Architects cope with crisis through optimism

The best way to cope with the crisis would be to hold on to positive prospects, or so says the members of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP).

“Because of the recession, some developers are on a wait-and-see attitude and most of them are holding off their projects despite having a budget, and eventually we are affected,” UAP regional district C-1 director Alan G. Choachuy said.

He said the current financial crisis resulted into a slowdown in projects, thus affecting their sector. However, he said their members are dealing with the current economic crisis through holding on to a positive outlook.

 Choachuy added that amidst the global crisis, prices of construction materials have gone down to around 40 percent such as steel bars, which are now cheaper compared to prices during the months of July and August.

 “With the crisis, people are holding on to their money now. It is not that they do not have the money but they are holding on to it tightly,” he said.

“There is a slowdown, but we should not stop. Although we see a bright year next year we should also manage our expenses well and not overspend,” he advised.

The UAP regional district C-1 recently opened a four-day exhibit for the annual National Architecture Week at the Parkmall in Mandaue.

The exhibit showcased all the recent and future developments of the various members of UAP from its different chapters in District C-1 composed of Cebu, Rajah Humabon, Sugbo, Lapu-Lapu, Dumaguete, and Bohol.

Choachuy said that their event aims to also showcase the evolution of architectural designs that are currently practiced by their member architects.

“The trend for architectural design here in Cebu is a mixture of new and old designs. There are some that incorporates old structure with modern furniture while some combines modern structures with contemporary and classical furniture. The exhibit shows that our designs have evolved because some are already doing techno modern designs which are still functional,” said Choachuy.

He said that the green architecture movement is also slowly taking shape in Cebu’s architectural scene because some of their players have already started using cost-efficient and environmentally friendly materials in their projects as well as integrate these components to their designs.

Choachuy added that the reception of the idea of going green on architecture has been very positive especially that in time of crisis these materials help them save on costs.

Some green materials that are now patronized by architects are LED lighting diode which can save three times the usual metal halite as well as gypsum boards and fiber cement board which are used as alternative for plywood, said Choachuy.

“These materials are cheaper and more cost-efficient and it uses less indigenous materials which are taken from the environment,” he said.

Right now, big subdivisions are already using these materials which are also integrated and part of the requirement of the designs.

Choachuy said that using environmentally friendly materials is expensive at first but the returns can be seen because consumption will eventually lessen.

The Architecture Week is an annual event held every first week of December and this year, the exhibit also marked the launching of Lantawan, an architectural journal which is the official publication of the architectural department of the University of San Carlos. —Rhia de Pablo