Our presentation on Monday 20th went well. We presented to The principal Bheki, 2 of his staff, 2 students (head boy and head girl) 4 members of the governing body (chairperson and 3 others) and 2 persons from Mpilonhle (Jonathan and Anastasia). One of the teachers translated and from all accounts did a remarkable job.
The attached pdf (See Project Overview) shows the models we made and these models were left at the school to invite further comment and participation.
QUESTIONS RAISED
Structure: The student asked me about the life cycle of the pole structure and asked whether we had considered steel as a primary structure. In my reply I assured them that with proper detailing the poles were treated and would last between 20 and 30 years without much maintenance other than for occasional inspection for insect and termite attack. Also that poles could be erected by a local, relatively skilled contractor. Steel on the other hand would be expensive, would require a sophisticated contractor and would require regular maintenance to prevent corrosion because of proximity to the coast.
Programme: It was indicated that the football pitch was currently not in use because all extra-curricular activities including sport had been suspended due to the catch up plan occurring at the school as a consequence of the strike. Accordingly that work could proceed almost immediately.
Shade Fabric: There seemed to be enthusiastic acceptance of the idea of conducting a workshop with art students of the school (as well as other interested students) to prepare the patchwork cover for the shade fabric. To a query I said that the cover would be made up in manageable pieces (approx 1m squares) with edges stitched and eyed for lacing onto the structure after painting. Having given it some thought I suggest that we create a more substantial structure under - a weld mesh fencing layer perhaps - so that the shade fabric doesn't flap in high winds.
Fencing: There was a general query about the nature and type of fencing both between the road and the field and between the field and the school. I suggested a 1,8m weld mesh fence on timber uprights as I felt it important that visibility of the field was not impeded either from the road or from the school.
Showers/Toilets: There was a definite requirement for showers and for the toilets to be separated (not in the same space) so that public and Mpilonhle (when they are there) could use these - they would not be for students! We will make this change to the sketch plan.
Derek van Heerden EAST COAST ARCHITECTS
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Our presentation on Monday 20th went well. We presented to The principal Bheki, 2 of his staff, 2 students (head boy and head girl) 4 members of the governing body (chairperson and 3 others) and 2 persons from Mpilonhle (Jonathan and Anastasia). One of the teachers translated and from all accounts did a remarkable job.
The attached pdf (See Project Overview) shows the models we made and these models were left at the school to invite further comment and participation.
QUESTIONS RAISED
Structure: The student asked me about the life cycle of the pole structure and asked whether we had considered steel as a primary structure. In my reply I assured them that with proper detailing the poles were treated and would last between 20 and 30 years without much maintenance other than for occasional inspection for insect and termite attack. Also that poles could be erected by a local, relatively skilled contractor. Steel on the other hand would be expensive, would require a sophisticated contractor and would require regular maintenance to prevent corrosion because of proximity to the coast.
Programme: It was indicated that the football pitch was currently not in use because all extra-curricular activities including sport had been suspended due to the catch up plan occurring at the school as a consequence of the strike. Accordingly that work could proceed almost immediately.
Shade Fabric: There seemed to be enthusiastic acceptance of the idea of conducting a workshop with art students of the school (as well as other interested students) to prepare the patchwork cover for the shade fabric. To a query I said that the cover would be made up in manageable pieces (approx 1m squares) with edges stitched and eyed for lacing onto the structure after painting. Having given it some thought I suggest that we create a more substantial structure under - a weld mesh fencing layer perhaps - so that the shade fabric doesn't flap in high winds.
Fencing: There was a general query about the nature and type of fencing both between the road and the field and between the field and the school. I suggested a 1,8m weld mesh fence on timber uprights as I felt it important that visibility of the field was not impeded either from the road or from the school.
Showers/Toilets: There was a definite requirement for showers and for the toilets to be separated (not in the same space) so that public and Mpilonhle (when they are there) could use these - they would not be for students! We will make this change to the sketch plan.
Derek van Heerden
EAST COAST ARCHITECTS