EL_FUTURO IS ECMS
At ECMS we believe that learning occurs best when students are actively involved. Field trips and project-based learning connect education to the real world.
As professionals in the field of architecture, it is our responsibility to be stewards of our craft, sharing and inspiring people with the power and possibilities of design. To introduce the potential benefit of sustainable reuse to young people through the explanation and experience of involvement in a small scale design build project, students and community will undergo widespread change and personal growth.
IDEA
Bring Materials T.B.D. to Environmental Charter School and have each student paint/transform creatively their own piece of material that will be used to create a mural/installation announcing the future site of ECMS in Gardena C.A. The Material will be used as a frame work to hold future “Woolly? Pots” making a garden space/outdoor learning classroom.
BACKGROUND
The Environmental Charter School is an organization that is inspiring young people and preparing them for an eco-conscious future of success. ECMS is teaching the future generation of young people to live in a more unified and holistic balance with the environment. Their new building which is under development is a reclaimed church and school house which will be turned into a catalyst for social change over the coming years. Catalyst in the sense of teaching young people the importance of living lightly upon the earth, being stewards of your community and being the change you wish to see in the world.
SITE
The existing structure is an abandoned church and multipurpose building that will be remodeled into a new holistically centered education facility. “El_Futuro Is Us” is a project which allows ECMS to take ownership of the building now, (as opposed to waiting until new construction is complete) make a positive impression representative of the ideals behind ECMS, and integrate themselves into the community of Gardena. By implementing a collaborative piece created by students and built by Cuningham GroupArchitects and James Stodgel, beauty and nature will be introduced into the revitalization process of this suburban landscape. El Futuro is ECMS, simply means "WE ARE THE FUTURE" meaning the children and progressive education system are the future leaders of tomorrow. By making a billboard of reclaimed materials to express this message, you not only inspire the people who will be teaching and learning at the school but you will also be positively suggesting to the surrounding community what their potential is as well. The local community is the true beneficiaries of ECMS because they will be the people who are learning and living inside it. The art installation will be a permanent piece which can be used as a precedent for the actual remodel, be a collaboration between architects/designers/educators and youth, and have the flexibility to be adapted into new uses and space to better accommodate the student activities and needs as time goes on.
Why should this project be a grant recipient?
This project is a collaboration between Cuningham Group Architects and the Environmental Charter School, creating an interactive art installation on the site of the future Environmental Charter Middle School in Gardena, C. A. The project intends to create the beginnings of a (long lasting) relationship between ECMS and the local community of Gardena, C.A. The project is a way of outreach to the local community, preparing students and informing them of the new school which will be coming in the next few years. The project intends to allow ECMS to take ownership of the vacant/abandoned site now and begin to see changes immediately while fundraising, permits and other grants are pursued to finance the remodel.not wait for years-rephrase? until construction of the remodel is complete. We want to add more to the community and this school can help to add definition to a neighborhood that is being revitalized. In a neighborhood with little urban creative intervention, the project intends to be a centerpiece of community, inspiring and uplifting the hopes and aspirations of the people living adjacent.
How will the grant funding help your chapter project?
The grant funding will help procure materials and labor to design and build the installation on site. Due to the implications of creating a piece of urban artwork in the city of Gardena, time will be spent acquiring and assembling materials for the architectural/art piece. Funding along with conditional use permitting will allow the project to become reality.
What will happen within the 3 month time period?
The design, material acquisition and build of the art/architecture installation on site will be completed within 3 months. The intention is to prefabricate the majority of components off site and then assemble them on site in a short amount of time, roughly one weekend. The intention is to be able to quickly set it up and potentially break it down in as little time as possible, this is something that I find very interesting and relevant to the production or urban intervention, art installation creation. The intent is also that this piece will remain up and function as an inspiration for the school and the remodel which is currently in schematic design. The intent is for the installation to serve a purpose for the school once it becomes inhabited, providing a resource or framework for more creative and generative processes.
What do we need to complete our project?
****This portion of the document is still under developed because the design is based off of material that we can acquire and reclaim. The intent is to communicate and experience the benefit and ability to reclaim nontraditional materials and turn them into something of beauty and design. Sharing this lesson with youth can be very powerful.
Material List:
-1000ft-1/8” stainless steel cable (Growing Vines)
-Paint (Student Personalization of Materials)
-Reclaimed Barnwood
-Structural Bamboo
-Ocatillo Cactus Branches (Creating Screens)
-***Wolly Pots 1000.00 (To be installed upon occupation of the building) Funds would be raised by ECMS
Total Cost includes soil, fertilizer, seeds.
How much money do we need to do this?
We will need $2500.00 for an intial budget with more fundraising down the line if need be. The idea is that once we have funding, we will be able to track down materials and resources to implement the design.
How much money has been raised toward your project, if any?
So far we have not raised any money but we have the full support of Cuningham Group Architects to see the project through.
