The architect designs sustainable but extreme architecture

IT is imperative that the architect knows how to design extreme architecture as the environmental conditions of the site requires. Normal site conditions like location on flat land is not the problem, but risky geographical and geological condition where landslides, tsunamis, storm surges and earthquakes are natural hazards that the architect must contend. The architect must approach architecture in a more holistic manner with a sui generis character that speaks the language of zeitgeist of the times through the effect of climate change.

One may ask, why build in areas where the threat of flooding or lahar flow might sweep away your house? The fact is that sometimes, we have no choice but contend with situation that affects the surrounding built-up environment where we are in now. Take the case of Marikina Valley — if you look at the hazard map of Metro Manila, this area is unbuildable. But why has it become a human habitation? Urban planners of the 1970s have already marked it as a high-risk area. This was disregarded because of greed and corruption in the government and even among real estate developers. This was evident in 2009, super typhoon Ondoy showed us the folly of building in high-risk areas.