Open Architecture Network

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The project involves the building of 2 piers, one on either side of the estaury/river Uppanaru to service the communities, especially the children, of Poodiyankuppam and a second pier at Lenin Nagar.

The children of the Poondiyakuppam community attend a government welfare school in a village 1 km away, across the adjoining river. Presently these children have the option of using a government bus to reach their school. Due to long waits, a circuitous bus ride, and infrequency of the bus service, the children choose to wade across the river with their bags on their heads. Often times at high tide or during inclement weather, the children, especially the littler ones, often toss their books and bags into the river to swim to get back home.

To ensure the safety of the children and to encourage their pursuit of education, the villagers requested a grant from LEAD and Architecture for Humanity to buy a boat and build boat piers on either side of the river. A boat has been provided for by a private donor. LEAD has hired a local engineer to construct the piers.

Architecture students of the University of Minnesota took on the project as a design challenge and came up with several interesting solutions. The final selected design by Rebecca Celis and Malea Jochim was then discussed in depth with local consultants. It was then adapted for the site and material availability. Update on September 25, 2007: The pier construction is underway. The piling work has been completed and shuttering, and laying of reinforcements for concreting the landings is under process. The design has undergone changes due to on-site conditions and budgetary limitations combined with high inflation and construction materials shortage.