ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE CONSERVATION 101: FLASHBACK TO BASICS AND 6th GMM

Last February 6, 2017, the United Architects of the Philippines Marikina Valley Chapter held its 6th General Membership Meeting at Café Lidia Restaurant, Calumpang, Marikina City with a theme focused on conservation. The resource speaker for the event was Ar. Jayson Braza Portem, Chairman for UAP Specialty Council on Architectural Heritage Conservation (Under the Office of the President) F.Y. 2016-2017.

Ar. Jayson Portem, with his presentation, refreshed the members of the basics on Architectural Heritage Conservation, “Built Heritage” based on R.A. 10066 Heritage Act Of 2009. He highlighted the difference and relevance of Conservation, Protection, Preservation, Consolidation and Restoration. He also emphasized on the concept of “Diwa ng Lunan” (Spirit of Place) based on Emilio U. Ozaeta’s concepts which fixated on history of the area; patterns of living (daily activities, seasonal activities, etc.); relative relationships between architectural elements; perceived major and minor paths; perceived entrances and exits to the area; perceived boundaries; architectural details; landmarks and areas memorable to them; architectural elements; and structures with stories.

At the end of his presentation, he encouraged Marvalley Architects to contribute on heritage mapping and documentation in an effort to help both the national government and local communities in preserving and maintaining our country’s built heritage.

DEFINITIONS TO TAKE NOTE OF:

Conservation - Measures taken to keep the existing state of a heritage resource from destruction or change.

Protection - In legal terms, the action required to provide the conditions for a monument, site or historic area to survive

Preservation - Measures taken to ensure the survival and sustainability of a heritage structure

Consolidation - The physical addition or application of adhesive or supportive materials to the actual fabric of the cultural property in order to ensure its continued durability or structural integrity

Restoration - A highly specialized operation whose aim is to preserve and reveal the aesthetic and historic value of the monument and is based on respect for original material and authentic documents

Reconstruction - This means building anew

Anastylosis - A “type” of restoration whose aim is to make the spatial character of a ruined structure visually more comprehensible by reinstating its lost original form (reassemble, refabricating) are generally produced years after a structure is built are generally produced years after a structure is built.

Previous and Updates on activites were discuss especially regarding the Annual National Awards UAP National bid for Feb. 28, 2017 submission, the forthcoming 43^rd Natcon on April 27-29, 2017, Summer Outing May 12-14, 2017 in Caramoan, Camsur Bicol.  

 February birthday celebrants blew the candles and the usual group pictures as ended up the meeting.

By:  Ar. Jasmine P. Lee