IANA GIMENA
Portrait courtesy of Iana Gimena
Iana Gimena is an Architectural Designer for the City and County of San Francisco. She was born in Manila, Philippines and raised in the Bay Area. She is a recent graduate of California College of the Arts (CCA) where she received her B.Arch degree. She aspires to create conversation and action towards social equity in the world of architecture. In her free time, she enjoys reading, travelling, and photography.
Finding Balance in Architecture and Politics
How did history and theory influence your design skills within the architectural studio?
Even when globalization started in 1492 when countries colonized lands, the competitive playing field is still only now leveling in the world of economics, suggested by Thomas L. Friedman. We are just learning how to horizontalize ourselves, to connect and collaborate differently. This raises the question of are we creating revolutionary architecture, or are we homogenizing cities and expunging regional disparities? It’s sort of similar to looking at precedents when tackling a new design concept. I study drawings and buildings that have already been constructed, as people usually do, but this doesn’t mean the end result will be a recycle of the precedent. I amalgamate every differing perspectives and sources into one narrative form. As I challenge conventional methods, I’m guided by an avant-garde approach and purpose.
Architecture can be a tool for a better change, what inspired you to become Vice President of NOMAS?
Throughout my education, I’ve always held a leadership role whether it be in clubs, sports, or student council. In my first year of transferring to CCA, a friend from community college was actually the acting president of the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students Chapter (NOMAS) so he recruited me to become a member. However, the next year, all of the acting officers graduated. I saw an opportunity to lead and assist in advocating diversity and promoting community engagement.
NOMA Convention and NOMAS Chapter. - Courtesy of Iana Gimena.
What motivated you to work within the Healthcare Section at San Francisco Public Works - Bureau of Architecture? How do you hope to make a change through design to improve the healthcare system?
Many of my family work for a public sector around the Bay Area and the San Francisco Summer Student Internship Program was brought to my attention by one of my aunts. This was when I had only taken a couple of drawing classes so when reading its qualifications, I felt that I was incapable of providing support to professionals. I worked towards the goal of applying to it and after my fourth academic year, I felt ready. I chose to start my career with San Francisco Public Works because I wanted to make a difference by helping people, especially in healthcare since it has been such a controversial issue. We’re accountable to ourselves, to each other and to the public.
Because of the unprecedented COVID-19, we must design a layout for post-COVID. I hope to improve healthcare through design by not only thinking about the staff needs but also the wellbeing of the patients. This is to rethink the number of hospital rooms since there will be more virtual care, standard room sizes, airflow through departments and so much more.
Immigration March in May 2017. - Courtesy of Iana Gimena.
During these very uncertain and difficult times, many organizations are taking actions to improve the quality of life for people. What was your experience like volunteering for Habitat for Humanity?
My volunteer experience with Habitat for Humanity was very hands-on. They were either for new construction or home/community facility repairs. I volunteered with different groups of friends and it was nice that they didn’t require any construction experience, but you have to be well-prepared since it’s a whole day affair.
DPW Team in August 2019. - Courtesy of Iana Gimena.
Through your studies and experiences in many branches of architecture and activism, how do you use advocacy to demand change?
Well, change isn’t achieved by an individual, it’s a shared responsibility. I’m lucky enough to live in an area where mostly everyone is for inclusivity, but I try to use my voice in different neighborhoods. I’ve participated in Womens’ marches, May Day marches, and Pride parades in San Francisco. I also took part in peaceful BLM protests that were organized by local high school students in suburban areas. I love seeing people come together for a cause.
Black Lives Matter Protest in June 2020.-Courtesy of Iana Gimena.
