Finding a Place in the World of Architecture
Published October 23, 2024
Christian G. Pataray started out like any other architecture student in the Polytechnic University of the Philippines— a student grappling with plates, numerous deadlines, and countless discussions on design principles. Despite continuously designing spaces for others, he found it hard to find a place for himself in the world of architecture.
Finding Inspiration Within
“During my university years, hindi talaga ako naniniwala na para dito ako sa architecture,” Christian admits. “During my third year, parang nag-iisip na ako na mag-shift sa other courses na feeling ko, mas mae-enjoy ko.”
He was no stranger to being out of place. Christian has been working closely with marginalized communities during his college days. He felt closest to the Persons With Disabilities (PWD) through his brother, who is a teacher for the blind.
Inspired by his brother, Christian wanted to design spaces for PWDs and give them a place customized for their needs. It gave him the spark to design a school for children with physical disabilities as his thesis topic.
Weaving Narratives Into Designs
Christian wanted to anchor his thesis in the principles of Universal Design and Sensory Design. To unite these principles, Christian coined the term, “Ominsensory Design”.
“Universal Design in the Philippines is not well-designed, so nag-try po akong maghanap ng other designs para ma-elevate ‘yong design standards and creative translation ng PWD spaces dito sa Philippines.”
Christian reached out to the Philippine National School for the Blind and interviewed blind, deaf, and orthopedically impaired children. “From there, doon ko na po ti-nranslate yong space ng school, kung ano po talaga ‘yong kailangan ng mga students for them to effectively and efficiently learn inside a learning facility,” he shares.
He had to take into consideration design matters like classroom spacing, physical barriers, and cramped dormitories for the students. Christian had to balance his vision for the school while ensuring potential government funding for the project. To compromise, he lessened the number of classrooms and decreased the building’s height for accessibility.
From Struggles to Purpose
These struggles made Christian discover his true passion for architecture. “N’ong time na na-meet ko yong mga students from the Philippine National School for the Blind, nakita ko kung gaano karaming experiences yong pwede kong maranasan or gaano karaming tao yong kaya kong ma-meet during my time kapag naging architect na ako,” he pondered.
Winning the Best Thesis award was just a bonus, for he wanted to dedicate the thesis to his brother. Upon culminating his thesis journey, Christian finally found his place in the world of architecture.
“Yong purpose ko as an architect is to create spaces for the marginalized, and create spaces para sa mga taong nangangailangan ng mas maayos na spaces dito sa Philippines,” he shared.
Currently, Christian graduated as Cum Laude and is one of the chosen applicants for the Angat Sining Arkitektura Internship Program. He hopes to join a design firm and elevate the design standards for marginalized people in the Philippines.
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
College of Architecture, Design, and the Built Environment
Sta. Mesa, Manila, Philippines
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
College of Architecture, Design, and the Built Environment
Philippines
PATARAY, CHRISTIAN G.
BS Architecture
Christian, an Architecture student at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, has spent all 24 years of his life in Quezon City, where he was born and raised.
During his early education, he pursued excellence in both academics and art, earning honors for his Alma Mater and completing his early studies with flying colors. In college, Christian continued to dedicate himself to his studies and leadership roles.
Despite facing challenges along the way, he consistently earned spots on the Dean’s and President’s Lister. His undergraduate thesis, inspired by his older blind brother, reflected his firsthand experience with the struggles of Persons with Disabilities.
These experiences shaped his beliefs and principles to design spaces that empower everyone to dream—spaces that are inclusive, accessible, and enable everyone to experience the beauty of Architecture.
AR. JOHN ANTHONY S. NOVERO, UAP
Thesis Adviser
Ar. Ant Novero, a proud product of PUP, Sta. Mesa, Manila, is a young architect with over eight (8) years of experience in the real estate development industry. His expertise includes Project Feasibility Studies, Land Acquisition Studies, Site Development Planning, Master Planning, and Design and Planning Management.
Fueled by his passion and commitment to giving back to the nation, he began teaching in the architecture academe at a very young age shortly after obtaining his license in 2018. He joined his alma mater in October 2021 as a Part-time Faculty Member of the CADBE Department of Architecture, handling subjects such as Architectural Design, Planning, Research Methods, among others.
In 2022, he began handling Architectural Design Thesis courses at PUP as a Thesis Adviser. Ar. Novero is also currently completing his Master of Arts in Urban and Regional Planning (MAURP) at the University of the Philippines Diliman – School of Urban and Regional Planning (SURP), specializing in Estate Planning and Development.
PROJECT BRIEF DESCRIPTION
Despite the global efforts to promote inclusive education and protect the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the Philippines, significant challenges remain. Schools implementing inclusive education face obstacles, revealing gaps in achieving education for all (Allam & Martin, 2021; CHR, 2018). The proposed Laguna Integrated School for Children with Physical Disability aims to transform the built environment into a dynamic tool for learning through Omni-Sensory Design. This approach combines universal and sensory design principles tailored to children with physical disabilities, including visual, hearing, and orthopedic impairments. The project focuses on creating an inclusive and accessible learning environment that addresses physical, social, and academic dimensions. The project aims to ensure accessibility, usability, and a positive user experience, envisioning spaces that support effective learning and integration for all users.
