Collaboration and Construction!
May 24th, 2011, 9:24 pm
Today the group started off by meeting with Rod Strickland to gain some more insight into the simple methods by which Earthships function. He discussed thermal mass and geothermal heating and ventilation. This was incredibly helpful to understanding the natural technology behind how Earthships work and therefore making it easier for the group to affirm our design strategies and material needs.
Our group managed to pool together a substantial amount of materials to begin the experimental build: tires, shovels, recycled bottles, cans and a whole lot of dirt.
We had another visitor from the architecture department, Thom Provost, to help the group finalize the ideal and practical design for our prototype. Today’s collaborations will benefit the group considerably, we thank all of our visitors!
Our team and a volunteer from another team unloading some of the earth we'll be using in our prototype.
Our architect Jon and visiting architect Thom going over design ideas.
The Earthship Launch!
May 17th, 2011, 10:14 pm
Our project aims to lay the ground work for the construction of an EarthShip. An Earthship, as described on Earthship.com, is the most versatile and economical building design in the world. Earthships can be built in any part of the world, in any climate and still provide the conditions needed to sustain life. The building method is called Biotecture. There is possibility of a greenhouse as a static structure becoming a living structure; a conceptually reciprocal relationship between structure and occupant. We have an eclectic mix of skills pertaining to group objectives; knowledge of: architecture, environmental studies, computer sciences, community activists, art and communications studies. We’ve consulted the previous team’s legacy report and drew up a list of contacts of local greenhouses and suppliers pertaining to our project; our members are working on contacting these for Thursday. Each member of our group has elected to sketch design concepts for the structure we are proposing. One of our group members has volunteered to speak with the head of the architecture department and get a head start on the site analysis.
Earthship YouTube Channel
The Earthship architecture group has a brainstorming session!
The Earthship group discusses design concepts for legacy project!
TWO STEPS BACKWARD, FOUR STEPS AHEAD
May 26th, 2010, 1:09 pm
Yesterday, our Green Furniture Group met to further develop our concepts for an unconventional outdoor classroom and came to the realization that this direction was limiting and restricting the vast potential that we have through this creative endeavor. We split up and did individual research on various artists as well as architectural perspectives on space, the use of space, and the creation of space. We regrouped to examine each others findings and found some exciting commonalities as well as some contrasting viewpoints.
At 8:00 p.m. we had a conference call with Noel in
regards to the direction of our project. He raised some valuable questions, challenged our goals and through this discussion our group became a more solid and driven unit.
We look forward to sharing our story with you on Thursday!
Regroup and research discussion
Urban Argriculture Gets Down to Business
March 11th, 2010, 7:18 pm
karen landman The Urban Agriculture Group has been up to no good once again. After meeting with Rod to discuss the further details to how involved our partnerships with the other resources outside of the group are and how important it is to solidify a strong relationship with them. We have also been diligently working on a press release for Rod about the Urban Agriculture opportunities and challenges and also a promotional poster to advertise a presentation with Karen Landman. Karen has a background in landscape architecture, planning and development, and cultural geography. She has had a design practice for over 20 years, specializing in planting design. , she has been a full-time faculty member in Landscape Architecture at the School of Environmental Design & Rural Development, University of Guelph.
Karen will be presenting Urban Agriculture: Opportunities and Challenges in the Lebel Visual Arts Building, Room 115 on Thursday March 18 at 7pm to 9 pm. This meeting will be an intriguing discussion that will provide all attendees with an immense insight into the various aspects of Urban Agriculture and the benefits and difficulties associated with it. All students and community members are invited to join in on the discussion.
