Category: Community

By Patricia Antoinette Ko

In the past century, principal architects like Le Corbusier, Gropius and Mies were articulate in the language and practice of social architecture. Be it through innovating with healthier and more affordable housing, writing books like Toward a New Architecture, or organizing model exhibitions like the Weissenhofsiedlung, generous and empathetic design was once a top priority in architecture for the masses.

Unfortunately, this fluency petered out by the end of the 20th century. A great deal of aspirations was since then neglected and dismissed — what was once admirable became hubristic and eventually, naive. The narrative of social responsibility in architecture was marginalized and propelled out of the norm. Coupled with the advent of the pandemic outbreak, we begin to see the current built environment as one crowded with a suffocating state of affliction

Unfortunately, this fluency petered out by the end of the 20th century. A great deal of aspirations was since then neglected and dismissed — what was once admirable became hubristic and eventually, naive. The narrative of social responsibility in architecture was marginalized and propelled out of the norm. Coupled with the advent of the pandemic outbreak, we begin to see the current built environment as one crowded with a suffocating state of affliction

Social architecture is a human-centric approach toward the built environment — a practice for the people, by the people. The current built environment’s trajectory postpones this principle, often lacking an authentic connection to nature and our communities. The modern definition of good design has shifted from considerate to utilitarian — an apathetic transition to host more investments and densify cities. But the keenness to densify without considering the long-term quality of life only presents a new set of problems.

WTA challenges this current norm by taking an engaging and inclusive approach that relearns and reteaches what social architecture can mean for future cities. By investing instead on purposeful design, they reexamine the idea of “social” and put into perspective two often unassociated, but deeply kindred philosophies: architecture and change.

WTA’s renewed commitment for a socially responsible architecture is reminiscent of early ideals, and it convenes one simple wake-up call: design like you give a damn. What they embraced was a campaign to develop architecture-based solutions that foster social interaction — places where programmed space and accountability intermingle. From emergency quarantine facilities to mobile public library systems, they prove that contemporary social architecture is achievable and crucial in increasing the vitality of life and life-support systems.

But the modern decline in social fluency nowadays is not because most people don’t share WTA’s sentiments about architecture; in fact, most might be inclined to admit that architecture does play a huge role in social responsibility. It is simply because the process of how architecture is created, and even finished, is often rendered invisible. The thought of architecture is usually linked to a mere profession. But don’t most professions come with obligations to serve others? If both iconic and non-iconic architecture are, by definition, “social” purely because of profession, then what is so social about social architecture?

With the built environment so imbued inside the wider web of society, its social purpose is often left to the imagination. In a moment of irony, realities that are ever-present to the human eye like architecture, are so “normal” that they become invisible. Something we pass by again and again, but don’t bother giving a passing thought to. WTA deconstructs this habit and takes apart the idea of architecture being “normal.” Not by scrapping its current state completely, but by reconstructing it in a new way that is less oppressive and more equitable.

Lamentably, architectural practice doesn’t have the right vocabulary to articulate the merit of social change when it cannot easily be quantified with measurements or value. If architects could quantify the impact of their designs, perhaps the discipline’s social facet would be much more powerful. Ultimately, most social projects are left to thrive in their own ingenuity. But just because “social” isn’t recurrently associated with architecture, doesn’t mean its collective function isn’t needed.

Social architecture is here to drive big change, one project at a time. WTA’s commitment to a social architecture is best understood as a resolve to start up old conversations and begin new ones. By bringing forth the spirit of creative activism amid a dynamically changing landscape, architecture can, in fact, make a difference.

WTA breaks down selectively exclusive barriers and brings accessible, meaningful institutions to the people. In turn, architecture is able to recreate networks and function at a more human scale. While we are still left wondering to what extent a design’s quality can make a difference, one thing is for certain: there is no need for a shortage of designs that can leverage small ways to bring about big social change.

by William Ti, Jr.

Infrastructure is defined as the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society. It is a basic need and the lifeblood of every nation and its people.

As a developing country, the Philippines lacks the necessary infrastructure in so many areas that sometimes, it seems like such a daunting and impossible endeavor.

Infra agenda

Infrastructure is a major focus of the current and last administration. The establishment of a coordinated and coherent infrastructure agenda is needed for us to not just catch up, but to also leapfrog our immediate goals and needs.

From sewerage to roads and bridges, from power and water to data networks and mass transit, hard infrastructure is always top of mind. Social infrastructure, which include schools, hospitals, libraries and parks, are often forgotten and left behind, especially in infrastructure planning and policy.

We currently have so much need to connect our myriad islands to strengthen our bonds and take advantage of the resources of each region.

Metro Manila is trapped in a vicious cycle of increasing congestion with more roads leading to more cars. Our ports, both land and sea, are congested and often dilapidated. The pandemic has shown our grave lack of hospitals and the stark absence of accessible open space. Government must catch up and be able to deliver infrastructure programs as efficiently as the private sector because the government is the only entity who can prioritize the lease developed and underserved sectors.

What is needed now as we endeavor to build up our country is to coordinate our resources and plan out how to intelligently build and prioritize the most essential systems to shape our future. Systemic thinking that provides unvarnished and unbiased determination to enable further growth and development is needed.

New models

The future of infrastructure is evolving. We must identify new models and forego antiquated systems if we are to leapfrog into the 21st century.

The last few decades have already left us behind. To continue at the same constant pace will only see us further left behind by our neighbors in the region and the rest of the world.

Six years is a long time. Six years is also a very short time. The next six years will pass us by quickly and we must see what can be accomplished in this long and short period. The development of infrastructure networks and urban plans that serve multiple purposes can help accelerate development. Facilities that combine and serve multiple needs allow us to stack together services in very dense urban centers.

A well-coordinated infrastructure plan and roadmap can help various agencies and departments coordinate and combine resources to optimize services.

Read more: https://business.inquirer.net/354048/the-need-for-a-coherent-infrastructure-agenda#ixzz7bit39xYB
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By: William Ti Jr.

The new administration presents us with an opportunity to recalibrate our urban systems. It is a new chapter for which we can write a healthier and much more robust human environment.

How we plan our towns and cities and how we build our homes can be strategically planned to become holistic and cohesive endeavors. Government policy can become a strong and vital tool for nation building once more. The building program can be accompanied and shaped by policy to create social impact and further reach for each government project.

This is especially important for our natural environment. As mentioned by President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr., we are one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change. We can better adapt our cities to climate change by learning to live with nature, and by developing planning strategies that bring back the protective and restorative qualities of our natural environment.

Biodiversity hotspot

The Philippines is one of the world’s leading biodiversity hotspots. We are caretakers of some of the most important marine and forest ecosystems. As with the rest of the world, land development and urbanization are the biggest threats to our biodiversity.

In parallel to this, we have learned about the correlation of human happiness with the presence of nature in our daily lives. In developing human environment, towns and cities, the insertion of green spaces and the integration of natural systems must be an essential requirement and component of any urban plan.

The development of green systems for inclusion in the architecture of new builds not only allows for sustainability as a cost driver, but also turns this into an attractive feature which, in turn, creates awareness and affinity for a green and sustainable urban future.

Urban greens

From living facades to green walls, from planted terraces to balconies with potted plants, from green hedges to climbing plants, the intention or active search for more and more spaces to naturalize as much of our living and public spaces as possible is a transformative process. The tropical climate that we have makes this one of the unique opportunities of our cities.

We must develop the desire to create lush surroundings in our public space—to not just limit ourselves with grass and trees but also to apply rich natural landscapes of tropical species.

These urban greens create natural corridors and sanctuaries for wildlife. It allows us to coexist with and not just push away the flora and fauna of our natural environment.

We must be aware of local green pockets in every barangay. Think about how the availability of hyperlocal greens could make the lives of so many Filipinos who don’t travel far mentally and physically healthier.

Our communities are living ecosystems that grow and live whether we want them to or not. How we want to shape these communities and how healthy we want them—and us, in turn—to be, are in our hands. Let’s bring back birdsong and rustling leaves into our daily lives and embrace a much brighter future.

Design exploration requires the input of everyone in our community. We invite everyone to come join our explorations on the human environment. Join us on Instagram @wtadesignstudio and @entrari.

Read more: https://business.inquirer.net/348923/urban-biodiversity#ixzz7bjEPEabX
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By: William Ti Jr.

The recent advances in information technology and communications have prompted a desire to update the housing industry, one of the oldest and most conservative industries.

As we strive to develop new ways to structure our cities, there has been much interest in smart cities, which allows for the collection of data and information that could help decision makers better serve residents.

What a smart city means there has been a growing discussion on what a smart city means. Technology and connectivity are no longer unique components of a smart city but rather a basic need for any community. Sustainability is another progressive component that has been embraced by almost everyone as the greatest challenge of this generation.

A smart community must thus go beyond the basics and seek out ways to improve upon the core needs of sustainability and connectivity.

A few features can better describe a smart city. It is hyperlocal, emphasizing personal mobility and the availability of diverse urban features within the immediate reach of its residents. These include not just work places, open spaces and parks, but also key urban amenities for education, recreation and leisure.

A smart city is resilient and sustainable. It makes use of its climate and geography to create a better human environment. These contextual elements will always determine how a city grows. Taking advantage of this natural context allows a city to grow more harmoniously and sustainably.

The most distinct and least considered component though of a smart city is its flexibility—its ability to adapt to whatever need or purpose its residents require. This flexibility can be predetermined by use of a flexible policy structure such as building codes and city ordinances. It can be expanded by emphasizing diverse populations and building types.

Smart subdivisions

The boundaries of Metro Manila are dominated by sprawling subdivisions that continue to expand as the population grows. How do we turn these new communities into smart subdivisions?

A smart subdivision needs to emphasize connectivity not just through the availability of broadband connections, but by creating open access points such as free Wi-Fi stations so residents will have a basic online presence. These can be incorporated and spread out in pocket gardens and playgrounds throughout the subdivision.

A smart subdivision needs to prioritize personal mobility. Subdivisions often have poor sidewalks and lack proper pedestrian paths. The planning of better pedestrian paths and bike lanes can be enhanced by making the routes smoother and more desirable with the introduction of greens and points of interests such as play installations and interactive urban elements.

Sustainability can be introduced by addressing water scarcity via the collection of runoff water that is abundant with the high percentage of paved roads. These road surfaces can also introduce sealed and other porous features that would allow the replenishment of our groundwater. Solar energy can be harnessed with the use of smart meters and flexible pricing.

Smart subdivisions can be part of a healthy growing metropolis by becoming more flexible and diverse. Zoning can be introduced to allow changes in density and typology as development dictates. This will allow the development of workplaces and service providers in these subdivisions as the economy grows.

Diversity

Smart subdivisions can encourage a more diverse population by incorporating a diversity of housing types and economic models. Multifamily dwellings can be mixed with single family dwellings. Leasing structures can be introduced to diversify and widen the target base and demographic.

Cooperative district planning of smart subdivisions should be introduced to allow for higher level urban amenities such as schools and hospitals. Shared access will meanwhile allow for more diverse urban amenities and less replication and redundancy of typical subdivision amenities.

Smart subdivisions can be a positive urban component and serve to spearhead much needed changes in our urban condition. Much of the changes that a smart subdivision could incorporate only requires careful planning and cooperation. Further study of how better synergies could be developed would lead to more positive conditions as better planning is incorporated.

Read more: https://business.inquirer.net/343724/smart-subdivisions#ixzz7bjLtZRpV
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by William Ti, Jr. (IG: @entrari @wtadesignstudio)

Manila is the historical, geopolitical and cultural center of the Philippines. Our city is home to 1.8 million people and is the center of Metro Manila, which has 14 million people. Manila is the densest city in the world and forms the core of one of the largest megacities. This urban area generates 60 to 70 percent of our country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and is one of the strongest primate cities in any country.

The history of Manila stretches back to the Lakans of Tondo (the densest district in the world) and the Majapahit kingdom of Manila. The Spanish city of Manila was chartered in 1571. Manila is a city settled along the mouth of the Pasig River, bounded by Manila Bay to the west, Laguna Lake to the southeast, and the Sierra Madre to the east. This small strip of relatively flat land has given rise to one of the world’s biggest cities.

All roads lead to Manila

Metro Manila is a semicircle whose development is bounded by a series of circumferential roads. The development of the other cities in the metropolitan region, along with its relative density and population, radiates outward from the center of Manila.

The development of suburban enclaves into our various central business districts (CBDs) has created a polycentric city. In a way, this is a good development model for the city but much of our problem arises from the origins of these CBDs as suburban enclaves and their lack of accommodation for the working class. This has made many of the adjoining cities and provinces into bedroom communities and has led to the constant sprawl that has spread to over a hundred kilometers north and south of the city.

The City of Manila itself is similar in size and density to the borough of Manhattan. This population density however is not reflected in its built-up area. This has resulted in a gross lack of open space and public facilities.

The single greatest need for our city is housing. While infrastructure programs try to address our transportation problems, they will never be able to meet the needs of a sprawling mega city unless we build up the core and find more space for our people.

Our beautiful heritage

Manila is a beautiful city. It is walkable and filled with all sorts of unique places. Manila can be such a rich and powerful cultural attraction for tourists. The walled city of Intramuros, the numerous churches and the plazas are such unique sights especially for Asian tourists who form the majority of our visitors. Manila is home to so much of our Spanish and American heritage, as well as iconic buildings from our neocolonial and Art Deco period. Walking down Escolta or Rosario, one can squint and almost see the former glory of our beloved city.

As many of the world’s top tourist destinations will show, cultural tourism is the most attractive and strongest draw for frequent and repeat travelers. When was the last time you heard of Manila as a tourist destination? A well-coordinated tourist program could do so much for the City of Manila.

This program would include a comprehensive database of our built heritage along with strong branding and promotion of our unique and diverse districts. Cultural tourism would provide the main commercial impetus towards the preservation of our heritage and would provide much needed livelihood for Manileños.

Manila now

Manila today is undergoing much needed change and revitalization under the leadership of Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso.

Current programs began with clearing up our streets and have grown towards renovating our landmarks and the construction of much needed medical facilities. The best part of this current program is the public housing that is being provided for our people. Public housing remains the biggest challenge for our city, and we need to continue this effort to rehouse and not relocate our citizens.

Manila is the heart of our country. We cannot survive as a country if we allow its heart to deteriorate and decay. We can only move forward as a people if our cities are healthy and vibrant. Our challenges today show how the neglect of our human environment has led to so much of our troubles and ills. The political strength of our leaders derives from the will of our people.

Let us find the will to build a better city for a better tomorrow.

by William Ti, Jr.

I’m always impressed by how older drivers could still manage to go around the city without the use of Waze or Google Maps.

I remember how much stronger the impressions I used to had of our city back when you needed to recognize the corners and roads through which you go. I’ve always felt like this gave me a much better understanding and much more affection for our local communities. There is a certain romance to physical touch and connection that we’ve been losing with our growing digital world and the restrictions we have faced with this quarantine.

Awareness leads to discovery and knowledge. The first step towards a better city starts with understanding and knowing more about it. Building a civic consciousness is an effort that also means increasing appreciation and ownership of our public spaces. We must extend our concept of public space beyond our immediate front yards and street fronts, beyond our local barangays and districts, towards our city and country itself.

There is a certain wonder to miniature models. From our earliest childhood playsets and toys to the Lilliputian cities of Gulliver’s travels, they capture our imagination and allow us to see and understand more about life. Many of the great cities of the world have scale models for the public to see. They become not just tourist attractions but places where children can visit and learn more about their city.

This is probably the most important thing really if we want to have the next generation love and care for our built environment. We must show them from an early age how much bigger the city is. Many who can’t afford to travel at a young age grow up in a capsule unaware of the scope of our human environment. We need every tool that can help them learn.

We always mention how context is one of the main drivers of our architecture at WTA. And so we appreciate how most people actually do not understand or know the lay of our land.

With that in mind we have started on a whimsical journey over the last year. We’ve been trying to build a model of our city in the hopes of completing this someday and having a place where architects, but more importantly children, can come and see our city. We’ve managed to finish just over 18 sq km of Manila to date, and hopefully, as we push on, we can keep adding to this and have a bigger and better representation of our city to share with everyone.

Design exploration requires the input of everyone in our community. We invite everyone to come join our explorations on the human environment.

Join us on Instagram @wtadesignstudio and @entrari.

Read more: https://business.inquirer.net/328266/learning-from-manila#ixzz7be8xVpmu
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By William Ti jr.

We always talk about smart cities and how technology can help change our lives. We imagine a bright future where green cities prosper, where technology and infrastructure make urban life convenient and efficient. We all want a smart and beautiful city to live in. But what makes cities smart? What makes our cities and lifestyles delightful and charming?

The single greatest factor that can affect our future is the training and nurturing of smart and creative people. These are the people who bring ideas to life, who create opportunities for growth and development. Creatives are the people who add value to the products of mass production. They make our lives better with the fruits of their knowledge and skills.

It is the creative industry that provides substance to our daily lives. Each song, each book, each city, each concert or event, each and every building or meal—these are all the fruits of our creative passions.

As the future comes to pass, the creative industry will increasingly be vital to how we shape our future. It extends to our farmers and builders, weavers and artists. Each one of us is, in one way or another, a part of this industry. We create with our everyday actions and decisions, we are all part of this vast web that embraces our society and culture.

The Filipino spirit has always been full of passion and vigor. The talents and skills of our creatives are second to none. It is a ready potential that only needs support to grow into an engine for development.

The Philippines needs to define its focus and support for the creative industry. The institutionalization of a body to help cultivate and guide the growth of our creatives can greatly affect the lives of so many. The government’s investment in our creatives will be a strong indicator for business and industry to also participate in the growth of this sector.

Our creatives need protection from exploitation. They need financial support and facilities for training and research. The industry needs representation to better coordinate synergistic endeavors and champion its goals to connect with the wider global community. We need to invest in our creatives to enable not just talent, but also productivity. We must take advantage of our demographic dividend by cultivating the creative spirit of this next generation of Filipinos.

The cities of both yesterday and tomorrow are not about roads and buildings. It is not about the concrete and steel of the industrial age but about people and communities. The soft infrastructure that makes our cities livable and attractive lies in the hands of our creatives. Smart cities have smart people. Nothing else matters more.Design exploration requires the input of everyone in our community. We invite everyone to come join our explorations on the human environment. Join us on Instagram @wtadesignstudio and @entrari.

Read more: https://business.inquirer.net/327236/the-future-is-creative#ixzz7bzaQfwLG
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An article written by William Ti, Jr. published in @inquirerdotnet

I was driving down the street the other day and was pleasantly surprised to see the public spaces around San Juan City Hall.

Public spaces are the linchpin of any city. What makes us social and urban creatures are the centers of congregation around which our lives revolve. Public spaces are what makes cities livable and the preferred human environment for over half the world’s population.

We orient ourselves and our neighborhoods around public buildings and institutions. They provide character and define how a neighborhood develops. Our cities cannot just be a collection of homes, shops and workplaces. We need to look beyond mere existence towards the development of an environment that supports human life.

The value we place on our institutions should not be evaluated as we would places of commerce or production. This is the primary reason why we cannot simply outsource the building of public space to the private sector. Government remains the vital cog in the planning and growth of our communities.

The history of public space reflects the history of human civilization. The origin of our cities revolve around temples and palaces (power), castles and walls (protection), libraries and universities (learning) and markets and harbors (trade). These are the social institutions that grow into vibrant towns and cities.

From these, humanity has grown to embrace theaters (entertainment) and museums (culture), stadiums (fitness) and hospitals (health), terminals (transport) and parks (nature), as essential parts of any human environment.

Our city has suffered from the negligence and slow decay of our public spaces. We have embraced a hyper capitalist model that focuses on short term individual gains over long term development of social and common grounds. Where are the parks and plazas that we can visit? Where do we find the soul and heart of our culture? Who watches over the safety and well-being of our community?

The organizations and institutions we have in place operate on a largely mercenary manner. They protect and serve their internal goals over the public’s well-being. Not every building is a piece of architecture. Oftentimes, they are merely structures of convenience.

Architecture cannot reflect the skills and qualities of baseline requirements and acquiesce with the least common denominator. That is a road that leads to dull and transient spaces.

Public architecture must serve to provide the best spaces for our people. It must show the best of our ideals and serve to define Filipino culture for generations to come. Each piece of architecture is a piece of our built environment with which the public has no choice but to involuntarily engage with. The quality and beauty of our public architecture is that which serves to uplift and inspire the next generation.

This generation has largely failed in this mandate. We have not built places that will further elevate how our city lives and thrives.

We, Filipinos, demonstrate limited ownership and awareness of our public spaces. The belligerence with which we argue over territory and space dissipates quickly beyond our immediate periphery.

We need to demand access to institutions that make life possible. We need to develop a civic awareness that our rights and responsibilities over our common grounds. The 21st century will see the increasing importance of creative minds and abstract ideas. A national agenda to develop the passions and talents of our most valuable resource, our people, needs to begin with the environment we are building all around us.

We become reflections of our surroundings. We can build a better human environment.

Read more: https://business.inquirer.net/325861/public-architecture#ixzz7bXfFRBtg
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We need environments in which we can thrive. The 21st century will see homo sapiens become a predominantly urban species. Development will push almost 70 percent of the population to live in urban areas by 2050. More and more of humanity will need to find space in bigger and denser cities. The built environment that we build for ourselves will dictate how we develop and evolve as a society.

Nurture, preserve, expand

Our human environments must serve to nurture us. We must develop spaces and facilities that nurture our mind, body and spirit. We need space to grow, open fields to run in and an abundance of nature to immerse ourselves in. Our minds need to be stimulated and fed. We need access to libraries and places of learning—facilities that allow us to explore new interests and satiate our curiosity. Learning must be facilitated and become a lifelong activity.

Our health and well-being are of paramount importance. The calculus that weighs economic and social development must sway towards providing an environment that is beneficial to human life. Limited resources, primary of which is space, must not be hoarded to benefit the few but expended to serve our communities. It is almost criminal how a city with so few public parks can have such an abundance of golf courses, how each building devotes so much more space to parking for cars than for gardens and greens.

Our urban lifestyles must expand beyond a torturous cycle of working just to survive. Subsistence living traps too many urbanites into concrete cages linked by steel carriages running on barren paved roads.

Our cities must serve to expand the human experience. It must enrich our lives by providing greater diversity and freedom. Personal mobility and freedom must be prioritized. We must develop spaces and urban amenities that can allow for a depth and diversity of cultural and recreational activities. The digital realm has allowed us to expand our reach exponentially. We must not allow our physical realm to shrink and limit us in turn.

The people

Politics divides us. Government limits us. National agendas disregard us. Yet politics can also bring us together; government can lead the way; and the country can be the home that shelters us.

“Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.”—Jane Jacobs

Essentials

Our human environments are often planned to be efficient and functional. They are designed to address function and durability. If function is the rational and structure, the framework of how we build our environment, then purpose is the essence of why we build.

We must build an environment that delights us, communities that serve to enrich us. Perhaps the most important shift in modern times is the value we have placed upon design. From Apple to Tesla, the world has shown how ideas can change the world.

Manila, 2021 – Philippine Daily Inquirer publishes WTA Architect William Ti’s City of Tomorrow Column: The Human Environment (2/2). Click here to read more.