Phase 3 Project Limpopo

During this summer, some of the students of the group returned to Calais village, for another 3 weeks, to complete the work that we had not quite managed to finish. It has been very interesting hearing how it went and fulfilling knowing that it has been brought to a much better standard.

Adding a third classroom, fitting out classrooms, glazing, painting, landscaping, finishing the toilet bloc and completing the drainage systems were their main aims.

• The internal finish of the classroom was improved by rendering the brickwork
• A block wall was constructed to the skeleton of the toilet block that had been erected during phase 2 The higher parts of the wall included timber frame and stud work
• The entrance of the toilet was designed on site, a timber screen set in front of the toilet entrance
• Flushing toilets (the only ones in the village) were installed
• A third classroom, two thirds of the other two, was constructed in the same way as those done in phase 2
• Steps were added to connect the different levels of concrete
• The floor of the office was completed
• Glazing was installed into the classroom windows

After phase 2, even though a lot of our setbacks were out of our control, it was such a shame that we could not leave the village with a complete building. Knowing that the group have been back and left a project that is now functional to the children and teachers is far more satisfying. It will help make such a difference to the local community and I really hope it initiates a positive development for them. I would be very interested, in the future, to see how Project Limpopo has helped Calais village.

dRMM's Design Transformed Failing Comprehensive

(read on: http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.projectview&upload_id=17522)

dRMM decided to renovate and reform a failing comprehensive school, Kingsdale, in order to see how the architecture could affect students and school morale. The project consisted of many phases and the introduction of modern architectural technology to create a more pleasing and suitable environment. These included:

• Variable-skin ETFE roof
• Naturally heated, cooled, lit and ventilated spaces
• Engineered timber geodesic auditorium
• Improved circulation within the school

• carbon negative, cross-laminated timber panel construction (in the sports and music buildings). This is extremely significant due to our aims to reduce carbon emission from buildings. 
• The sports hall took an innovative aesthetic look, whilst still abiding to the large space and high ceiling regulations.

By creating a space that was more welcoming, healthier and inspiring dRMM have managed to change the essence of the failing school and create a space where students want to be involved. It has been proved that results and behaviour has improved showing that we really can shape buildings that consquently shape us.

Buddhist Temples

Seen loads of Buddhist temples over the last month in Thailand and Laos and architecturally they are very impressive. A few things I found out:

• There are over 31200 temples around Thailand alone.
• Temple aesthetics differ from different regions of the country. They can be influenced by surrounding countries, like Burma, or their location, so if they are situated in the mountains, by the water edge or in a town.
• The compounds contain several buildings, both religious and quarters for the monks to live in.
• The significance of the area is enhanced by a wall that separated it from its surroundings.

Temple on Water, Koh Samui, Thailand

This temple had a very picturesque and magical setting on water. It included much iconography within its many figure statues. It was very colourful and ornate, even more so than many of the temples we passed in towns. There was definitely a feel of importance and prestige here. 

One of the many Temples in Luang Prabang, Laos

Whilst walking through the streets of the town we passed this temple. The forms created from the tiers in the roof are so striking. Some of the buildings are very big and tiers create an elegant feeling, withholding grand aesthetics. I also found the roof added a dynamic aspect to the temples which would complement their function.

Wat Xieng Thong Temple, Luang Prabang, Laos

This was my favourite temple out of the many we saw. It sits on the bank of the Mekong River and the layout of the buildings make it feel spacious yet intriguing to explore. The decoration is one of the most striking parts of the temple. Mostly painted in black lacquer with intricate gold leaf and mosaic style designs, it seems personal and less flashy then other temples. The larger sweeping roofs, influenced by the northern styles, also gave a more encapsulating sense.