Oxford Brookes University - End of the Year Show 2011

Like every year, Oxford Brookes - School of the Built Environment - and the students have organised an exhibition with the work developed throughout the academic year, in which the research students also participated.

A few of us thus got together to design and build a panel to display some of the work currently being developed by the research students. Although we did not have any fancy 3d images of building projects, the intention was to somehow convey the idea that research is not necessarily boring, as many tend to think, and can actually be quite exciting. The general feedback was quite positive, so hopefully we were successful...

The authors and respective titles of the work displayed in our area were the following:

• Aliye Mentesh - Sustainable tourism-led rural regeneration as a tool for conserving cultural heritage and architectural traditions: the case of Cyprus in its regional context
• Célia Macedo - The use of earthen construction for sustainable dwellings in Angola
• Julia Wedel - The impact of power differentials on adaptive opportunities in the context of water scarcity in an informal settlement in Lima, Peru
• Makbule Oktay - Place Attachment and Perception of Home in Rural Settlements of northern Cyprus: Adaptation after Internal Displacement
• Sofia Aleixo - Historic School buildings Conservation: impact of adaptation to new Education needs in the heritage value
• Susanne Dahm - The role of local facilities in fostering social interaction in suburban housing developments in England 

There are many other students, carrying out interesting research, whose work was not represented at the exhibition. In case you are interested to know a bit more about their work click HERE.

The exhibition was open from the 7th until 17th June in Oxford and is now moving to London - details HERE.

Overall, adding to the positive experience, it was good to focus our attention on something that does not involve reading or writing for a change. I am already looking forward to the exhibition next year, which, if all goes well, will also be the final year of my PhD!

If you would like to look at a sample of the work developed here at Oxford Brookes in the School of the Built Environment just download the Yearbook 2011 available from Brookes website.

Earth USA 2011

Earth USA 2011 will take place September 30, October 1 and 2, 2011 at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico - USA.

This is the Sixth International Earthbuilding Conference sponsored by Earth USA (emerging from the Adobe Association of the Southwest), the Adobe Construction Program of Northern New Mexico College, the National Hispanic Cultural Center and Adobe in Action.

Earth USA 2011 indicates a wider field of interest than previous conferences and will include adobe, rammed earth, compressed earth block: CEB, and monolithic adobe: cob. Any material or method that uses clay as a binder is considered.

Paper subject categories are:

1. Historic buildings and cities including their stabilization, preservation and conservation
2. Education and information transfer including codes, norms and regulations
3. Physical and thermal properties of materials and structures including seismic, flood and storm resistance
4. Construction methods
5. New architecture and construction projects including renovation, modernization and re-purposing of existing buildings
6. Poster session

Submit your abstract as an e-mail attachment in .DOC format no later than May 3, 2011. Please address your e-mail to:

Quentin Wilson, Speakers Committee
earthusa.org@gmail.com

For more information and to download the abstract template visit:
www.earthusa.org

Conference Languages:

Spanish and English: Simultaneous translation of presentations from the podium is not anticipated without surprise funding sources. Papers will be printed in the 2011 Conference Proceedings in the language received. Papers received with translations will be printed in both languages. PowerPoint presentations are encouraged to be labeled in both languages.

Conference Fee:

Conference registration will cost $185 USD for a 2-day pass (Sept. 30 & Oct. 1) with a reduced price for students. Authors and presenters also pay the registration fee. Earth USA 2011 is a small conference with few financial resources. A one-day tour to local earthbuilding sites will be available on Sunday, Oct. 2 with the cost still to be determined. Four and five-day earthbuilding courses and workshops are being planned from October 3 through 7 and will include topics such as basic adobe construction; rammed earth construction; arch,vault and dome construction and lime plasters.

Accommodations:

Hotels with special rates will be announced shortly. Early hotel reservations are advised since the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is running parallel to the conference. Campers might consider the Rio Bravo State Park south of the National Hispanic Cultural Center on Isleta Boulevard. Meals will be available at La Fonda del Bosque - the restaurant on site at the National Hispanic Center. Other restaurants can be found in the immediate area.

More courses on sustainable building techniques - Portugal

Fancy a trip to Portugal to learn about sustainable construction techniques? TerraCrua Workshops is organising several courses between 19th March and 17th June.

Programme:


- 19th & 20th March - Manufacture and adobe construction Manufacture of adobe bricks, building walls and other structures. 

- 26th  &27th March - Construction of oven.
We will build a furnace 2mts in diameter, using clay and old tiles. 

- 9th & 10th April - Construction in COB Grout and construction of a structure in Cob. We will also work on a rocket stove. 

- 30th April  &1st May - Adobe Construction 2 Manufacture and adobe construction.
We will build a dome and an arch. 

- 7th & 8th May - Sands, plaster, clay and mortar Select sand and clay, several mortars for various purposes. Plasters, adobe and cordwood, several mortars and plasters. Lime vs Cement Straw, sawdust and cork in mortar

- 28th, 29th & 30th May - Oven & Bread Day 28th - Workshop on homemade bread  

- Days 29th & 30th - Construction of oven 

- 18th & 19th June - cordwood and bottles We will build a cordwood and bottles wall , with plaster of sand and lime

-Location: Vale dos Coiços, Góis

-Price: € 40 per workshop, except OVEN & bread, which is € 50

Includes camping area, basic structures such as shower and dry toilet; -Includes lunch and dinner on day of workshops;

-Confirmed Participants must arrive the day before the workshop to set up camp;
Further information and registration: oficinasdaterracrua@gmail.com

Upcoming earthen construction courses/workshops/conferences

Conferencias LA TIERRA CRUDA: un material de construcción actual
ENTRADA LIBRE - Se entregará certificado de asistencia
Programa:

Miércoles 16/03
9-10. Fuentes documentales para su difusión e investigación. Mercedes Ponce.
10-11.30. Adobes y entramados: caracterización y aplicación. Ana González.
12-13.30. Tapia: caracterización y aplicación. Jacinto Canivell.
13.30. Mesa redonda


Miércoles 23/03
9-11. El revoco: caracterización y aplicación. Laurent Conquemont.
11.30-13.30. La construcción actual con tierra cruda. El caso portugués y español. Francisco Seixas.
13.30. Mesa redonda
Salón de actos de la Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura de Sevilla.

Av. de Reina Mercedes. Sevilla, España.

__________________________________________

TALLER INTERNACIONAL DE ARQUITECTURA SOSTENIBLE CON TIERRA

realizarse en Subachoque, Colombia.

Marzo 11 al 20 de 2011

El taller se programo dos fines de semana, 6 días y 48 horas de vivencia practica....durante el taller realizaremos practicas de las siguientes tecnicas:

1- BOVEDAS MEXICANAS

2 -PRODUCCION DE BTC

3- BAHAREQUE PREFABRICADO

El valor del taller en pesos colombianos es de $580.000 el equivalente a 320 dólares.

Este valor incluye, la transferencia del conocimiento, seguro de accidentes, materiales de construcción, equipo de trabajo, herramientas, certificado y transporte local, desde Bogota hasta la obra en SUBACHOQUE (38 Kms de Bogotá/ Dpto. Cundinamarca/ COLOMBIA).

Esta dirigido por el Bovedero Maxiano Arq. Ramon Aguirre, y estará presente un maestro especialista en Bóvedas. la coordinación será realizada por la Arq. Lucia E. Garzón, en la alianza profesional de dos expertos de la red PROTERRA, entidad que respalda este taller.

Para mayor información pueden escribirnos y desde allí se les entregara mayor ilustración con la preinscripción en el correo electrónico tallerarquitecturatierra@gmail.com
________________________________________

TALLER CONSTRUCCIÓN CON TIERRA - Valencia, España
29/4 - 1/5/2011

via: http://www.arquitecnicaruzafa.com/sala/actividades/taller-construcci-n-con-tierra

Organiza: Arquitécnica Ruzafa

Impartido por: Laurent Coquemont: Técnico formador, especializado en construcción en tierra y bioconstrucción, conservación del patrimonio en tierra y en formulación y aplicación de hormigones y morteros de cal. Formador especializado en cursos certificados de construcción con tierra. Formador oficial del museo de la cal de Morón

Contenido:

Presentación de la construcción con tierra por los tiempos y el mundo Construcción contemporánea en tierra y técnicas.

Adobe, BTC

Práctica de tapial

Presentación en Valencia del libro "Arquitecturas de Tapia" de Fermín Font Presentación del documental " La tierra asoma. Amayuelas"

Horario: Viernes y sábado de 9:00 a 14:00 y de 16:00 a 20:00 y domingo de 9:00 a 15:00 h.

Cuota de inscripción: 220 € incluye comidas (opcional vegetariano) Observaciones precio: plus 50 € si se incluye alojamiento nº mínimo alumnos:15 nº máximo alumnos:22

Más información e inscripciones: e-mail: info@arquitecnicaruzafa.com Tel. y Fax: 0034 96 3801527

Ier Encuentro Nacional de Constructores Tradicionales con Tierra y Alternativas Sustentables

Ier ENCUENTRO NACIONAL DE CONSTRUCTORES TRADICIONALES CON TIERRA Y ALTERNATIVAS SUSTENTABLES

Justificación:

Durante mucho tiempo en Venezuela los sistemas constructivos tradicionales con tierra han venido cayendo en desuso y su conocimiento ha desaparecido en la mayoría de nuestras ciudades. Lo mismo está ocurriendo en las comunidades rurales, como consecuencia de un paulatino abandono producido por la imposición de materiales industriales y técnicas constructivas modernas. Es por estas razones que planteamos realizar este encuentro de saberes para crear estrategias y soluciones.

Propuesta:

El encuentro se realizará en semana santa del 17 al 24 de abril, en la finca la Laguna, ubicada en la parroquia Chacantá, del municipio Arzobispo Chacón, del estado Mérida.

Objetivo general:

Convocar a maestros, artesanos e investigadores de los sistemas constructivos tradicionales con tierra a fin de diseñar estrategias para la recuperación de tales sistemas a traves del contacto directo con el saber popular, con el uso de las nuevas plataformas educativas y la experimentación de las nuevas tecnologías constructivas sustentables, recobrando las formas de organización popular y trabajo colectivo como herramienta para la autogestión.

Objetivos especificos: Actuar como centro de formación y actualización de sistemas constructivos alternativos. Fomentar la interrelación entre instituciones públicas y privadas dedicadas al desarrollo de los sistemas constructivos tradicionales y alternativos, asi como el intercambio de experiencias, el dialogo y la creación de nuevas alianzas entre los interesados. Divulgar los procesos formativos desarrollados en el Centro de Formación Lenin Y Gandhi. Estimular el desarrollo de los sistemas constructivos tradicionales y alternativos. Promover las formas de organización popular(convites, mano vueltas, cayapas) como estrategias para impulsar la autoconstrucción en comunidades rurales.

Actividades:

Invitar instituciones que contribuyan con los objetivos del encuentro. Ejecutar jornadas de formación (charlas, ponencias, conversatorios, videoforos) con los asistentes al encuentro. Realizar actividades de intercambio de conocimiento práctico (construccion de modulos de tapia, bahareque y adobe). Efectuar mesas de trabajo en areas específicas. Registro audiovisual y relatoría del encuentro. Exposición Didáctica de Tapia “Sonidos de la Tierra” en la Casa de la Cultura De Chacantá. Invitar a fabricantes de teja del Edo. Lara Diagnosticar el estado de los hornos de teja existentes en la parroquia Chacantá con tejeros del Edo. Lara. Generar una base de datos de maestros, artesanos e investigadores de sistemas constructivas con tierra asistentes al encuentro. Crear un manifiesto como resultado del encuentro.

Más información Aquí

Dutch Studygroup Earth construction

via: arquitectureasdeterra

Dutch Studygroup Earth construction

Conference: 17th of March 2011 in Tilburg, in the southwest of the Netherlands.

It’s already 20 years ago that the first little modern house in the south of Holland was built in clay with some enthusiastic volunteers. This marks the beginning of several projects, workshops and publications about earth and earth construction in the Netherlands. Meanwhile there are several professional architects, builders and manufacturers specialised in earth construction. The Dutch Association for Integral Biological Architecture (VIBA) recently started the Dutch Workgroup on Earth Construction.

It has the aim to centralise and share the knowledge present nowadays, to organise excursions/workshops/seminars, to research and make publications, start a database, participate on an international level etc.

For more information contact Sjap Holst eco-design@arTchitecture.nl or Charles Thuijls info@leemwerk.nl.

The first coming big event of the DWEC is the Dutch National Conference on Building with Earth. Planned on the 17th of March 2011 in Tilburg, in the southwest of the Netherlands.

Gernot Minke will start the conference with a presentation about research and the qualities of clay. We’ll have several masterclasses about durability of clay, designing wit clay, large-scale clay construction, and the possibilities of mechanization.

On the site there will be several practical workshops during the day. For more information see www.sbr.nl/leembouwcongres.

EarthUSA 2011

via: eartharchitecture.org

EarthUSA 2011 will be Sep 30, Oct 1 and 2. Location will be at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.

This is the Sixth International Earthbuillding Conference sponsored by the Adobe Association of the Southwest and Northern New Mexico College. The National Hispanic Cultural Center and Adobe in Action will also be sponsors. The Adobe Association of the Southwest is expected to turn itself into Adobe USA.

EarthUSA 2011 indicates a wider field of interest than previous conferences and will include adobe, rammed earth, compressed earth block: CEB, and monolithic adobe: cob. Any material or method that uses clay to bind it together is considered.

Calendar:

May 3: Abstracts due

Jun 3: Acceptance notifications

Aug 5: Full Papers due

Sep 9: Proceedings go to press

Sep 30, Oct 1: Conference and Trade Fair

Oct 2: Tour

Oct 3 -7: Classes, Workshops

Oct 1 - 9: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Categories/Themes:

1. Contemporary earthen architecture, construction and engineering

2. Historical buildings, farms, villages and cities including cultural connotations

3. Conservation, Preservation, Replication, Remodeling, Modernizing, Re-purposing

4. The role of earthen materials in heating, cooling, sustainable, ecological, renewable and green design

5. Codes, norms, building methods, material science, seismic considerations

6. Earthbuilding education and technology transfer

7. Marketing strategies for earthen materials in the modern world

Conference Languages:

Spanish and English

Papers will be printed in the Conference Proceedings in the language received. Papers received with translations will be printed in both languages PowerPoint presentations are encouraged to be labeled in both languages.

 

Costs:

The Conference Registration will cost $185 USD with reduction for students. Authors and presenters also pay the registration fee. EarthUSA 2011 is a small conference with few financial resources. A one-day tour will be available Sunday for local earthbuilding sites the cost to be determined. Four and five-day courses and workshops October 3 through 7 are being planned and will include basic adobe construction; rammed earth construction; and arch,vault and dome construction.

LEHM 2012

via: eartharchitecture.org

Every four years the Dachverband Lehm e.V., the German Association for Building with Earth, organises an international conference and trade fair on building with earth in a different earth building region in Germany together with an excursion in the region.


We are pleased to announce that the LEHM 2012, the 6th International Conference on Building with Earth, organised by the Dachverband Lehm e.V. will take place from 5 – 7 October 2012 in Weimar, the birthplace of the Bauhaus and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The LEHM 2012 will encompass the conference with presentations and poster session on 5 – 6 October 2012 and an excursion on 7 October 2012. The conference programme will cover the following topics:

-Earth building norms and regulations
-Current research in earth building
-Training and education in earth building
-Sustainability in earth building
-Contemporary earth building
-Earth building in renovation

The presentations, papers and poster session contributions will be published in the conference proceedings to accompany the conference. The ‘Call for Papers’ opens in April 2011.

7th. European Straw Bale Gathering 2011

7th. European Straw Bale Gathering

23rd-27th August 2011

Bouzov Podoli, Czech Republic

13-20/8 Straw bale building workshop

Tuesday 23/8 8-16:00 Optional bus tour

Tuesday 17:00 Start of ESBG. Social evening with music.

Wednesday Hands on workshops during day, plenum evaluation and social slide show evening.

Thursday “Open Space”: Sharing of information in large and small groups; further development of topics through evening “World Café”, leading to work groups.

Friday Conference, press meeting and concert.

Saturday 4th National Natural Building Celebration, a joyful mix of trade fair, hands-on workshops, music and presentations. 16:00 Closing circle of ESBG. Camp fire evening

Sunday 28/8 1st National ‘Open Door’ day of residential straw 10-17:00 bale homes
 
 
ESBG 2011 Price:


From 15/02 until 15/03: 150 Euro
From 15/03 until 01/07: 200 Euro
From 01/07 until 23/08: 240 Euro

Fee includes program, materials, meals etc. but does not include transport or accommodation.

Conference in Marseille - 4 & 5 May 2011

 "To build out of earth: from the historical heritage to the contemporary architecture"

via: Terra Incognita

Organized collectively by the Ecole d'Avignon, within the framework of the Terra [In]cognita project, and by ICOMOS France, within the framework of its technical days, this conference will take place in Marseille, on May 4th and 5th, 2011, in the Regional Council of Provence-Alpes-Côtes-d'Azur.

The first day will be dedicated to the results of the Terra [In]cognita project: European cartography of the earthen architecture and state of preservation, identified European professionals involved in the field. It will be the occasion for these actors to testify of their reflection, their researches and their realizations in the field of earthen construction and earthen heritage preservation, the purpose being to make them meet itself and exchange with the aim of the creation of a European network of earthen construction.

The second day will be dedicated to the preservation of the earthen architectural heritage in France, to its techniques, its innovative technologies, its fields of research, its know-how and the professionals involved in the field. It may however be the echo of international initiatives that will fuel debate and discussion on national approaches and practices.

Information concerning this conference will be available in February, 2010 HERE.

7 Week Natural Building Apprenticeship

via: Natural Building Network

7 Week Natural Building Apprenticeship - June 12, 2011 to July 30, 2011

Jacksonville, OR

Instructor James Thomson, Lyida Doleman

http://housealive.org/descriptions/2011-apprenticeship


For the seventh straight year, House Alive! is offering an opportunity for people to get beyond the basics and experience an extended Natural Building apprenticeship. This popular, hands-on, intensive course is designed for people who want to use natural building skills in a professional context or who want to take extra time to work on skill development for their personal project. Participants will get first-hand experience with every aspect of building a natural home, from the foundation to the roof. Learning how to build a natural home is one of the best investments you can make: once you know how to design, build and shape your own living space, you can save many thousands of dollars in living costs.

This program will be almost exclusively “hands-on” learning.  The apprenticeship program for 2011 offers 7 weeks of building, problem solving, designing and discussing all aspects of natural building, allowing you to take the time to develop new skills under the guidance of experienced natural builders.

Throughout the course we’ll be working on the different elements of building a small (about 200 sq. ft.) cob and straw-bale cabin from the ground up. Demonstrations and instruction will be given as needed to explain building techniques and design choices. Participants should expect full and exciting days.


The apprenticeship will take place at Full Bloom Farm, a developing intentional community and large organic farm in a beautiful, secluded valley in Southern Oregon. It is also the home of Rise Up Bakery, which provides delicious fresh bread from their wood-fired oven to businesses and residents in the area. The farm has 280 acres of meadow and forest, 2 creeks and a swimming pond.

Further information HERE and Here

Terra 2012 - Call for Abstracts

The international community interested in earthen architecture is invited to submit abstracts for the XIth International Conference on the Study and the Conservation of Earthen Architectural Heritage, Terra 2012, which will take place in Lima, Peru on April 2012.

Recently, the world has witnessed an increasing number of natural disasters, many of these affecting earthen architectural heritage. Terra 2012 will emphasize preparedness and response to natural disasters and climate change in relation to earthen architecture.

The abstract must be written in Spanish or English (official conference languages) and should indicate the conference theme under which the proposed paper will be included. The format model is available at the conference webpage: http://congreso.pucp.edu.pe/terra2012/. The abstracts must be submitted before Monday, 28th of February 2011, via email to terra2012@pucp.edu.pe.


For more information click here.

International workshop on earthen architecture - Colombia

 

International workshop on earthen architecture - Colombia

18 - 27 Feb 2011

Further information: tallerarquitecturatierra@gmail.com

Natural Building Course, Jordan

via: /permaculture.org.au   

Date: Starts Feb 27, 2011 and runs for 5 day(s).

Earthen Building is the most common building technique in the world. Earth has been used for building by humans for thousands of years in almost all parts of the globe. Although its popularity has decreased over the last century, it is now experiencing a revival in many parts of the world.

We will focus on earthen building, offering hands on experience with straw bale, cob, compressed earth block, and earthen and lime plasters. Students will learn to smoothly integrate a variety of natural building materials to create the best possible building solution for each individual situation.

We will demonstrate how to prospect and test for appropriate building sediment, how to mix earth to create building materials, how to install windows into straw bale walls, and show methods for attachment of wood (e.g. doors, roofs), and how to sculpt niches, shelves and furniture, and how to finish both earthen and straw bale walls with natural plasters.

As a complement to the hands-on building portion of the course there will be slide shows and discussion sessions about the philosophical and theoretical aspects of natural building.

Specific Topics Include:

- Intro into Earthen construction
- Straw bales; why use them and how?
- Compressed earth bricks; soil selection, production and use
- Rendering, plastering and finishing using different soil and lime based mixes
- Application of knowledge in an actual building site

The building the course attendees will be working on is the main building of the Jordan Permaculture Research Institute. When finished it will be used as an office space for the institute as well as a lecture hall. There will also be three rooms for volunteers to stay in.

Because the site is in the Jordan Valley, where heat is a major issue, the building is designed to minimize the building’s heat gain. The Southern and Western walls are going to be constructed of straw bales to minimize heat gain from the sun. The Northern and Eastern walls are going to be constructed of compressed earth bricks to bank the cold and relieve the building from any heat gained.

This course is organized by The Permaculture Research Institute (PRI), Vertical Clay Construction, a natural building company from the US, Smart Earth Solutions, a Jordanian company specializing in compressed earth brick manufacturing, and Entity Green, a Jordanian company that provides environmental services from consulting to recycling.

Instructors:

Sasha Rabin has been building and teaching others to build with natural materials since co-founding Seven Generations Natural Builders (SGNB) in 2002. She recently co-founded Vertical Clay Construction. Sasha has a degree in Ecological Design from Evergreen State College and apprenticed at the Cob Cottage Company. She has taught natural building classes at the Yestermorrow Design/Build School, The Solar Living Institute, and the Institute of Urban Homesteading. She is currently living, learning and working on a suburban permaculture and natural building home and demonstration site in El Sobrante, Ca.

Hamzah Abu-Ragheb was born and raised in Jordan. He received his bachelors of science degree from the University of Maryland with an emphasis on ecology and evolution. He then returned to Jordan to begin an environmental services company, Smart Earth Solutions, which focused on earthen building methods. As such, Smart Earth Solutions’ main product was compressed earth bricks, which are made using locally available soils and a hydraulic press to make this alternative building method fast and efficient. During his years with Smart Earth Solutions, Hamzah attended numerous conferences and workshops regarding environmental solutions and ‘green’ building methods. Also, Hamzah was a member of the committee reviewing the Standardized Arab Earthen Building Code for the region. Currently, Hamzah is working as the recycling operations manager for Entity Green after co-starting their organic compost and gardening projects. Entity Green is a local company specializing in recycling and other environmental services. Finally, the Jordan Permaculture Research Institute building is being built by Hamzah and a group of volunteers from Entity Green and elsewhere.

Your tuition fees will subsidise training of poor locals

As per the Permaculture Master Plan, this course brings international teachers to train poor locals who could otherwise not afford such instruction, through the tuition fees of students from wealthier countries. International students effectively subsidise the training of locals, whilst both benefit from quality instruction as well as beneficial cultural exchange. You learn, and get to feel good about it too!


Accommodation:

We have been able to book three-bedroom units in a complex not far from where the course will be held. It is convenient to the local town where there is a supermarket. Accommodation costs, in addition to the course fees, are US$215 a week for one unit (US$215 between 3 people will be $71 each for 5 days). Each unit contains three bedrooms, toilet, shower, lounge and kitchen. Googlemaps view of unit complex.

Meals:

Breakfast, morning and afternoon tea and lunch are supplied to all participants. Dinner in the evening is self-catered (units described above have a kitchen). Dinner Shopping: There is a supermarket 5 minutes away by car. The cost for a one way trip to this supermarket is some 3-4 Jordanian Dinar.

Class times:

9am to 5pm, with 12:30-1:30pm lunch break, and half hour morning and afternoon tea breaks.

Travel Issues (airport pickups, transport, directions):

- Amman Airport/bus station pick-up: US$21 or JD30 for someone to come and collect you (this can be shared)
- Airport Taxi to the site: JD40 approximately. Upon request, we can also email you written directions, in Arabic, so that you can print these off and give these directions to your driver.

For further information for this course please contact education@permaculture.org.au.

Course pricing:
Prices in Australian dollars

$1200 (Normal price for this course)
$1000 (Early bird booking if paid 30 days before course start date)
$500 (Price for local Jordanian residents)

10th International Photo Competition on “Earthen architectures: landscapes of architectures”

The 10th International Photo Competition on “Earthen architectures: landscapes of architectures” is an initiative of the Municipality of Casalincontrada, in the Italian province of Chieti and the Documentation Centre on Earth Architectures, Terrae onlus Association The “rediscovery” of the knowledge linked to earthen architecture recomposed in images, like tiles of a mosaic made of people, things, material and places. Images that could be interpreted as “surviving structures” or “new scenarios”, as well as architectures of the territory, memories and situations.

CALENDAR:

Entry deadline: 30/06/2011
Judges meeting: 30/07/2011
Announcement of results: 31/08/2011
on the Internet page: www.casediterra.it
Works exhibition: dal/from 17/09/2011 al/to 30/09/2011 presso il / in the CED Terra Casalincontrada
Opening: 17/09/2011

Prize-giving: 17/09/2011

PRIZES:
FIXED SUBJECT: “RAW EARTH ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES”  One single section: B/W and Colour
1st prize winner: Euro 515,00
2nd prize winner: Euro 260,00
3rd prize winner: Euro 130,00
To the five outstanding photographs: a book on earthen architecture;


SPECIAL PRIZES
- To the best photograph on new earthen architectural structures;
- To the best photograph on earthen architectural structures in the Abruzzo Region;
- To the best photo of earthen architecture in Italy;
- To the best photo of earthen architecture in the world;
- Special prizes for schools.

For further information go to casediterra.it

2011 International Conference on Earthen Architecture in Asia

2011 International Conference on Earthen Architecture in Asia
Mokpo, Republic of Korea, October 11th – 14th, 2011

Further information:
TerraAsia 2011 (PDF)
Website: terrasia2011.org (For accessing to all data and directives)
Email: TerrAsia2011@gmail.com (For sending abstracts and articles)

Framework:
Mokpo National University, its Department of Architecture, partner of the UNESCO Chair Earthen Architecture, building cultures and sustainable development, the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Korea, and the Institute of Earth Architecture in Korea (TERRAKorea), are the organizers and hosts of the 2011 International Conference on Earthen Architecture in Asia, that will take place October 11th to 14th, 2011, in Mokpo. The conference results from the will to activate exchanges between the public, academic, scientific and private sectors involved in research and study activities on immovable earthen cultural heritage, on the earth materials, and on earth construction techniques, as well as in the revival of up‐to‐date earthen architecture in the Asian Region, and to confront this regional background to the international community also involved in the field. This type of event has not been carried out at such a large scale since the international conference in Beijing, China, in 1985 and it represents a unique opportunity for discussing the most recent achievements in specific fields related to earthen architecture as well as the substantial and significant work carried out by the countries of the Asian Region, and to disseminate updated information at the regional and international levels. 

Goals:

The conference aims principally at assessing the state of the art in research, fundamental and applied, as well as the research and development (R&D) related to earth architecture in the Asian Region, to study recent developments in the field of heritage conservation (archaeological sites, historical and monumental architecture, vernacular building cultures), recent architectural design and housing projects, and recent achievements valorizing the use of earth for promoting a cultural continuity and contributing to the sustainable development and preservation of the cultural diversity.

Contributions:
This conference will include specialists from throughout the Asian Region but will also accept other international contributions that will be selected by the scientific commission which should contribute to create more active exchanges and networking among professionals of the academic, scientific, public and private sectors dealing with earth construction, architecture, and innovation in earth building materials and techniques.
 

Themes:
Theme 1 : History of earthen architecture in Asia and other regions of the world (limited opening) :
• Archaeological sites and historical monuments
• Vernacular architecture and traditional building cultures
 

Theme 2 : Actuality and prospects for earthen architecture in Asia and other regions of the world (limited opening) :
• Fundamental investigations on the material, research and development (R&D)
• Architectural design and sustainable development
 

Organizing Commission:
Department of Architecture of Mokpo National University : Professors Heyzoo Hwang, Taehoon Kim, Il Choi, Ji‐Min Kim, Yank‐Ki Oh, Jeong‐Gyu Kim, Chang‐Geun Yoo, Tae‐Hak Roh TERRA Korea (Institute of earthen architecture of Korea) : Chung‐kee Lee, Jongwon Lee, Minkyu Koh, Jongkook Lee, Soonwung Kim

Scientific Committee:
Members of the UNESCO Chair Earthen Architecture, building cultures and sustainable development, National Superior School of Architecture of Grenoble, France 

Members of ICOMOS‐ISCEAH: International Scientific Committee for earthen architectural Heritage
Other scientific personalities (Japan, China, India, and other countries)
 

Program:
Tuesday 11th: Opening of the conference
Presentations of the 1st Theme, part one
Wednesday 12th: Presentations of the 1st Theme, part two
Presentations of the 2nd Theme, part one
Thursday 13th: Ending presentations of the 2nd Theme
Friday 14th: Guided tour
 

Important dates:
March 30th 2011: Submission of abstract
April 30th 2011: Notification of abstracts’ acceptance
June 30th 2011: Sending full papers
July 15th 2011: Notification of papers’ revision
September 15th 2011: Final paper delivery 

UrbaVerde 2011 - Fair of Sustainable Cities

via: Jornal Arquitecturas

Event:  UrbaVerde 2011 - Fair of Sustainable Cities

Date: 23 to 25 February 2011

Location: Centro de Congressos do Estoril, Portugal

Over its three days, the 7th UrbaVerde intends to be a place of exhibition and presentation of products, services as well as technologies from companies that operate in cities, with particular focus on those contributing to the development of more sustainable cities.

Also integrated in the 7th UrbaVerde - Fair Sustainable Cities, there will be a cycle of workshops specially designed to meet the training needs and information for decision makers, professionals and entrepreneurs in the market of the cities that yearn to make cities more sustainable.
The Cycle of Workshops runs in parallel with other activities of the event 7th UrbaVerde and approaches a set of themes, methods and tools for the design and construction of more sustainable cities, including bioclimatic architecture, sustainable construction, eco-urbanism, energy efficiency, systems reuse of resources and urban mobility.

Programme:

► 23rd February | Design green spaces in a time of crisis 

► 24th February | Management of public space

► 25th February | Eco-urbanism and eco-architecture 

__________________________

Data: 23 a 25 Fevereiro 2011

Centro de Congressos do Estoril

Ao longo dos seus três dias, a 7ª UrbaVerde constituirá um lugar de exposição e apresentação dos produtos, serviços e tecnologias das empresas que operam no mercado das cidades e, com especial enfoque, aquelas que contribuem para o desenvolvimento de cidades mais sustentáveis.

O conjunto de iniciativas da 7ª UrbaVerde - Feira das Cidades Sustentáveis irá abordar as temáticas, questões práticas e soluções que vão de encontro ao quotidiano dos profissionais, decisores e técnicos de todo o sector das cidades.

Integrado nas iniciativas da 7ª UrbaVerde - Feira das Cidades Sustentáveis, o Ciclo de Workshops foi especialmente concebido para ir ao encontro das necessidades de formação e informação dos decisores, profissionais e empresários do mercado das cidades que anseiam tornar as cidades mais sustentáveis.

Este Ciclo de Workshops funciona paralelamente às restantes actividades do evento 7ª UrbaVerde e reúne um conjunto de temáticas, métodos e ferramentas essenciais para a projecção e construção de cidades mais sustentáveis, designadamente arquitectura bioclimática, construção sustentável, eco-urbanismo, eficiência energética, sistemas de reaproveitamento de recursos e mobilidade urbana.

►Dia 23 de Fevereiro | Projectar espaços verdes em tempo de crise

►Dia 24 de Fevereiro | Gestão do espaço público

►Dia 25 de Fevereiro | Eco-urbanismo e eco-arquitectura  

"Viagens e Missões Científicas nos Trópicos 1883-2010"

via: Instituto de Investigação Científica Tropical (IICT) 

Exposição "Viagens e Missões Científicas nos Trópicos 1883-2010"

A Exposição estrutura-se em duas linhas discursivas: uma sobre viagens, expedições e missões científicas que tiveram lugar nos séculos XIX e XX e respectivos acervos, memórias e estudos; a outra sobre investigação interdisciplinar sobre desenvolvimento global. Em alguns dos painéis as duas linhas discursivas sobrepõem-se, noutros convivem em "paralelo", reflectindo estratégias e programas científicos que se foram sucedendo.

O visitante é convidado a explorar a diversidade das áreas disciplinares contempladas pelas Missões científicas; conhecer as equipas no terreno e os equipamentos científicos utilizados; os materiais recolhidos e as metodologias aplicadas e, por fim, a divulgação do Saber Tropical produzido.

Morada:Palácio Condes da Calheta
Jardim Botânico Tropical
Largo dos Jerónimos, Belém
1400-171 Lisboa

Data:17 de Novembro de 2010 a 31 de Dezembro de 2011

Horário:De Quarta Feira a Domingo: das 10:00h às 16:30h
Terça Feira: das 14:00h às 16:30h
(Verão até às 17:30h)
Encerra às Segundas Feiras, Terças Feiras até às 14:00h, 24 a 27 de Dezembro, 1 a 3 de Janeiro, Domingo de Páscoa e 1 de Maio.

Second Conference on Mud Brick Architecture - Earth Architecture Mud, Stone & Shale

via: eartharchitecture.org

THE UNIVERSITY OF HADRAMUT FOR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY MUKALLA & DA‘WAN MUD BRICK ARCHITECTURE FOUNDATION

Are pleased to announce the Second Conference on Mud Brick Architecture to be held in Hadramut in 2011 under the title: Earth Architecture Mud, Stone & Shale.
The conference will provide a platform to discuss and exchange information amongst international architects, academics, participants and foundations on the condition of past and future cities with innovative and creative projects in construction and design including a wide spectrum from Chile to India.
This intends to create an important link and exchange between North and South, east and west, where the technology architectural language and environment of earth architecture requires to be more seriously and effectively implemented.
The fact that it is being held in the heart of the kingdom of mud brick architecture, Valley of Hadramut, serves a significant case in point.

Venue: Say’un, Wadi Hadramut Republic of Yemen
Dates: 28 February – 4 March 2011
Official Language English & Arabic for presentation - (Papers in French will be accepted for publication in the Conference proceedings).
Conference Themes:
1. Architectural Rehabilitation and Development
2. Modern & Contemporary Buildings: Innovation, Construction and Design (Case Studies and Projects)
3. Yemeni Cities & Vernacular Architecture at Risk: Dilapidation, Destruction & Flood Damage
4. Future Use of Restored Residential Clusters & Heritage Landmarks
5. Environmental Issues: Sustainable Planning Methods & Guidelines

Attending international participants include leading specialists, academics and architects from India, Chile, Portugal, Italy, UK, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt and France.

Queries please contact Salma Samar Damluji at: salmasamar@damluji.org

EBUK (Earth Building UK) Annual Conference - 18th January, London

Just to let all of you earth building enthiusiats know that the EBUK's (Earth Building UK) annual conference will be held on 18th January 2011 at the offices of Arup, 13 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 4BQ

More information on this will appear on the EBUK's NEWS Page as it becomes available, including costs, speakers, agenda etc....

I will also post the information here as soon as it is made available.

Hope to see you all there!