Open Architecture Network

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
We are looking for design submissions from teams interested in participating in this project. Project description follows. Please email w.o.arch@gmail.com with any additional questions. We'll do our best to post all the materials as soon as they become available to us and keep updating the project on daily basis.
White Orchid is an Island project for girls rescued from the sex trade, currently concentrating in Asia. Buying Islands, building schools for rehabilitation and education. Each school will be Eco-Friendly and also be used as a reserve, in part for rescued animals. Breeding some, like the Kiwi. Reefs will be cultivated to create more breeding environments for marine life and flora; fauna will be cultivated. Staff will be PHD qualified.

Facilities:

All facilities normally in other schools will be present, but with added rooms:

* Medical Wing
* Counseling Rooms
* Science Wing (Substantial size, for marine conservation, etc.)
* Botanical Garden
* Waterfall Room
* Japanese Stone Garden
* Art Gallery
* Marine Lab
* Boathouse
* Dojo
* Beach huts

In no way will our building be limited to being just a school. It will be both an institution for the girls and a facility to help abused animals. Providing relief to causes from human rights to the environment, the whole Island will exist to rectify the injustices in our world.

This is not just a school; it is a place these girls will live. All avenues will be explored to make sure the Island is eco-friendly, and helps the girls while tackling other global issues.

The fourth most important element in learning is safety. I think a private island is a good start...

Click here for a little bit of info on the island

It is 380,000 square meters with rich flora and fauna. What we'd like to do is preserve as much of it as possible and build a school without disrupting much of the island's harmony. The trees that will be necessary to cut down should be utilized in the building construction. We'd like the building to employ elements of local methods, native materials, possibly elements of japanese architecture as well as innovation suited for sustainable design. Other issues to consider are alternate energy sources and water and waste treatment. We'd like the complex to be as green and sustainable as possible.

More info at http://whiteorchid.wordpress.com/tag/white-orchid/