Open Architecture Network

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

TAKE-A-STAND: THE ACTIVIST SPORTABLE

CONCEPT:

goals:

To provide a vehicle, through sports, for opportunity and education; not just a solution to specific problems.

•community involvement/engagement/collaboration:

-local

-regional

-global

•social/economic progress:

-local community

-personal

• environmental stewardship:

- renewable energy infrastructure/education

- reuse/recycle programs

strategy:

A batch of 6 to 8 Sportables is sent to each site, and function as a seed for progress. These components are spread through the community, and each is evolved by the community itself, based on general guidelines and goals for the final use of the Sportable. Through the "progress infrastructure" of the original component, the community integrates with the Sportable; existing programs within the community are incorporated into the primary use of the Sportable, and new programs emerge. The Sportable and surrounding area become a cultural/community hub, but without imposing use or ideology. Typical community events can make use of the infrastructure of the Sportable, inviting those who may not be interested in sports to participate. Cooperation grows not just through sport, but through programs and events that work in conjunction with it. Young people earn more opportunities for education in different fields, and as a result diversify the economy of the area; jobs grow within the community. Sportables deployed in one community become part of a network; each individual Sportable can function at its own field, or some/all can come together for a larger tournament, or other special events.

PRODUCT:

core (3m x 1m x 2m):

The core of the Sportable is the universal package sent to each community. It provides a "progress infrastructure" from which a community can develop opportunities for social economic, and environmental development.

The core is divided into 3 sections; one is dedicated to sporting goods/materials and communication technology, one is storage for sustainable infrastructure materials, and one is used as a tank/filter of collected rainwater and a hearth/oven.

• section 1 (1m x 1m x 2 m):

- sport equipment: individual compartments for each pair of shoes/socks, for each size of shirts/shorts, and for balls.

- shoe material: extra material for shoe soles, other materials that may not be easily found, to manufacture more shoes.

- communication technology: a laptop computer, with open source software provided by a local NGO/government. Programs may include design software for uniforms, and office software for administrative uses. Internet connection.

- stool

- "library lending" materials: tags, scissors, knives, drawing materials

• section 2 (1m x 1m x 2m):

- solar array: 3 panels, slightly smaller than 1m x 2m, along with framing/support, and battery system. To be applied to canopy.

- field lighting: 8 stands and fixtures with LED strips, to be charged on the solar array batteries, and distributed around the field at night, or around the area during other events.

- rental counter: folds down from one of internal partitions, place to put laptop, rent out goods.

• section 3 (1m x 1m x 2m):

- rainwater collection/filtration system: a tank which captures rainwater drained from canopy. With cooperation from Potters For Peace and their Filtrón program, filter is later installed to provide potable water.

- hearth: a detachable grill with supports.

The structure of the core itself is composed of a structural frame, interior partitions, and a set of wheels/axes.

• structural frame: a structural "envelope" made out of bamboo trunks; 4-sided rigid frame that acts as both structure and envelope of deployed Sportable. other elements of the core help stabilize this ribbon.

• interior partitions: these partitions, manufactured out of bamboo plywood, help stabilize the structure, and provide divisions between each section of the core.

• wheels/axes: frame made out of steel, wheels/tires provided by community as part of skin.

The core is transported within a container, which is composed of a frame and envelope. The container becomes part of the field after transport.

• frame: consists of the two goalposts needed for a field. These are built out of hollow steel members, and envelop the core.

• envelope: bamboo plywood, to be used for team or public benches.

skin, Capão Redondo:

The Sportable's skin is a circumnstantial, community designed envelope that appropriates the Sportable's core into its specific place. Materials and construction techniques may differ from place to place, but general components and instructions will be suggested.

The skin is composed of two pieces, which cover the largest surfaces of the core. When the sportable is deployed, each of these components opens away from the core and create public spaces. On one side, bleachers/stands unfold to create a seating/spectating area; on the other, a canopy flips up to create a shaded area.

• stands/bleachers: This is the formal connection between Sportable and sport. Soccer is currently played everywhere in Brasil, so finding prospective players will not be an issue. But to truly engage the community, and to begin instiling ideals of equality and cooperation, one must invite the rest of the community to participate in the main event. The stands/bleachers provide this connection between the community and the game, and may be used for other events. These stands consist of an aluminum frame from scraps, with wood plank seating pivoted about the frame. When deployed, the frame extends to create a diagonal from which the seats pivot.

• canopy: This is the formal sporting goods library and support for solar panels, as well as the informal connection between the community and the Sportable. Under protection from sun and rain, social events and meetings take place, and the core infrastructure is appropriated for quotidian uses. The hearth may be used for a weekend barbecue or feijoada; the pure water spout can become a juice or mate stand; the shelter itself can house samba circles and jam sessions; the computer and design software can be a tool for a class. The point of the simple canopy and supporting infrastructure is that they allow for existing social gatherings to happen within, not imposing specific uses that may not relate to the clients.

field, Capão Redondo:

The futsal field(s) will consist of any open area where the Sportable may be deployable. Lines will be provided with tape, paint, or talcum, as is available, and dimensions may or may not be official. In addition, all 6-8 Sportables may come together to form a small stadium for tournaments between each site's teams. The Sportables also support "fields" in arenas beyond futsal, in order to further engage the community:

• market: the sunday feira is a deeply inbeded tradition in Brasil. By arranging each Sportable as an anchor within a market, or bringing them all together as part of a larger community market, the Sportable is more deeply imbedded into community life.

• barbecue/cookout: whether a churrasco or a feijoada, brazilians enjoy getting together with neighbors for weekend feasts. Even when no official game is happening, people can use the Sportable as a family gathering spot.

• entertainment: Due to it's lighting and power capabilities, Take-a-Stand can be easily used as a hip-hop concert, samba rehearsal, or baile funk venue. These uses engage the artistic and young population of Capão Redondo, perhaps bringing their attention to the Sportable and its goals.

community engagement and evolution, Capão Redondo:

The physical constructs of Take-a-Stand, and the spaces it provides, engage the community for moments in time. It brings the client to the architecture. But to truly engage and improve the socioeconomic and environmental conditions of Capão Redondo, the effects of Take-a-Stand must extend in time and scope. In short, it involves people of the community itself taking a stand. In this spirit, here are some suggested programs that could be applied in conjunction with the Sportable:

• shoe/cothesmaking: rented sporting goods can be kept permanently if replaced by the lessee. Local tailors, seamsters, and shoemakers can teach youth a craft, with the use of extra materials from the Sportable and local materials.

• shoe exchange: using programs such as Nike's "Reuse-a-Shoe" and "NikeGrind", youth can gather old shoes from the neighborhood or even other areas, using the Sportable as a storage device. They can then exchange used shoes for new ones, and gather credits towards a professional playing surface made out of the reused shoes.

• uniform design: local artists/designers can teach youth how to design their own uniforms, hold charettes, and provide services beyond the laptop and programs within Sportable.

• sportscasting/radio: tournament games can be broadcast over the local radio station, which could give youth the opportunity to learn multiple jobs within broadcasting, electronics, electric engineering, etc.

• sustainable infrastructure proliferation: the water filtration system that will be eventually implemented needs to have a production line set up. This can become a great job opportunity within the community, and filters may even be sold outside the community later. Construction waste (shingles, bricks) can be used as material for the filters. Following the lead of the Barefoot College in India, solar panels can be produced and better maintained, creating even more jobs. In addition, sustainable energy and water management will give the community independence from the unreliable utilities grid.

Take-a-Stand creates opportunities through sports and more, but it is up to the community to generate a prosperous future for its citizens.