Architecture is the structure of a man’s soul. It allows us to use creative imagination in designing structures that reflects who we are. If I am asked what architecture is for me, I would answer; not a career but a passion. Passion is how you feel towards something you do for pleasure or relaxation and not as a main occupation and that’s basically how I see it. I believe that to be successful in any career; one must enjoy everything that has to do with it – no matter how strenuous it could be. Architecture being a demanding course, one must have enough love and patience for it. Personally, architecture makes me happy just like any other hobby I enjoy spending time on. Architecture for me is stress – not the kind which causes agony but the opposite, which causes bliss.
Growing up in a family of doctors, people would always ask me, why architecture? And my reply would be, ‘Why not?’. At a young age, I already had my mind set on what I wanted to be when I grow up, and that’s to be not just a successful architect, but a fulfilled one. As a kid I enjoyed drawing. Drawing a lot, drawing anything I see or anything that amuses me. But there’s always this one common subject you’d notice upon going through my sketchpads, and that’s a drawing of a house. As the years passed, my little house which had simple door, a window and a simple triangular roof transformed into a more complex one adding different details such as balconies, columns, and hipped roofs. One day I woke up and I just knew, I would want to be an architect someday. I am truly blessed to have very supportive parents who respected my decision when it comes to choosing my career. Ever since I told my parents this dream, they’ve given me everything that I’ll need to turn it into reality. This had a tremendous effect on me as it helped strengthen my passion for architecture.
Among the many different architectural styles, the intricate design modern structures display fascinate me the most. But it doesn’t mean the others don’t, it’s just that the modern ones portray this different world for me. It gives us a glimpse of the future-modernized world we see on television. The exquisite design created out of those curve and straight lines put together amazes me. On the other hand, those normal; too ordinary designs that don’t display uniqueness and good aesthetics make me uncomfortable. For me it ruins the whole point of making your design a structure when an average person can envision that same ordinary design as well.
I believe what will set me apart from the others will be my drive and passion for Architecture itself. Nothing will ever make me give up my love for this. No person, no bad experience – nothing can change my mind. I remember the hardships I’ve encountered when I had my first year in UST. Looking back, I do not regret all those sleepless nights. In fact, despite the blood the sweat and the tears each project demanded from me , I still enjoyed everything I did. I didn’t mind not sleeping for days as long as I did my work well because that feeling after finishing that plate to me just can’t be described – it’s the best feeling in the world. Apart from that, what will make me stand out are my experiences and struggles. Every person has a different story to tell, unique qualities when put together defines him as a person – as an architect.
I have to admit; right now I cannot visualize what I’ll be 10 years from now. I believe it’s too early to tell and there are still a lot I have yet to go through that’ll play a big role in defining myself as an architect. But there’s one thing for sure, 10 years from now I’d still be a growing architect. Of course I’d like to be established by then, probably working for a big recognized firm or if I’m lucky enough, own a firm. I want to see myself happy and contented with my life as an architect.
“You can just drift unhappily towards this vision of heaven on earth, and ultimately that is what architecture is a vision of: Heaven on earth, at it’s best.”
-Ben Nicholson
