I just came across an article that featured Frank Gehry (yeah, the award-winning architect who designed the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao) played as himself in the Simpsons (yeah, that award-winning animated series with a retarded humor). Never knew a big time architect such as Gehry could be so down to earth…
Oh, don't you just love Frank Gehry all the more?
This has been my own internal debate for years: should I ditch writing so that I could design more? Or should I leave design and follow my passion for writing?
I have loved writing since I was a fetus; but with that I also had a fascination for the arts. I decided to tap that 'art' within by taking up architecture. Along the way, I discovered that designing something functional and realistic is a hell lot of work. I encountered so many pitfalls - more discouragement than uplifting moments actually. I really don't know if I could pull this off. I only have four semesters more in architecture school to prove myself. But so far, I am surviving…
I also took the opportunity to explore my love for writing when I joined a writer's workshop last summer. There I experienced more negative criticisms regarding my writing than positive ones. Actually, I think they were all negative. I discovered that my writings, of which are products of my own enlightening moments, were actually amateurish compared to those who really know how to write. I found the connection when one of the jurors compared my poetry to an impressionistic painting – made quickly, without much thought.
Indeed, I always consider both writing and designing lightly. I do not have much patience to work on one thing. I always want to finish it fast so that I could go on to the next…
I was reminded of the fact that if I want to write something that would really create an impact – a flawless and planned impact – I have to take the time to think, write, edit and proofread it. If I want to design something feasible, there should have been a strong research base regarding the proposal plus hours, days or weeks of drafting and rendering of its translation.
Every single aspect of that writer's workshop reminded me of the architect's studio. And whenever I work on my plates, I remember my approach to writing. At first, I thought I have everything it takes to be good. I realized how I lack in so many things. I just couldn't rely on what I have at the moment – I have to search for more. But when the time comes that I have to give something – be it an essay or an esquisse – I just have to give it my best shot.
But is it possible to be good in writing as well as designing? Is it really possible that both of these seemingly different worlds can coexist with each other, specifically in my own life?
Daniel Libeskind, on an episode in CNN, said that writing is indispensable to his architecture. He made a sculpture and wrapped it around with strips of his writings to express this valuable concept in his life. It was uplifting to know that one of the world's star architects epitomized the balance I have been yearning for. It kind of breaks the paradigm that when you are an architect, you cannot be ever good in writing.
Frank Lloyd Wright, in the book Living Architecture, also made a point about the arts, sciences, religion – typically the different aspects of life are actually more intertwined than separated.
This made me think: Is it possible that I can pursue design excellently without giving up something precious to me also, which is writing? Would the time, resources and opportunities permit?
I am still to find out…
The first time I came across Archt. Lira Luis was when I was looking for other inspiring Filipino architects besides Manosa, Locsin, Palafox among others. She holds architect licenses in 3 continents. She got a masters degree in a school founded by one of the greatest architects in history. She designed a multi-million dollar project in Arizona, USA. She has something that I would kill to get – a LEED accreditation (like, as if I could get one, I still have a long way to go by the way).
That's one Filipina making a mark in the world...
There was a certain time that I doubted if I would succeed in this course. I am not really that good in it, and sometimes I wished I took up another course instead. But every time I see these things, my mood lights up again…
(Daniel Libeskind-Creative Arts Center)
(Francisco Manosa- Cahay House)
(Michelle Kaufmann-The Smart House)
Architecture is a very difficult course. The math is mind-wreaking. The course requires you to take up engineering subjects. Besides being an artist, you are also required to become a scientist. The thesis during the 5th year kills the hell out of everyone. Sometimes, I wonder why I am making life hard for myself…
But I don't think that any other course could be as enjoyable as this one…
Architects have the privilege to design, and affect so many lives by it (not my own words, it was an architect which I forgot the name did). They have the means to create something beautiful – worthwhile to the lives and eyes of men. These are just a few words I remember from people whose whole lives revolved around architecture. But I believe the whole concept of architecture cannot be fully contained just within these words, or any other that I would be writing here. There is so much more…
That's why I created this blog… to explore what architecture truly is…
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