The workshop will start with tours of the local architecture of Gambia and talking to the local people to gain awareness and knowledge of the local building traditions. Taking into account the site conditions and discussions from site-specific tours, the workshop team will review the design entry, complete the design process and build their proposal. Most evenings will be used for reviewing workshop progress along with informal discussions on topics and portfolio presentations by Workshop Leader and international participants. Design, site-specific issues, and construction strategy are all debated in an effort to create useful structure that is environmentally sustainable and meet local needs. And by engaging in field trips to observe local architecture and working on the building project with local builders, the international participants are exposed to Non-Western ways of thinking and doing in earth architecture.
PART ONE, week 1-2 :
Introduction to designing and building with local earth involving site analysis, hands-on experience from site preparation to the foundation level. Includes formwork design and construction. A field trip.
PART TWO, week 3-8 :
Roofing, fittings and landscaping of the completed unit to blend with the local landscape.
PART THREE, week 9-16 :
Wall construction in tandem with window and door construction. Field trips
