Except that the lessons which spun out from them are so reveling to me that i need this moment to digest and regurgitate...even if it means burning another midnight oil..
Lesson #1:
The lecturer who conducted the "Shelter & Settlement" workshop this morning is an architect actively involved in such works for poor and disaster-struck communities found mostly in developing or third world countries. I had really wanted to take up his studio for this semester, but got balloted into my second choice instead - Ambulatory Healthcare Design, which i'll fill you in next time. But for now, i'm just grateful that i get to be immersed in an environment where there are people who critically examine the roles and integrity of designers towards a greater community in the past, present n beyond - an environment that's still much lacking back home.Something that had always troubled my conscience way back when i was still grappling with the wisdom of entering a sector as "vain & frivolous" as design - to which the recent India trip just sparked another jab of resolution and resolve - had finally been cast in clearer light after today's workshop. Deciding to pursue my interest with the resolve of using this expertise to contribute meaningfully back to the society at large and not just the elite is one thing; knowing the realistic path to achieve that is a whole another.
Today, i had the guidance and inspiration from a predecessor, and though the path is far from easy, it's at least a clearer and more tangible path i know i can take. In one of the lecturer's words: From RIGOUR to RELEVANCE - do you want to be architects or designers who exhibit their skills in the elite, cushioned sector to make "designer names" for themselves, or do your want to be one who contributes with a team of concerned others for the greater good of nature and society? In the past, designers mostly reached out to the greater public through the government channel, which dictated much of the strategy and vision. Our time now doesnt allow the designers to wait for good governance to come before they can help the society. They have to start empowering themselves and step forward, as private bodies if not as individuals, and apply pressure for change from these governments through dedicated providence of their vision, expertise and commitment. I'm proud to say that even in a country as small and young as Singapore, we have a few such visionary architects to count on.
Below is an article i was appalled and saddened by. Instead of learning from past mistakes made by other developed societies, such developing countries have chosen the same mistaken routes in a blind pursuit of overnight success and status, driven by chronic deprivation and poverty. We all know it's "human nature", but who suffers most in the end? The massive majority of its population - the deprived and the poor...now how senseless is that?
Lesson #2:
The classes and articles i read today gave me, again, one of those moments of revelation since my studies here began...how intricately art & design are weaved into the web of social, economic, ecological and consequently political structures. They add to the growing list of factors which convince me that design is NEVER meant to be "vain & frivolous". Art is open to many interpretations, but i think the quintessential elements that matter most to me are Freedom, Honesty & Living.
In a world where quantifiable mechanisms such as engineering & construction work are still quick targets of criticism when buildings or infrastructure flaws appear, the fact that preventive and sustainable measures could have made a difference alludes to the importance of design.
I am growing in belief that as societies evolve alongside a growing ecological crisis, design leads the pack amongst technology and innovation, propelling and being propelled by the forces of nature and man in a never-ending cycle. Below is my most recent (which u can guess that's today) interpretation of design evolution at work:
Lesson #3:
I heard much about the movie before finally having the chance to watch it today...and naturally, i had my reservations about how effective or objective the movie was, and how convincing it's storyline was going to be. I was not prepared though, for the tears of helplessness and vexation that followed the scenes of war and disaster...i'm sure one never can be. To me, the achievement of this film lies in its humanistic yet strivingly neutral portrayal of the war. For the first time, faces of war and its tragedy were captured through personal witnessing and experiences BEFORE, DURING and AFTER the advent of war, as compared to impersonal documentaries of war in the historical context in the past.
If you have the time, do read this national geographic article for an insightful look at the war:
http://www7.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0612/feature3/index.html
Another thing which struck me is the extreme farce of freedom and democracy America, n many other democratic nations for that matter, so proudly represented itself. A powerful nation's creed inevitably still falls vulnerable in the hands of its own people. Michael Moore's initial lone fight (in a collective sense with his crew) for its revival is the only proof of its potential strength; for without persistent investigations into the system, committed search for the truth, and calculated strategic steps to expose them, what's the good use of undying patriotism and courage the entire american population speaks so readily but blindly about? Of course, not all fault lies in this ignorance...in fact, hardly at all, when one cannot even begin to imagine the audacity their president (& his "partners in crime " including the "freedom press") has to betray so cruelly his very own people, let alone the rest of humankind. ALL wars end up meaningless and tragic, however noble or critical it started out to be. How this war "stood out" above the rest was the full-blown deceit to the nation's own people. This is by far the most publically-exposed example of how an ambitious government manipulates the hearts and minds of the community to fortify its power, feed its greed and rid itself of enemies in a "legal" manner.
Interestingly, it occurred to me where the root of all such corrupted, heartless political (and non-political) bodies IN POWER possibly lies...what in God's name made them to become wolves in sheep's skins and turn their back on the very people who supported and brought them to power? The answer is ironically the same as that which dates back to the times of kingdoms and emporerships, isnt it? Much to the chagrin of all that noble talk about modern civilization and people-elected governments, the fact is these people no longer needs to bow down to anyone above. They become their own gods. With power and money, they can protect themselves under packs of lies; they can buy popularity and support; they can buy or crush the weak hearts of many who wish to take their place. But this is where the greatest irony lies: That these few inhumane humans can continue to play their games up there only because the majority of their people are quietly (albeit ignorantly) accepting their fates in life, and fueling their sources. When one is down and out, one naturally learns about humility and faith. People do not accept poverty and hardships because they can live with it; they accept them because they believe that their leaders, if not their gods would see them through. Only if even such hope is being deprived will they start fighting back. So basically, the better the culprits can "puppeteerise" its people, the longer they get to live their high lives.
For all its "entertainment" values, I hope people who've watched Fahrenheit 9/11 will not let the furore die down with time like most blockbusters do...I speak for myself too. Cos we're humans after all..it takes effort and reminders to kick that habit. And if u find my tone over harsh n unfounded here, perhaps it is..cos who can really judge what's right n wrong anyway? But if even just 10% of this movie reflects the truth, then reality is way harsher. When the entire nation is against the war, how democratic can a government be by plunging ahead?
Ironically, i'm writing this in the long aftermath of the movie's 2004 furore.
I may be one of the last few to take this long to watch Fahrenheit 9/11...unless you are too?
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