mossy foot planning & outreach strategy

MOSSY FOOTplanning & outreach strategy

Every reasonable attempt has been made to identify owners of copyright.Errors or omissions will be corrected in subsequent editions.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in, used in any form in any means-graphic, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or information storage and retrieval systems without permission of the author.

ALL IMAGES AND FIGURES NOT OTHERWISE CITED ARE PROPERTY OF GAVIN STUDER 2010.

Copyright © Gavin Studer, 2010

All rights reserved.

NewSchool of Architecture & Design

San Diego, California

Baccalaureate Program

Thesis 2009-2010

First Edition

MOSSY FOOTplanning & outreach strategyAn Undergraduate Thesis by Gavin Alfred Studer

A thesis presented to the faculty of NewSchool of Architecture & Design.

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Architecture.

Gavin Alfred Studer

June Nineteenth, Two-Thousand and Ten

San Diego, California

Approved By:

Mitra Kannani, Arch. D, MCP., AIA

Undergraduate ChairJames Enos, M. Arch, MFA, Assoc. AIA

Thesis Studio InstructorRichard Guerena, M. Arch, AIA

Peer-Reviewer, Architectural AdvisorBruce Matthes, M. Arts

Creative Writing & Grammatical Advisor

&

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”1

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”2

To our Lord, for blessing me with a higher education in one of the most developed countries in the world, so that He may bless the less fortunate through me, using my radical knowledge and abounding life experience.

Those secretly suffering from podoconiosis in every affected corner of the world, and all recovering Mossy Foot Patients in Ethiopia.

To my parents, for their enormous support through school, in large part encouraging the amazing opportunities in front of me.

Every empowered person who has chosen to serve others selflessly. Every person who has chosen to think big for the good of the world. Every person refusing to settle for the path much traveled. To anyone who envisions a better life for themselves, their familes and those around them, acting on ideas, happy to fail and try again, knowing life is about learning.

All of my friends who have been stoked about my journey, encouraging me to dream bigger.

Windansea Beach in La Jolla, California for its beautiful water, waves, sands, and sunsets for providing the hugely needed breaks from studio. And every beach that I have ever sunk my bare feet into, its contours subdued by its grandiose master & conformer, the ocean. Into which, enlivened, I have dove.

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1 Publishers, Z. B. (1978). John 10:10. Holy Bible: New International Version. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan.

2 Publishers, Z. B. (1978). Matthew 7:13-14. Holy Bible: New International Version. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan.

a vehicle for changeThis thesis project has been 14 months in the making. My interest with The Mossy Foot Project was initially sparked in the summer of 2007. It is now June of 2010 and my goal of creating a thesis presentation and publishable book has finally been reached. I can honestly say I have never been so committed to a single subject in my 23 short years of life. This multifaceted project has challenged me to hold client meetings, go a week straight with less than 5 hours of sleep a night, fundraise a trip half-way around the world (that’s 96 hours travel time, over 21,000 miles by foot, car, boeing 767, land rover and 3-seater bajaj taxi) and most amazingly traverse the dirt roads of rural Ethiopia. Lastly and more importantly this miniature endeavor into my passion for serving others has spurred a whole-hearted interest in international development furthering my aspiration of becoming a fully-independent humanitarian architect.

In 2009 I began developing a strategic planning initiative that improves economical sustainability and treatment outreach of the preventable elephantaisis know as podoconiosis or “Mossy Foot”. In order to address the unique as well as complex situation I have designed multiple buildings to be envisioned both within and around the rural areas of Soddo, Ethiopia. The major reasoning behind this project is to create a strategic plan that sets feasible goals for actual, physical change in such an infrastructurally deficient region.

With this thesis handbook I hope to provide insight into multiple issues both at a global scale and at a sociocultural, economic and local scale. Ironically, this disease is found in the volcanically rich soil of The Great Rift Valley, which is what also drives it’s agriculturally dependent towns and rural villages spread scattered across southern Ethiopia.

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INTRODUCTION1.1 preface1.2 historic overview1.3 abstract1.4 problem overview1.5 thesis statement

PRE-DESIGN RESEARCH2.1 review of literature2.2 application

ARCHITECTURAL PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

3.1 precedents3.2 contextual analysis3.3 site analysis

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT4.1 concept development4.2 programming4.3 building design

CONCLUSION5.1 learning statement5.2 self-reflection5.3 photo credits

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1INTRODUCTION

14 | Gavin Studer Introduction | 15

“Everybody wants the same thing, rich or poor,” says Samuel “Sambo“ Mockbee, founder of Rural Studio at Auburn University, “not only a warm, dry room, but a shelter for the soul.”1

The natural, elementary definition of shelter as a place that gives protection from inclement weather and danger has been broken from westernized architecture and its overinvolved affair with the privileged. “We have failed to show what we can do socially and economically” states architect Bryan Bell, founder of the non-profit known as Design Corps. 2

Shelter is needed in every corner of the world to prevent disease, provide housing, promote education and support community cohesion. Without shelter, orphans may become homeless, the sick may perish, education could be hindered, and the public may struggle to assemble. Architecture bears the weight of providing more than shelter. It intervenes strategically with highly-responsive designed spaces that address need and respond to disastrous situations. This significance found in addressing need must re-connect itself with high-design in order to intervene in the innumerable socioeconomic issues and conditions facing our developing world today. A new breed of architects and humanitarian designers is needed. People who seek assistance and the expansion of architecture (providing structures which encompass more than “shelter” from the wind and cold) via spaces designed by architects that realistically contribute to the well-being of family and community may result in functional and efficient buildings that also formfully excite the senses.

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PERRY LAKES PARK PAVILION Rural Studio

Located along the Cahaba River and nearby Oxbow Lake, this plot of recreational park sat untouched for 30 years. This small

scale project provided much needed revitalization by acting as an outdoor classroom, gathering space and stage area. The park is known to flood on a regular basis, so a durable materiality was

needed. Locally sourced Cedar trees were used as the boards in the pavilion’s floor. The trees were also used as formwork for footings

and groundcover around the site, repelling mosquitoes. Sheets of aluminum wrap the roof creating an intriguing rising plane.

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2 Weinstein, N. (2009, March 31). Bryan Bell asks Portland architects to become agents of change. Daily Journal of Commerce. Retrieved May 7, 2009, from http://www.djcoregon.com/articleDetail.htm/2009/03/31/Bryan-Bell-asks-local-architects-to-become-agents-of-change-North-Carolina-architect-suggests-a-desi

1 rural studio. (n.d.). College of Architecture, Design and Construction. Retrieved June 16, 2009, from http://www.cadc.auburn.edu/soa/rural-studio/mockbee.htm

shelter for the soul

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northwest india

sri lankaethiopia

equatorial guinea

canery islands

cape verde islands

central america

south america

Podoconiosis is a non-communicable disease now found exclusively in the tropics. It is caused by the conjunction of environmental, genetic, and economic factors. Mossy Foot is predominantly found in Africa, especially in higher altitude areas of eastern and central Africa (Ethiopia, Congo, Rwanda, Cameroon, Burundi, and Tanzania).4

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Mossy Foot was recognized in Ethiopia in the 1950’s by Dr. Nathan Barlow, a Christian Medical Missionary who devoted his life to helping the poor in Africa. In 1977 when the Communists took control of Ethiopia, he left – not returning until 1997. That year he began studying Mossy Foot, and in 1999 he started the Mossy Foot Project. In the southern province of Wolaita there are over 152,000 people afflicted with Mossy Foot disease. The Mossy Treatment and Prevention Association is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) founded by The Mossy Foot Project in Ethiopia, which currently leads the world in treatment and research of podoconiosis.5

a preventable disease that affect populations THE MOSSY FOOT PROJECT

5 Mossy Foot Project - Intro. (n.d.). Mossy Foot Project - Intro. Retrieved October 19, 2009, from http://www.mossyfoot.com

4 Davey, G. (2007). Podoconiosis: non-infectious geochemical elephantiasis. Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 101(12), 1175-1180.

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18 | Gavin Studer

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Merkineh suffered from Mossy Foot syndrome for more than

5 years. At age 15, he began receiving treatment. Below

you can see how remarkable treatment can be after only 4

months.5

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This thesis seeks to shed light on deeper issues concerning local conflicts such as the collision of disease, poverty and its socioeconomic influence in urban and rural areas. The thesis approaches the problem pragmatically with tandem strategies; one addressing planning and the other outreach. The planning segment is based on two open-ended programmes: the first outlines foundational principals of international development at a regional scale, and the second magnifies local intervention by fostering grassroots architecture at a local level. The outreach segment manifests itself with three architectural mediations aimed at creating a holistic response for expediting disease prevention through increased patient treatment while also providing new vocations for re-integration into skilled labor for greater self-sufficiency. Lastly, an exposition of my site visit serves to strengthen the depth and breath of such a proposal while promoting awareness of harsh realities encapsulating podoconiosis in rural Ethiopia.

summary

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Introduction | 19


podoconiosisMossy Foot disease is caused by volcanic soil and affects agrarian people working barefoot, especially in red clay soil at altitudes of over 1000 meters (3,280 feet). This soil contains microscopic particles of volcanic glass, or silica, which penetrate through the pores into the lymphatic system. As the lymphatics are obstructed, the feet and lower legs swell, open sores and ulcers develop, and keloids grow on the feet giving them a grotesque appearance. Commonly the feet become infected with fungi and bacteria.

hardshipDue to the general lack of knowledge concerning the disease, people are treated as lepers. Children have to drop out of school. Many are disowned by family members. No one wants to employ or marry someone who has this dreaded disease. Some even starve to death.

preventionAlthough prevention through the form of shoes is the most efficient way of ending podoconiosis, the acquisition and distribution of shoes has yet to, and may never be feasible in regions where economic limitations act as a barrier to shoe distribution, thereby perpetuating the disease.

treatmentEach patient receives a kit, including a bar of soap, bleach and antifungal ointment, with instructions from the clinic health care worker as to how to use the kit. The treatment is simple yet effective in reducing the swelling and improving the condition of the skin. In the case of edema of the legs, the legs are wrapped with elastic bandages which are worn during the day time. All patients are instructed to elevate their feet at night or when they are sitting.

volcanic soil entering pores of feet

omo river

lake abaya

red soil

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Marketper cent elephantiasis

soddo

treatment includes zinc oxide & honey

washing with bleach, soap and water

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This area of red clay in Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia is at an altitude of 1500m and on volcanic parent-rocks. A total market count of 43,573 adults was made in the market centers indicated. Of these 1,781 had elephantiasis of a leg (4.1%). Similar correlations have been made in other tropical areas of Africa.6

WOLAITA ZONE AETIOLOGYCorrelation of elephantiasis with local red clay

6 Price, E. W. (1991). 7. Podoconiosis: Non-filarial Elephantiasis (Oxford medical publications) (p. 51). New York: Oxford University Press, USA.


To formulate a strategic planning initiative engaging the geochemical disease known as podoconiosis through the implementation of a multitudinous development project in the form of a phased on-site headquarters construction project in Soddo, Ethiopia as well as multiple small-scale clinic interventions in rural areas surrounding Soddo.

critical positionThis thesis proposes a headquarters construction programme as well as intermodal outreach clinics that investigate health clinic interdependence and new rural outreach strategies through the arms of an existing humanitarian outreach organization. This framework will ultimately engage a translation of improved health care and well-being with an emphasis on bringing volunteer health workers to the field and generating economic activity through the return of field-workers to contemporaneous productive means.

proposalTITLE Mossy Foot: Planning & Outreach StrategyCOMMISSIONED BY The Mossy Foot Project USA FINANCIER Multiple Private US DonorsCOUNTRY Ethiopia LEAD ExECUTING AGENCY Local Contractor, Sub-Contractor & Builders in Wolaita Zone, SoddoOVERALL TERM 2007-2013

contentThe lack of modern means of access to acceptable health care and treatment facilities in Ethiopian towns and rural areas has resulted in increased disease and decreased life-quality. When looking through the lens of humanitarian outreach in such a complex region, the fact that there is virtually no infrastructure makes access to affected persons in rural areas an arduous task, slowing any attempts at treatment to literally a walking pace. Facilities management is basically non-existent, while the rest of the outreach area remains unreached. The need for trained health workers and

THREE LEVELS OF ARCHITECTURAL INTERVENTION

economically sustainable, accessible clinics is critical to addressing treatment in rural areas. Providing new solutions for intervention would be beneficial, which is further explained in the following objective. Woalita Zone alone needs as many as 75 additional clinics. Exacerbating the situation is the country’s annual population growth of 6-8 percent, (Citation) while the majority of currently affected persons are in serious need.

The Mossy Foot Protection and Treatment Association (MFPTA) has responded to this situation by proposing an international research headquarters to be the base of all operations, education, research, and production. It is the goal of this thesis to expand the service area of MFPTA through a planning and outreach strategy. The headquarters is the first of three new modes of outreach proposed in the proceeding chapters.

objectiveThis thesis proposes a series of strategies for implementation in the field in order to reduce the number of people affected by podoconiosis. Clinics in rural areas are to become affordable, efficient, and easily erectable, while awareness (reducing stigma etc.) is increased in villages still unreached by clinics with a mobile presentation package. The headquarters programme focuses on providing a central communication and service base to all health clinics and vocational sites in the outer lying region. The field clinic and mobile presentation operate using the current infrastructural constraints.

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approachMFPTA had treated patients many years earlier and establishment in 1999 led to the records keeping in a one room headquarters. MFPTA, garnering increasing support from The Mossy Foot Project, has created potential for rapid expansion in light of current patient application and treatment techniques. Currently, MFPTA occupies 4 buildings consisting of 10 rooms in Soddo, Ethiopia. They also are renting and staffing 10 clinics within the Wolaita Zone. It is the goal that once new planning strategies have been implemented and approved, 75 more clinics can be allocated within 10 years. Finally, using research gathered, a handbook can be created outlining how the same methodology for outreach and treatment can be used in other regions of Ethiopia, Africa as well as other blighted regions of the world.

An economically feasible planning and outreach strategy construction programme would proceed with the utilization of simple technology in the form of prefabricated components through inclusion of natural building elements (such as milled eucalyptus and corrugated iron). People wishing to support the inclusion of a health clinic on their property would be compensated; the disruption of the sites ecology would be very minimal. The construction processes carried out would be elementary enough for any man or woman who has built their own home in the surrounding region (which is the majority of Ethiopians) with the possible addition of more contemporary techniques & technologies.

CURRENT OUTREACH2010 - 20 clinics2015 - 25 clinics2020 - 30 clinics

PROPOSED OUTREACH2010 – 202015 – 452020 – 75+

Since job opportunities in these rural areas are meager, residents could also be compensated for the maintaining of the health clinic within their lands. Alternatively, in an area where locally integrated gospel and/or health workers would be present, their knowledge of the areas residents could be harnessed to responsible staff health clinics in order to secure them. By the end of 2020, with the reuse of deployable clinics, chances of eliminating podoconiosis in Wolaita Zone of is very promising.

Finally, the headquarters construction creates jobs for over 100 unemployed, mostly youth, while promoting small and medium-sized construction companies. Through the process of building the school, local craftsmen are able to train other local workers, eventually leading to improved standards of construction. This training of construction workers would become one of MFPTA’s new vocational programs, while possibilities for urban development facilitation lay in new construction techniques and building codes.

The Mossy Foot Treatment & Protection Agency team as of March, 2010

Loading the Landcruiser up with

shoes & treatment supplies

successDo these facilities & clinics remain? Do they change their use/function? Days with podoconiosis are numbered, all facilities and clinics provide an open layout when it comes to space allowing for basically anyone to come in and retrofit any building to their needs, even residential.


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strategic outreach planThis plan shows the reach of MFPTA by the year 2015.

Field Clinics would be disassembled and reassembled

in new areas depending on need documented by

mobile units gathering information at unreached

villages.

neighborhood map showing headquarters

clinics & mobile units in sodo zuria

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2PRE-DESIGN RESEARCH

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30 | Gavin Studer Pre-Design Research | 31

“The developed world with its leaps in science and technology, continues to live in severe contrast to the majority of the world’s population which suffers from poverty, illiteracy, injustice and social isolation.The key to providing freedom, education, and a longer, higher quality of life for poor, marginalized people is to genuinely include them in the process of development.” 1

health & poverty1 billion people live in poverty, which is every second child. The link between poverty and disease is inseparable and in many countries is are tied to issues that diminish and discourage any type of positive development. Poor people, who also tend to be malnourished, tend to become sicker, which leads to pre-mature mortality. Conversely, ill health is found to have a hand in causing poverty. Unfortunately, people who become ill are more likely to become impoverished and remain poor as opposed to healthier people because debilitating diseases prevent adults from being productive and having an income. Sadly, many children are unable to go to school if they have an illness, diminishing their future likelihood of productivity during adulthood. 2,3

The World Health Organizations Commission on Macroeconomics and Health (CMH) in 2000 examined links between health and poverty and found that those in poverty carry a more sizable burden of preventable deaths. The Report showed that the poor are less likely to have access to medical care, including emergency care. Serious illness can impoverish entire families for years while they lose crucial income and sell assets in order to meet the cost of treatment. This commission revealed the fact that current response systems for life-saving and preventative measures, as well as access to necessary medicines, do not reach the poor.

ethiopia, infrastructure &

agricultureIn addition to being one of the poorest countries in the world, Ethiopia suffers from the lack of infrastructure and from an disproportionate reliance on agriculture.

“In the highlands of Ethiopia there are two rainy seasons. This causes many roads to be unusable for weeks at a time since only 15 percent of roads are paved.” 4

Ethiopia’s lack of road infrastructure and transport service is said to affect access to emergency care service. Appropriate transportation services and regularly maintained roads are one of the largest challenges facing people’s ability to access health care services. It is easy to see how poverty and disease greatly hinder the economy and development of a country suffering from an entire slew of other challenges, such as debt and political instability.

Practically half of all of Ethiopia’s debilitated economy (GDP) comes from the agricultural sector which employs over three quarters of the employed labor force. It is increasingly apparent that areas such as these are in need of development. 5

“Africa is at a large disadvantage when dealing with sustainable development. It contends with globalization, unfavorable terms of trade, increasing debt, declining agricultural production with the seasons, political instability, and civil strife. African agricultural income has declined greatly due to these challenges plus the woes of desertification, a small market for agricultural goods, and minimal access to capital.“ 6

Although this weak agricultural sector is subject to periodic drought, and poor infrastructure constrains the production and marketing of Ethiopia’s products, Ethiopia still garners a vast agricultural potential found within it’s still enormous amounts of fertile land.

podoconiosisResulting from the conjunction of poverty and an

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bicycle ambulance

medical stretches found in rural areas

typical unpaved roadin populated areas

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1 Participatory Content Creation for Development: Principles and Practices. (2008). New Delhi, India: UNESCO House.

4 Culture of Ethiopia. Countries and Their Cultures. Retrieved January 23, 2010, from http://www.everyculture.com/Cr-Ga/Ethiopia.html2 Shah, A. (n.d.).

Poverty Facts and Stats and Global Issues. Global Issues : social, political, economic and environmental issues that affect us all Global Issues. Retrieved December 2, 2009, from http://www.globalissues.org/article/26/poverty-facts-and-stats

5 The World Factbook: Ethiopia. (n.d.). Central Intelligence Agency. Retrieved December 3, 2009, from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/et.html

3 Macroeconomics and Health. (n.d.). World Health Organizations. Retrieved February 14, 2010, from www.who.int/macrohealth/en/

6 Busch, J. (2001). Socially Responsible Design: Act Globally. USA: VNU Business Publications.


agriculturally driven economy, and aggravated by lacking healthcare services along-side virtually nonexistent infrastructure, the preventable disease known as podoconiosis or “mossy foot” continues to exist. In the case of this thesis, a preventable, non-communicable disease stands in the way of economic generation, inducing extreme poverty and even lower life quality. The fine particles in the soil inhibit lymph flow of the lower extremities, causing extreme inflammation, debilitation, and inability to continue agricultural practices, labor etc. The reality is that these families are impoverished to the point of not owning a single pair of shoes, yet subsistence agriculture is the only income keeping their children from starving. Farming activities and walking barefoot through volcanic areas causes exposure, yet this cycle continues to the point that one million are affected or debilitated because the impoverished cannot afford shoes, but must work in order that their families survive another month. Poverty and disease in this situation are in direct relation. Shoes could easily stomp out this disease, but the circumstances surrounding rural areas of southern Ethiopia affected by podoconiosis are exceedingly complex. This means that as treatment, education, misconceptions, and infrastructure fluctuate,v so too will a designed response.

“The Mossy Foot Prevention and Treatment Association, a local non-governmental organization (NGO), has made surprisingly effective efforts in prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation in Wolaita Zone. This NGO reaches out to more than 30,000 patients per year in a sustainable community-based manner.” 7

In this unique case, where poverty and volcanic-silca rich soil collide – community-based treatment, training of locals, dissemination of information along with vocational training skills training, microcredit schemes and distribution of subsidized shoes (also made by treated patients) to the neediest is shining a light on a disease cloaked in misconception. Furthermore, expansions of these grassroots techniques may lead the way to the creation of an

expandable form of outreach, easily disseminated to the highly affected areas of the country and world in the form of a handbook. The Mossy Foot Project is a successful local NGO is paving the way for a road out of poverty for millions without shoes also in need of new job-skill training.

social awareness in architecture, design & developmentPhilanthropic architecture, socially responsible architecture and design activism are not new ideas. “Since the last 1940’s traditional and socially minded architecture has tended towards the form of a development project, a largely post-colonial phenomenon.“ the prevailing model in the development era usually features a ground of engineering and architecture professionals looking to deliver a project aimed at an underdeveloped target population. The majority of the development projects that took place during the fifty years, including the projects where architectural design was a principal component, were failures. 8

Design projects & proposals over the past decades have featured an overbearing 1st world mentality and top-down ignorance that is still continuing to force itself upon some of the oldest settlements in the world. Philanthropic architects, engineers and design students failed to see their designs as foreign and socially detached from the historically and culturally rich societies they were addressing.

Largely, architects have been closely involved in the processes that surround the role of “expert” on development projects both at home and abroad. Being wrapped up in a humanitarian social agenda and a professional designation in western society meant to serve the public interest. Though many architecture served in these development decades (still in transition to this day) following the establishment of the United Nations, slowly realized that being well-trained and well-intentioned were not enough to respond to such realistically complex situations - complexities only understood when investing real

woman and child awaiting treatment

kirinda rehabilitation housing by shigeru ban

7 Davey, G. (2007). Podoconiosis: non-infectious geochemical elephantiasis. Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 101(12), 1175-1180.

8 Smillie, I. (1991). Mastering the Machine: Poverty, Aid and Technology. London: Intermediate Technology Publications.

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time in a place, seeing the need, experiencing the historically vibrant cultures.

These strategies took on the form of mobile health clinics or re-purposed containers in the form of shipping containers full of prefab health clinics and a mass-production of component houses shipped from across the world. Coming in with no knowledge, plopping down a masterplan and a couple shiny new buildings and then leaving. One building, a single master plan, could never provide the means for a community acceptance, fully integrating these projects in the deep cultures in which they reside, currently abandoned, or re-appropriated by indigenous for more lucrative means. Above all, these design proposals were void of any sense of tradition or cultural sensitivity. Furthermore, an expansive use of outsourced, overly technological materials, which were not found in local material flows increased the separation from actual acceptance because of the foreign nature of these structures, unable to be understood or repaired by local craftsmen. They failed to take into account the role that Non-Governmental organizations serve in culturally sensitive areas as local ambassadors of education, health care, new technologies. They fail to see how long-term effects of implementation take sensitive strategies in order to affect a far away and foreign region for the better.

Strategies and planning methodologies may evolve as actual fieldwork is done and connections are made in rural areas of any developing country. There is a huge responsibility attached to ensuring that community support is gained. The importance for a community to see, value and embrace the importance and incorporation of projects without overbearing western colonialist mentalities is the first priority to any humanitarian building or development project.The editor of Building Community: A Third World Case Book, Bertha Turner, states that “It is not our intention to suggest an alternative to capitalism nor to expunge Western intervention, but rather to explore creative applications of the design arts at the

INTERVOLVE Making Blocks From Earthhttp://www.inter-

volve.org/en

GTZ Cobblestone Roads for Ethiopia‘s

Cities and Citizenshttp://www.gtz.de/en/weltweit/

afrika/576.htm

service of development with a social conscience.” 9

grassroots initiative vs. “development projects”The importance of cultural connection, site specificity, local materiality and workforce engagement. Capitalism and globalization are the means, empowering locals is the end.

The founder of Architecture for Humanity, Cameron Sinclair, says that “when you speak to a community the number one thing that they want is not a house; it is a job. The big question to be solved is how to create employment and financial stability. Then people can think beyond just a roof over their heads and begin to plan for school and medical systems.”6

Egyptian architect Ismail Serageldin writes in “The Architecture of Empowerment,” that close collaboration with the community is the most effective way to provide shelter and infrastructure from concept design through to construction.”10

Henry Sanoff argues that a new pragmatic approach to participation has emerged in the last ten years that no longer views participation as ‘‘citizen power.’’ Participation, he suggests, has been defined more modestly to include information exchange, conflict resolution, and design and planning input. With this type of participation in mind, we describe a new model of participation that involves the local community in creating buildings that both embody aesthetic sensitivity and meet peoples’ needs. ”11

a military helicopter drops in building

supplies for a health clinic (inconceivable to their construction

technology)

10 Serageldin, I. (1997). The Arcitecture of Empowerment: People, Shelter and Liveable Cities. London: Academy Editions.

9 Jann, M., & Platt, S. (2009). Philanthropic Architecture. Journal of Architectural Education, 82-91.

11 Sanoff, H. (2000). Community Participation Methods in Design and Planning. New York: John Wiley.

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GUIDELINES FOR A LOCAL PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

SustainabilityPlanning and its benefits lead to true sustainability: Contacting and becoming informed by a currently established NGO (who know the issues at play) in the region or area and proceeding to set long term goals is crucial. All while performing site assessment with continual NGO feedback. Local Engagement, Employment & EmpowermentPresenting in order to establish a connection with the community there needs to be culturally and economically sustainable support created through interaction and presentation. Promoting discussions and having conversations where community group members take on content creation responsibilities according to their capacities and interests lead to a community sense of ownership.

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Participation & Socio-Economic ImplementationProducing through vocational training and construction projects. Involving community leaders into the creative design process and creating local interest and supporting local ownership. Possibly creating opportunities for new building codes to take shape and for policies to begin reform.

Adapted from (philanthropic architecture)

PRINCIPLES FOR A GRASSROOTS HUMANITARIAN ARCHITECTURE RESPONSENon-Governmental Organization & Western Designer, Architect InteractionThere may be a large gap between the design team and local client group, especially when needs, cultural context and expertise are in question. Grassroots projects should take steps to identify a responsible, designer-friendly middleman to foster an effective and collaborative environment. This may also bring up the composition and demarcation of roles between local representatives and the design team.

Successful Fundraising & Grant-WritingSuccessful fundraising and support will always determine how feasible & viable a project will become. The scope of the mission and the scale of the project need to match available resources. A source of donations, governmental relations and/or grant-writing skills will be needed.

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Construction Knowledge & AdministrationKnowing the labor division i.e. contractors and subcontractors as well as creating a realistic connection via communication (possible need of translator). also, understanding and being understood so that builders and craftsmen are competent with the technicalities of construction.

Incorporating Indigenous ResourcesSince the clients involved in these kinds of projects typically represent the poorest segments of the world’s population, resources are undoubtedly limited, the ability to recognize the need to adapt to and respect local culture and customs is the crucial factor in success.

Adapted from (participatory content creation for development)

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educating next generation humanitarian architects“Lastly, there are even greater advantages to the non-profit sector through opportunities with architecture students. Academic involvement in humanitarian architecture as an alternative practice model, teaming students up with clients abroad through a studio based curriculum. Not just building projects for the poor, but going beyond by realistically educating the next generation of humanitarian designers. A university practicum model program allow’s faculty to remain active in practice and provide early ‘‘in the field’’ hands-on experience for students while reaching out to the desperately poor, assisting and involving them in the design process that holds the potential to improve their lives.” 9

conclusionIn combining two community-based “grassroots” development techniques with a socio-economic component, this development project and its eventual design can be effective in its utilization of local community members, labor force and materials in order to provide realistic, sustainable (environmentally aware, economically conscious and socially engaging) and experiential architecture & design. To both Ethiopian people and those suffering from podoconiosis.

3ARCHITECTURAL PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

40 | Gavin Studer Architectural Program Development | 41

PREC

EDEN

TS 3.1

3.1

3.2

3.3

TYIN Tegnestue

Safehaven Library and Bathroom

BASEhabitatDipshikha Electrical

Skill Improvement (DESI) Vocational

School

DEBEDO FRANCIS

KEREPrimary School for

Gando

Architectural Program Development | 43

A non-profit organization, TYIN tegnestue provides humanitarian design in the form of architecture. TYIN is made up of five architecture students from NTNU, their projects are financed by over 60 Norwegian companies, as well as private contributions.

Over the course of 2009, TYIN has been working in Thailand on planning and has constructed small scale projects. Their strategies seek to improve lives of the less fortunate. TYIN promotes exhaustive collaboration and shared learning and looks for an impact beyond the physical structures. The new bathhouse covers basic needs like toilets, personal hygiene and laundry. A simple structure was already built and became the framework for the project.

SAFEHAVEN library & bathhouse

architect TYIN Tegnestuelocation Ban Tha Song Yang, Thailand

project team Andreas Grøntvedt Gjertsen, Yashar Hanstad

client Safe Haven Orphanagebudget Library 29.000 (Approx. 3,500 USD)

Bathhouse 22.500 NOK (Approx. 3,300 USD)project year January 2009

42 | Gavin Studer

3.5

3.4

3.6

light filters through the facade, giving pleasant effects


3.7

3.8

3.9

3.10

front elevation of bathhouse

perspective view of library

floorplan of bathhouse

floorplan of library


Dipshikha Electrical Skill Improvement (DESI)

vocational school

architect BASEhabitatlocation Bangladesh, Dinajpur

project team Anna Heringer together with BASEhabitat and BRAC University Dhaka

client villagers of Dinajpurbudget DESI – Approx. USD 30,000

project year December, 2008

The project aims to improve living conditions while maintaining the current level of sustainability and to strengthen local identity. It achieves this by building model houses for peasant families and by training local craftsmen as well as young architects.

After a 4 month workshop (students from bangledesh and austria, NGO’s & locals) 5 strategies for sustainable development were instituted.

1. Most Bangladeshis live in one story, build two to save land. set free large amounts of land2. Use local materials to save energy3. Combine low-tech with high-tech4. Raise comfort5. Strengthen local identity: architecture is not just shelter. create a new style using traditional construction techniques

The Dipshikha Electrical Skill Improvement (DESI) development program comprises a new interpretation of a traditional Bangladeshi homestead. Usually in rural Bangladesh each of the varying household functions: eating, sleeping, and washing, etc. are performed in separate structures built around a central courtyard. The building design & layout attempts to incorporate all of the functions of working and living into a single structure. The design is geared toward a lifestyle that is no longer linked with agriculture, but still linked to the rural context and culture. “It is very difficult to find educated peoples who like to live in rural areas.“ (Paul Tigga, Executive director of Dipshikha) DESI is an experiment that looks into finding satisfactory solutions that act to enhance rural living while additionally expressing the next level of building development.

The biggest move in the development program is the uncommon step from low-income to middle class houses. The standard arrangement in Bangladesh shows an obvious shift from earth to fired brick in typical building materials. The DESI building is an exposition of the largest differences between the basic traditional dwelling and developed architecture, which lies in increased construction skills and craftsman involvement, on technical knowledge and originality & innovation. This process includes a balanced way of development that circumvents the obvious gaps typically created between poor and rich, old and modern. This push for enhanced craftsmanship, translates into support on local

3.11

3.12

3.13

cow hooves churn the mud and straw for walls

colorful facade and students


3.15

3.14

markets and also an investment & increase in cultural pride along with a strengthened sense of identity.

DESI is a rurally situated vocational school for electrical training. The DESI building program is comprised of two classrooms, two offices, and two residences for the school instructors. There is a separate bathroom with two showers and two toilets for the teachers and a bathroom facility with toilets and sinks on the ground floor for the students.

A simple solar panel system provides all of the building’s year-round energy needs, they also directly power a motor which pumps water from a well into the water tank. Solar thermal heating system provides warm water. In addition to on-site septic tanks, the toilets have their own two-chamber septic tank. This is the first time that sanitary units have been built into earth houses in Bangladesh, showing that mud and bamboo are easily able to accommodate contemporary lifestyle & living quality.

The building is an exemplary balance of high tech and low tech. Because the building is passively

heated and cooled as well as designed to optimize natural lighting and ventilation, extremely basic building methods are seamlessly met with modern, alternative energy systems.

PRIMARY SCHOOL FOR GANDOarchitect Debedo Francis Kere

location Gando, Bougou, Burkino Faso project team Wénéyda Kéré, Issa Moné, technical

officer, LOCOMATclient The community of Gando Village

budget CFA Francs 22,750,000 (US$ 29,830) project year 2000

The project aims to improve living conditions while maintaining the current level of sustainability and to strengthen local identity. It achieves this by building model houses for peasant families and by training local craftsmen as well as young architects.

After a 4 month workshop (students from Bangledesh and Austria, NGO’s & locals) 5 strategies for sustainable development were instituted.

Architectural Program Development | 5150 | Gavin Studer

3.16

3.17


3.18

3.19

transverse section

longitudinal section through classroom

interior classroom perspective showing indirect lighting


Highland boundaries

River systems

Sun path

Main roads

CON

TEXT

UA

L A

NA

LYSI

S

3.2

Popluation density

3.25

3.20

-25


Tigray

Amhara

Beni.Gumuz

Gabella

Addis Ababa

Oromiya

Somali

Dire DawaHarari

Afar

SNNP

aba

Somali

Addis Ababa

Oromiya

AfarAmhara

aba

Tigray

SNNP

s As A

Beni.Gumuz

GabellaETHIOPIA & REGIONSEthiopian political border & Southern Nations, Nationalities and People’s Region (SNNP)


Dizi

Sheko

Kuraz

Bena

Surma

Hamer

Meanit

Gazer

Selamgo

Decha

Gesha

BenchTelo

Dale

Chena

Kucha

Ela(Konta)

Gimbo

Goro

Melekoza

Zala

Gofa Zuria

Soro

Isara Tocha

Sodo

Kemba

Yeki

Gelila

Limu

Bonke

Awasa

Bensa

Gibe

Menjiwo

Hulla

Selti

A oresa

Misha

Duna

Gumer

Dita

Dalocha

Boricha

Mareko

Dara

Loma Bosa

Arba Minch Zuria

Bore

da

MashaAnderacha

Cheha

Lanf

ero

Kochere

Mar

eka

Gena

Bule

Enemorina Eaner

EzhanaWelene

M/A

baya

Badawacho

Aleta Wendo

Angacha

Che

ncha

ArbeGona

Meskana

Shebedino

Ubad/tsehay

Daramalo

Omo Sheleko

Shash

ogo

Yirgachefe

Wen

ago

K/Bira

Kokir Gedbano Gutazer

K/Gamela

G urage

S elti

S idama

Hadiya

K T

Alaba

Yem

Hadiya

Wolaita

Gamo Gofa Gedeo

Amaro

South Omo

Bench Maji

Sheka

Dawro

Basketo

Konso

BurjiDirashe

legendworeda boundary

zonal boundary

lake

regional boundary

site

SNNP REGION & WOREDASAdministrative Zone divisions are grouped into Woredas (Wore-Aid-Uh) & Kebeles (Kah-Bay-Lay) which are neighborhoods (shown in gray).


soddo

hosaena

alaba kulitonegele

shashemene

hawassa

jimma

dillahumbo

ofa

k/koysha

b/sore

d/gail

d/weyda

sodozuria

0 50 100mi

WOLAITA ZONE & KEBELESThe Wolaita Zone is located within a topographically diverse area of The Great Rift Valley. It is broken up into Kebeles or “neighborhoods.”


SODDO

soddo

hosaena

alaba kulitonegele

shashemene

hawassa

jimma

dillahumbo

ofa

k/koysha

b/sore

d/gail

d/weyda

sodozuria

SODO ZURIA KEBELEA Kebele of Wolaita Zone has the city of Soddo acting as its administrative hub. Soddo is among the few cities in the region with increased access to introductory infrastructure. Soddo has networked roads, hydro-electric power & cleaned pipe water supply, modern telephone, banking, educational and health facilities. The town lacks paved roads connecting it with its neighboring towns, fundamental to transportation access. There is a main highway that stretches from Addis to Jinka that passes through Soddo.

0 8mi4


tonacomplex

soddo hospital

currentheadquarters

markethotel

bus stop

wolaitasoddo university

mt. damota

SODDO

privateschool

publicschool

powerstation

BUILDING SITE

CONTEXT238 miles (383km) from Addis Ababa on paved roads.80 miles (130 km) west of the regional administrative capital of Awassa.Elevation: 5,000-6,500 feet (1,600 - 2,000 meters)

SCALEworeda population - 297,576City Population (urban dwellers): 22% or 65,737 of Total Population (greater than the zone average of 8.5%)

CLIMATEOctober to April - driest & hottest season (52-80 degrees)May through September is moderate, with temperatures near 70 degreesTwo rainy seasons occur: January to March & May to October.

INDUSTRYIndustries common to the area include coffee roasting & packaging, sugar factory, hides & meats processing.

AGRICULTUREThe local agricultural production of the Wolaita Zone consists of tobacco, cotton, fruits, ginger, pepper, sugar cane, animal farming, fattening & diary farming.

ROADSIn 2004 Sodo Zuria had 22 kilometers of asphalt roads, 104 kilometers of all-weather roads (gravel) and 48 kilometers of dry-weather (earth/volcanic track) roads, totaling 182kmm for an average road density of 380 kilometers per 1000 square kilometers.

In 2006 the Woreda Agriculture and Rural Development Office Announced that they had begun development projects that included the creation or maintenance of 105 meters of road in 34 kebeles of Sodo Zuria woreda. This will cost 2.5 million Birr.

SOD

DO

TO

WN

AGRI

CULT

URA

LLY

DRI

VEN

3.25

-30

.6mi1km

stayed at addis kadan guesthouse in addis ababa

made the trip south to soddo town, stopping in butajira for lunch

headed south for a day trip to a village for church, then to arba minch for the crocodile farm and lunch in the town

stopped by mossy foot headquarters to see shoemaking, then out to gununo clinic site

headed to two clinic sites and a hairdressers shop

visited kale hewot church compound as well as the nearby building site

spent the day exploring soddo with my friend kebede and met architect working on wolaita soddo univeristyattended church in the morning, walked around streets residential areas and learned how to ride a motorcycle

01day

02day

03day

04day

05day

06day

07day

08day

visi

t: ht

tp://

ww

w.m

ossy

foot

.com

/#/g

avin

-s-b

ookl

et/

300KM TO SODDOIn March of 2010 I was fortunate enough to visit my site located halfway around the world. The experience was incredibly eye-opening. During my stay in Soddo, Ethiopia it was a huge shock to see how limited building materials were, how simpleton construction techniques could be just as well called hodgepodge even on high-rises, with eucalyptus pole scaffolding you can forget railings! Any hopes for creating any kind of grandiose monumental architecture was quickly crushed under the weight of obvious poverty, and a virtually non-existent building sector lacking access to construction materials, equipment, skilled labor, vocational training opportunities etc.

SITE

AN

ALY

SIS

3.3


SITE ASSESSMENTstreet hierarchy & transportation in soddo town is vehicular circulation & pedestrian accessneighborhood morphologyspace relationships & urban precedentsphysical features

SOD

DO

IMAG

ERY

.6mi1km

tonacomplex

buildingsite

soddo hospital

currentheadquarters

markethotel

bus stop

wolaitasoddo university

mt. damota

SODDO

privateschool

publicschool

powerstation

Looking south across Soddo

town, with Lake Abaya to the left

Northern Soddo town with Mt. Damota in the

distance


tree lined street in village

small farms in countryside

countryside south of addis ababa gerry on road to arba minch

small village street scene

mud and straw ‘chica’ for making walls

REG

ION

AL

IMAG

ERY

village community square

a well in the front yard of a countryside home construction storage at soddo hospital

gazebo’s on the waterfront of lake abaya on the road to arba mich in gamo gofa zone

cobblestone’s for use at wolaita soddo university

making cobblestone for soddo christian hospital


http://www.dartmouth.edu/~hopoutreach/images/camera%20icon.1.jpg

02The walls are filled with closely placed upright poles which are in the ground. Rope is used to tie supports to the wall. Green wood is used because of its ease in bending. The roof supports are attached 1 foot form the top of the center pole and extend 2 feet past the top of the wall.

01A 9 to 20 foot in diameter circle is drawn on a flat site. Eucalyptus poles are placed in the ground at one yard intervals around the circumference. The perimeter wall should be 7- feet above ground. The center pole is set, giving a roof angle of 50 degrees or more.

03Additional supports are added to the roof structure. Also with green wood and tied with rope. The roofing material is Sumbalit, a straw grass. It is carefully thatched or tied from the top down. A pottery jar is set atop the center pole to help shed water from the roof’s center

04An adobe plaster made of straw and mud is placed on the walls. A door is built and placed along with two small holes to let in sunlight.

05With the exterior finished, the inside is ready to be built. Depending on the use, it could be used as a living quarters, kitchen, stable, or storage. The majority are used for all for and are partitioned.

GRASS HOUSE CONSTRUCTION AS FOUND IN THE HIGH PLATEAU REGIONS OF ETHIOPIATraditional straw huts, or “tukuls” are constructed of walls filled with closely placed upright poles or “wall posts” which are secured via being placed in the ground. Rope like wood is used to tie supports to the walls, greener wood is used because of its ability to easily bend. The roof supports are attached 1 foot from the top of the center “ridge” pole and extend 2 feet past the top of the wall.

TRA

DIT

ION

AL

CON

STRU

CTI

ON


3.31

government clinic painted mud school

rough hewn stone foundation upper-class rural residence

lower-class rural residencelower-class wall and opening

TRA

DIT

ION

AL

VERN

ACU

LAR

RURAL BUILDING Contemporary vernacular consists of rectangular shaped concrete masonry units (CMU) buildings with gable roofs made from wood eucalyptus poles. These roofs are lashed and cladded in corrugated sheet meta. Typical foundations are made of rough hewn stone and mortar.


well-established storefronts past generation office building

rentable government building

middle to higher-class residence typical wall and opening

scaffolding on modern wolaita soddo university

URBAN BUILDINGContemporary vernacular consists of rectangular shaped concrete masonry units (CMU) buildings with gable roofs made from wood eucalyptus poles. These roofs are lashed and cladded in corrugated sheet meta. Typical foundations are made of rough hewn stone and mortar.

LOCA

L VE

RNAC

ULA

R


corrugated sheet metal well-hewn stone wall and finished grout

eucalytus tree barkred volcanic soil

typical eucalyptus strip weave pattern (used for privacy, fencing, baskets & furniture)

well made concrete block & detailed grout work

TEXT

URE

S

CLOSE-UPThese were the most prominent textures found in and around the places I visited during my visit to the city and surrounding regions.

a eucalyptus wall & mud filling cementitious (mortar) wall coating

rudimentary concrete masonry units & mortar grout “chica” mud mixed with straw to cover timber walls



looking east across the site from the center

in front of the site, access road looking north from the center

looking south from the centercurrent footpath entrance (looking west)

SITE

PH

OTO

S

looking west from the site over soddo


4 4.1

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

86 | Gavin Studer Design Development | 87

001this design proposed the use of recycled containers raised up one story on rammed earth pillars. the diagram on the left shows sunshades covering the entrance balcony, the diagram on the right shows the operable path and coverage of the shades.

002the first of the deployable clinics, these we’re inspired by wes jones primitive huts, they utilize 4-point rammed earth tire foundations and various passive systems such as rainwater collection.

003these clinic towers were an exploration into decreasing footprint, in order to avoid large slopes. there were found to be unacceptable because of the debilitating disease & patients struggling to climb stairs.

004 more prefabricated in nature, a separate structure evolved in this design, allowing for a more customizable approach to programming spaces. this variation includes a clinic and a classroom.

005the schematic elevation leading up to my final field clinic design

4.1

CON

CEPT

DEV

ELO

PMEN

T00

100

200

300

4

005


orm

EARTH BENCH WAYSTATIONThis concept was originally envisioned as a shuttle station where patients could be picked up on a regular basis. They would then be transported to the nearest clinic and/or headquarters for treatment and rehabilitation. The design features simple construction techniques, with a kit of parts assembly able to be transported to the site with nothing more than a trailer full of supplies. This model was not used because picking up each individual with mossy foot in a large region would prove to be extremely inefficient both with energy use and travel time.

rainwater collection

wood or steel structure

catchment + retention basin

water + shoe storage

CON

CEPT

DEV

ELO

PMEN

T

easily transportable (atv/truck) simple assemble & disassemble (nails/lashing)

front elevation


POP-UP CLINICThis clinic experimented with rammed earth in the field. The concept was to separate spaces via earth walls with simple shade canopies providing shelter during treatment. This coupled with a cylindrical center earth component with multiple uses including storage and rainwater cistern. This model proved to be inappropriate because of the skill and time it takes to created rammed earth.

corrugated iron component

rammed earth cylindrical core+ secure medical storage+ possible rainwater cistern+ batteries+ clean water

tensioned rope securing shade canopyplan

elevation

materials + framework

transported via flatbed truck, components

fabricated on site


01WORKSHOP

02OFFICES

03DORMS

04CLASSROOMS

06CHAPEL

05GUESTHOUSE

500+ sq. ft.

1,000+ sq. ft.

1,500+ sq. ft.

2,000+ sq. ft.

2,500+ sq. ft.

total building area: 10,200 square feet

PRO

GRA

MM

ING

4.2

NEEDS BASED PROGRAMThis program has been derived from multiple one-on-one client meeting’s with The Mossy Foot Project. Their straightforward needs are a result of 10 years of testing, treatment, and integrating new job-placement programs. The spatial context explored was completely realized when I was able to visit the current headquarters operations and create relationships with actual employees working for The Mossy Foot Treatment & Prevention Association. Secondly, I was able to see, taste, hear and feel the joy and sadness of Mossy Foot patients after many rural clinic visits, which informed me of current conditions. These circumstances became the causation for my current views on incorporating vernacular design, and creating healing & communal spaces. Additionally, experiencing the building landscape of Ethiopia helped shaped a new interpretation of their traditional & local vernacular as well as the social interworkings of their informal gathering spaces.


SKET

CHIN

G

001the sketches shows the old, orthanginal plan beginning to morph to newly sought after site boundaries, it seeks to privatize dormitories on the bottom right, adjacent to the garden.

002this layout begins to explore the combination of two vernaculars building types found in ethiopia, contemporary rectangular buildings and traditional round huts.

003this plan solidifies program adjacencies (see the dorms take place in three offset regtangles) the lower half of the drawing presents itself as a large gathering place with decking, shading, chapel and spillover room.

004one of the last sketches before taking the design into 3D modeling, showing decking and trees as an integral part of the layout.


a multi-faceted operations hubTYPE 01 HEADQUARTERS

BUIL

DIN

G D

ESIG

N

4.3


Self-Creation & Production01. Using on-site eucalyptus trees, which grow back in a matter of months.02. Compressed Earth Block (CEB) making facilities03. Local re-sale of CEB

Job-Creation (Vocational)ShoemakingMechanicalCarpentryHairdressing/BarberEarth Construction

SUMMARYThis scheme features a design response to place, people and their development. It’s strength’s are found in re-creation and innovation using of local materials, simple (yet easily implementable) construction methods, relatable in both plan and elevation. The masterplan is also unique and intriguing in it’s take on Ethiopian vernacular.

HEA

DQ

UA

RTER

S O

VERV

IEW

The plan considers the site and it’s ephemeral as well as physical qualities, promoting a linearity and expansive roof plan that provides shelter from the driving rains which occur 3/4’s of the year. The playing field and teaching courtyard was included because of the prevalence of large assembly in Ethiopian culture as well as the nature of any open space becoming a soccer field.

The program was composed under an umbrella of vocation-based programs that exist to promote self-sustainability both in building creation and user life-quality through skills application and subsequential job-creation.

FORMThe design takes into account a plan for the future of the neighborhood known as Otona. Providing a prominent form that stands atop a cliff, seen from the city below. It promotes a reinforced

community through architectural integrity. Finally, an improvement in economic-generation on a local scale. The largest design consideration takes advantage of the large view overlooking the city of Soddo to the west.

CONSTRUCTIONThe building is made completely of local materials, using typical regional construction techniques. The use of natural materials and construction techniques makes this scheme extremely cost effective.


1

3

45

6

9

2

SITE

PLA

N

MOSSY FOOT HEADQUARTERS, SODDOLEGEND

1 ENTRY ROAD2 WORKSHOP3 SHOEMAKING4 CLASSROOMS5 DORMITORIES6 GUESTHOUSE7 CHAPEL8 OFFICES9 PLAYING FIELD

100 FT50250

7

8


01

02

03

FIVE

YEA

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ASI

NG

PLA

N YEAR 2010-2015COST ESTIMATE [$220,000 - $280,000]

PHASE ONE YEAR 0-1 [$30,000 - $40,000]Volcanic rock road + Drainage planWorkshop [1,000 sq. ft.]

- A road will provide the means for access to the entire site for expediated construction.- The workshop will house tools, vehicles, and various repair/building based vocations.

PHASE TWO YEAR 1-2 [$80,000 - $100,000]Shoemaking [1,500 sq. ft.]Administration + storage [1,000 + 500 sq. ft.]

- The shoemaking building facilitates the prevention part of the outreach program.- The administration building will allow desk space for up to 9 full or part-time employees.

PHASE THREE YEAR 2-3 [$30,000 - $40,000]Dormitories [500 sq. ft. (150) each]Vocational classrooms [1,000 sq. ft.]

- Dormitories will act as housing for up to 8 patients.- Classrooms provide shelter from rain & sun while providing indoor-outdoor spillover space for teaching.


PHASE FOUR YEAR 3-4 [$40,000 - $50,000]Guesthouse [4,000 sq. ft.]Chapel [700 sq. ft.]

- The guesthouse will be lodging for up to 40 short-term & long-term researchers and volunteers.- Chapel for Christian worship seats up to 50 people.

PHASE FIVE YEAR 4-5 [$40,000 - $50,000]Garden [6,500 sq. ft.]Playing field [12,000 sq. ft.]Chapel plaza [2,000 sq. ft.]Teaching courtyard 1,200 sq. ft. Decking & optional security wall

- Garden will provide food & jobs for volunteers & guests.- Playing field open to local children for soccer & various games.- Teaching courtyard oriented towards classroom spillover shoe giveaway.

Rammed earth or rough-hewn stone wall + woven rebar

04

05

06


GRO

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LAN

SHO

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KIN

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ROCE

SS

�nishing application of sole and heel

04

lastingmolding leather to shape of foot using theappropriate last

03

closingsewing the upper

02

cutting leather upper is made using metal strip knives

01

tools

(left to right)awlfullerstamprounding hammerpairing knife

raw materials drop

shoe giveaway

storage

storage

workstations

workstations

sewing

1

2

3

4


LON

GIT

UD

INA

L SE

CTI

ON


SOLAR PANELSRAINWATER HARVESTING

COLLECTIONFILTRATIONGREYWATER CISTERN

NATURAL VENTILATION

BUIL

DIN

G S

YSTE

MS

Utilities & ServicesWATER SUPPLY - Rainfall collection into cistern & well. (Connection to city water, with storage tower on site)

ELECTRICAL GENERATION - Solar Power generation & back-up diesel generator

WASTEWATER TREATMENT - A Two-chamber septic tank system and on-site composting toilets.

TRASH INCINERATIONHidden & protected by earth berm


04 STONE & MORTAR[footing + foundation]rough hewn stone footing made by hand.

05 PLANKS [decking]milled eucalyptus

06 VEGETATION[existing plants + relocated trees]naturally occuring plants such as coffee, eucalyptus and other trees

07 BOUNDARIES[driveway + playing field + garden]cobblestone drivewaysmall garden for growing edibles used tires to frame playing field, for use as benches.

EXPL

OD

ED A

XON

01 SHELTER [roofing + structure]corrugated sheet metal, canvas shade canopy, eucalyptus poles & milled eucalyptus trusses.

02 EARTH [structure]compressed earth block made from nearby quarry.

03 TIMBER [partition + walls + doors] harvested locally & on-site.


00soil testing & test mould

03600 compressed stabalizedearth bricks (CSEB) per day

02pour earth into civa-ram manual press

01properly mix earth, sand and cement

earth blocktoolsshovelwheel barrowmanual (civa-ram) or hydraulic presssoil preparation equipment

02gather natural materials

01utilize local material source

04corrugated metal & thachedbuilding components

03construct woven thatch wall

roo�ng &wallshammer & nails

COMPRESSED EARTH BLOCK

CON

STRU

CTI

ON

TEC

HN

IQU

ES

EUCALYPTUS & SPLIT CEDAR


Perspective axonometric detailed

wall module

wire mesh

compressed block

mortarchica (mud + straw)

WA

LL S

ECTI

ON

/DET

AIL

laying of reinforced clay bricks at FAREstudio’s

Women’s Center in Burkina Faso

COMPRESSED EARTH BLOCKThe choice of CEB is based on its use of existing resources natural dirt found on site, providing a completely sustainable building system. It is more aesthetically pleasing than CMU block as well as cost and energy efficient, fire and pest resistant, virtually soundproof, durable and structurally sound. Finally, it accessibility and simplicity is empowering to the people of the community

rough hewn stone foundation

concrete floor slab

moisture weep

mortar4.

1


REN

DER

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S


PHYS

ICA

L M

OD

EL

North elevation


shoemaking facade


Overlooking dorms, shoemaking building, and workshop in the distance


Chapel Facade & Overlook Patio


Dormitories


a rapidly deployable and highly efficient treatment centerTYPE 02 FIELD CLINIC


FIEL

D C

LIN

IC

Ideal for expediting treatment in areas

where walking long distances is

common

OVERVIEWThe implementation of field clinics in and around small towns and villages would be ideal for treating small populations quickly and effectively. The structure, made entirely of locally harvested materials is versatile in a diverse range of terrain so it can be located on or near typically and/or impassable infrastructure. Depending on the severity of the surrounding lands volcanic makeup and the number of affected located within a certain walking distance, the clinic will be located up to 250 miles away from the headquarters.

4.2


FRONT ELEVATION

FINANCINGProposed co-dependancy contract between local land owners and MFPTA:01. rural landowner provides piece of land and security watch of building.02. MFPTA provides maitenance, set-up & removal.

COST25 pieces of corrugated sheet metal ($100)34 eucalyptus (2 inch dia.) poles ($0)10 used tires ($25)8 bags of cement ($25)5 recycled axles from locally fabricated gerry’s ($25)total estimated cost: $175 - $200

SIDE ELEVATION


corrugated sheet metal roof

eucalyptus branch walls

eucalyptus pole structure

prefabricated wooden sectional

floorplates

recycled metal axels set in re-claimed

rammed earth tire footings

RAPID DEPLOYMENT & ASSEMBLYOutfitted Toyota Landcruiser

CONSTRUCTION [8-24 hours]- Off-road Vehicle (x2)- Supply Trailer (x2)- 6-10 people with construction experience- Standard construction tools (hammer, nails etc.)

MATERIALSCement & earth mix, tires, recycled steel axles, eucalyptus branches, prefabricated triangle floor units, and corrugated sheet metal

OPTIONALRamping entrance, types of cladding (natural weave, corrugated etc.), rainwater collection, solar panels

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easily transportable and deployableTYPE 03 MOBILE UNIT


OVERVIEWLocated in disconnected & small villages anywhere from 5 to 20 miles intervals from headquarters or clinic. Raising awareness and giving hope to the unreached & ostracized in rural areas through community awareness seminars & gatherings of local officials

Standard Water Canister

Simple Fabrication

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CONTENTS

Battery Powered Projector

Laptop Computer

Treatment Information

Organizational Folders

4.3

5 5.1

CONCLUSION

152 | Gavin Studer Conclusion | 153

final presentationjurors right to left

(james enos, jorge orzono and avery

caldwell)

semi-final trial presentation

second quarter presentation

Choose something you are passionate about or are particularly interested in.

Challenge yourself through a whole-hearted endeavor of distillation and interpretation of the big issues surrounding your topic.

Have a wicked awesome time committing yourself to a year’s production of writing, diagramming, and layout design (and quite possibly travel!)

01THESIS RECIPE

02

03

what the heck did I learn, how did my presentation go?This thesis asked me to truthfully consider my

life passion, which is serving others and further

pushing me to investigate all the twist and turns

related to podoconiosis in Ethiopia. My indifference

at becoming more associated with academia

was quickly sobered by the type of work that

was expected when adhereing to the American

Physchological Associations (APA) standards when

publishing a piece of writing. Research in this case

must include real content and concern. I had to

access and search libraries at University of California

San Diego, reading profound writing. Through

tracking down, reading, and finally regurgitating

an original comprehension of a dry peer-reviewed

articles on disease, poverty, architecture, and design

I was on my way. My metholodology stems from a

budding interpretation of contemporary approaches

to community development and I wanted my

creation of principles and guidelines concerning

development to be left open to intake and reflection

by the reader. More importantly I wanted to create a

personal journey and reflection within the pages of a

formalized (sometimes un-resolved) thesis syllabi in

order to associate knowledge of place as important,

if not more important than traditional research. It has

been proven that someone who has had no previous

experience with a place can enormously benefit from

seeing a place first hand. This process and journey

has laid the groundwork for many idea, designs,

presentations, written pieces, and books to come.

5.1

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My process was founded in my persoanl journey,

my project challenged me to commit myself to new

ways of thinking, deciding, and interacting. It is now

responsibility to repeat this in the years to come,

sanguinely spreading truth through the current

mélange that is architecture.

5.1

5.2

5.3


“How great you are, O Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard

with our own ears. And who is like your people Israel—the one nation on earth that God went out to redeem as

a people for himself, and to make a name for himself, and to perform great and awesome wonders by driving

out nations and their gods from before your people, whom you redeemed from Egypt? [a] You have established

your people Israel as your very own forever, and you, O LORD, have become their God.

“And now, LORD God, keep forever the promise you have made concerning your servant and his house. Do as

you promised, so that your name will be great forever. Then men will say, ‘The LORD Almighty is God over Israel!’

And the house of your servant David will be established before you.

“O LORD Almighty, God of Israel, you have revealed this to your servant, saying, ‘I will build a house for you.’

So your servant has found courage to offer you this prayer. O Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your words are

trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant. Now be pleased to bless the house of

your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, O Sovereign LORD, have spoken, and with your

blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever.”1

practicality is the philosophyBecoming an inspirtation to my classmates has been one of the greatest rewards of my journey through thesis.

Knowing what passions have been presented to me and acting on them has been the biggest lesson. I remember

the very first advanced communications class with Bruce Matthes and now it has translated itself into a full-

fledged thesis year, I am happy to have been focused on a single topic from the beginning. Announcing my plans

to travel to Ethiopia for a site visit to my friends and family brought wide eyes and dropped jaws. The fact that I

was actually working to realize my thesis project in an actual foundation on a plot of land in southern Ethiopia

was quite the aspiration to be sharing with those around me. I have always challenged fellow classmates and

friends to follow their passions, to travel to the places they want to see, to makes steps towards a more fullfilling

participation with whatever vision they have for their own lives.

Creating a strategy that pulled from organizations already at work in the complex field of humanitarian

intervention in all corners of the world and collecting their experience into my own holistic vision may hopefully

lead to a more flexible and applicable thesis that can be used to address a myriad different world issues, situations,

circumstances on both a regional and local scale.

Being open to new ideas, possibilities of greater involvement in The Mossy Foot Project and self-direction of

my thesis project has lead to an initially unimaginable assimilation of the podoconiosis endemic in southern

Ethiopia as well as its socioeconomic underpinnings. The grasp I now have of conceptual problem solving with

architectural solutions in developing areas has opened countless new doors into my future. Really, anything is

possible. And for that I will be forever thankful to those who supported my ideas and vision.

If I can summate my entire year in a sentence I would have to say that allowing God to be the center of my life,

bouncing thoughts and emotions off of the Holy Spirit and taking steps towards those opportunities set in front

of me has been 10% of the challenge, while 90% of all of the decisions I have made came to fruition because my

Sovereign Lord willed them into existence.

David’s Prayer Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said:

“Who am I, O Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? And as if this were

not enough in your sight, O Sovereign LORD, you have also spoken about the future of the house of your servant.

Is this your usual way of dealing with man, O Sovereign LORD?

“What more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Sovereign LORD. For the sake of your word and

according to your will, you have done this great thing and made it known to your servant.

5.2

SELF

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1 Publishers, Z. B. (1978). 2 Samuel 7:18-29. Holy Bible: New International Version. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan.

5.4


Standing proudly in front of the new MFP Landcruiser, March 2010(Jim, Sharon, Me and Dawit our driver)

Gavin Alfred Studer(480) 818-META (6382)[email protected]


figure 2.5 - Unknown. http://4ofseven.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Africa_transport.jpg. 13 June. 2010.

figure 2.6 - Intervolve articlefigure 2.7 - GTZ brochure

SECTION THREE

figure 3.1figure 3.2figure 3.3figure 3.4figure 3.5figure 3.6figure 3.7figure 3.8figure 3.9figure 3.10figure 3.11figure 3.12figure 3.13figure 3.14figure 3.15figure 3.16figure 3.17figure 3.18figure 3.19figure 3.20figure 3.21figure 3.22figure 3.23figure 3.24figure 3.25

5.3

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ITS

SECTION ONE

figure 1.1 - Unknown. Pavilion 01. N.d. Blog, Perry Lakes Park, Alabama. Rural Studio. http://www.cadc.auburn.edu/soa/blog/wp-content/upload/images/special-programs/rural-studio/project-images/perry-county-lakes/pavilion/pavilion01.jpg. 30 Nov. 2009.

figure 1.2 - Unknown. Pavilion B. N.d. Images from Andrew, Perry Lakes Park, Alabama. Rural Studio. http://www.cadc.auburn.edu/soa/rural-studio/images_from_andrew/pavilionB.gif. 10 Dec. 2009.

SECTION TWO

figure 2.1 - Unknown. Rural Farms. N.d. Blog, Gamo Gofa Province, Ethiopia. eMap International Building Your Geospatial World. http://emap-int.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/rural_farms_gamo_gofa_province_ethiopia_qb.jpg. 16 Dec. 2009.

figure 2.2 - Unknown. http://lh5.ggpht.com/_567vrqhijt8/SV1cSHB_sbl/AAAAAAAAAUw/znM8DP48_34/Stretcher.jpg. 10 Nov. 2009.

figure 2.3 - http://zyozy.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/ambulance-bike.jpgAccessed: nov 10, 2009

figure 2.4 - http://www.yapi.com.tr/V_images/2009/haber_dosyalari/shigeru_ban/kirinda_01.jpg. 3 Aug. 2009.

figure 3.26figure 3.27figure 3.28figure 3.29figure 3.30figure 3.31 - Shelter (book) Shelter Publications P.O. Box 279, Bolinas, California 94924 isbn 0-394-70991-8 (pg.8)Published 1973

SECTION FOUR

figure 4.1figure 4.2figure 4.3 - Unknown. Water N.d. Images, Dera, Ethiopia. Hope Arising. http://www.hopearising.org/images/water.jpg. 16 June. 2010

SECTION FIVE

figure 5.1 - Scott Young. May. 2010.figure 5.2 - Rich Guerena. 24 June. 2010.figure 5.3 - Lacey Hedegard. Dec. 2009.figure 5.4 - Lacey Hedegard. May 2010.

mossy foot planning & outreach strategy

Documents

undergraduate thesis

mossy foot project

thesis statement

thesis presentation

thesis handbook

changethis thesis project

mossy foot patients

better life