules that "the thrust of the petition is to invalidate the provisions of the revised IRR that are beneficial to the practice of architecture..."

Petitioners claimed that the asailed provisions of the revised IRR supplanted the NBC and the Civil Engineering Law, claiming that civil engineers have the right to prepare, sign and seal building plans including architectural documents required to be submitted in applying for building permits. This claim was based mainly on the version of Atty. Vicente Foz 2005 edition of "the National Building Code and its IRR" wherein he also cited cited "licensed architect or civil engineer in case of architectural and structural plans.
- Court ruled that the official and correct version of the law, as appearing in the Official Gazette and as found in the Malacanang Records office does not state the clause mentioned in Vicente Foz's version and so petitioners cannot invoke Section 302 of PD 1096 as the legal basis to justify their claim that civil engineers can prepare, sign and seal architectural plans.

Petitioners asserted that "the new IRR, if implemented, will arbitrarily deprived the civil engineers of their right to due process and equal protection of the law", assailing that civil engineers will be barred from preparing, signing and sealing plans and specifications enumerated in Section 302(4) of the IRR, and will deprived them of their right to practice part of their profession which they have been exercising fr more than a century. They also added that provisions of the IRR violate the due process clause of the Constitution and "constitute constraint of trade and of the profession of civil engineers".
- Court decided that "Section 2 and 23, Article 1 of RA 544 (the Civil Engineering Law) do not state in clear and unequivocal language that civil engineers can prepare, sign and seal architectural documents. It further said that "there is nothing in either the Civil Engineering Law or the Revised IRR of PD1096 that would indicate that the same "plans" enumerated under section 302(4) of the Revised IRR are the plans mentioned in Section 2 and 23 of RA544".

Petitioners claim that "any plan remotely connected with the construction of a building is covered by the practice of civil engineering"
-Court stated that the claim is "absurd", adding that under such interpretation, then "civil engineers also will be allowed to sign electrical, mechanical, sanitary, etc. documents, which is beyond their scope of practice and constitutes an overlapping of the different professions".

Petitioners argued that section 43 of RA9266 (New Architecture Law) provides that "this Act shall not be construed to affect or prevent the practice of any other legally recognized professions" and prescribes exercise by non-architects (especially civil engineers) of functions exclusively granted to architects, i.e., the preparation, signing and sealing of architectural documents.

-Court decided that Sec. 3 and 4 of RA9266 clearly indicate that the preparation and signing of "architectural documents" mentioned in the assailed provision in the revised IRR is within the scope of the practice of architecture, while Section 25 provides "as to who are qualified to practice architecture in the country". Section 20(5) of RA9266 states that "all architectural plans, designs, specifications, drawings and architectural documents relative to the construction of a building shall bear the seal and signature only of an architect registered and licensed under this Act together with his/her professional identification card number and the date of expiration".

The writ was filed by Felipe F. Cruz Sr. and David M. Consunji against the Secretary of Public Works and Highways.

Feng-shui and architecture

Feng-shui has recently become an important element in building design. I have been using some basic feng-shui strategies in my previous small residential projects, which are also known to many designers and clients alike, like number of stair steps, door locations and toilet layout.
My recent project in Davao City is my first encounter with how feng-shui could really make a huge impact in the design and lay-out of the building. It has made designing more difficult and should I say challenging?
Here are some of the requirements by the feng-shui master imported from Hongkong by the owner:
1. Originally, the lay-out of the residential suites had the T&B and kitchen areas fronting the hallway at the middle so as to have terraces and wide windows on the exterior of the units. It was suggested by the feng-shui master to have the service areas facing the exterior. (see picture at the 4th level).
2. Location of the transformer is at the right-most side of the building near the power lines at the main road. It was suggested to have that relocated at the corner of the site as the only possible location. (picture shows base of signage tower as transformer room. However, recently, the feng-shui expert agreed to have it at the left-most side of the building, so as there is no obstruction of views at the corner. The signage tower is also to be relocated)
3. If you're wondering why most buildings have rounded corners, then here's another example
4. No toilets shall be placed when there's a door or passageway on the floor below it.
5. Dirty water (septic tanks) shall be placed at the left side of the site and clean water (cistern) placed at the right side of the site.
6. Doors at two separate rooms shall not be oriented like a butterfly, meaning one door swings left and the other swings right.
7. Kitchen locations were also suggested to future tenants of the ground floor rentable spaces.
And there's a lot more minor requirements, including of course, the stairs.
The feng-shui master made a warning that if the suggestions were not followed, the business will last only a maximum of seven years!
So from now on, I will be using these suggestions in all of my projects especially commercial projects! How about you?

Conceptual Site Plan for Sanctuario Spa Resort in Panglao

This is the first conceptual site plan for the proposed Sanctuario Spa Resort in Panglao, Bohol. The high-end resort will have a Spa Village, Honeymoon Villas nestled on the cliff overlooking the sea, Executive Suites, 2-bedroom Family Houses with Infinity Pools, and a Presidential Villa with own Infinity Pool, a common Infinity Pool with kiddie pool and jacuzzi fronting the white beach, and other amenities (Game Room, Tennis Courts, etc.). The project is to be operated by Sanctuario Spa, a leading chain of spas in Metro Manila, Subic and Tagaytay.

The resort is located fronting a marine sanctuary which is an added attraction to guests who would like to go snorkeling. The development will make use of alternative energy sources like solar panels for site lighting, water pumping and filtration. Hot water for shower will be coming from heat generated by airconditioners. As the facility will have plenty of lagoon and water features, grey water recycling will be provided. It will also have an area reserved for composting coming from biodegradable waste for use in the organic garden.

This will be my biggest resort project if it will push thru. My other resort project done four years ago, the Boracay Beach Chalets and Hotel with 150 room and 24 cottages, might not be constructed anymore because of problems with land ownership, though the client has paid my professional fee already. I hope this one will push thru as this will be a landmark project for me.

Why a service contract is necessary!

This happened way back in 2004, a few years after coming back from abroad and starting to establish a practice here. After completing my second scheme for a residential project in Davao and about to bill my client for the services rendered for the particular phase in my architectural service, I was shocked to know that the client is not yet sure of getting my services and won't be paying for what I have produced. Earlier meetings indicate that I'm the only one they are talking to and so I proceeded with the drawings after emailing to them my proposal.

A week after that, they requested me to submit the drawings. Since the contract is still under review I indicated to them that I don't usually submit drawings before a downpayment is made and contract signed - but because the client is in Davao and I only travel there once a month and also because the client is rushing about the project, I made an exception to my policy. We communicated thru email and text and after submitting the first scheme they again asked for a revision to suit what they wanted.

The contract which I provided them shows the different stages in the professional services to be rendered. It clearly outlines the donwpayment to be made before submission of the schematic designs (stage1). Upon completion, the next stage will be the design development phase wherein comments made in the first stage shall be incorporated in the design. This will entail more details as this will be the basis of the final design to be worked on in the contract document phase (stage 3). In this stage, all the required drawings and documents necessary for contruction shall be prepared. As such, there should be no more changes in this stage as much as possible. The final stage is of course the construction phase. In our initial meeting, I have explained to them that design is a process and that the final design will evolve from a series of consultations with them.

The new Architecture Act of 2004, RA 9266, prohibits architects from submitting drawings or sketches without the benefit of a service contract. It also prohibits clients from soliciting drawings from architects without a contract. Although that is very clear, sometimes you have to make some adjustments depending on the situation. Mine is because of the distance. But this adjustment caused me manhours lost and also money to pay the salary of my staff.

Clients sometimes don't realize that what they are asking from architects are not done overnight. Many clients still perceive design as just series of horizontal and vertical lines that are easily drawn on a piece of paper. Many still are not aware of the process involved and the difficulty in translating the likes and needs of the user and how to suit them in a particular location. This is the most difficult part as sometimes, the demands of the client are sometimes impossible. But as architects like to be challenged, they would spend sleepless nights thinking of the best solution. Conceptualizing all the pieces together is the most nerve-wracking part in the design process. But then, once you are through with this, it's smooth sailing already.

Well I guess, I have to treat this one as a learning experience. Never produce a drawing without a signed contract....

High School Graduation

Since my spirit is with my classmates celebrating their reunion, I surfed our yahoogroups and found this picture taken during our graduation day 30 years ago! I don't have any more high school pictures in my photo albums, and this one really provided me some memories of yesteryears, especially that most memorable day in high school.

The photo is courtesy of Angelita Balmaceda (now Tagaro) who now resides in Australia. Good for her, she was able to bring this pictures when she settled down under.

The front row shows Chona Eco, our valedictorian, Eileen Fajardo, salutatorian, Lita Balmaceda, First Hon. Mention, me, and Dolito Barrozo, Third Honorable Mention. It was an emotional ceremony as the two top honors who delivered speeches were all dedicating their achievements to their fathers who were watching the ceremony from heaven, especially to Eileen, who lost her father just weeks before graduation. On the other hand, it was also a funny occassion, as I remember, their were many girls who lost their heels while climbing the steep stairs of the makeshift stage in the ampitheater.

SNHS Class78 30th REUNION

Congratulations to our high schol batch who will be having our 30th year reunion! Although I can't join the celebrations, I'm one with them in spirit. I would have wanted to go home but due to some last minute change in work schedule, I decided to postpone my trip. Maybe next year and succeeding homecoming celebrations, I can join the group already and make up with my absence this year. Well, anyway, absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Pictures above were taken from our silver anniversary five years ago, of course, the most well attended reunion. It was the time when we were the host of the schools' grand homecoming celebrations.

PUP Thesis Class 2007-2008

Its been my fourth time to handle an architectural thesis class at PUP College of Architecture and Fine Arts. This batch once again has shown what it is for the students to be challenged and striving for excellence. My class has once again produced many students belonging to the top ten from among three sections of thesis classes (During those four times, my students are always very much represented in the top ten garnering majority of the places and the topnotcher always. How could I not be proud?)
Congratulations to Rica Festin who made it to the top! She has been very consistent, being the top in the first deliberations and once again topping the second and final deliberations. This is similar to what happened to Abigail Legaspi during her time where she also topped the first and final deliberations. She is now a registered architect sharpening her skills in Dubai.
Same goes to Miguelito Cruz, who although was disappointed with his first defense, strived very hard to come up with a very good translation to land in third place over-all. Same goes with Donna Mendoza, who impressed the jurors with her very extensive research that defines her approach to design. Eric Consing showed impressive presentation drawings and unique designs but I guess he was not happy with the results as he was expecting higher grades than what was given.
Others who made it to the top ten are Katrina Reodica and Jennifer del Valle. I would have wanted also Ellenita Hidalgo to be in the top ten as I know her work is very commendable but the grades given is short of being in the top ten. The work of Manolito Pasia is also commendable as he was the only student in my class who used free-hand drawings in the presentation. His work is a very far cry fom his previous attempt two years ago.The projects of Louie Lompot, Anthony Yan and John Kaye Alcancia, who although produced very satisfactory designs and presentations, did not receive favorable grades from the jury. I was expecting much higher grades. My congratulations goes to the others who passed the final test, Velmer Claudio, Marianne Madrigal, Reina Acosta and Jose Gomez.
Although I am very happy with the results, I am also distracted by the fact that around 12 students (almost half of my class) dropped from the course. Two students were not able to complete the drawing requirements on time, while others do not have the patience to show up in the required consultation meetings or simply failed to come up with better solutions in their consultations. Either I'm too harsh in my requirements or they couldn't respond to the challenge I've been asking from them.
Since drafting the PUP Thesis Manual in 2000, which I co-wrote with Ar. Ted Inocencio, I've been analyzing the Thesis Class proceedings and its performance. Together with the other faculty members, we discuss what are the problems and we agree on revisions in the manual. This year, I have suggested introducing the research topic that will define the innovativeness of the project. So far the implementation is okay but other faculty members who sat as jury are not yet very much aware of the changes and still focus on some minor design details. I am hoping that the succeeding thesis deliberations will improve on this aspect and soon I will suggest another change in the thesis proposal format so that this idea of research topic and thesis project could be integrated right at the start.
Once again, congrats to my students and good luck in your future endeavors!!!
Ar. Rey

Welcome to my Blog!!!

I would like to welcome you all to my blog!!!

This is my first try in blogging and I am still struggling with my site. I hope I can come up with better blogs in the future. Help me make this a venue for architectural works and education.

I am also not a writer and I hope I can develop my skills with this...including my grammar of course hehehe.

God Bless to All!!!

Ar. Rey