Container Research Weekly Status Report
March 12, 2010
Items Completed –
Items to be done in coming week -
Items needed from VCUQ –
Mon, 8 Feb. 2010
* Priorities:
Kenya:
Pitch Sub-base Tender
Tower Detailing
Mali
Tender Adjudication & Contractor Selection Contract & Const. Start
Expense approval for Warranty Inspection cost and CA logistics
Namibia
Tender Adjudication & Contractor Selection/Contract & Const. Start
Expense approval for DF transportation logistics costs
Rwanda
Design Development package,
Confirmation of site boundary revisions with Esperance/Local District officials.
Ghana: Site Survey and Concept design alignment with topographic data. Establish detailed project schedule
Lesotho: Site Survey, Local Architect/Consultant selection, establish project schedule
General Administration:
New Office Contact Information:
66 Roeland Street|Cape Town South Africa 8001
streetfootballworld: +27(0)21 462 2025
AFH: +27(0)21 462 2026
* Staffing:
We welcome David Pound as a new Design Fellow. David will be working on FFH-Cape Coast Ghana
We welcome Luvuyo Mfungula as a new Design Fellow, Luvuyo for the time being will be a 'utility' staff member assisting with administrative tasks as well as a variety of design and drawing support tasks with ongoing projects
Axel Stelter has worked to prepare for the first site visit to Lesotho 8-12 Feb.
Killian Doherty is furiously working to complete the Design Development Package for Rwanda.
Isaac: CA role, kenya
Mike Heublin: Ready to begin CA Mali
Thomas Calhoun: Collecting documents and evaluating tender returns
* General Studio Operations:
Software, Network and Internet issues still to be resolved.
In-house networked printing needed.
Roles and responsibilities, communication protocols a work in progress.
Budget tracking/management system to be established
* Centre Branding
AFH has reviewed the package internally and will send to SFW for approval
We are still working on clarifying tender and construction roles and responsibilities. Contractual adjustments may be required. Budget clarity related to GF travel expenses and sub-base construction costs are needed
AFH reviewing the contract(s)logistics
* Yingli
Awaiting clarifications on the scope and budget issues for their participation, & technical support, while parallel work for Rwanda is ongoing
* Free Water
Free Water, a rainwater harvesting and gray water reuse design/build company has offered services free of charge in developing strategies for Rwanda project. we are in discussions with regard to developing packages for other FFH Centers, particularly with regard to Yingli solar power and pumping processing csite captured water.
Mali
http://www.openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/ampjf
Tender results in and Adjudication package submitted, a
* Pending Items:
waiting direction from sfw for tender award to initiate contract negotiation and start of work. Schedule at risk for completion by first week of June.
Solar package coordination/verification required with Yingli Solar
Kenya
http://www.openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/mysa
Construction start on 17 Feb.
Pitch sub-base tenders this week.
Namibia
http://www.openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/special_olympics_namibia
Tenders returned, preliminary results forwarded to sfw, complete Tender Adjudication package pending.
Pitch sub base provisional, awaiting soils tests results and final design.
Rwanda
http://www.openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/esperance
Design Development scheduled for completion Mar 11,
Pending:
Response from Esperance/Local District with revisions to site layout and the requirements for Environmental Impact Study. These two items have significant schedule implications.
Ghana
http://www.openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/playsoccer
Re-start meeting held 2 mar - 5 mar- in Cape Coast with design team and Play Soccer Ghana. Land Agreement signed.
Preliminary schedule indicates Schematic for review by April 6
Land Survey expected from AES, by next week
Gifford in Uganda: Feb 20 – March 20, 2010
George in Kampala until Feb 24, 2010
General Administration:
- One Office:
- FFH Centres Coordination Meeting
- Staffing:
- Centre Branding
- Greenfields:
- Practical Completion held November 26th!
- Solar World
- Mosaic Workshop
- Pending Items:
- Tender Process Update:
- Isaac working together with MYSA to contact potential donor companies that will contribute towards the shading device and external landscaping for the centre
- Pending Items:
- Design Development package complete, team will submit today
Move in date scheduled for November 30th
Team will be meeting weekly to track progress and bottlenecks for all centres
4 New AFH staff members scheduled for the month of January
AFH welcomes Kevin, New Regional program manager
Kevin arrives in Cape Town on December 1st
AFH has identified new design fellow for FFH Administration and Namibia Construction Administration
New Design fellow for Ghana is scheduled for end of January/early February
AFH has finalized package and will send to SFW for approval
Ghana and Rwanda sub-base costing pending, AFH to follow up
Cape Town:
http://www.openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/grassrootsoccer
Installation is complete, LCD install pending and connection scheduled for November 30th
Mosaic on site installation has been intiated, team is scheduled to complete install by November 30th!
Mali
http://www.openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/ampjf
-
Design Development approval received this week
Team will submit package for tender in the next couple weeks
AFH discussed community workshop ideas with Souadou and they have devised a plan of action for moving this forward
Solar world coordination, SFW still sorting agreements, nonetheless AFH to design considering solar as an integral part of the design
AFH to devise outline for community workshop
Kenya
http://www.openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/mysa
-
Structural drawings were approved this week
SFW has requested for landscaping and pergola to be included in the contractors pricing
QS has delivered BOQ to contractors for additional pricing of Pergola and Landscaping, revised pricing from contractors expected on Wednesday 02 December 2009 next week
AFH has recommended Gravity Contractors Ltd as potential contractor, although team awaits revised pricing of Pergola and Landscaping in order to appoint contractor
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report was submitted to National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) - Dr. Omenya to check on the progress
VAT exemption - Isaac to carry on exploring the options for VAT exemption but at the moment it seems to be difficult to get VAT exemption in Kenya especially for building projects. Isaac still pursuing with a Kenya Revenue Authority official to discuss VAT exemption
Namibia
http://www.openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/special_olympics_namibia
Office design package and costing sent to SON for assistance in pursuing funding from FNB
AFH initiated process to get VAT waived
AFH pursuing contacts for getting the connection fee waived, SFW agreed to assist and pursue with Municipality
Greenfields sub-base revised quote, AFH forward quote to Greenfields
Rwanda
http://www.openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/esperance
-
AFH to initiate SD phase
AfH and SFW to agree on project schedule
Land survey needed, FFH/AFH to pursue
Ghana
http://www.openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/playsoccer
-
AFH to send feedback and ensure the design meets the requirements of the brief and will send for approval
AFH and SFW to agree on project schedule
Land Survey expected from Ministry
Monday, February 18th:
Wednesday, February 20th:
General Administration:
- One Studio:
- Staffing:
- Centre Branding
- Construction meeting held on Wednesday October 14th
- Solar World
- Mosaic Workshop
- Pending Items:
- Pending:
- MYSA is still working towards initiating the Council approval process next week
- MYSA initiated the process for Change of User and expects to get a Change of User certificate issued by the end of this month
- AFH requests assistance from SFW, MYSA needs a letter of support to aid in their efforts of getting the centre approved in the fastest time possible
- Tender Documentation submitted for approval on Oct. 13th, expected approval October 20th which will initiate the tender process for selecting a contractor
- Isaac working together with MYSA to contact potential donor companies that will contribute towards the shading device and external landscaping for the centre, Isaac to explore alternative shading options in line with the budget
- Design Development phase initiated
- AfH will move the design in house and as part of the new studio
- FFH/SFW/AFH site visit report delivered to team
AFH awaiting proposal from Design Indaba
AFH will visit potential shared architecture office
AFH awaiting response from contacted leasing agent, per GRS recommendation
AFH is currently engaging candidates for Design Fellow and Regional program manager positions in Cape Town
Design Fellow Killian Doherty will arrive in Cape Town mid October
AFH to follow up with package for approval
Cape Town:
http://www.openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/grassrootsoccer
Budget monitoring meeting to be held October 15th
Meeting notes distributed to team today
Grassroot Soccer pursing in-kind donation for landscaping elements
Drucon to engage GRS to paint and build fencing last week of October
Water connection has been started
Final Drawings from arG have been submitted to AFH, AFH to package for approval
KDF has agreed to assist in discussing the clearing of the dump site with council
Solar World Coordination meeting held on Thursday October 15th
Equipment has been shipped and will arrive Cape Town in 20 days, install to follow on or around November 3rd
AFH & GRS launched high school competition for the Mosaic Project
GRS to finish collecting entries next week
AFH seeking in kind donations for materials
Jackie, a local mosaic artist has confirmed her participation in the workshop!
Jackie and AFH will hold a GRS coach training session on October 26th
ESKOM - CoCT will draft letter to request subdivison and additional connection
Drucon to sumbit letter and provide quote for new connection
building plan approval pending, arG actively pursuing, will follow up nxt wk
Consent use letter for new erf number received in writing
Mali
http://www.openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/ampjf
-
AFH to submit Design Development package with updated costing on Monday
Geotechnical consultant working on soils report for site, AFH to follow up next week
Solar world coordination, SFW still sorting agreements, nonetheless AFH to design considering solar as an integral part of the design
Kenya
http://www.openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/mysa
A list of recommended contractors interested in the project was compiled and sent to the QS
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report was submitted to National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and expect approval during the month of November
AFH seeking donations for the timber pergola and external block pavers
AFH awaits soil test results from last weeks inspection
Namibia
http://www.openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/special_olympics_namibia
Nina has handed the project over to Paul Munting who has been heavily involved in Schematic Design and will submit Design Development progress set to the team
AFH pursuing point of contact per Nina's recommendation for getting VAT waived
AFH pursuing contacts for getting the connection fee waived
Paul and Nina to discuss current design with SON
Rwanda
http://www.openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/esperance
-
FFH/SFW to deliver programming next week, AFH will follow with Design Brief
AFH to deliver site sketches to assist ministry in locating FFH Centre on site
AfH welcomes design fellow Killian Doherty from Ireland, he will arrive Cape Town mid October
AfH will work on a detailed schedule once the project is staffed
Ghana
http://www.openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/playsoccer
SFW to provide feedback on design brief early next week
AFH to initiate Schematic Design
Monday, December 10th
General Administration:
- One Studio:
- Staffing:
- OAN Updates
- Construction meeting/Budget Monitoring Meeting held September 16thc
SFW/AFH/GRS & ARG team members attended - Solar World
- Mosaic Workshop
- Pending Items:
- Final SD package delivered
- Pre-Ground Breaking Event, September 24th
- Pending:
- MYSA is following up with Sehra (MYSA Gymnasium architect) to try and get approved drawings and approved copies of the other buildings
- Tender Documentation scheduled to be submitted for approval on Oct. 13th
- Isaac working together with MYSA to contact potential donor companies that will contribute towards the shading device and external landscaping for the centre
- Final SD package submitted
- AFH to the submit a budget the reflects design and construction total
- AfH will move the design in house and as part of the new studio
- FFH/SFW/AFH site visit week of October 7th
AFH met with Design Indaba in regards to potential office space
Design Indaba will assess current space allocations, AFH to follow up
AFH is currently engaging candidates for Design Fellow and Regional program manager positions in Cape Town
AFH has made many improvements to the FFH site, please visit us often!
FFH-Khayelitsha - http://www.openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/grassrootsoccer
FFH-Kenya - http://www.openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/mysa
FFH-Mali - http://www.openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/ampjf
FFH-Namibia - http://www.openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/special_olympics_namibia
Cape Town:
Construction Status: currently @ 60% of completion
Drucon indicated he is on schedule and is working to meet Nov.5th completion
AFH submitted CO#2 seeking approval on the tower element, awaiting SFW
Next budget meeting to held October 14th
These items will be addressed at the next budget monitoring meeting
Paving, Security and Fencing (possible in-kind donation), Landscaping and Irrigation (GrassrootSoccer pursing in-kind donation), Mosaic/Community workshop
Painting vs. Brick Diagram
Grassroot Soccer requested to assist during the construction process
Drucon to engage GRS to paint and build fencing last week of October
Drucon has submitted pricing to provide conduit for solar panel connection
SFW submitted pricing to Solarworld, team awaits response
AFH & GRS launched high school competition for the Mosaic Project
entry deadline October 5th
AFH seeking in kind donations for materials
Caretaker flat payment, SFW coordinating with VPUU.... almost complete
ESKOM - CoCT will draft letter to request subdivison and additional connection
Drucon to sumbit letter and provide quote for new connection
building plans pending, awaiting new erf number to receive approval
Revised drawings to reflect budget, expected from arG next week
Water Connection-letter submitted to arG to confirm fee to be covered by CoCT
Mali
SD package reflects a design that meets the current allocated budget
AFH/SFW to discuss a design scheme with AMPJF that meets their needs
AFH to submit budget and design implications of AMPJF's requested program
FFH to attend
AFH working on images of FFH Centre to display during ceremony
AMPJF to submit program to SFW for ceremony
Solar world coordination, SFW sorting agreements
AFH to submit budget implications of AMPJF's revised program
Kenya
Namibia
SD package reflects a design that meets the needs of SON
Rwanda
AfH is exploring Design Fellow options
AfH will work on a detailed schedule once the project is staffed
Ghana
Sketchup model of design.
http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=82627ea0979b489e8111c...
Video of project.
http://vimeo.com/6575968
Monday, November 12th:
Tuesday, November 13th:
Wednesday, November 14th:
Thursday, November 15th:
Wednesday, October 31
Thursday, November 1
Nicole J. and Nicole N. site visit
Time: 11:00 am – 11:18 am
Weather: sunny 60*
Present at site:
Nicole Nowak – Fellow, Nicole Joslin – Fellow
Mrs. Nguyen - owner
Work in Progress:
Observations/Updates:
• CFS Engineers report received, assessing structural questions.
• Boatner contacted for site visit and bid on work per engineer report
• Boatner (contractor) estimate faxed to AFH for review
Thursday, July 19th:
July has proven to be an eventful month in moving forward the Mali Football for Hope center. At the end of June to beginning of July Eugene da Silva and Frederika Zipp visited Mali, coming back with a completed land survey and a confirmed local architect. Youssouf Berthe has been brought on board and we are very happy to have him. Also very exciting is the hiring of new design fellow Michael Heublein who will be in Mali by the end of the month. Michael is a former Peace Corp Volunteer and a licensed architect with an undergraduate degree in Geology. We look forward to having him as part of the team! I am in Cape Town working as a volunteer before heading back to my studies in mid-September so this will likely be my one and only monthly update once Michael takes over the reigns.
Following up on Habib Sissoko’s preliminary design proposal, Architecture for Humanity has taken on schematic design work internally. Between the office in San Francisco and the team in Cape Town we submitted a package to streetfootballworld for review at the end of last week. This updated proposal is driven by the onsite discussions between Eugene and Souadou Diabate. We have focused on three aspects: strengthening the buildings relationship with the landscape given its rural setting, enhancing the “feminine” qualities of the building given the center host, AMPJF’s, commitment to the role of women in the community, and incorporating local textile products to bring colour and character to the project. We will be discussing the schematic package with Mr Berthe and Mme Diabate in order to continue with the design process. We are also commencing initial cost estimates for the building and searching for a local QS.
Anticipated project end date:
The building will be finished by the 12th of August 2009. Fit out of the Our ramp builder engineer Andreas Schuetzenberger will build the indoor ramps in October 2009, due to other commitments in the meantime.
Progress:
The project has made rapid and consistent progress from conception to the almost completed construction phase that we are now in. The only remaining works is the construction of the offices on the second floor and finishing of the floor in the skateboarding area.
There have been no delays and the only change made from the plan is that the building has been placed at right angles to what was originally planned. It was necessary to change the orientation of the building as the National Olympic Committee had not allowed enough land around the building for planned landscaping works with the original building orientation. The final orientation of the building is superior in terms of security as it has less of a profile to the nearest main road and there is more space on all sides.
As it is important that we have a very smooth finish on the floor we will coat the floor with industrial floor plaster. This is a new process that is not common in Afghanistan and has yet to begin.
For the inside fit-out of the building, we are still in the process of sourcing suitable plywood for the final layer of the skate ramps. The quality of plywood found so far in Kabul is not sufficient for our needs and we are hoping to source suitable wood from Russia.
All other construction materials used, building techniques and the finish of the works has been of high quality, compared with what is usual in Afghanistan. In short, we are very happy with the construction company Afghan Yar Construction Co. Ltd since they have treated the building of facility for Skateistan as a flagship project for the company. As such they are investing much time and effort to get all details right and have consulted Skateistan on a regular basis.
1. Cape Town
Kickoff Construction site meeting held June 9th, bi-weekly meetings to follow
Greenfields sub-base inspection meeting held June 11th
Solar world coordination in process
Unifying element proposal being finalized
2. Mali
Schematic Design Process initiated
Habib Sisoko is currently working on schematic design will submit to AFH late June
Engaging design fellow to join team
3. Kenya
Schematic design package draft being reviewed by AFH
AFH coordinating site visit with Design Architect for July
Sub-base quote provided by Goran of PAMIGO Contractors, FFH to followup
Currently engaging QS
AFH to initiate discussions between design and local architect
AFH to meet with MYSA next week and initiate planning community workshop for July in conjunction with Design Architect site visit
4. Namibia
Nina and Paul working on schematic design package, expected by AFH mid June
AFH coordinating stakeholder meeting on June 15th
MOA between SFW and the City to be signed in June
Land agreements pending
Buhrmann & Partners will be providing structural and civil design services pro bono
Survey of site made by Herman Strydom finalized and complete
AFH pursuing sub-base quote from engineers
1. Cape Town
Construction kickoff meeting scheduled for June 9th
Greenfields sub-base inspection meeting tentatively scheduled for June 11th
Solar world coordination in process
Unifying element proposal being finalized
2. Mali
Schematic Design Process initiated
Habib Sisoko is currently working on schematic design
AFH coordinating site visit for Habib Sisoko
Awaiting sub-base quote response from Greenfields, FFH made request on May 16th
Engaging design fellow to join team
3. Kenya
April Bottman, Design Architect, confirmed schematic design package draft to be submitted to AFH by mid June
AFH coordinating site visit with Design Architect
AFH met with Andrew Gremley of Pharos Architects who will be providing architecture services
Site survey completed
Sub-base quote provided by Goran of PAMIGO Contractors is expected today
Meeting with Dr. Alfred Omenya - Green Architecture Consultant who will provide consultation services, he awaits the updated schedules from AFH
Currently engaging QS
4. Namibia
Nina and Paul working on schematic design package, expected by AFH mid June
AFH coordinating stakeholder meeting on June 15th, upon Stay-C's return
MOA between SFW and the City to be signed in June
Land agreements pending
Buhrmann & Partners will be providing structural and civil design services pro bono
Survey of site made by Herman Strydom finalized and complete
AFH pursuing sub-base quote from engineers
Conference Call Notes: June 3, 2009
- Kimberley O’ Dowd
- Eugene Da Silva
- Christine Lara
- Isaac Mugumbule
- Kate Stohr
- Post Forum Workshop
- Kate visits Paarl
- AFH San Francisco rejects RFI format and prefers to provide verbal responses via phone or via email, they will not respond to one centralized documented format, AFH South Africa expresses concern for incomplete responses and the need for documented answers
- Kate will discuss the following with Jan today - Sub-base funding and contract related issues, Site Model delivery and name plate, press kit, invoicing, post forum workshop, and meeting in Jo'Burg between the 20th-25th June
- Unifying Element
- Schedules
- Press Requests
- Next Conference Call
- Contractor - Project Lead Contract Review continued
- AFH to pay final invoice for Vogue signs -permanent signage, invoice sent to Kimberley on June 1st
- Site survey has been completed
- No confirmation of who will help out as far as design fellows
- Stay-C and Paul met w/someone from the Ministry of Transport who can facilitate any potential hiccups
- Who will contruct sub-base, FNB will fund the sub-base
- AFH South Africa to speak to Nina and Paul about community design workshop
- Interviewing design fellows – Marc is not qualified
- AFH South Africa to contact Habib about going to Mali for site visit and gather missing information
- Souadou must be contacted via email about current issues including design fellows, AFH South Africa to follow up
- Contractors, Engineers, Solar World consultants need to be contacted
- Funds for land survey have been received in Kenya
- Isaac to speak to April about a possible site visit as soon as possible
- Isaac to work with AFH South Africa on facilitating community workshop during April's visit
- Isaac to verify that we can plug building into electrical and sewer without major adjustments, costs, and city approval
- Isaac to meet with Andrew Gremeley today June 3rd
- Greenfields sub-base quote from Goran expected today June 3rd
- Isaac is waiting for revised contract for Design Architect and Local Architect, AFH San Francisco to provide edited versions
- AFH South Africa to write a letter for agreements to QS and those involved in the project to clarify pro-bono issues on all projects, no need for approval
- AFH San Francisco approved and confirmed $3,000USD available for April and $2,000USD available for expenses and reimbursables for Andrew Gremley, any other funds will need to include a drafted agreement and proper request in writing
Attendance:
Dialing in Reference: US 978.964.0031
Guest Code: 3232346#
General:
Eugene will attend and present lessons learned to the team on Friday June 26th and Saturday June 27th
dates to be confirmed: June 20-25
will discuss new AFH accounting procedures
Eugene to followup with Kate on Thursday for internal download of call
see notes from SFW regarding bi-weekly meeting held on June 2nd as we did not discuss this in our internal call
Kimberley and Christine to discuss tomorrow June 4th, will work to provide Isaac with proper revisions on June 5th
AFH San Franciso stated to forward all press requests to SFW/FFH with the exception of architectural or trade requests
Scheduled for Thursday June 11th at 7pm South Africa time
Khayelitsha:
AFH San Franciso requested tender documents, documents delivered via email to Kimberley immediately after conference call
AFH South Africa states payments will need to be made to contractor on a monthly basis, contract states with the tracking of reasonable progress
Namibia:
Will need to include this work in the MOA between SFW and the City
MOA to be signed end of May and site survey has been forward to SFW
AFH South Africa will request Nina and Pauls assistance in getting a local volunteer
AFH South Africa will speak to Claire about assisting with Namibia drawings and site visit, until we get a proper design fellow installed
Engineer has experience with greenfields
Christine to pursue getting quote for sub-base
Mali:
Kimberley will look at other options
Kenya:
June 3rd: photos
June 8th: photos
Monday, May 21st: 12 p.m. - :MG, KS, SLB, Rich (Isle of Capri), Nguyens (photos)
Thursday, May 24th: photos
Monday, May 14th:
Monday, May 7th: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: MG, JG, MG, Cong, Oanh, plumbers (photos)
install 3rd 2x12 beam at centerline of columns at columns 1& 2
install blocking every 12” o.c. between column lines 1 & 2
At East end of deck: should be (3) 2x12’s, not (2)
Bolting
Long x-bracing
Finish x-bracing at decks H-2, J-2 and additional requested at A-3, C-3
Re-pour G-4 and I-3
E-4 and F-4: OK
missing (2) pair of triangular windows at both E & W ends
No sheathing at gable end—clarify detail
Strap truss down to studs at East end
Cripple at top and bottom at all U-corner studs
Add 3’ x 3’-8” window at north side of hallway outside Master Bedroom
Beams at column lines 2 & 3 running E-W: pack at triple and add beams running outside columns
Finish out cricket (above meeting of two roofs)
East end of hallway between columns 2 & 3: add blocking between top of sheathing and end rafter tail and strapping at top of studs
North side of house: add blocking at top of sheathing and bottom of 2x12
Laundry Closet door should be 7’-0” wide clear opening—frame out to meet
Tuesday, May 8th:
1. Cape Town
Kimberley and FFH meeting at the FFH Offices in CPT on Tuesday 31st of March
FFh Bi weekly conference call Thursday 2nd of April
Submission of TD package to FFH Monday 6th April
Consultation call regarding TD with FFH Tuesday, 7th of April
TD Approval received 4th of April
Tender to begin Wednesday, 15th of April
Greenfields Pitch sub base to be completed 9th of May
First official Khayelitsha FFH Center event on 6th of May at 12pm
Christine Lara, design fellow to be located in Paarl, joined the team in South Africa
2. Mali
Design Brief submitted to FFH for final approval on Thursday 9th of April
Design Fellow selected. Ariosto Montisano to join the team in Paarl for a one week crash course and expected to move to Mali beginning of May.
Design discussed with AMPJF
Please find pictures from the site visit in March in the Overview or as pdf in files http://openarchitecturenetwork.org/node/3027/oanattachments
3. Kenya
meeting on Monday 6th April, 2009 at 10:00am at the MYSA
headoffices for design consultation
Komarock, Nairobi at MYSA headquarters selected as site for FFH Centre
Please find pictures from the site visit in March as a pdf in files http://openarchitecturenetwork.org/node/3026/oanattachments
4. Namibia
3 design proposals received from local architects
confident in selecting local designer for FFH Center in Windhoek
design consultation with Special Olympics on Thrusday, 9th of April, 10 am
Monday, April 23rd: Site Visit, MG, JG, Sarah Naughton, Jessie Zeynor
Tuesday, April 24th: Site Visit, JG (photos)
Wednesday, April 25th:Site Visit: JG, MF, afternoon (photos)
Thursday, April 26th: Site Visit: JG, SN, visiting Arup engineers, Roger; 4-5:30 p.m. (photos)
Friday, April 27th: JG, ~6-6:30 p.m.(photos)
Saturday, April 28th: 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., Chung, Chuong (MC2), MF, JG
Chung will talk to Structural Engineer to find a solution—may be able to cut
them down to finish floor.
Chung will send detail.
• How can we get students excited about learning? What can we change about the current classroom?
• How do people learn: visual or auditory?
• What could we change? The how we learn (pedagogy) vs. what we learn (curriculum).
• Design a classroom that has components of classroom & workshop – Like Brooklyn Tech.
• Create a “hub” with workshop shared space as the center and the classrooms surrounding it.
• Perhaps explore satellite classroom conditions to maximize the diversity of learning.
• Are we designing for fantasy or reality?
• Are we designing based on or for Pedagogy (how you teach) or curriculum (what you teach)
• Sustainable school design – closed food chain like St. Phillips academy.
• Gardens that help students learn how to cultivate, harvest and cook with organic foods like what Alice Waters’ edible classroom program.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice_Waters
• Create a dialog and interaction between the outside and inside classrooms:
http://www.naturesclassroom.org/
• Perhaps use current events and issues facing the community to update curriculum. For example in an urban setting there are math, physics, government & science lessons all based on the congestion pricing debate.
• Do surveys of teachers and students to see what they think are assets or liabilities. Have them take pictures of spaces or places to answer survey questions, i.e. this space makes me happy, I feel safe here, etc.
• Design ideas: vertical garden, vertical trailer (for its expansion in city where there is no space available), box or not box?....
• Todo list: image bank to be set up; sketches sketches!
Wednesday, April 11th: (per MF’s notes)
MG directs crew to pour gravel/slurry mix as a stabilizer
Thursday, April 12th:
Based on the works of the late Maria Montessori, it would be a great opportunity to design a school based on around her philosophical thought. keep her ideas finely incorporated to the design and attempt to keep this design as simple and finely executed based on her universal principals.
i understand schools in japan and other countries have incorporated her ideals in to schools.
the question remains what are ideal principals for this design which will enable
communicate her philosophy ....the incorporation and importance of a social environment for children.
children helping one another
children interact with other children
etc...
Questions are indeed did her philosopical work did influence 20 th century schooling...is it a proven method....?
the first time, i heard of her work was several yrs back in school. the philosophy and disturbing works of Ayn rand and her famous quote "reason as an absolute"... Maria Montessori was mentioned in one of her writings.
Monday, March 26th:
Small Project.: Cong V. Nguyen (Owner), Marlyn Fields (MF) (General Contractor)
Friday, March 30th:



Chris Madden Inc. has donated beds to the Nguyen family. As of Monday, May 5, 2008 the family is no longer sleeping on the floor! Thank you so much!