Ildelfonso Santos Jr. - A Documentary Film

Summary

This video highlights the legacy of IP Santos Jr., the father of Philippine landscape architecture. Born in 1929, Santos played a key role in shaping the profession in the Philippines, earning recognition for his innovative designs that integrated local plants and sustainable practices. His works, such as the landscaping of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, reflect a deep commitment to culture and the environment. Santos’s career, spanning from academic contributions to award-winning designs, transformed the field of landscape architecture, inspiring future generations of architects and leaving a lasting impact on Philippine culture.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ip Santos Jr. is regarded as the father of Philippine landscape architecture, pioneering the profession in the country.
• 😀 He was born on September 5, 1929, in Malabon, and his father, El Dizon Santos, was a well-known Filipino poet.
• 😀 Santos played a significant role in establishing the Specialty Board of Landscape Architecture at the Professional Regulation Commission of the Philippines.
• 😀 He studied at the University of Santo Tomas and later earned multiple degrees in architecture and industrial design from the University of Southern California.
• 😀 Santos worked at the prestigious firm of Colonel in Los Angeles before returning to the Philippines and contributing to various landmark projects.
• 😀 He was a professor in landscape architecture at the University of the Philippines, holding a position from 1964 to 1991.
• 😀 His work integrated local plants into designs, creating landscapes that combined beauty, functionality, and a connection to nature.
• 😀 Santos pioneered the use of vibrant, local plants like periwinkle, yellow bell, and jade vines in landscape designs.
• 😀 His projects include the Cultural Center of the Philippines, which remains an iconic symbol of Filipino arts and culture.
• 😀 Santos received numerous awards, including being named National Artist for Architecture and Allied Arts in 2006 for his contributions to Philippine architecture.

Q & A

Who is considered the father of Philippine landscape architecture?

The father of Philippine landscape architecture is Ip Santos, a pioneering figure in the profession who is known for his uncompromising integrity and professionalism.

What is the significance of Ip Santos' contributions to landscape architecture in the Philippines?

Ip Santos was instrumental in the establishment of the Specialty Board of Landscape Architecture at the Professional Regulation Commission of the Philippines, helping to elevate the profession. His designs integrated local plants and natural elements, which inspired a new approach to landscape architecture in the country.

What educational background did Ip Santos have?

Ip Santos received a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Santo Tomas in 1954, followed by a second Bachelor of Architecture degree and an Industrial Design degree from the University of Southern California in 1956. He also earned a Master's degree in Architecture in 1960.

What notable work did Ip Santos do in Los Angeles before returning to the Philippines?

Before returning to the Philippines, Ip Santos worked for the landscape architectural office of Colonel Premium and Trolling. His last major project with the firm was the design of the famous Los Angeles Mystic Center.

What role did Ip Santos play at the University of the Philippines?

Ip Santos served as a professorial lecturer in landscape architecture at the University of the Philippines from 1964, eventually becoming a full professor in 1991. He also worked as a landscape architectural consultant for the university's campus planning from 1965 to 1996.

What are some of the awards that Ip Santos received throughout his career?

Ip Santos received several prestigious awards, including the highest cultural award in Manila, the Outstanding Professional for Landscape Architecture Award, the National Landscape Award from the British Association of Landscape Industries, and the National Artist Award for Architecture and Allied Arts in 2006.

How did Ip Santos approach landscape design differently from his peers?

Ip Santos focused on integrating natural beauty with design by using local plants and materials, unlike the imported materials that were common in landscapes at the time. He also employed creative designs like twisting walkways, grassy ridges, and vibrant plazas to make spaces functional and aesthetically pleasing.

What was one of Ip Santos' notable contributions to plant usage in landscape architecture?

Ip Santos was the first to use plants such as periwinkle, yellow bell, and jade vines in his landscape designs, setting a trend for other architects to incorporate vivid plant tones into their work.

What is the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and what was Ip Santos' involvement in it?

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is a government-owned institution that promotes arts and culture in the country. Ip Santos was responsible for the landscaping of the CCP, integrating natural elements that complemented the building's architectural design.

Can you name a few other significant projects by Ip Santos?

Other notable projects by Ip Santos include the landscaping of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Magbayani Park, Manila Hotel, San Miguel Corporation Building, Loyola Memorial Park, and Magallanes Church.