Up! Up! And away…

March 9th at 9pm I will fly out and the mission will begin. As a case study for finishing my diploma at FAUP (Porto Architectural School), I've decided to volunteer and join A4A (Architects for Aid) in one of their humanitarian architecture projects. The projected on which I've been assigned is the construction of the LCCU (Lesotho Children Counseling Unit) centre in Lesotho. The building has been halted and an assessment, survey and new proposal and program will be drawn up in order that the building might finish to be built. Once this is completed a second trip will be organized and I'll be overseeing the building on site. The objective of this blog is to keep record of the work that is being done, both for the benefit of the members of A4A in London, FAUP to whom I'll also be reporting, my own record as well as friends and family that might want to know what I'm up to. Please comment on any post that you have an opinion, as this will undoubtedly help me in the completion of my thesis. Disclaimer: The information displayed on this site has not been previously edited or checked by any A4A staff and I'm the sole responsible for it's contents. A4A or any of the other involved organizations are not to be hold responsible on any account for what is published on this blog.

Wednesday, 11 April 2007

Back on the plane on Sunday!



The prices arrived just before Easter, we’ve reviewed them, tickets were booked and accommodation found, and next Monday I’ll find myself back in the beautiful country of Lesotho.

The quotes that arrived were slightly over what we expect, nothing alarming… But we’ve already been told that it’s a go ahead project! Some negotiating has still to be done... But I was told to come back and so I’ll do.

To be honest I can’t wait to be back on site! It will be a great experience and one that the sooner it starts the better. However the first days back will be used for meeting with the funders and contractor. I expect nevertheless to start clearing out the site by the end of the week, and I’ll also be doing some building myself up till then.

The provisional shelter has not been sorted out and if M’e Lydia accepts I’m willing to convert their existing container into a dorm for the children. Properly lined with insulation and plasterboard it will be a suitable space for them to live in that could be used for other things once it’s outlived its use (extra meeting rooms?).

Time to start packing my bags and write the last itineraries and briefs before I leave!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

So I won't get you in London for the weekend of 21 and 22.

Have a nice trip back to Lesoto and keep posting!