Restoring our heritage: Taking the cue from Gion

Tag : Ladies' Clogs

LIVING ARCHITECTURE
Restoring our heritage: Taking the cue from Gion

By Marcos de Guzman Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 20:02:00 06/27/2008


MANILA, PhilippinesWhenever I visit another country, I look forareas that show the heritage of that particular place. My search ismost fulfilling if it brings me to an area where a countrys pastis encapsulated in its architecture. I do not want to see somethingreconstructed or replicated; I prefer to see the real structures asthey are used in everyday life.
In Japan, for example, I made sure I saw Gion, an old district inKyoto, wherein one can still find the rustic wooden buildings andquaint tea houses of the country's middle ages. Walking along thecobblestone streets of this traditional pleasure district is likebeing in a time warp. Occasionally, you will see ladies inbeautiful kimonos stepping gingerly on their tall wooden clogs,reinforcing the feeling that you have traveled back in time.
Historic charm
The design of the wooden structures was preserved from the originalstate, thus enhancing the historic charm of Gion. TraditionalJapanese architecture, outside of its temples and palaces, is atits best here. There is a discreet, comfortable ambience, mellowedby the quiet streets and dim lighting that encourages relaxationand quiet conversation, or suggests mystery and secret trysting.
Ive always thought of Japan as the arena of high-tech gadgetry.But in Gion, the look is rustic and familiar, unassuming andunderstated. However, technology is wisely used in very subtleways. Wood may have been treated with a nonflammable chemical so asto conform to local building codes. Lighting is efficient, usingenergy-saving fixtures. Exhaust systems are filtered to minimizeunpleasant odors.
I was so surprised to see the canals spewing crystal clear, flowingwater, undoubtedly due to the fine sewerage treatment system set inplace. The community undertook all these measures just to maintainthe natural, old world charm in a living, working tableaux of aslice of their past. The effort is both noble and ennobling.
Preserved
Although not the whole of Japan is as charming as Gion, thisparticular district was preserved to show to the world how lifeonce was and the effort definitely attracts the tourists. So, frombeing a merely conservationist act, dividends from a businessstandpoint have been felt as well.
On the other hand, it saddens me to compare Gion with some areas inManila. We can boast of many excellent colonial- andcommonwealth-style buildings. They are magnificent and may serve asan icon to our heritage. However, aside from the grime and sootlining their fa