...we are hereby seeking specific permission from .... for a community
building project which has already recieved support from........
This project is the construction of a bench using unfired
masonry techniques (adobe) which has many benefits including durability,
as well as community, cultural and environmental significance. If the
City approves this project, our group of skilled unfired mansory craftsmen
/experts and enthusiasts will lead participants of all ages from the
community, to be included in part of the process of building the bench. The
finishing touches will be hand-sculpted and then a weather-proof plaster
finish will be applied to the outside. The combined collective experience
of our team spans several years and working with hundreds of people in 3
continents. The project aims to bring people together, and create a
memorable event while building a functional, durable and aesthetically
pleasing struture for the community. It aims to balance participant’s
needs to learn, socialize and have fun, with the need for achieving a
shared sense of accomplishment from completing the construction of the
structure. Below is more specific information that includes dimensions of
the proposed structure and the proposed activities that make up the
project. This is a unique opportunity for ...... and we look
forward to hearing from you soon with permission to proceed so that we may
begin the process of securing the necessary resources.
Proposed Structure Dimensions
Pre Event Activities - Approximately 2-3 days total.
Setting in place the stone foundation. (1/2 to 1 day including delivery)
Delivery of materials as close to the proposed building site as possible
(1-2hrs)
Soaking the mixtures. (overnight)
Mixing the ingredients. An activity with interested community members (1/2
day)
Making "bricks" with the mixed ingredients. (1/2 day)
Making plaster (1/2 day)
At the Event Activities - Approximately 2-6 hours.
The overall tasks to be accomplished at the event are to make another
batch of building material mortar and to lay the "bricks" in place to
build the bench up. Below is a breakdown of the individual activities
that have been designed to enable community members to participate in the
process. These activities are scalable in that we have developed ways to
work with small groups as well as larger numbers of people.
1.mixing the adobe mixtures with bare feet. The size of the mixing area
determines how many people are doing it at one time. 1 sq ft per person.
In order to minimize impact to the park the area for this activity will be
limited to 10 sq ft and therefore fit about 10 people. If we have more
people that show up and want to be involved then groups of about ten can
be rotated through.
2.making accoustic (non amplified) music and rythmn and inspiration while
people mix. (min 1-10 persons at one time)
3. Laying the adobe and bricks together in place to build the bench.
(1-10 persons at one time)
4. Hand-sculpting the shape, and curves. (1-10 persons at one time)
5. Mosaic design. (optional) 1-10 people at a time for each activity.
There are 3 activities for the mosaic. 1. collect things - stones and
broken glass, 2.come up with a design - practicing on the ground. 3.
putting the mosaic into the bench. Can be the same people for all three or
different groups.
6. Applying a layer of plaster. 1-10 people at one time.
7. Preparing refreshments for the builders and rythmn makers. ratio of 1:4
For example, if there are a total of 20 people making music and mixing
mud, then there can be up to 5 people helping to prepare and serve
refreshments.
Post-event - Several hours spread out over the 2-4 week period.
Putting additional layers of plaster on it until it completely dries all
the way through. This may take up to several coats applied over 2-4weeks.
With each coat of plaster we are also strengthening the water resistance.
Maintenance Considerations:
If the bench is built under a roof somewhere like under a picnic area it
will last longer. If it is out in the open we have to spend more time
plastering it and waterproofing with linseed oil. Our experience has
proved to us that the plaster we intend to make and use will last at least
3 years and probably 5.
The bench can weather-proofed each year with a fresh coat of Linseed Oil
applied with a paint brush. After several years of wear and tear it can
also be re-plastered with a fresh coat of plaster that is also then coated
with Linseed Oil too.
Unfired masonry is an ancient and traditional building technique
with many benefits that is suitable to use in all climates and
all regions of the world. A small yet growing number of people
on all corners of the planet are finding creative ways to revive
unfired earthen construction in order to enjoy it’s many benefits.
Examples of buildings made using unfired masonry techniques, include the 1,000 year old
Pueblos in the Southwest of the USA and the 500 year old unfired earthen "cob" homes in Devon, England.
