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