National Architecture Week Essay: HOW IS ARCHITECTURE THE SOUL OF THE NATION?

I haven't posted here in AGES. My goodness. Okay, so a few months ago, I joined an essay writing contest for UAPSA-UST, one of my school's organizations. Honestly, it was a tough topic and I never thought I'd ever finish it or get an award. To my surprise, I was awarded 2nd place in the competition yesterday. It's an achievement for me since I never imagined myself winning this kind of contest since I always fail at this. Well, persistence does make a difference after all.  Some of my friends wanted to see my essay, so I'll leave it here. 

ANIMA

 by: Le Marie Grace T. Balderama

            Soul, the word itself sounds as cold as ice to those who are afraid. From its Latin derivation anima and its Greek counterpart psyche, it says otherwise as it is defined as ALIVE. Alive and kicking, as they would say. The warmth of the soul keeps the body moving on happy and smiling. Take for example a human being, without its soul, it wouldn't learn how to love, flourish and grow. Just like people, the soul keeps it working.  It may be in the form of people working for it and activities regarding such, the money flowing around our economic system, the ecosystem that sustains all life forms or even the place we stay on.

            For others, Architecture only means the solid and physical place to stay on. It may be an office space, an institute, or even a small house. Many may ask what is the reason for architecture as a lot resort to one size fits all kind of structures. As harsh as it sounds, people nowadays think that architecture is for the ones who can afford their own designs or have time to think of what they would like and think of something more practical instead, like earning money and how to survive. But for me, architecture is beyond the physical state of the structure. It is also a part of what makes the nation alive.

            Architecture serves as the nation's identity. It serves as the face of the nation, with each curve and line of the structure as an extension of the country's emotion. Every color of a structure tells how the designer felt during construction. Without a face, how can a country show its true self. A nation without architecture is nothing but a boring, lifeless country. Without your own identity, it lives like a puppet on a string waiting for someone to move it.

            Architecture serves as a visual storyteller. These structures are the solid and unforgettable memories of the past.  It serves as a name for a country, how it was created, made and came to be. From the ruins of the past wars to the colonial houses to the modern day structures we see in cities, it tells a story and like any other stories, people listen to it. Architecture not only drives people to come and learn about a structure but it lets one experience the life of the nation then and now. With people coming to listen, tourism flourishes the country, keeps the money flowing and the economy increases  to improve the nation.

            Architecture is also part of something that people would always talk about. Whether it may be a newly constructed multi-use buildings, the repair or demolitions of a dilapidated but historically relevant structure or a person's dream house, people will always have a say in everything they see. A country that communicates well is a country that works well. What makes it a life source to the nation is that it makes people think of improvements or opinions that it sparks debates and talks. It gives out fresh ideas, words that can improve and strengthen a nation.

            With the ideas that come to mind, it shows the concern not only for yourself but also your fellow countrymen. Most of us would like our children to know how we have lived our lives. It is a fulfilling dream yet some of us may pass before even meeting them. Thus, Architecture serves as a reminder for others to take care of the nation for the future generation to experience what we have now. Conservation of heritage sites and green and sustainable architecture teaches the nation on how to pass on a treasure that can be seen for the years to come. Seeing the structure standing despite all the hardships serves as inspiration to improve and survive as well. It keeps the people hopeful that there will be a future to work for in the present. With this empowerment comes a powerhouse nation that will go through until the end.

            Architecture not only serve as a physical  body of a nation but it also works as its soul. It embodies not only the structural aspect but it also gives out the life of the nation. It works hand in hand with the creation, development, empowerment and survival of a country. A nation would stop reminiscing the past, surviving present and dreaming of the future if not for it. It would be a cold and lifeless land without emotion. In short, a nation would stop living without architecture. 

To the grammar nazis, pardon my mistakes.