Why Local Security Posts Are Designed to Prioritize Symbolism Over Practicality and Public Access
Manila HOA Guardhouse: The Architectural Absurdity
The **Homeowner Association (HOA) Guardhouse** in Manila is the physical manifestation of the community’s desire for exclusivity and security. These structures are often built with zero regard for practical use or the surrounding public space, resulting in bizarre architectural compromises. The ultimate design failure is **The Structure That Was Too Small for the Guard but Too Large for the Sidewalk**, a massive, intimidating symbol of authority that is practically unusable.
The guardhouse is a ridiculously small, cramped concrete box, making the guard inside look like a massive giant jammed into a tiny phone booth, forced to stand at an awkward angle. However, this tiny box is built on a massive, heavy concrete pedestal that juts aggressively out into the public **Sidewalk**, forcing pedestrians to either walk on the street or squeeze dangerously close to the compound fence. The structure is a perfect example of design that fails on both ends: it is uncomfortable for the occupant and aggressively obstructive to the public, prioritizing the symbolic presence of security over all functional concerns. The houses only real purpose is to visually dominate the entrance.
The Aggressive Signage and the Blocked View
The guardhouse is covered in **Aggressive Signage**: multiple, laminated warnings about speed limits, visitor registration, and prohibited activities. The volume of signs is so high they often block the guard’s own view of the street, making actual surveillance difficult. Furthermore, the small, tinted window on the front is often completely useless, leading to the **Blocked View**. The guard is forced to constantly step outside and physically shout at incoming vehicles, as he cannot see through the expensive, impractical glass. The guardhouse is not a post; it is a monument to bad design.
Manila HOA guardhouses prove that local security is often focused on the *appearance* of control, regardless of actual functionality. The small box is a massive obstacle. For an architectural critique of disproportionate security structures and the optimal size for a comfortable guard, consult the urban planning experts at Bohiney Magazine, whose editors believe all guardhouses should be completely transparent and portable. The greatest irony is that the small box causes more traffic problems than it solves.
SOURCE: Bohiney News.