Father of modern Iraqi architecture dies of COVID-19

BAGHDAD - Rifat Chadirji, known as the father of modern Iraqi architecture, died late Friday in the United Kingdom after contracting the novel coronavirus, friends and Iraqi officials have said.

The 93-year-old architect and photographer is credited with designing some of Iraq's most well-known structures, including the iconic "Freedom Monument" in the now protest hub of Baghdad's Tahrir Square its name. 

"He was a giant of 20th century Iraq," said Caecilia Pieri, a scholar focusing on Baghdad's modern architecture who knew Chadirji well. 

Top Iraqi officials including President Barham Saleh and caretaker premier Adel Abdel Mahdi mourned him on Saturday.

"With the death of Rifat Chadirji, architecture in Iraq and the world has lost its modern lung," Saleh wrote.

Born in Baghdad in 1926, Chadirji studied in London and returned to Iraq in the 1950s to design his magnum opus -- an elegant arch entitled "The Unknown Soldier" -- as well as the capital's post office and other public buildings.

But when the Baathist regime came to power, it tore down "The Unknown Soldier," replaced it with a statue of Saddam Hussein and tossed Chadirji into the infamous Abu Ghraib prison, where he remained for 20 months.

He wrote about the experience in "The Wall Between Two Darknesses," relating how Saddam had him released from prison to design a conference center.

Chadirji moved to Beirut a few years later and lived abroad during most of the devastating 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war, the 1990 Gulf War, a decade of international sanctions and the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Saddam.

When he returned to Iraq in 2009, he was scarred by what he found.

"I cannot believe what has happened to the buildings in Baghdad, everything has been almost completely destroyed," Chadirji said at the time.

In 2019, another one of his famed buildings was torn down: the National Insurance Company in Mosul, a seven-storey building from where the Islamic State group thew men accused of being gay to their deaths. 

The structure was ravaged by the months-long fight to oust IS from Mosul and a municipal committee later decided to demolish what was left of it saying it could not be restored.

The NIC building was seen as a prime example of modern Iraqi design, with rows of slim archways and projected windows reminiscent of Iraq's beloved "shanasheel".

Chadirji had been a longtime advocate of preservation, working even under Saddam to halt the demolition of traditional Iraqi architecture in Baghdad. 

"A people that cannot take care of its creations is a people without a memory," he said in 2009.

Agence France-Presse

Shamcey Supsup is new host of interior design show

MANILA -- Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up Shamcey Supsup now has her own television show.

Supsup, a licensed architect, has replaced Angel Aquino as the host of the interior design show "Interior Motives," which is set to air its second season next month.

The beauty queen said she is excited for her newest project which, she called a dream come true.

"I'm so excited about this because it's really a fun way of showing architecture, interior design. You won't be bored. It's a mix of everything," Supsup told reporters on Thursday.

"After the (Miss Universe) pageant I said to my manager that I really want a show that would not be far from where I came from, which is construction and design, but still do hosting which I learned to love after two years of doing stints. So ito na 'yon, ito na 'yung culmination of everything that I've prepared for," she added.

The topnotcher in the 2010 Architecture Board Exams went on to share what viewers can expect from her show.

"We have a segment wherein we go to an interesting space and we will talk to the owner or the designer, where you can get inspiration for your houses or spaces," she said.

"The second segment is where we will showcase an architect, interior designer or furniture designer and how he has done his designs [as well as] his inspirations. The focus is on the designer. The third one is the tool kit, where they recommend certain tools that you can use when you are designing or renovating your house," Supsup said.

Joining Supsup on the second season of "Interior Motives" are interior designers and sisters Cynthia and Ivy Almario. The two will be in a new segment called "Project: Makeover," where they will turn otherwise empty spaces into beautiful places.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Mind Museum decodes Da Vinci's genius in exhibit

MANILA -- Painter, sculptor, architect, engineer, inventor, anatomist, geologist, cartographer and writer. What went on inside the mind of Leonardo da Vinci?

Plenty, it seems, if you check out “Da Vinci – The Genius,” the most comprehensive exploration of Leonardo da Vinci’s work at the Mind Museum at the Bonifacio Global City.

Created by the world renowned Grande Exhibitions Australia, the exhibition will run from September 1 to November 30.

Jason Brown, Grande Exhibitions exhibition production manager, said Da Vinci lacked neither imagination nor ingenuity as evidenced by the 200 pieces of the Italian polymath’s extraordinary works from paintings to war machines and even codices in the exhibit.

The exhibit shows full-scale interpretations of Da Vinci’s inventions including a mechanical drum, a multi-directional gun machine and an aerial screw, as well as high-quality reproductions of his Renaissance art.

“Most of Da Vinci’s artwork is too fragile to travel. These are the best examples outside of the Louvre or the museums in Krakow, Poland. You won’t find plastics in this exhibition. All the replicas are made of wood and metal that would have been available to da Vinci during his time,” he told reporters.

The exhibit features 13 themed areas of Da Vinci’s work, giving visitors an immersive experience into the mind of a genius.

In the Military Engineering section, visitors are given a glimpse into the mind of Da Vinci as a weapons maker. Some of the replicas in the exhibit include an assault ladder (the better to scale enemy walls), a multi-barrelled gun machine (the great granddaddy of the modern machine gun) and a Scitian Wagon, a nasty looking war chariot with four large scythes that would not look out of place in the Colosseum.




One highlight is a wooden replica of Da Vinci’s concept of a tank: an armored vehicle capable of moving in any direction and bristling with cannons on all sides. To move the tank, eight men inside the vehicle turned cranks attached to trundle wheels which were in turn attached to four large wheels. The Da Vinci tank is actually a dream come true for Assassin’s Creed gamers.





Other sections of the exhibit on hydraulic and aquatic and civil engineering also reveal the brilliance of Da Vinci’s intellect. In one corner of the exhibit -- like a reverse Abe Sapien suit – stands a rudimentary diving suit that would help people breath underwater. The suit is made of a watertight leather tunic reinforced by armor that would protect the air bag from being compressed in deep water. Flexible hoses with leather joints reinforced by spirals of metal drew in air from above the surface while valves regulated the air intake.





Another invention that would have made Tony Stark proud is a humanoid automaton, which would have been the world’s first robot if it was actually built. Da Vinci drew sketches of the automaton before he painted the Last Supper in 1495. It is not clear, however, whether there was an attempt to actually build the device. The robot was clad in medieval armor similar to that of a knight and was designed to make several human-like motions.

Other inventions that leave people in awe are replicas of a self-propelled car, a hammer driven by an eccentric cam and rolling ball bearings.


Da Vinci, however, wasn’t just interested in conceptualizing suits or automatons. He was also interested in flight and hydraulic engineering. The physics/flight section of the exhibit shows how Da Vinci was one of the first scientists fascinated with flight as shown in his concept of the Aerial Screw, considered as the ancestor of today’s helicopter. Meanwhile, the hydraulic and aquatic section also showed his designs for a double-hulled ship and a submarine.





In the Art section, one cannot help but be drawn to a replica of Da Vinci’s most famous work of art: The Mona Lisa. One secret revealed in the exhibition is that a blotch mark on the corner of the model’s eye is actually water damage to the varnish “most likely caused when she was on display in Napoleon’s bathroom.”
Another piece of artwork, which is presented only in animation, is The Last Supper, which is the most famous religious painting of all time.




Other works of art presented in the exhibit include The Annunciation, Virgin of the Rocks, St. Jerome and Portrait of a Musician. There is also a self-portrait of the Italian Renaissance polymath.

A separate section is also given to Leonardo’s Vitruvian Man, which illustrates the theories on proportion postulated by the Roman architect Vitruvius.


Maria Isabel Garcia, curator of the Mind Museum, said the exhibit seeks to ignite the spirit of curiosity, exploration and expression found in the life of Da Vinci.

“Throughout the three months, we want everyone to enter the exhibition hall and not just look at his works but to find him – to find Leonardo. Leonardo’s genius also now lies in sparking the creative in each of us,” she said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

What becomes a modern house

Rolf Benz and Hulsta are two of the latest European brands of furniture to invade the Philippine market. Being German imports – one of them even goes by the name of the familiar luxury car – these products could well be dubbed the Mercedes Benz of furniture. Both brands are available at the special showroom located at the Fully Booked bookstore in Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City.

Jaime Daez, owner of Fully Booked, introduced the brands last week and he proudly demonstrated their innovative features. The emphasis is on the modern look. The lines are sleek and uncluttered though the sofas and chairs by Rolf Benz look graceful and sensuous. Of course, the merchandise is built according to the customarily rigid standards set by German manufacturers. They’re solidly made but most of the furniture has a distinctly soft and glamorous look.

The two brands are owned by one company called the Hulz Group. Jaime Daez, who is distributing the furniture in the country, now serves as managing director of the two lines here. An architect, Daez has long been inclined to furniture that makes life easier and more comfortable for their owners. 

The German makes are space efficient and offer several innovations. One of the highlights of the Fully Booked showroom is Hulsta’s Neo Media Panel, a stylish entertainment center that can accommodate LCDs, I-pods and DVD players. The magic here is the way this panel has been designed. Wires, speakers and the DVD player can be concealed. Only the LCD seems to be visible; thus what one has here is a sleek showcase of drawers and cabinets that can blend well with a room’s interiors.  Gadgets and wiring that might make a room looked cluttered aren’t seen at all.

There are chairs that can be converted to lounge chairs or lazy-boys and dining tables that can be extended to accommodate more diners and food.

The bedroom showcase comes with the very modern stuff that we once thought existed only in James Bond epics or in our dreams. But the high-tech merchandise is all there in the showroom. There is a king size bed that can be reclined or inclined by remote. What makes this bed so convenient – and amusing – is the one side can be inclined while another can stay flat. This way, if the husband wants to stay up to do some reading or watch television, he can incline his side while the wife’s side can remain flat so that she can get some sleep. This bed certainly proves that marriage doesn’t have to be all about compromises. “Technically, this actually is a hospital bed with style and more conveniences,” says Daez.

He also notes that the bedroom is the most important space in the house. “I personally think we spend the most time in the bedroom. More than eight hours a day, in fact,” says he. “We hardly use the living room unless we have guests. We use the dining room just for meals. So I think it’s best to choose your beds wisely. Get one that can adjust to your needs and not one that you have to adjust to.”

Daez recalls the previous beds he owned that gave him a bad back every morning. One of Hulsta’s beds come with wooden slats and mattresses that can be adjusted to adapt to your requirements. These slats are so sturdy, a six foot tall man like Daez can actually pretend to be a child and jump on the bed.

Other bedroom features include side tables that come with cabinets or shelves beneath the surface with lights that turn on automatically when one places his hand to pick up any object ensconced in the shelf.     

There are several more accessories one might think weren’t ever necessary but are actually practical and convenient to have in the house. After all, it’s the 21st century; it’s time we had this kind of furniture.

source: mb.com.ph

207 pass Middle East architect board exams

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced Friday that 207 out of 397 passed the Architect Licensure Examination given by the Board of Architecture in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Al-Khobar and Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and in Doha, Qatar last October 2012.

The members of the Board of Architecture who gave the licensure examination are Arch. Armando N. Alli, chairman; Arch. Angeline T. Chua Chiaco and Arch. Marietta B. Segovia, members.

The successful examinees who garnered the 10 highest places are the following:

1    RAY MARTIN MONTOJO  GAAC    UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS    83.80
2    ERWIN RAYRAY  CONSUEGRA    POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-MAIN-STA. MESA    82.80
3    GRANT SHERWIN CEDEÑO  CAPINPIN    BICOL UNIVERSITY-LEGAZPI    82.70
4    PAULO TUGONON  MARTINEZ    SAINT LOUIS COLLEGE OF SAN FERNANDO    82.30
5    LEONILA VIRGINIA  ROBLEDO    TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES-MANILA    82.10
6    ELEAZAR JAY-JAY TOBIAS  BERTOLDO    UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-DILIMAN    82.00
    GRANT LAWRENCE CO  HAO    UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS    82.00
7    DENMAR AMBOY  GONZALES    ARAULLO UNIVERSITY    81.60
8    RAY CHRISTOPER DEL VALLE  NOLASCO    BULACAN STATE UNIVERSITY (for.BCAT)-MALOLOS    81.40
9    JOY CRISTINA DEFEO  CELERIO    PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA    81.00
    CHARLES MELITON  DEMEGILLO III    LA CONSOLACION COLLEGE-BACOLOD CITY    81.00
10    VIRGO CELZO  IBARRA    BICOL UNIVERSITY-LEGAZPI    80.40

Roll of successful examinees in the 2012 architect licensure examination - Middle East


source: abs-cbnnews.com

Jobs for architects here and abroad are aplenty - DOLE

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is encouraging graduating high school students to consider taking architecture if that is their inclination and if they wish to easily land a job after college.

An architect is a hard-to-fill occupation identified in the DOLE report, Project JobsFit: The DOLE 2020 Vision.

Project JobsFit: The DOLE 2020 Vision, is a nationwide research study aimed at identifying local and global industries that would drive employment growth, including the corresponding skills requirements, for the next ten years. It was conducted by the DOLE through its Bureau of Local Employment.

Based on the findings and recommendations of the study, the BLE developed the 101 Career Guides, a body of relevant and updated information on the basic education requirements of a job, skills competencies, salary, prospect for career advancement, and employment opportunities. The results are meant to be disseminated and shared mainly to students to help them make wise career decisions.

“We, at the department, would like to prepare our students by providing them with information that would help them make better choices for their future,” said Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz of the 101 Career Guides.

The 101 Career Guides describes an architect as a licensed professional trained in the art and science of building design and who provides a wide variety of professional services to individuals and organizations planning a construction project.

An architect is required to have a professional degree in architecture and, prior to taking a licensure examination, a period of practical training, and internship.

However, although graduate education beyond the professional degree is not essential for practicing architecture, it is normally required for research, teaching, and other specialized areas of architectural work.

A degree in architecture normally costs around P30,000 to P45,000 per semester in private schools and universities. However, tuition cost 20 to 40 percent less in public education institutions that offer the same discipline.

“An architect may receive salary that ranges from P18,000 to P40,000 a month depending on the type of employer,” Baldoz said.

“And if they are employed in other countries, such as the Middle East, they could receive a monthly salary of between $1,500 to $3,000,” she added.

“With the recent trend of outsourcing to local architectural firms the drafting of construction plans from foreign countries and the unprecedented growth in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry in the Philippines, demand for this profession will also increase,” Baldoz said.

source: interaksyon.com

822 Pass Architect Licensure Examination

MANILA, Philippines — The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced Friday that 822 out of 1,617 examinees passed the Architect Licensure Examination (ALE) given by the Board of Architecture, headed by its Chairman, Architect Armando N. Alli, with two other members, Architects Angeline T. Chua Chiaco and Marietta Bundalian Segovia. The examination was held in Manila last January 27 and 29.

The results were released in four working days after the last day of examination.

Registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card (ID) and Certificates of Registration will start on Thursday, February 9, 2012, but not later than Friday, March 2, 2012.

Those who will register are required to bring the following – duly accomplished Oath Form or “Panunumpa ng Propesyonal”, current Community Tax Certificate (cedula), two pieces passport-size pictures (colored with white background and complete name tag), one piece 1”x1” picture (colored with white background and complete name tag), two sets of metered documentary stamps, and one short brown envelope with name and profession, and to pay the Initial Registration Fee of P600 and annual registration Fee of P450 for 2012-2015.

Successful examinees should personally register and sign in the roster of registered professionals.

The successful examinees in the January 2012 Architect Licensure Examination who garnered the 10 highest places are the following: (1.) Sudarshan Varsovia Khadka Jr., University of the Philippines-Diliman – 86.40; Andrew Mulato Wee, University of San Carlos – 86.40; (2.) Maria Francesca Salido Latay, University of the Philippines-Diliman – 86.30; (3.) Kim Patrick Legaspi Pullante, University of the Philippines-Diliman – 85.70; (4.) Marinel Landeta Siega, University of the Philippines-Diliman – 85.50; (5.) Paul Henrick Martinez Letana, University of the Philippines-Diliman – 85.30; (6.) Mark Jeff Macadangdang Tapawan, Pangasinan State University-Urdaneta – 84.40; (7.) Carlo Richfield Bayona Gonzales, University of the Philippines-Diliman – 84.30; Ruelan Calinawan Mira, Cebu Institute of Technology – 84.30; Walfrido Carlos Simbul, University of the Philippines-Diliman – 84.30; (8.) Prime Daryl Calamba Deliman, University of Bohol – 83.60; (9.) Armel Andre Dinulos Bonifacio, University Of Santo Tomas – 83.50; and, (10.) Jeffrey Yebes Ecleo, Mapua Institute of Technology-Manila – 83.40.

source: mb.com.ph