bricks + cartwheels

peace through music

2010-11-16T22:16:00.004+11:00

Make sure you take the time to listen to this. It is brilliant! Makes me smile.

Read more about playing for change on their website.

2010-11-08T21:19:00.009+11:00

Thought I would share a couple of great organisations who have only popped up this year who are already on their way to doing great things by thinking outside the square and getting creative...

[co]design studio since forming in May this year have already 5 projects under their belt. The crux of this organisation is that they collaborate with architects and designers from the countries in which they work. What better way is there to engage communities than to build capacity of the local professionals and to exchange skills and learn from one another. Such inspiring work. You can follow their progress on Facebook, Twitter and the like.

Another great concept is from the guys at turn me ON. The idea was to host worldwide design competition to generate discussion and ideas to address the current problem of accessing clean water in rural communities in Nepal. We are looking forward to seeing what the entrants have come up with!

2010-10-15T09:41:00.005+11:00

Well it is wet wet wet here today! Very fitting for this year's theme for Blog Action Day 2010.

With nearly a billion people lacking access to clean water, this year the focus is on water issues in communities around the globe. Thousands of bloggers will be uniting to raise awareness and create discussion.

So if you haven't done so already get blogging and become part of a global voice.

young designers

2010-09-29T22:31:00.016+10:00

Eco-Cubby is a fantastic initiative being implemented in schools across Victoria. Supported by City of Melbourne and Regional Arts Victoria, the program teams Architects and designers up with school children and communities to promote concepts of sustainable design.

I love how insightful children are and this program allows the students to develop a range of skills and address a number of topics from creating awareness of the living environment through to the use of maths and scale. To highlight what can be achieved, this is an Eco-Cubby that has actually been built! It was designed by the children at the University of Melbourne Early Learning Centre and opened last month!

Take a look at the Eco-Cubby blog to see what some other schools have been up to.

much lead

2010-09-27T22:14:00.007+10:00

They made it! 3000 pencils! Great effort from the Much Lead team who are planning a suspended installation at the Object Gallery this October.

Can't wait to see what becomes of this lovely collection of humble pencils...

compton cricket club

2010-09-27T13:24:00.007+10:00

I saw a feature this morning on the Compton Cricket Club who will be touring our shores early next year and was intrigued as how it all started.

The Cricket concept began in 1995. Based in LA, the team was created to keep the youth of Compton away from gang activities, address homelessness through the values and ethics of cricket such as how to respect themselves and authority.

A fundraiser for their tour was held recently in Sydney to assist in funding the tour. Take a look at the Cricket Outta Compton website to find out where you can catch a game and how you can get involved!

a world of difference

2010-08-21T08:11:00.007+10:00

A big congratulations goes out to Fran, a friend of b+c's who is one of 8 winners in this years UK Vodafone World Of Difference program.

Fran has taken on a role as Project Coordinator with Latin America Foundation for the Future (LAFF) in Peru for the next 12 months. LAFF reaches out to young people who have been abandoned and provides support in the form of children's homes, shelters and nurseries.

Fran will be setting up a skills training programme involving sustainable social business ventures for the most vulnerable. We wish her all the best in her new role and thank her for inspiring us all!

b+c news

2010-08-04T13:55:00.004+10:00

It has been a little while since we have been in touch. What have we been up to you ask? You may recall that we were in discussions with an inspiring group who in only four years managed to rally together to build the infrastructure to support 600 local students. The success of the school is due to the strong ownership that the community feels for the school and their excellent management skills.

We had previously heard of the great work of Got Matar and during our visit to Kenya we had the privilege to meet some of the extraordinary members of the Community Development Group who have been working tirelessly to give local children the best start they deserve.

b+c is teaming up with the school to design a much needed girls dormitory. Currently there is an extremely high drop out rate for girls as they travel long distances each day whilst still being expected to keep up their domestic duties at home. Not only this, the walk from home to school can be an extremely dangerous one. A dormitory will allow the girls to focus on their study providing them with a greater chance of completing their secondary education.

One of the exciting aspects of this project is that the building of the dormitory will run as a training program. This will provide an opportunity for the students and members of the surrounding community to learn basic skills in carpentry, bricklaying and the fundamentals in building design.

We are currently discussing the brief with the Community Development Group and the girls of Got Matar. We are thrilled to be sharing our passion for good design with Got Matar and proud to be continuing the support of Kenyan girls in furthering their education. We look forward to sharing stories of the road ahead with you all.

You can find more information on Got Matar and read all about other exciting initiatives that they have started by visting www.gotmatar.org

AIME high

2010-03-12T10:46:00.010+11:00

At the Vanguard last night we not only listened to some great music (headliners Saving Grace ) but in the process raised money for what can only be described as an educational revelation!

Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME) is one of those not-for-profit organisations that you can't help but be in awe of. The program partners university students with young indigenous students, from years 7-12. This unique, one-on-one education based mentoring program aims to improve year 10 and year 12 completion rates and university admission rates for all participating students.

Beginning in 2005 with just 20 students from Redfern, AIME is now looking to engage more than 1000 students and plan to expand into Victoria and Queensland in 2010. What a fantastic acheivement! Do take the time to check out their website, truly inspiring.

barefoot ball!

2010-03-11T15:47:00.005+11:00

It is always encouraging to hear of others doing great work. Operating in Uganda, the United Future Foundation (UFF) focuses on making education and skills training available to youth living in poverty stricken areas.

UFF is hosting the Black Tie and Barefoot Ball (not bare football as I first read it to be... another fundraising idea perhaps?) on May 15th, at The Hilton, Sydney. We take our hat off to anyone who can get a function of this size up and running! So congratulations to both Annabelle and Dave and all the best guys for what is shaping up to be a fun-filled night, not to mention a worthy one!

You can find out more about UFF by visiting their website.

Friends of Rang'i

2010-03-02T13:13:00.008+11:00

Rang'i Care Centre is an initiative set up to provide a home for orphaned children. The b+c team visited the children at Rang'i during our trip to Kenya and spent hours playing with all the amazing children.

Amber has a long history with the centre having worked there in 2005. She and her fellow volunteers fell in love with the people and continue to show their support for the centre. They have recently set up the Friends of Rang'i blog so that everyone can be kept in the loop and read about the amazing work carried out at the centre. Here you can find out how to get involved, see photos, view the plans for the new school and read about inspiring people who grew up at Rangi' and are now achieving amazing results at college!

You can also join the Rang'i Care Centre Facebook group.

We wish Rang'i all the best in the future and send all our love to all the gorgeous children who continue to inspire us all.

project h

2010-02-15T09:04:00.012+11:00

I've been meaning to post something about the fabulous work of Project H here for way too long. And unfortunately this isn't related to what I originally intended to tell you about! I'll save that for another post as telling you about the refresh project is more pressing!

Project H are an amazing non profit of designers and builders based in the US. I initially found out about their work when perusing the Architecture for Humanity projects and their innovative and fun playground at the Kutamba Aids Orphans School in Uganda. More on that later.

Emily Pilloton heads Project H and is about to take a year out to run a design/build curriculum in Bertie County School District in North Carolina - one of the US's most underprivileged areas. The course will combine design thinking, vocational trade training, and community citizenship to equip low-opportunity teenagers with critical creative problem solving skills for life. Students will collaborate to design, develop, and prototype a built community project. The following summer, they will be offered paid summer jobs to actually construct the project. How cool is that? Just amazing- I want to be a student in Bertie County!

So, Emily has entered the project in the Pepsi Refresh Project for the chance to be awarded $50,000 to kick start the first semester. You can help by voting every day until the end of February. They're currently in 15th place so every vote counts to get the project back in the top 10 where they'll grab the $50K!

You need to register to vote and then all you need is to click each day until the end of Feb - get voting everyone, this would be an amazing project to see come to fruition.

More on Project H and the Kutamba Aids Orphans School and Emily's new book very soon!

palette places

2010-02-03T15:26:00.008+11:00

In the words of Miss Lush the world has gone palette-o-rama mad! I don't know about you but I seem to be seeing them all over! We love palettes so here are some of our top palette picks:

Amber's number 1, The Palettenhaus in Linz...

The Kinglake temporary village, constructed by Monash University students in consultation with Emergency Architects...

My personal fav, Mano Ponnambalam and Jenny Heim's ILLUMS BOX, a 2009 Sculpture by the Sea entry...

and lastly Section8 in Melbourne where thirsty vistors can lounge around and grab a drink from the shipping container bar (a container-o-rama blog will be featured next!)

The Social Studio

2010-02-03T14:13:00.009+11:00

On a recent visit to Melbourne I stumbled across this great community concept. On first glance you expect this Smith Street studio to be just like any uber trendy cafe/clothing store that Melbourne so often delivers. However The Social Studio provides a unique opportunity for young refugees to not only use their style and skills to produce a clothing range but offers them emplyment, advice, encouragement, counselling and training.

At a time when it is becoming more and more important to reuse and recycle The Social Studio collects excess manufacturing material and reconfigures it into funky fashion! Take a look at their website, such a fantastic social enterprise!

category of culture

2009-11-23T10:40:00.006+11:00

Peter Rich Architects have recently won the World Building of the Year award for the Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre in South Africa at the World Architecture Festival held in Barcelona earlier this month.

This is an authentic, beautifully crafted and culturally deep rooted building. A very deserved winner I say.

More info and images can be found here.

blog action day + cc

2009-10-15T20:42:00.010+11:00

Blog Action Day is upon us again and this year the focus is on Climate Change (poverty was the central theme for 2008 - see our entry here). Spurred on by Practical Action bloggers, b+c have once again signed up to join an 8000+ blogging community to support this day of action. The aim is to unite the worlds bloggers and to raise awareness of key issues - and what a timely theme this is! With Copenhagen looming it is so very important to generate discussion around issues of climate change, adaptation and most of all how the worlds poorest nations who currently don't have a voice are being affected.

There are other ways you can take action such as 350 (October 24), The Wave (Dec 5, London)... but if you want to make a start TODAY g0 a blogging and register here!

10 to the 100

2009-09-29T01:49:00.002+10:00

Google project, 10 to the power of 100th is a call for ideas to change the world, in the hope of helping as many people as possible! Sounds too good to be true...

With a list that has been whittled down to 16, you can now help make the decision as to what Google spends their $10 million on! So best get voting! To do so visit here before October 8.

mixing it up

2009-09-25T01:39:00.009+10:00

Every now and then it is good to mix things up and offer a little spice to life! Our dear friend has done just that with the utterly genious make me a mix tape. It is truly a joy and not just because you can whittle away hours of "meant to be at work time" listening to her fav tracks but you will always, without a doubt come away with a smile on your dial!

However, we must ask her forgiveness for not mentioning this earlier! In fact I have been meaning to tell everyone of this ladies talents for a while now but have been too busy trying to get through hours of her mixing madness that I haven't had a chance!

I am listening to the latest mix now and I can highly recommend it! Love your work Miss Katie Dazzle x

HOMEmade

2009-09-24T19:05:00.009+10:00

We previously blogged about Anna Heringer and the inspirational Handmade school in Bangladesh here. After hearing her speak at the Finland Symposium I thought we should update you all with the latest HOMEmade project. These three family houses are a tribute to local craftmanship, a testament to true community participation and basically a great lesson in how to provide modern, functional design that is appropriate to its surroundings. Oh and did i mention that they are also beautiful?

Anna has been nominated for the CurryStone Design Award and we wish her all the best! While I am at it, also in the running for this award is Rob Hopkins from Transition Network fame. If you haven't heard about the new wave that is Transition Town then you should definitely jump on board... Rob wrote the Transition Handbook and since then more than 200 towns have taken on the Transition principles. The first Transition Town was started in 2006 in Totnes, UK where the community banded together to grow local food, lower their energy use, plan more pedestrianised paths and cycle ways and even create their own currency to boost their local economy. It just shows what can happen when communities work together...

herbs round two

2009-09-20T19:09:00.007+10:00

Last year I posted here about my new herb garden. Well, sadly when I was in Kenya and my flatmate was in Ireland... they died. Now we're both in new homes - and this weekend we both have new herb gardens! Sadly mine were purchased at Bunnings, and hers at the more glamorous Petersham Nurseries...

I love Izzy's re-use of a once well loved oak wine barrel... I planted ours about half an hour ago in this cool trough we had under a tree in our back garden...

... not quite as established as Izzy's yet, but it will be blooming in no time at all with some Sydney sunshine! I planted some pretty flowers to cheer up my window sill too - alas I can't see them ever making it to my window sill - too much thinking required on how to secure them!

Come and visit us soon Izzy! And bring Harriet with you! xx A

happy villages

2009-09-19T03:10:00.008+10:00

Our dear friends in Kenya have started up this inspiring organisation. Happy Villages aims to tackle such issues as health, education, environment, poverty, gender, communications and all the barriers to sustainable development one community at a time. Their approach is based on the UN Millenium Development Goals.

Ever the "happy" blogger George has recently added this all too true post on the facebook group: Extreme poverty is the most severe state of poverty, where people cannot meet basic needs for survival, such as food, water, clothing, shelter, sanitation, education and health care. 1.1 billion people currently live under these conditions. Extreme poverty hurts."We work towards a world without extreme poverty" join us!

b+c is right behind the Happy Villages team and we look forward to visiting a Happy Villages happy village soon! We urge you all to follow their progress and support them now and in the future as big things can only come from such a warm, beautiful bunch of passionate people!

ever the optimist!

2009-09-18T21:20:00.004+10:00

Came across this website today. If you are feeling like you need a little lift then I would suggest having a look at Optimist World to get your daily fix of good news stories, inspirational charities, green travel ideas and loads more... happy days!

climate change diaries

2009-09-12T07:45:00.004+10:00

Thought I would share these climate change diaries with you. If you still think climate change is a distant concern then you must read the accounts of those who are dealing day to day with the realities of climate change. Visit here to find out more about Practical Action's work helping to secure a future for those most effected by climate change.

You can learn more about climate change and the implications for people and poverty by attending a training course run by Practical Action Consulting in October and December. See here for more details.

Small Is...

2009-09-12T03:43:00.008+10:00

This little gem of a festival ran for the first time this year due to the joint efforts of Engineers Without Borders UK and Practical Action. It was a fantastically jam packed weekend of learning, sharing, practical workshops, inspiring debates and not to mention lots of fun!

The "Small Is..." Festival was a celebration of the ideas of EF Schumacher's Small Is Beautiful (1973). The main debates centered around his views on economics, appropriate technology, politics and personal philosophy. The Edge of the Forest was one of the most popular films shown over the weekend in the solar cinema - inspiring stuff.

Over 250 people camped out in the beautiful grounds of Practical Action to take part in activities ranging from diy rocket stoves, knocking up a hexayurt, community mapping, appropriate toilet construction, to discussions on global/local food, transition towns, climate change adaptation and markets and livelihoods. Entertainment was also in abundance with music from Zambian group Kamoto Community Arts followed by a partner swinging ceildh (for all you aussie's out there this is the equivalent to our bush dance) and some cracking local talent - this weekend had it all.

To read more about who was there and to see some great snaps from the weekend visit here. See you all there next year...!

one & other

2009-08-19T23:36:00.005+10:00

Sculptor Antony Gormley has set up a project called One & Other on the fourth (empty) plinth in Trafalgar Square. The public can become living monuments while being broadcast online. It is running 24hours a day for 100 days from July until October.

It is strangely big brother-esque, sometimes utterly boring and other times fairly amusing. It is also a great way to get the message out. For those who love knitting we were there last Saturday with our needles and yarn knitting up a storm in aid of p/hop, an MSF initiative (mentioned here). You can see us and "plinther" Ruth in action with needles in hand by visiting this blog by fellow knitter Jane.

So if you are in the mood for a bit of people watching you can go to the website and tune in to the live feed!

a safe haven

2009-08-19T23:11:00.008+10:00

We have recently come across these great structures - the Safe Haven library and bath house.

In January 2009 TYIN Tegnestue invited 15 norwegian students to participate in a workshop at the Safe Haven Orphanage, Thiland. The workshop was led by Associate Professor Hans Skotte and architect Sami Rintala (who has just chaired the Edge Symposium in Finland! More on him later).

The most immediate needs at the orphanage was a library and a new sanitary building. TYIN worked on a bathhouse, together with the Karen workers from Noh Bo, while the workshop participants put their efforts into the library.

What an amazing result! We love this project and just wanted to share with you what can be achieved with a small budget and local materials.

Teach a Man to Fish

2009-07-26T21:27:00.005+10:00

The old saying "Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have feed him for a lifetime" is the inspiration for this particular organisation. Teach a Man to Fish aims to broaden access for the poor to high quality education combining vocational training and entrepreneurship by supporting institutions to increase their financial self-sufficiency.

The website is packed full of fantastic projects from a 100% self-sustainable agricultural school in Paraguay to other small income generating projects such as piggeries and poultry initiatives in Uganda and Kenya.

I hope this has give you a little inspiration for the day... if so I urge to you stop by and take a further look.

Finland Symposium

2009-07-07T00:53:00.006+10:00

b+c has been invited to attend the 11th International Alvar Aalto Symposium by our good friends Finnish Architects Hollmen, Reuter and Sandman (mentioned also here.) To see more of their stunning projects visit the NGO website Ukumbi (A Swahili word meaning forum, verandah and a meeting place for dialogue and discussion.)

The Symposium will be held on 7-9th August at the University of Jyväskylä which was designed by Alvar Aalto in 1954—55. As one of the b+c team is currently in Europe we are hoping to make it to this fantastic event. This statement below sums up why we think it is important for us to attend:

Inside the urban hubs of the Western world, a feeling of safety prevails. We continue to enjoy the highest standard of living ever known to humankind. At the same time, we are fully aware of the results of our culture of consumerism. Therein lies the greatest paradox: We are forced to actively forget reality to be able to enjoy the facade of excess we have created around us.

Yet outside the main stages of the metropolis is where our work is needed. There are a few architects who challenge the conventions of the profession and the ever-dictating forces of the market; they go where the real problems are and try to solve them with insight, economy and wit. These people are the pathfinders towards the next revolution in architecture, which will not focus on style, but on the balance between man and nature – or, in short, survival.

Sami Rintala, Chairman

To see the amazing programme and line up of speakers visit here.

2009-06-29T07:16:00.004+10:00

We have just been introduced to EdKenya through the Chairman of Harambee Schools Kenya who has just set it up. It is an online community for NGOs involved in Kenyan education. It has only just started and is just getting going, but it's free to join and looks great!

It will be such a valuable tool when looking at planning schools, networking with those who have worked on educational projects previously and to share like experiences.

If you are involved with a school project or with school policy and education in Kenya make sure you sign up.

glorious gardens

2009-06-09T20:03:00.008+10:00

We were blown away by the Thuthuka School garden in Tembisa Township near Johannesburg as seen last week on Around the World in 80 Gardens. After viewing some stunning botanical gardens in Cape Town and a beautiful and opulent garden and home in Parktown, Johannesburg - the Thuthuka School garden brought tears to my eyes! The students work in the garden of their school to grow edible herbs and flowers, vegetables and trees. The children are so happy and delighted to have the space and resources to be able to beautify their school and you can feel their enthusiasm and passion when they show you around...

(it's about 3.20 minutes into the clip here... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgUJHL7-qGY)

There's not much information around about how they started the garden or how they have made it so beautiful- as far as I can google they have had support from Food and Trees for Africa - a South African based organisation that embrace best practices in sustainable environmental activities that empower poor communities while also playing an important role in reducing carbon emissions- truly inspiring!

Africa Calling

2009-06-05T19:58:00.006+10:00

The continuing story of Gemma and The School of St Jude is being aired on Australian Story this Monday, June 8th. You can watch a preview of the half hour story here.

If you are unaware of the work of Gemma Sisia, Gemma opened what once was a small school in Northern Tanzania with the help of her friends, family and her local Rotary Club. It started with a handful of students and is now thriving with 1151 students, 130 teachers and 200 staff. Read more about Gemma and this amazing success story which is The School of St Jude by visiting the website.

The Tools to End Poverty

2009-06-03T22:27:00.011+10:00

We love sharing great organisations with you all and here is a fab one. Kickstart is a not for profit organisation that develops and markets new technologies in Africa. The low-cost technologies are bought by local entrepreneurs to create profitable small scale businesses.

We visited their offices when were in Kisumu to see how their MoneyMaker irrigation pumps worked. As you can see we had to give it a test run!

Over 60 000 people in Kenya, Tanzania and Mali are running profitable businesses using these pumps. This is a great video which features co-founder Martin Fisher, the Kickstart team and the MoneyMaker pump in action.

Another great product that we were looking into was the stabilised soil block press. Affordable shelter will always be in demand and this press provides a solution. There are plenty of other technologies to check out on the website such as cooking oil technologies and lots more.

p/hop

2009-05-26T01:03:00.006+10:00

Pennies per hour per pleasure is an initiative being run by Medecins San Frontieres. A b+c friend is championing this unique knitting project. All money raised goes to MSF, an extremely worthwhile organisation. You can read about our friend, Lou who is featured this week knitting in Egypt by visiting the p/hop blog!

The idea of p/hop is to donate based on how many hours of pleasure you get from knitting your free pattern, which have been generously donated by designers. There is no set price to a pattern - you can give as much or as little as you like!

We wish the p/hop team all the best in their attendance at their upcoming festivals. For those who are keen to jump on board do sign up - the world needs more knitters and MSF needs your support so they can continue to provide medical aid to those who need it most!

ASF-UK

2009-05-21T22:48:00.005+10:00

The main aim of Architecture Sans Frontieres - UK is to make global agenda issues, in particular those impacting on disadvantaged and vulnerable people, integral to the practice and teaching of architecture.

b+c is attending the Governance in Practice Workshop next week held by ASF-UK and Practical Action. We feel it is really important to continue our education so that the communities we support can benefit from the sharing of knowledge from organisations with a wealth of experience. This will assist us to be more effective in the empowerment of communities and to better understand issues surrounding participation and planning.

We will make sure we report back so that we can share our findings with you all also!

BSF + The Sorrell Foundation

2009-05-07T23:03:00.001+10:00

The Building Schools for the Future programme will see every state secondary school in the UK, a total of 3500, rebuilt or remodelled during the lifetime of the programme. Launched by the Department for Education & Skills in February 2004, BSF is the largest and most ambitious scheme of its kind anywhere in the world. It will transform education for some 3.3 million students aged 11-19.

The programme aims to create learning environments which inspire young people, provide teachers with 21st century workplaces and provide community facilities.

The Sorrell Foundation is one organisation that is working with school children to design their school of the future. The Foundation was set up in 1999 with the aim of inspiring creativity in young people and improving the quality of life through design.

The following is a list of common issues that students have identified in workshops held over 7 years.

A great organisation doing fantastic stuff. Take a look at their website to see their other programmes.

Sydney Writers Festival - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

2009-05-03T22:19:00.003+10:00

There was a great article in the Sydney Morning Herald this weekend about Nigerian born author Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche. Adiche is opening the Sydney Writers Festival in May and it sounds like it would be worth going along if you can make it.

I had never heard about this woman or her books before and she sounds like an inspiring, interesting, strong and intelligent woman. I'm hanging out for my turn to read this book.

where the wild things are

2009-05-03T22:10:00.004+10:00

This was one of my favorite books as a child. I always found it so delightfully scary. The movie is coming out soon and the stills are beautiful....

I just watched the preview and i think it's looking like a winner. I'm looking forward to seeing it!

Walk for Stuart

2009-04-30T01:50:00.008+10:00

Friends of the b+c team are taking on a massive challenge this month. Isabel and Vanessa are heading off to walk the 788km of the Camino de Santiago trail in aid of the Stuart Mangan Appeal.

Stuart, in april 2008, due to a simple rugby tackle was completely paralysed from the neck down. Stuart will require 24 hour care for the rest of their life. You can show your support for these two adventurers by giving generously to this extremely worthwhile cause by visiting here. They have already raised a staggering 4000 euros! Go girls!

Make sure you visit their blog to keep up to date on how they are progressing. It is bound to be full of hilarity and no doubt a lot of heartache.

We wish them all the best on their journey and can't wait to see them back home safely!

ANZAC biscuits

2009-04-27T20:36:00.004+10:00

This lovely photo is from Pia's blog. Her friend brought her these ANZAC biscuits right to her door on ANZAC day. There were also ANZAC biscuits being baked in my house on Saturday, and although I didn't take a photo of them they were delicious. Good baking Amber!

2009 open architecture challenge: classroom

2009-04-27T20:18:00.004+10:00

The 2009 Open Architecture Challenge is to design the classroom of the future. This competition in collaboration with Architecture for Humanity and Orient Global is asking teachers, students, architects and designers to get involved and to design a classroom for a school of your choosing.

According to the World Bank, educating all children worldwide will require the construction of 10 million new classrooms in more than 100 countries by 2015. This is a global competition and is a great opportunity to come up with some excellent classroom designs. So get involved if you can, we are!

Below are 2 images of the Kutamba AIDS Orphan School in Uganda, which is just one of the examples of some beautiful and inspiring Architecture on the Open Architecture Network.

world malaria day

2009-04-24T09:08:00.006+10:00

Each 30 seconds, a child dies from malaria. Each of these deaths is avoidable. Join the world’s largest international effort to end malaria deaths. The countdown has begun.

25 April is a day of unified commemoration of the global effort to provide effective control of malaria around the world. This year's World Malaria Day marks a critical moment in time. The international malaria community has merely two years to meet the 2010 targets of delivering effective and affordable protection and treatment to all people at risk of malaria, as called for by the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon.

The next two years present a rare window of opportunity to save a million lives by rapidly delivering malaria interventions - protective nets, diagnostic tests, antimalarial drugs and indoors spraying - to all people at risk of the disease and to pave the way towards virtually ending deaths by 2015.

This is also an interesting and tragic story of Briton Harry Yirrel who was volunteering in Ghana. For all of us fortunate enough to be travelling in endemic areas there could not be a more compelling and convincing reminder to take your malaria prophylactics...

I met the Walrus

2009-04-07T23:13:00.004+10:00

To continue with the peace theme... this is another goodie. You can read more about Jerry Levitan's interview with John Lennon at I met the Walrus.

What a message, not to mention the brilliant animations!

one love

2009-04-07T22:59:00.003+10:00

Hey there, check this out!

You can read more about the foundation behind this initiative and see the making of the documentary at 'Playing for Change: Peace Through Music'

One love people!

little orphans

2009-04-03T17:37:00.010+11:00

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust was established in 1977 in honour of David Sheldrick, famous naturalist and warden of Kenya's Tsavo National Park. Since it's opening it has played a significant role in Kenya's conservation efforts.

We visited the orphanage when we were in Nairobi and oh my, the elephants were the sweetest things! The orphaned elephants and rhinos are rescued for varying reasons and then ultimately released back into the wild.

Their latest arrival is Bhaawaa who became hopelessly bogged in the mud of a drying waterhole... you can foster one of these little ones and assist in the conservation of the African elephant and give these amazing animals a future!

April - already!

2009-04-02T22:13:00.004+11:00

It's April and we have been a bit light on the posts this year... so this is just a little reminder for us and everyone else that we are back and will be blogging and getting back into the swing of things as often as we can.
So here's to a great 2009, better late than never! Found this here.

earth hour 09

2009-03-25T18:39:00.007+11:00

Yes it's that time again, Earth Hour is on this Saturday the 28th March. Since Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007 the message has swept the globe. 50 million people switched off last year, the goal for 2009 is 1 billion!

By visiting the website you can show your support by signing up, whether you are an individual, school, organisation or business.

VOTE EARTH, not global warming - come on people, switch off those lights!

in praise of process

2009-03-24T18:51:00.007+11:00

bricks + cartwheels has been invited to participate in this exciting exhibition. The opening is this Friday 27th March at 6-8pm at the Tin Sheds Gallery, Faculty of Architecture Design and Planning at the University of Sydney. There is an amazing list of Architects showcasing their work/process and b+c is honoured to be a part of it!

It is to be opened by Bob Carr, so make sure you pop in, if not on Friday then you will get a chance as it is showing until April 18th!

The Art of Architecture

2009-03-18T21:50:00.009+11:00

There is a fantastic collection of Le Corbusier works currently showing at the Barbican. It is an amazing collection of original models, interior reconstructions, drawings, furniture, paintings and sculptures. His ideas of social housing and utopian urban plans still resonate today. Working your way through the exhibition, you can see why he is dubbed the most influential architect of the 20th century!

meet green thing

2009-03-11T09:10:00.005+11:00

Do the Green Thing is a public service that inspires people to lead a greener life. The website is an interactive one where you can watch brilliant short clips, add to the blog or add a story of your own. The mission is to get as many people in as many countries doing the green thing and then use that power to persuade government and business to do the green thing too.

So make sure you take the time to watch Green Thing do his thing, very funny and imaginative. Oh and Plug Out Boy is also very cool!

nigel

2009-03-07T03:59:00.009+11:00

I have to share with you all the blog of artist/photographer Nigel Peake. It is so refreshing to see fun, architectural images so equisitely hand drawn and the photos are great too!

His website Second Street is a joy too... so many quirky drawings and the water colour site is just so cool. Make sure you check it out.

Thanks Nigel.

important news from b+c

2009-03-05T20:03:00.004+11:00

The bricks + cartwheels directors are fresh off the plane and we have some important news for our supporters. Following our recent time spent in Kenya, bricks + cartwheels is reluctantly withdrawing from the previously proposed Secondary School for Girls project in Katolo, Kenya.

Whilst in Kenya bricks + cartwheels were faced with a series of challenges and difficulties, some of which we were able to resolve and some of which were largely out of our control. We are particularly regretful of this decision because of the great friendships we made with so many people in Kenya and the ongoing need for education of children in the community. During our time in Kenya we made every endeavor to rescue the project and this decision was not made lightly.

There were many issues that presented challenges... please read here for the complete letter.

We appreciate your support and will make sure to keep you in touch with our future plans. Thank you!

suno new york

2009-03-04T04:30:00.006+11:00

One of the girls recently stumbled across this great website, Suno. Suno was formed in 2008 by Max Osterweis after more than a decade of collecting textiles in visits to Kenya. The design and development is New York based but the production is done in small workshops in Kenya.

After falling in love with the fabrics on our trip we would all love to get our hands on some of these pieces. If only we knew about them while we were there... they are just beautiful.

invest in a girl and she will do the rest.

2009-02-27T09:35:00.011+11:00

This is a brilliant video and I couldn't resist watching it 3 times in a row. It left me with chills and feeling very inspired.

There are 600 million adolescent girls around the world living in poverty. By giving one of these girls a chance, you start what can be referred to as The Girl Effect. When girls have safe places to meet, education, legal protection, health care, and access to training and job skills, they can thrive. And when they thrive, everyone around them thrives too.

If you want to end poverty and help the developing world, the best thing you can do is invest time, energy, and funding into adolescent girls. It's called the girl effect, because girls are uniquely capable of investing in their communities and making the world better. The following poster outlines 10 things that are standing in their way...

If you want to read more, go to girleffect.org

Kev does Kisumu

2009-02-01T05:53:00.008+11:00

Our friend Patchy insisted that Kev had a visit to the pool! So here he is enjoying the sites of Kisumu along with a refreshing dip and an ice cool drink at the Imperial Pool!

Australia Day celebration

2009-01-31T22:41:00.007+11:00

I hope everyone celebrated Australia Day in style! b+c cooked up an aussie feast of anzac biscuits, lamingtons, vegemite toast and a good old bbq!

Kev the Kenyan kangaroo made his debut appearance, he was a huge hit...

snapshots from Nairobi

2009-01-28T17:49:00.008+11:00

women of Katolo

2009-01-21T16:33:00.004+11:00

school open day

2009-01-20T18:53:00.010+11:00

Despite the bumpy road this week there have been some great days here in Kenya and one of these was the Tumaini School Open Day held at Katolo. It was a chance to invite the whole community to come and learn about the project, ask questions and sign up for groups and committees.

Although the day kicked off 4 hours late, typical Kenya time, it was a great success! There was a big turnout with alot of support for the project shown throughout the day, especially from the women in the community!

A marquee, chairs and sound system arrived in the morning which in Katolo is no mean feat! There were posters pinned up, speeches and talks made, discussions and performances by the children from Kanyangoro Primary school. Kimberly, our resident film maker captured it all!

bumps in the road

2009-01-20T18:36:00.004+11:00

The past week has thrown up a few bumps in the road for bricks + cartwheels in Kenya.... One of the main issues we have come across that is causing us more than a few problems is the acquisition of land for the school.

The land has been put aside ready to be sold for over a year but there are numerous issues coming up now that we are in Katolo. Demands and ultimatums are being placed on bricks + cartwheels and the CBO by the land owners. So the process of buying the land has turned into a much more lengthy process than we anticipated.

After a week of negotiations and meetings and stress, the job of finding the best piece of land has now been handed over entirely to the CBO members. So here's hoping that they can sort this out.

Below are some photos from a meeting held under the tree at Kanyangoro Primary School discussing the land and other matters relating to the Tumaini Secondary School.

katolo in the morning

2009-01-17T16:36:00.005+11:00

site boundaries

2009-01-09T21:55:00.011+11:00

Last week we met with the land committee on site to walk the boundaries. The site will be pegged first thing on monday, the survey of the land will follow. We are also in the process of meeting with borehole consultants so that we can establish a water source on site asap!

a CBO is born

2009-01-06T17:00:00.011+11:00

The first meeting of the community based organisation (CBO) was held on Sunday 4th at Katolo community centre. The aim of this meeting was to decide upon the name of the CBO, to go through the process of registration and to nominate the position of chair, secretary and treasurer. We are very happy to say that we now are registered! The team is dynamic, passionate and forward thinking and most of all the members all have the girl child's best interests at heart.

The location of the first CBO meeting

The meeting begins

We welcome Oscar Okello, Caren Wambui Kiarie and Wycliff Washington (featured here) as the newly appointed administrators and look forward to working with you all in the future.

Congratulating Oscar on appointment of Chairperson

Left: Oscar Okello, Right: Joab Othacher

Caren (right) the newly appointed secretary and Washington (left) the treasurer

In total there were 22 community members, from varying backgrounds and disciplines present. The members will continue to grow now that the CBO is established.

After lengthy discussion the name of the CBO was decided as the Kano Girl Child Empowerment Group (Kano being the region that the school is located). What a brilliant name for such an important development group.

And the school now has a name and a very fitting one at that!! The decision was that it was to be a neutral name, inclusive of anyone and everyone - the CBO have tentatively given the name of Tumaini Girls High School, a kiswahili word for 'hope'.

We have been busy organising meetings with local organisations, consultants such as borehole contractors, surveyors and architects so that we will be ready to start work on site as soon as possible. With another CBO meeting planned for Wednesday this week the b+c team are so very excited and so very proud of all involved....

Washington with the certificate of registration for the CBO

A school open day is planned for Wednesday 14th. This will be an important chance to spread the word about the school, rally volunteers. The Chief is spreading the word to all in the area to come and show support, offer suggestions, more on the open day soon!

fun times!

2009-01-06T16:24:00.008+11:00

Locals selling peanuts outside the matatu (the 'interesting' local transport!)

Obama fever in the back of a Matatu

Sorting beans at Rangi, an orphanage south-west of Kisumu.

happy new year from Kisumu

2009-01-01T20:33:00.008+11:00

Hello from Kenya! Just checking in to say that we have all arrived safely to Kisumu just in time to welcome in the new year. After a long long flight we are now staying at our friend Mike's house in Kisumu. Our Kenyan friends have given those of us new to the town a tour of the local sites...

New years celebrations are never quite complete without a few rounds of twister, the hot spot! This was followed by a nyama choma, the kenyan equivalant to an aussie bbq closely followed by some serious dancing. What we believed were some great moves made by us we unfortunately we were severely shown up on the dance floor!!

We are excited to start 2009 in Kenya. With a meeting in Katolo with the community scheduled for this sunday we will be hitting the ground running.

Here's to a happy, healthy and prosperous new year!

More soon... xx

leaving on a jet plane...

2008-12-21T14:13:00.005+11:00

I'm off everyone... I arrive into Kisumu on Monday evening and then head off to spend Christmas with my Kenyan brothers and sisters at Rang'i. I'll then return to Kisumu via Katolo to meet Kirstin, Georgia and Harriet - just in time for New Years on the 30th.
Have a lovely Christmas break everyone - stay tuned for reports on the progress of Stage 1 in early January.
xx Amber

katolo open day

2008-12-19T17:37:00.003+11:00

The organising commitee and the community of Katolo have invited bricks + cartwheels to be part of Katolo Open Day! It is taking place on the 29th of December starting at 8.00am at Kanyangoro Primary School grounds, Katolo, Kenya.

Amber - one of the bricks + cartwheels team members - will be there with bells on ready to talk to the community, show them our design brief and our current masterplan. Just to be there for this day will be fantastic! It is a great opportunity to showcase to the broader community the plans for the Secondary School for Girls and gain feedback from a wide range of people.

There will be plenty of other activities happening throughout the day such as the provision of HIV-AIDS testing and counselling services, presentation on modern methods of agricultural practices, provision of mobile library services, tree planting and tree/seedling donations, sports, games and many other fun activities!

Thank you to our friend Washington who is organising this wonderful day! We will be sure to give you updates and photos of the festivities.

pretty christmas idea.....

2008-12-19T11:17:00.005+11:00

Our friend Felicity has always been so creative, but this I think is especially beautiful. She has made these "snow flakes" for her front window. They sound so simple to make and look so pretty, only Fliss could come up with such a great idea. Read more about how she made them here.

we wish you a very...

2008-12-18T12:42:00.009+11:00

Merry Christmas
+
Happy New Year

On behalf of the community of Katolo and the b+c team we would like to say a BIG thank you to everyone for making 2008 a fantastic year!

We are heading off so very soon so make sure you tune in regularly to hear all our news from Kenya!

Thank you for your generosity and your support, we can't wait to share more great things with you all in the new year!

60 years of human rights

2008-12-15T11:27:00.006+11:00

We let this momentus occasion accidently slip by last week... i thought we should mention this anniversary even though it has passed.

On 10 December 1948 in Paris, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The Declaration was the first international recognition that all human beings have fundamental rights and freedoms and it continues to be a living and relevant document today.

Of particular interest to bricks + cartwheels and our secondary school project is Article 26: Everyone has the right to education.

We agree and so do the community of Katolo, Kenya!

To learn more or read a full history of UDHR visit here. Also this is a great summary of the 30 articles.

this time next week

2008-12-12T12:59:00.006+11:00

one of the bricks + cartwheels team will only have one more sleep until they are leaving on a jet plane..... all the way to Kenya! Yes, she's counting down. It's all getting so close and very exciting.

Here's hoping the rain stops for the weekend. Photo from here.

customs house exhibition

2008-12-12T12:33:00.005+11:00

We all attended the opening of the Emergency Architects + Global Studio Exhibition on Wednesday night. If you get a chance pop down to Customs House, Level 2 and take a look. It is a very informative exhibition of the work of Emergency Architects, a foundation that labours alongside people who have lost everything as a result of earthquake, flood and war. The teams work to restore people’s sense of security, find shelter for displaced populations and arrange children’s access to education.

The amazing work of The Global Studio (read more about here) was on display also, well worth a look see to learn more about the latest expeditions.

Both are such amazing organisations that provide not only much needed research and infrastructure to deserved communities but also provide bricks + cartwheels with constant inspiration due to the tireless work they do!

christmas hampers

2008-12-09T10:13:00.009+11:00

To help spread the christmas cheer a couple of us helped out with delivering hampers on Saturday for JCA. We, along with 250 other volunteers grabbed our maps and navigated our way all over Sydney!

The hampers were delivered to refugee families, some who have been here for 3 yrs to those who arrived a week ago. We delivered ours to the most divine Sudanese familes who were all so gracious when accepting the gifts. I was amazed that not one of the children ripped into the hampers but instead sat so patiently!

Today there are a staggering 21 million recognised refugees in the world – a number almost equivalent to the total population of Australia. Almost 9 million of these ‘refugees’ are actively seeking refugee status. Over 6 million are Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), forced to flee their homes largely due to internal conflict in countries such as Sudan, Burma, Afghanistan, Columbia and Iraq. Currently more than 70% of the total refugee population seek refuge in the developing world.

Over 40% of the total refugees are from our own neigbourhood of Asia and around one quarter are from Africa. Australia takes in a tiny number – approximately 13000 in total, 6000 who are allocated under the humanitarian category.

There is more information on the above when you visit Refugee Council of Australia.

So although the delivering of hampers is just a small splash in the ocean it definitely is one of the most rewarding things you can do at christmas! I will be making it a yearly event for sure!

sunday afternoon

2008-12-08T22:30:00.005+11:00

So the time finally arrived this past weekend to make the long awaited Christmas wreath. My mums house in Avalon turned into the wreath making factory for the afternoon. We scoured the streets and our own garden for all our materials and came back with baskets and arm loads full! We used wire frames as our base and a thinner wire to attach what we wanted to the wreaths.

There were three wreath making teams and we all went for the natural look. All with a slightly different slant. I went for the pretty flowers, eucalyptus leaves, little white flowers and hydrangeas..... this is it in progress.

Mum had a wilder approach, her finished product......

Anna and Kristina were somewhere in between..... they used chilli's too.

This is my finished product ready to hang on my door.

A fun weekend project and we all made pretty beautiful wreaths.... success all round.

Letter to a headmaster

2008-12-05T14:44:00.010+11:00

This is a letter written by Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States (1861-1865), to the Headmaster of the school where his son was studying.

Just a little piece of educational wisdom for you all out there... imagine if every child was taught these values by their teachers and parents...

He will have to learn, I know, that all men are not just,

all men are not true.

But teach him also that for every scoundrel there is a hero;

that for every selfish Politician, there is a dedicated leader…

Teach him for every enemy there is a friend.

Steer him away from envy, if you can,

teach him the secret of quiet laughter.

Let him learn early that the bullies are the easiest to lick…

Teach him, if you can, the wonder of books…

But also give him quiet time to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky,

bees in the sun, and the flowers on a green hillside.

In the school teach him it is far honourable to fail

than to cheat…

Teach him to have faith in his own ideas,

even if everyone tells him they are wrong…

Teach him to be gentle with gentle people, and tough with the tough.

Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd

when everyone is getting on the band wagon…

Teach him to listen to all men…

but teach him also to filter all he hears on a screen of truth,

and take only the good that comes through.

Teach him if you can,

how to laugh when he is sad…

Teach him there is no shame in tears,

Teach him to scoff at cynics and to beware of too much sweetness…

Teach him to sell his brawn and brain to the highest bidders

but never to put a price-tag on his heart and soul.

Teach him to close his ears to a howling mob and to stand and fight

if he thinks he’s right.

Treat him gently, but do not cuddle him,

because only the test of fire makes fine steel.

Let him have the courage to be impatient…

let him have the patience to be brave.

Teach him always to have sublime faith in himself,

because then he will have sublime faith in mankind.

This is a big order, but see what you can do…

He is such a fine little fellow, my son!

~ Abraham Lincoln

checkonsite.com

2008-12-02T16:56:00.006+11:00

This is a top website for those of us who love to check out architectural delights when in foreign cities! If you have ever travelled with an architect you will know that we would walk all day to catch sight of a precious gem of the building variety. Website designer/creator and fellow architect, Leigh knows all too well the hours you spend scouring the cities streets. Leigh has cleverly taken the stress out of this process by creating an online database for her three passions in life - architecture, photography and travel.

Checkonsite is an online reference created by a community interested in identifying and locating the sites worth checking out throughout the world. Through this site you can locate buildings or sites worth checking out using google earth, suggest and share your favourite site or building and say what you think of a building by adding comments.

So if you are planning a trip to a new city and wondering what architecture you should be checking out? or you know what you want to see, but don’t know where it’s located, or if you have some photos from previous trips you would like to share, why not checkonsite!

world aids day

2008-12-01T10:46:00.004+11:00

Today marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. In 1988, the World Health Organization declared the first World AIDS Day in an effort to raise public awareness about HIV/AIDS issues, including the need for support and understanding for people living with HIV/AIDS. The day is also an opportunity to reduce the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS and to highlight the need for continued development of education and prevention initiatives.

Funds raised support services for people living with HIV/AIDS, related medical and counselling services, support and peer education groups.

Red ribbons are available from selected retailers so jump up and buy one now in support of this worthy cause.

Tribute to Utzon

2008-12-01T09:11:00.004+11:00

Jorn Utzon, who was just 38 years old when he sketched the design for the Sydney Opera House, passed away in Denmark on the weekend, in his sleep. Today the flags on the Harbour Bridge will fly at half-mast.

Utzon entered the "international competition for a national opera house at Bennelong Point" expecting to come third. His design was initially flung into the reject pile, but picked out again by US architect Eero Saarinen. Seidler described it as a "piece of poetry" and American Louis Khan said that "light didn't know how beautiful it was, until it was reflected off this building".

Utzon received the prestigious Pritzker architecture prize in 2003 for his design. The jury singled it out as among the most iconic buildings of the 20th century, saying it "proves that the marvellous and seemingly impossible in architecture can be achieved".

it's finally friday

2008-11-28T16:57:00.003+11:00

Enjoy the weekend everyone! Here's hoping for some long overdue sunshine.

Image from here.

finders keepers

2008-11-28T13:49:00.005+11:00

Next weekend The Finders Keepers Markets are on at The Carriage Works in Sydney's Redfern. These markets are full of independent designers and artists. They sounds like they will be great! They are on the 5th and 6th of December and go into the evening. Another great thing about the markets are their location. The Carriage Works is an amazing place and space and well worth a visit. Hope to see you there!

introducing... The Katolo Project

2008-11-26T11:31:00.009+11:00

It was very exciting news when Kimberley and her film company Ariella Pictures decided to jump on board the bricks + cartwheels wagon! After embarking on documentary projects in Australia, Israel, Holland and Germany, Kimberley has found her next project. Fostering a deep passion for human rights and education, Kimberley's inspiring vision to capture The Katolo project; its journey for both the bricks + cartwheels team, and the community of Katolo, has taken off.

With a degree in Film Production and 8 years experience in the media behind her, Kimberley is excited to be combining her passion with a project that is sure to change the lives of a community forever.

Kimberley will be heading over with us in January to start the filming from the very beginning. We are excited at the prospect of this and cant wait to see the first footage!

As you can imagine this lengthy filming process needs funding to get it off the ground. Anyone who is wanting to support The Katolo Project can do by purchasing a pack of christmas cards.

These cards are just what is needed to brighten up your christmas this year! Not only is each one hand made, each one is a beautiful piece of photographic art as well. A pack of 5 = $30. Some of the stunning images taken in Kenya are featured on the cards below.

To purchase your cards email kimberleyduband@gmail.com

All money raised will go towards the realisation of the documentary The Katolo Project, a project which i am sure will be a beautiful tale of the Katolo community, the construction of the secondary school for girls and most importantly the role of education in rural areas.

green thumbs

2008-11-25T11:13:00.004+11:00

I suddenly have the urge to join a local community garden. After picking up the real (food) handbook with the SMH a couple of weeks ago, i have a real hankering for a little bit of digging!

This little handbook for those who didn't manage to pick one up, was packed full of interesting tidbits and buzz words such as locavore: someone who only eats food produced locally. There was info on where to go to join your closest community garden.

If you would like to join a community garden and don't know where to find them take a look at this list and put that green thumb to work!

Our resident Jamie Durie-esque friend has also alerted us to the square foot garden. This is great for those who have limited space. This is a great "how too" link if you are interested in this method. Conceived by Mel Bartholomew, author of Square Foot Gardening, the techniques have been enthusiastically adopted by gardeners all over the world! Have a go!

weekend project

2008-11-21T12:54:00.006+11:00

a Christmas wreath! I've been wanting to make a wreath for my front door for a few years now and this year is going to be the year! I've been having a good scour around all our favourite blogs to get some inspiration.....

The first photo is from the lovely Pia, she used a wire base and pussywillow. She adds flowers and berry's during the year, very versatile!

This next one I really love! It's Sara's effort from last year (you have to scroll to the bottom of the page), so very pretty...... she used grape vines as her base... not sure I'm up for that yet!

The final one is from a blog that is new for me blomsterverksta, this lady makes wreaths for a living. Sophie also blogged about a pretty one she found here.

As Pia suggested I think I'm going to keep it simple and see what I can find in my garden.... maybe some eucalyptus leaves, flowers and berries. Hopefully it will be a fun and successful weekend! Next up christmas cake, anyone have a good recipe?

friday again!

2008-11-21T12:26:00.006+11:00

Thank goodness! It's been a long week! I do believe we only have five Fridays left in Sydney before we will all be in Katolo to continue community consultations and begin construction for the Secondary School for Girls. Woo hoo!

Tonight we're heading to our alma mater, The University of Sydney to check out the final year architecture students' exhibition.

[in]form Graduate Exhibition 2008 is on at the Wilkinson Building at The University of Sydney, 148 City Road, Darlington from 6pm. Hope to see you there and if not have a lovely, sunny weekend!

garbage warrior

2008-11-20T09:34:00.006+11:00

Now this is one amazing guy. Anyone seen this documentary? A friend who is in the know about all things waste has watched it. I am yet to, but just visiting the website and watching the trailor was enough to inspire.

For 30 years, renegade architect Michael Reynolds and his green disciples have devoted their time to advancing the art of "Earthship Biotecture" by building self-sufficient, off-the-grid communities where design and function converge in eco-harmony.

Based in New-Mexico, Michael has come up against many critics, so much so that he was stripped of his architecture licence. These earthships defy state standards and Reynolds has continued to lobby for the right to create a sustainable living test site.

It was when the Tsunami struck that Reynolds was able to use his pioneering skills to rebuild communities such as the Andaman Islands. He was able to teach the locals how to recycle cans, bottles, tyres and collect rainwater off these structures for clean drinking water.

He looks to be a wild character, a one of a kind and as some put it a hero of the 21st century! I will be heading out to grab my copy of Garbage Warrior for sure. To watch the full length trailor visit here.

World Toilet Day

2008-11-19T16:38:00.008+11:00

It is World Toilet Day today! It is really important for everyone to take a minute to think about the 2.5 billion people in the world who do not have a private, safe or healthy place to go to the loo. I can't believe how big this statistic is and I am definitely very grateful for my toilet!!

To find out 5 things you can do today to show your support go to the World Toilet Organisation website.

Brisbane's local design and artistic community have designed 100 toilets to be put on display in Queen Street Mall. Hopefully the rain hasn't disrupted the day! More information on insanitation and the 100 toilets Exhibition can be found here. We can't wait to see the photos!

bricks + cartwheels is going to be working with Practical Action to develop an appropriate water and sanitation plan for the secondary school for girls project in Katolo, Kenya.

Sand-bag Architects win top prize!

2008-11-19T13:12:00.007+11:00

South African architects MMA have been awarded the inaugural Curry Stone Design prize of $100,000 for their ingenious solution to the Design Indaba 10x10 low-cost housing challenge. established this year by the university of Kentucky College of Design through a very generous gift from architect Clifford Curry and his wife H. Delight Stone. The prize recognises breakthrough design solutions with the power and potential to improve our lives and the world we live in. The 10x10 housing project initiated by Design Indaba paired 10 teams of South African architects with international designers to pioneer new affordable housing systems. The objective of the competition was to come up with affordable, attractive, innovative responses to the urgent need for housing the urban poor.

MMA were awarded the Curry Stone Design prize for their pioneering design and innovative pilot project to build 10 affordable houses using a sand-bag construction system.

Thanks to The Architects Newspaper for posting this great story with beautiful images and a great interview with the architects.

Luyanda Mpahlwa, who shares the firm with Mpethi Morojele, s

aid that a key component of the house was to provide not only shelter but also social justice and pride. The house was originally designed...as a house for 50,000 rand ($6,200), which required some unusual thinking. In addition to utilizing inexpensive and locally accessible building materials, which required not even a single electrical outlet to put together, the designers turned to the community to build the houses. Mpahlwa said that this approach saved not only the cost of labor but gave the community an added sense of ownership and provided work for the community riven with unemployment.

It is great to hear that Mpahlwa is planning to use his prize money to build more 10x10 houses and sponsor underprivileged kids to attend architecture school. These architects are fabulous inspiration!!

gala dinner snaps

2008-11-19T09:25:00.005+11:00

oh and check out some more of the great snaps taken by the lovely Zoe (mentioned here) from the special night. Thank you Zoe!

bricks + cartwheels gala dinner 2008

2008-11-18T17:25:00.002+11:00

went off with a bang! We were amazed, excited and overwhelmed with how well the inaugural bricks + cartwheels gala dinner went last Saturday night.

After spending the day organising setting up and generally running around 260 guests arrived at the Red Box in Lilyfield to the sounds and beats of exotic african music. The evening kicked off with Drum Beats leading everyone in a group drumming sesison and conga line. The evening was hosted by the amazing Liz Jackson, 5 time Walkley award winner and ABC journalist.

The food was great, the wine flowed and the speeches by Sam Crawford and Linda Hume were inspiring. The bricks + cartwheels team updated everyone on the Katolo school project and Kimberly's little film was a heart breaker! There was even a special guest appearance by one of Australia's musical treasures..... Kamahl!

Throughout the evening guests bid on silent auction items, bought up big on raffle tickets and cleaned out the goody bag stash. The live auction was a HUGE success, and was excellent entertainment for all in the Red Box! The night ended with everyone having a big boogy on the dance floor!
The Gala Dinner raised $37,000.00 for the Katolo Secondary School for girls, which completes the fundraising for stage one of the project. The bricks + cartwheels helpers were amazing, a huge thank you goes out to all you lovely people! This is a major milestone for bricks + cartwheels and the community of Katolo!

green school

2008-11-18T09:21:00.011+11:00

The world's first green school has just opened in the riverside jungles between Denpasar and Ubud. Constructed entirely of bamboo the Green School's goal is 'to prepare students to become responsible global citizens in a world offering challenges and opportunities that can not be imagined at this moment'. Most students are children from all over the world with some local Balinese students offered scholarships to attend.

And with classrooms that are as spectacular and beautiful as these, the journey from pre school onwards will surely be one to remembered.

It's enough to make me want to go back to school! If you're in Bali - the school is open for tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10am sharp. Bookings are required.

if all the world was paper...

2008-11-17T14:34:00.006+11:00

Our friend Fliss sent us this link to pingmag. Shigeru Ban's banlab is responsible for the amazing work in Sichuan Province where a massive earthquake in May ripped through reaching a magnitude of 8 on the richter scale.

The banlab research centre in conjunction with the Keio University has used cardboard tubes to build temporary school buildings. The article discusses the importance and role of architecture after disasters.

As a material paper is cheap, and more importantly, it uses materials that are available anywhere in the world. It is also structurally sound, so you do not have to worry about safety issues. Shigeru Ban has already used paper tubing for rebuilding after earthquakes in: India, Turkey and Kobe.

This excerpt particularly inspired me on this particular Monday:

People tend to think that architecture is only about building skyscrapers and homes. And sometimes, architects let that kind of attitude go to their heads. Architects have to think about what they can do for society. The answer to that is doing something for people who need help. That’s an obligation.

Check out the article to see the finished paper school! And check out Fliss's stuff too... she is one talented lady. Thanks for the heads up Flissy!

it's Friday........

2008-11-14T12:52:00.005+11:00

Everyone must love Fridays, right? It's going to be a lovely weekend, with summer well and truly on its way how could it not be?

We are looking forward to Avalon Market day, on Sydney's northern beaches. It's always a fun day, lots of great stalls, people and music.....and for me a great chance to catch up with lots of old friends. This lovely lady is having a stall selling these. Hope that everyone has a lovely weekend wherever they are!

Photos from here.

mac-o-ram-a in the Maasai

2008-11-14T12:50:00.005+11:00

We're on the cusp of welcoming two b+c directors to the cool Mac owners club! After Kirstin's pc gave up the ghost and Harriet simply needing a laptop to keep up with us when she heads to London next year- the purchases are imminent!

And apart from being easy to use, super cool to look at and generally just great- have a look at the Apple article here. It's from a little while ago, but how great to see technology available in parts of the world that have previously been out of reach. Here's hoping that we can do the same in Katolo at the Secondary School for Girls!

hamish gregory

2008-11-12T11:12:00.002+11:00

Stumbling across this photo gallery has made my day... and has made the desire to get over to Kenya even greater!

Hamish Gregory was a past volunteer of Hands of Help (who we have mentioned here) and what a talented photographer he is! His Mzungu in Africa series is breathtaking, a must view.

Thanks hamish!

we're so excited...and we just can't hide it...

2008-11-11T10:30:00.011+11:00

We're heading to Kenya soooooo soon! We've raised the cash, are finalising the masterplan and preparing for Stage 1 construction of the Secondary School for Girls which will kick off when we're in Katolo in January.

On Sunday at AfroFunk we met Sarah from Hands of Help who will be in Kenya in January too. Kisumu will be the party capital of Kenya on the 20th January when Barack Obama is inaugurated as President. We'll most likely be celebrating with locals at the Jomo Kenyatta stadium in Kisumu or creating a party of our own with anyone who might be in Kisumu too? Let us know if you will be near by!

Meanwhile, how cute are our gorgeous friends Toyi and Scorvel - we can't wait to see them!

MOvember

2008-11-10T16:13:00.005+11:00

It's MOvember time again! The month formerly known as November is upon us again and some of our nearest and dearest are growing and grooming their mo's to raise money and awareness for men's health - specifically prostate cancer and male depression.

It's a great cause and a great fundraising event for the whole month. So if you can: grow your mo, and if you can't: make sure you sponsor someone who is, or donate here!

newtown festival 08

2008-11-07T11:09:00.004+11:00

The b+c team possesses two Newtown residents, so if you get down there this Sunday 9th to Camperdown Memorial Park from 9.30am - 6 pm, you are bound to run in to them...

It’s Newtown Festival’s 30th birthday bash - so string those pearls and get your twin sets ready to celebrate Newtown Festival’s ‘pearl’ anniversary, its going to be one very big day...

It is an event jam packed full of entertainment, great stalls and more.... see here for the full program.

For those of us who are into this like we are, don't miss the demonstration sustainable greenhouse - see what you can do to reduce the environmental impact of your home. The walk-through building is made entirely from recycled products and materials, and features a vertical garden, energy and water efficient fittings, solar panels and much more.

We will be there soaking up the atmosphere, so get on down!

national holiday for kenya

2008-11-06T10:26:00.009+11:00

Kenyans took to the streets early on Wednesday morning to celebrate Barack Obama's election to the White House as the nation's president declared a national holiday!

In downtown Nairobi and in Kibera, one of Africa's largest slums, people dressed in suits on their way to work joined those who had stayed up all night watching the election to dance and chant Obama's name.

Kisumu residents take to the streets

Former South African President Nelson Mandela wrote a letter congratulating Obama, saying, "Your victory has demonstrated that no person anywhere in the world should not dare to dream of wanting to change the world for a better place.''

Obama's connection to the western Kenyan village of Nyang'oma-Kogelo near Lake Victoria comes through his father, also named Barack Obama. After winning a scholarship to study in the U.S., the elder Obama enrolled in the University of Hawaii, where he met and married Obama's mother, Ann Dunham.

Obama's 87-year-old grandmother, Sarah Obama, and her family ran out of their house in Nyang'oma-Kogelo and started dancing when they heard the news of his election. In unison they began chanting in the Luo tongue: "Obama biro! Yao neyo," or "Obama is coming! Clear the way!"

Sarah is already planning what to serve him when she next meets him as the leader of the free world: Asian-style bread, called chapati. It's his favorite, she said. "I am so happy that I don't know if I will die of happiness,'' Sarah Obama told reporters at her homestead. "It will not only change our lives but the whole of Kenya.''

A historic day, Congratulations Obama! Exciting times ahead...!

recycle time

2008-11-05T14:22:00.004+11:00

This is a cool idea! Join in Sydney's biggest free swap party event at lunchtime on Monday 10 November.

From 10:00am at Martin Place enjoy a range of stalls and exhibitions from Planet Ark, The Watershed, The Bower, Reverse Garbage and Visy and find out more about how to "recycle right." On side note if you haven't taken a trip to either Reverse Garbage or The Bower it is a must. We at b+c make frequent trips, most recently to pickup decorations for our Gala dinner!

The Swap Party starts at 12.30pm-1.30pm. Bring up to 3 easy-to-carry, quality items you would like to swap, such as books, CDs, DVDs, clothes, and bric-a-brac. Exchange them for tokens and then simply browse, choose, swap and enjoy. And if two people want the same item, the decision will be made by a sudden-death game of rock, scissors, paper. Recycling has never been so much fun!

Bring in your old mobile phones, printer cartridges, and batteries for recycling at collection stations located near Martin Place station on the day.

This is a free event run by the City of Sydney and the Planet Ark Environmental Foundation.
National Recycling Week runs from 10 -16 November 2008 across the country. For more details visit here.

afro funk @ cafe lounge - November 9

2008-11-03T17:21:00.009+11:00

The lovely Kimberley, who is coming to Kenya with us in January to film our progress, has organised this awesome event to be held this Sunday, 9th November from 3pm til 9pm!

So bring your AFRO WIG and AFRICAN STYLE and join us for an AFRICAN INSPIRED event at one of our favourite places, the unique Cafe Lounge. There will be amazing food and cocktails too...

The Lounge Funk DJs - Louis Love, JRDynamite and Mr Rick are gearing up for summer to help RAISE THE ROOF for the bricks + cartwheels Katolo Project. Ariella pictures invites you personally to get down and funky and show your support (and throw your hands in the air) for a good cause.

There will be a fun raffle on the night!! Prizes include: ipod shuffle, jb hi fi vouchers, facial - supplied by The Beauty Room, wine + more... Be there!!

There is a $10 Donation. The b+c team will be there with bells on!!

introducing zoe mcmahon

2008-10-30T16:37:00.008+11:00

We'd like to introduce you to the lovely Zoe........

Zoe is going to be the photographer for our bricks + cartwheels gala dinner this Saturday night! We are so excited that Zoe is doing the photography for us, not only is she our great friend she is also an amazingly talented photographer. So a big THANK YOU to Zoe for volunteering her services for the evening. This is a sneak peak at some of Zoe's work........

You can check out more of Zoe's work here, make sure you have a look she rocks!