1) The Art of Rent: Globalization, Monopoly

and the Commodification of Culture

2) The Essence of Culture and Tradition in the
Nation’s Architecture Unique Identity
Mickaella L. Bongalos
BS Architecture 3-3
Architectural Design V

and norms, are the factors of its pros and

The Art of Rent: cons. Confronting the brutal truth, beyond the
advantages of independence and control of a
Globalization, Monopoly leading system cascading its innovation and
and the Commodification improvements to the underlying bodies, is a
multifaceted uneven portion of productions and
of Culture outcomes. As opposed to Marx's argument of
monopoly price, “the most obvious example is
the vineyard producing wine of extraordinary
Introduction quality that can be sold at a monopoly price. In
this circumstance ‘the monopoly price creates
In the context of rent as a worldwide the rent’” we should also come into the
adaptation of alternatives, considerable realization of equality and fairness to the
convenience and affordability plays as a huge demand and situation embodying the necessities
acceptance to societal tendencies and solutions. and opportunities that differs balance in the
Inclined innovations and developments set on society.
the horizon as to how the idea of rent as a
primary agricultural product or service can be Conclusion
of beneficial to a society in connection to its In the extent of the grounds of
own growth and linkages (considering the competition, distinctive capitalism, monopoly,
domino effect of community after every other and social justice, it became as a defensive
community, country after every other country, solution to the present conflicts of society in
and so on…) government, power, opportunities and culture.
In a progressive sense, it is indeed a considerable
Upon the progress of time, modernity move to embed in systemic values and morals.
leads to having cultural grounds for Moreover, appropriation in state of demands and
globalization. As a matter of this concept, we necessities should also be a factor to review
may infer the circumstances which lies beyond upon its implementation or promulgation of
the political idea of monopoly, concentrating orders. In the structural concept, it benefits a
the power and privileges on one and making it society of balance, in the depth of constant
as a main source for autonomous directory. innovation and development. In contradictory, it
would be as difficult as it sounds, if the system
and society in chained to the rhythm of
Monopoly and Rent Competition imbalance and inequality.

What lies beyond concentrated power

and autonomy in society, not just as a form of
financial state and government, but of culture
 Towards Modernization
The Essence of Culture
and Tradition in the As China opened up to the world in the
1980s, new architectural styles began to
Nation’s Architecture develop that combined elements of all of the
older styles while also inventing new elements.
Unique Identity Although the awareness of retained and
adapted traditional architecture was remained,
industrial style buildings and skyscrapers
Introduction sprung up with the rapid modernization in
cities (Kelly, 2021). Also, according to Wen’s
Traditional architecture holds a study, these architectural styles range from the
special place in Chinese culture. postmodern style to the deconstruction style,
Masterpieces of Chinese architecture, such as from European historical style to the high-tech
the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Temple of style.
Heaven, the Mogao Caves are just a small With this, it can be clearly concluded
part of China’s cultural heritage. All listed as that Chinese architecture has developed under
UNESCO World Heritage Sites not only due globalization into a mixture of various culture.
to its historical significance, but also to its Much of Chinese architectural products in
unique architecture (Advantour, 2020). today’s time are a combination of tradition and
modernity. While these are traditional on an
Looking back as history of essential non-traditional Chinese culture.
contemporary architecture in China began in
the 1949, the changes in social infrastructure
in the country has rapidly evolved. It was
when China adopted an open-door policy and
unleashed a drive towards modernization in
the 1980s. In just a span of thirty years,
numerous constructions were built, making
China the world’s fastest-growing major
economy with an average of 10% growth
rate. As stated in the China Statistical The JinMao Tower – the third tallest
Yearbook (2008), the Chinese construction building in Shanghai
market was the third world’s largest in 2002,
with a total construction value of 404 billion
US dollars.

However, it is highly noticeable that

these rapid changes in China’s intense urban
development brought many different
varieties of architectural styles that local and
international critics do not find conforming
to the uniqueness of their own culture and
tradition that the Chinese contemporary
architecture must have manifest. The Oriental Pearl TV Tower - the Centerpiece
of Modern Shanghai
 Modernizing the vernacular

According to Cabilao (2018), Foreign

influence continues to create its imprint in
architecture in many countries, including the
Philippines. With modern design concepts
popping out, architects also find these
innovations practical for the local conditions.
The rigid, brutalist forms of Brazilian modernist
National Center for the Performing Arts architect Oscar Niemeyer is evident in how
another National Artist for Architecture,
The Lack of Identity in Chinese Leandro Locsin, weaved his design of notable
Architecture buildings such as the Cultural Center of the
Philippines, which gives the impression of a
Chinese architecture is defined by
floating solid block. The form is said to be an
diversity and incorporates a variety of styles. It
abstraction of the stilted bahay kubo.
takes an inspiration from home and broad,
embraces both traditional and contemporary
elements to create designs ranging from the The quest to arriving at something
conceptual to the more market- oriented (Ying, distinctly “Filipino” in architecture may not
2015). In this sense, commercial benefit has necessarily lead us to creating unique architecture
become the only thing people pursue, the such as the traditional forms solidly established by
protection of tradition (Wen, n.d.). the Chinese or Japanese. With globalization, the
manner of injecting the vernacular vibe in building
Moreover, Chinese architects have
design may lie on how Filipinos adapt to the
realized that many of China’s contemporary
changes positively while maintaining a firm grip
cities lack a clear sense of identity. As a result,
on their history and treasuring the practical values
more and more of them are seeking to express
that come with their storied past.
their respect for tradition by incorporating
elements of ancient Chinese architecture styles.

Some architects apply the concept of

traditional Chinese architecture to contemporary
designs, while others use elements of
contemporary architecture to highlight the
features of traditional culture. Although
architects naturally have different opinions
and approaches regarding this aspect, the
inheritance of traditional Chinese culture unites
them and is always at the heart of their designs.
Cultural Center of the Philippines
The Lack of Identity in the Local
Similarly, in the local aspect,
architecture in the Philippines also tend to lack More than just building enclosures and
identity in the sense of showcasing own unique creating spaces, architects usually make sure
cultural tradition into its architecture. Staring in that the building design fits to its local context
our faces are our towns and cities, products of and reflect the traditions and culture to be more
architecture, urban planning, government and “connected” to its environment, the community,
socioeconomic systems, which are quickly and especially to its people (Cabilao, 2018).
vanishing physical manifestations of Philippine
culture.
Conclusion REFERENCES

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