DEVELOPMENT is a need. It keeps us track everyday changes in our life. But sometimes development can also obliterate the historical value of a place or structure. I think this is what is happening to our world today, where heritage sites and historical structures are being destroyed to give way to the different demands of the technology-driven world. Commercial industrial and government buildings now overshadow, if not take place, of historical sites. Because of modernization and industrialization, we are able to catch up with other countries, But we must weigh the positive effects along with the negative.
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At present, the University is making radical changes on campus by building additional structures with commercial establishments and amenities that they think will help the students and make the University a more complete and competitive school.
The University is reducing decades-old structures into rubbles to give way to “development”.
There is nothing wrong with development, but we should also have to take into consideration problems such as overcrowding, lack of natural lighting, ventilation, and even pollution.
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When I first entered the University in 2002, the first things that I really noticed were the beautiful landscape and lush greenery. I also liked the fact that the Universitys planning is not crowded, with lots of open spaces to hang out and study.
I am afraid that in no time these things will be gone and students will not anymore be able to experience the soothing effect that these simple things give.
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As an Architecture student, I have been taught to keep track of the needs of people. This involves development. In the process, I have also learned to conserve and preserve, to first study carefully whether demolishing a structure or a site will be the best to accommodate changes. We should also take into consideration the history that the University is known for.
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I just hope University officials are aware of the consequences of development. I am not criticizing their work but Im just hoping that on their way to developing our school, the conservative and aesthetic setting of the University not be sacrificed.
