‘Wrights and Burnhams’ install architects, officers

LETTERS FROM THE AGNO
March Fianza

"Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men's blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans. Aim high in hope and work. Remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will not die." – Arch. Daniel Hudson Burnham (Sep 4, 1846 – June 1, 1912).

It is embedded in history that the world-famous Arch. D. H. Burnham was responsible for conceptualizing and laying out Baguio’s urban plan that included of course, Burnham Park that was eventually named after him.

Burnham and his partners also prepared “The Chicago Plan,” considered to be America ’s first comprehensive planning document. Burnham also worked on other city plans for Cleveland, San Francisco and Washington D.C. and influenced the design for Cebu and other Philippine cities.

He conceptualized a plan for Manila , although the latter was not fully implemented. When he died, D.H. Burnham and Co. was the world's largest architectural firm.

“Architects may come and architects may go and never change your point of view. When I run dry I’ll stop awhile and think of you.” These are lines from the song “So long Frank Lloyd Wright” which multi-awarded poet-musician Paul Simon sang to his partner Art Garfunkel when they decided to split.

Garfunkel studied architecture and many believe that because of this, Paul gave Art the nickname Frank Lloyd Wright. Frank Lloyd Wright (June 8, 1867 – April 9, 1959) was an American architect, interior designer, writer and educator who designed more than a thousand projects and promoted organic architecture.

Frank Lloyd Wright honored Daniel Burnham. In his eulogy after the latter’s death he wrote: "Burnham made masterful use of the methods and men of his time... an enthusiastic promoter of great construction enterprises... his powerful personality was supreme."

Last week, the United Architects of the Philippines , Baguio Chapter honored their fellow architects by inducting into office their new set of officers at the Supreme Hotel. They were inducted by outgoing UAP national president Arch. Medeliano T. Roldan, fuap.

The officers are: Jessie D. Avila, president; Ray C. Piluden, vice pres. for programs and development; Ernesto “Tito” G. Abansi, vice pres. for operations; Mark Kenneth C. Flores, secretary; Melissa Ann Cayabyab-Patano, treasurer; and Divina Ligaya Benigno-Rillera, auditor.

The new UAP-Baguio directors are Gregorio M. Ano Jr, Annabelle N Costales, Maricel E. Fianza, Madona Monte-Tadeo, Romeo K. Gelletes Jr, and Edelyn Taylan.

Arch. Miguel R. Caluza, fuap; President and CEO of DWD Development Corp. acts as UAP-Baguio Chapter adviser.

At least 26 young architects were also inducted as new members, three of whom are familiar as their fathers are old acquaintances or that our paths have crossed in the past. They are Arch. Chester Washington Bayao; Arch. Aris Gamueda, son of the late Jun Gamueda, one of the finest artists in the 70s and 80s that I have known; and Arch. Marcus Lloyd A. Lubrica who chose to follow in the footsteps of his father Bong, my “glassmate” since college.

Participation in UAP meetings and induction rites is good but it could even be better, according to long time friend Arch. Armi Catalan, UAP-Baguio past President who said despite their tight schedule, many still chose to attend.

I thought I would be meeting again Arch. George Salvan, UAP past President and owner of “The Fireplace” at No. 01 Assumption Rd. , Baguio City where many of his architecture students hanged around to “eat, drink and be happy.”

Among the audience were their colleagues from the Philippine Institute of Architects-Baguio namely: Architects Wendell Aplaten and “Mac” Tidang, PIA-Baguio president and vice president, respectively.

“Help me!” These two short, simple but strong words ended Chapter president Avila ’s inaugural speech. Indeed his colleagues in the organization have to take his plea seriously if only to hurdle the issues that are now hounding not only the UAP and PIA, but all practicing architects in the country.

One problem that needs to be resolved is the full implementation of RA 9266, which as of late clarified that architectural plans and designs should be assigned to licensed architects, not civil or construction engineers.

Arch. Roldan mentioned that in the case of Davao and Cavite , their city councils have come up with laws that bolstered the implementation of RA 9266. Mayor Timmy Galwan of La Trinidad, Benguet who was guest speaker promised the organization that in his town he will make sure that the role of architects under RA 9266 will be enforced.

“I will talk to the engineers,” he said as he relayed his worries about houses in the municipality that are being constructed without the expertise of architects. La Trinidad and the UAP should be partners, he said. Indeed, La Trinidad is in need of an architectural design that may be pursued to avoid overcrowding in the future.

“I appeal to you who handle the preparation of building designs to please tell the landowners to respect the easements by not constructing on all vacant spaces, leaving nothing for pathways,” Galwan pleaded.

Construction engineers have been usurping the role of architects while greedy landowners have been building on all vacant spaces and “old habits are hard to break” the saying goes. But the architects expect something from Galwan’s promise – even if they have to wait just a little longer. – marchfianza777@yahoo.com