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PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Submitted by
Team: “Muito Pensadores de Goog”
This model answers the design parameters by taking a view that the traditional facility has validity but can be made on a smaller scale to key neighborhood development and micro-business enterprise. We see wheelsurf races through the neighborhood for cash and prizes. We see human power extending to many uses, including those mentioned. We see people coming together and making a better place to live.
We include links to a more detailed description and a better slideshow presentation than is here possible.
PROPOSAL
Sportable for Sao Paulo, Brazil
Town of Capao Redondo
Architects for Humanity
Sponsored by Google SketchUp
Submitted by
Team: “Muito Pensadores de Goog”
INTRODUCTION
Meeting at breakfast on Friday the 13th, last day of 3DBasecamp, the Team members built a design that is further developed here. It is key to note that, although familiar with SketchUp, two team members are not expert with the application, leaving one to do most the work at Basecamp. All are learning more as time passes. Also, as each resides in a different part of the country, communication to update individual work into a final product has been helped by use of Google Docs, although it does not support SketchUp. In fact, due to personal and proposal time constraints, we ask the judges to consider our submittal as a work-in-progress; finer detail for construction and assembly have been discussed and is being developed. From seeing other submittals from teams at Basecamp, our ambition extends only to consideration of the ideas presented. This outline will cover the basic idea, its implementation, and integration into the Capao Redondo community.
The Sportable
Shown in the SketchUp model are several configurations made from basic units constructed to house and build the Sportable, a mobile arena for sports and community.
The large oceangoing cargo container (50 feet long, 8 feet wide, 10 feet height) can carry the collapsed basic bleacher units; The Corner Units, and all other elements, inclusive of soft wall dividers, tensile structure assemblies, sunsheild/raincatchers, windmill/solar-arrays, sports equipments, power and production equipments, and lighting. Included is a trailer: to carry the container and act as raised bandstand foundation, when equipped with added supports. Fully packed; the unit can be transported by truck from community to community; or set on a barge or suitable flotation unit for lake, river or oceanside setup. Erection requires using a large forklift, boat lift or container crane.
The key unit is the Bleacher Unit. They are of three types; left stair half, right stair half and corner entry halves. A left and right stair unit are bolted together to formulate one bleacher unit. Corner entry units (right and left) allow access to the playing area through corners of the field or arena configuration and house public address and lighting control boards on their roof. Units, as seen in the model, can be built into many configurations, according to event needs. At ninety degree-square corners are Corner Box units; housing dressing rooms, ticket booth and entry hall, multimedia, and other facilities like the lending library and project office. Small enough to be transported by hand, Corner Box Units are also the storage containers for the Bleacher Units. All are color coded for ease of identity and assembly.
Several Bleacher Units may be bolted into set sports specific configurations. Brazilian sports considered in our model are: Baseball, Basketball, Boxing, Football (soccer), Footvolley (football/volleyball), Frescobol, Futsal- (indoor football/soccer), Martial Arts (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Capoeira, Vale tudo), Racing- (motorcycle, bicycle, wheelsurf ), Roller Hockey, Skateboarding, Team Handball, and Tennis. A futsal configuration is pictured as mandated in the rules.
In Concert configuration, the theater aspect of community culture is satisfied; with Town Meetings and other politically inspired events also finding facility. It implies use of folding chairs, in rows, in front of the stage unit. For some events, especially Carnival, the open area may accommodate picnic-style blanket seating. It may also be utilized as a dancing area; both disciplined (as in ballet) and informal (as in rap).
Use of available rental equipments has been considered when the Sportable is to be used for a commercial venture. Large “soft” enclosures may house the boxing arena configuration, or competitions in other Martial Arts tournaments.
Power and Water
Power to support some larger configurations may necessarily involve use of a variety of power generators or fuel cells. Where feasible, use of solar photo voltaic arrays, human-powered generators, and vertical-axis windmills are contemplated. These will store power in cells within a large inflatable tank depicted in the model; air pressure to be used for generation of low-voltage lighting and other secondary power requirements. The vertical-axis windmill model depicted, made by Mariah Power Systems of Reno, Nevada, cost under $5,000 per unit. Both the windmills and solar arrays are susceptible to vandalism; thus placed high above the ground.
Water is collected from overhead structures; a tensile superstructure holding a 'soft' roof. They are modeled stretched taunt for control in wind gust conditions, but may be "relaxed" into a more draped configuration. They both shade participants in event venues, and collect overnight moisture and rain. They may be quickly disassembled or moved to a protective location in suddenly occurring high wind conditions. Use of modified overnight moisture collection devises is seen as possible auxillary collectors once effective hydrogen-ammonia cycle refrigeration is developed.
Water collected is immediately suitable for gray water usages, and can be made potable through evorporative collectors using human-powered devises and electrolysis. Water may be stored in large deflatable sausage-shaped bottles under the bleacher units. It will fulfill sanitation needs and many other essential needs. In case of an emergency event, it will be available for fire fighting using high pressure human-powered pumps. It can be used for misting the crowds on very hot day events. It can be electrolyzed to provide fuel for fuel cell or adaptive combustion engine (ICE or diesel) use.
Human power (PPPV) is also contemplated in the form of power-generating units, grainmill/corn degrainer, blender, water pump, coffee depulper, metal sharpener, nut sheller, wood saw and others. Small stall locations can offer services that use PPV-powered machines. PPPV power units have integrated 12-volt permanent-magnet power generators and necessary electronics. Power created is stored in batteries. These PPPV units are seen as income-producing opportunities, both as a service to be rendered and 'building for sales' of machines.These units may create, for persons unable to afford an event, a means to earn their enjoyment. A structured watts-for-reais time requirement may provide fair compensation for individual effort. The machines also will be good training equipment. Low-power lighting is seen using this resource.
Community and Economic Development
With the emergence of women taking a leading role in many sports, the principle design is to include and secure safe playing space for women; teams and individuals. There are many “traditional” female roles available within the organization, as well. While much of the assembly process involves “heavy lifting,” organization and administration of the construction process is universal. Women are to be encouraged to involve themselves an any and all aspects of the project facility. This includes fund raising and promotion of both the project and events that it will hold.
As such, the building of the project can be phased according to resources as they become available. Government intervention will be restricted to legal requirements and outright grants without “operational strings.” Hopefully, sponsors will come forward to fund aspects of the total picture; from large grants to cover major purchases like the tractor/trailer rig, to small grants to cover materials like t-shirts, flag material and graphics needs. Several avenues have been discussed toward realization of the funding involved. It is obvious that, once built, the facility will be able to realize its own economy and be self-sufficient. In fact, it can become a national organization providing both social and economic infrastructure where needed.
Much of the actual construction involves craft disciplines that are easily integrated in to youth training vehicles. Basic skills like carpentry, welding, plumbing, heavy equipment operation, rigging, crane operations, and others will be involved in the needs of the construction process. Maintenance, including assembly and disassembly, is seen as another opportunity for youth involvement; including ownership of small companies who will hold contracted services agreements. Support will be a critical element in meeting the expectations of participants.
Integrating safety into all phases of construction and eventual operations is crucial to successful and lasting success of the project. Individuals chosen to head various aspects of building the project must be trained to realize the value of safety. These are both short and long run realities. This may include items like effective scheduling of facility availability; to insure equal opportunity to any identifiable minority, and/or both sexes. Once made a habit, the integration of safety into the lives of the individuals involved may lead to other social benefits.
As the project design involves a premium on available storage space, the library created will be digital; with emphasis on online storage and application usage. One or more 'Corner Unit' will be dedicated to building and maintaining this library; with emphasis on sports, training and youth culture. Use of notebook/laptop computers, Personal Digital Assistants (PDA), and cell phones with Internet capability, is advised, as these will be further integrated into use over coming years.
Throughout, the development of income-generating enterprise can best be realized through integration of individual ideas within existing community norms. While there may be an occasional proposal that involves activity that may skirt that value, the success or failure of most small enterprise is tied directly to its mass appeal or targeted to a common need. With this principle in mind, small endeavors can grow to become large enterprises. Administration of this aspect needs the “Wisdom of Solomon,” coupled to careful planning; outlining the process from idea to funded operation. Use of micro-loan principles is advised. To this, teams will be encouraged to create logos and other identifiable imagery for purpose of selling articles of clothing and other items emblazoned with this imagery.
Thought to operations on a 24-hour, 7 day a week basis need be entertained. While this may have obvious downside considerations, use of “Midnight Basketball” program opportunities have proven successful in curbing street crime in American cities. Early morning training for boxers, and other martial arts athletes, is normal and should be encouraged. Much of the success of such operational hours depends on conditions in the neighborhood where the facility is located. SEnsativity to the neighborhood will divert possible ill will.
All this will need space and location to grow from the community. Again, the key will be in effective scheduling and security within the actual facilities. Evenings and weekend “opportunities sessions” may allow time to adequately understand, develop proposals and design solutions involved in the many ideas that will come. Staff and participants both must have great patience and adequate encouragement in dealing with this very sensitive issue.
Security
As the building of this project is community-based, there is always the prospect of violent reaction to any given decision or rumor. Controls to meet the needs of the physical plant, the immediate surrounding area. and the community-at-large is the simple most measure by which this project will succeed or fail. As so many individual dreams and community alliances will be involved, building networks before actual operations begin will be key. While cliques are to be discouraged, a base cadre from a wide cross-section of the community is essential. All need non-violent crowd and individual control training prior to construction and operation.
Once built, the community must take responsibility to insure the safety of all individuals and teams that participate. Good sportsmanship must be backed with effective crowd control. To this, the access to the playing fields in some configurations is designed to limit the number of spectators. Patrol by police, and/or community-based team patrols, is expected to handle the usual crisis during events. Individuals must be trained to effectively talk-down upset individuals, and emphasis on non-violent methods in reactive situations is crucial to maintaining peace and order. Daily operations will rely on a trained cadre of individuals, who hold sessions and administrate the facilities, having adequate training to handle any situation that arises.
The real secret to maintaining peace is communication within all factors involved in a given situation. Coaches, players and staff must be sensitive to the situations within their functions. Often, movement of an individual or two to another ongoing operation can defuse a festering conflict. Discipline point systems and prejudged consequences do not work with youth; the idea is to instill within participants a “pride in community and in themselves” that will not allow behavior that threatens others, the community, or use of the units for their entertainment, enterprise and edification.
Property is to be secured after each and any event with sophisticated locking mechanisms. Be it a tractor, tent side, or tennis racket, the equipments to a given set configuration must be accounted for before the next event of the same type is opened. Normal wear and tear will cost in replacement, but that will be written off by a person put in charge, as noted on the schedule. Accounting for equipments may be visually built into a given equipment box or equipment bag; by section dividing according to the equipment held. Some individual equipment may be signed out on a semi-permanent basis. Consumable supplies will be made available by reservation from preprinted listing according to activity.
Team uniforms may provide opportunity for gang activity. There needs to be a check on the content of uniform design; but, other than a check for content, the design parameter is completely open. These designs will be opportunity for income-producing activity. As such, the accounting for any sales must be verifiable by count and sales slips. This will include hats, shirts, shorts or pants, balls, and other such sports-related products.
Materials
Use of recycled materials makes sense in many ways; not the least of which is cost. In every instance, use of recyclable materials may be mandated. However, there are situations where the use of recyclables is not advised; in structural members and equipments where failure would endanger life or limb. Safety will be measure and motto in building our project.
However, certain equipments can be had for very little. This can and may be critical in moving the project from the playing fields into the homes of the community. Many used electronic devises can be had by simply asking; an outdated laptop or PDA, cell phone, public address amplifier, speakers, lights and the like included. There is some satisfaction in knowing that a piece of equipment, that had been used for sometime but replaced by a newer version with more features, is going to some person who will use it to learn or earn. This is seen as an opportunity that is an Internet natural. Utilization of MIT’s One Laptop per Child program will solve some Internet access difficulty; however operation of a low-power Wi-Fi router distribution is seen as essential for communications and information sharing.
In the 1970s, a man in Levitown, NY, that received recognition for a process he called Plastic B, mixed sludge crude oil, molasses left after sugar processing, and inert material like wood ash. He came up with a plastic that hardened over time, was waterproof and very economical to produce. The science was proven, but the process remains obscure. It is thought that investigation and experimentation in Brazil may come up with a suitable strength material for bleacher bench construction from reclaimed material, mixed with a Plastic B-type bonding agent. All these materials are common to the Sao Paulo region and can be integrated into the micro-business model with some planning.
Many materials common to homeowners in the past can make a comeback in today's “think green” atmosphere. Common baking soda, as a laundry detergent boost or general cleaner, is but one example. Online investigation into past common practices may reveal many such products; and provide both an environmentally acceptable alternative, and possible income-producing product or service. Creative thinking is a primary emphasis in any teaching situation. When individuals learn to think for themselves, and investigate both notions and wild ideas, society is tested and often improved. While there may not be anything new under the Sun, there are new ways to put those things together.
Sanitation
Use of the 'Clivus Multrum' (inclined plane) design dry toilets, where permanent installation is possible, may provide needed humus for local urban agricultural plantings and a needed control system for grey water distribution. Incineration toilets are available but at a premium cost. Bio-methane generators are to be considered, providing obvious health and environment problems are solved. This human problem has to be solved to provide a workable project environment for the enjoyment of sports. Configuration units need to be cleaned after each use. The grounds need to be maintained. All equipment needing repair needs to be attended. An "exchange for value received" program can involve community members, and provide economic incentive benefits for all those involved. Research investigation, design and construct of the appropriate technology of yesterday and today may provide solutions for tomorrow's problems.
Autodesk Freewheel allows users to view and share 2D and 3D designs in their browser without installing additional software.
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PROPOSAL
Sportable for Sao Paulo, Brazil
Town of Capao Redondo
Architects for Humanity
Sponsored by Google SketchUp
Submitted by
Team: “Muito Pensadores de Goog”
INTRODUCTION
Meeting at breakfast on Friday the 13th, last day of 3DBasecamp, the Team members built a design that is further developed here. It is key to note that, although familiar with SketchUp, two team members are not expert with the application, leaving one to do most the work at Basecamp. All are learning more as time passes. Also, as each resides in a different part of the country, communication to update individual work into a final product has been helped by use of Google Docs, although it does not support SketchUp. In fact, due to personal and proposal time constraints, we ask the judges to consider our submittal as a work-in-progress; finer detail for construction and assembly have been discussed and is being developed. From seeing other submittals from teams at Basecamp, our ambition extends only to consideration of the ideas presented. This outline will cover the basic idea, its implementation, and integration into the Capao Redondo community.
The Sportable
Shown in the SketchUp model are several configurations made from basic units constructed to house and build the Sportable, a mobile arena for sports and community.
The large oceangoing cargo container (50 feet long, 8 feet wide, 10 feet height) can carry the collapsed basic bleacher units; The Corner Units, and all other elements, inclusive of soft wall dividers, tensile structure assemblies, sunsheild/raincatchers, windmill/solar-arrays, sports equipments, power and production equipments, and lighting. Included is a trailer: to carry the container and act as raised bandstand foundation, when equipped with added supports. Fully packed; the unit can be transported by truck from community to community; or set on a barge or suitable flotation unit for lake, river or oceanside setup. Erection requires using a large forklift, boat lift or container crane.
The key unit is the Bleacher Unit. They are of three types; left stair half, right stair half and corner entry halves. A left and right stair unit are bolted together to formulate one bleacher unit. Corner entry units (right and left) allow access to the playing area through corners of the field or arena configuration and house public address and lighting control boards on their roof. Units, as seen in the model, can be built into many configurations, according to event needs. At ninety degree-square corners are Corner Box units; housing dressing rooms, ticket booth and entry hall, multimedia, and other facilities like the lending library and project office. Small enough to be transported by hand, Corner Box Units are also the storage containers for the Bleacher Units. All are color coded for ease of identity and assembly.
Several Bleacher Units may be bolted into set sports specific configurations. Brazilian sports considered in our model are: Baseball, Basketball, Boxing, Football (soccer), Footvolley (football/volleyball), Frescobol, Futsal- (indoor football/soccer), Martial Arts (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Capoeira, Vale tudo), Racing- (motorcycle, bicycle, wheelsurf ), Roller Hockey, Skateboarding, Team Handball, and Tennis. A futsal configuration is pictured as mandated in the rules.
In Concert configuration, the theater aspect of community culture is satisfied; with Town Meetings and other politically inspired events also finding facility. It implies use of folding chairs, in rows, in front of the stage unit. For some events, especially Carnival, the open area may accommodate picnic-style blanket seating. It may also be utilized as a dancing area; both disciplined (as in ballet) and informal (as in rap).
Use of available rental equipments has been considered when the Sportable is to be used for a commercial venture. Large “soft” enclosures may house the boxing arena configuration, or competitions in other Martial Arts tournaments.
Power and Water
Power to support some larger configurations may necessarily involve use of a variety of power generators or fuel cells. Where feasible, use of solar photo voltaic arrays, human-powered generators, and vertical-axis windmills are contemplated. These will store power in cells within a large inflatable tank depicted in the model; air pressure to be used for generation of low-voltage lighting and other secondary power requirements. The vertical-axis windmill model depicted, made by Mariah Power Systems of Reno, Nevada, cost under $5,000 per unit. Both the windmills and solar arrays are susceptible to vandalism; thus placed high above the ground.
Water is collected from overhead structures; a tensile superstructure holding a 'soft' roof. They are modeled stretched taunt for control in wind gust conditions, but may be "relaxed" into a more draped configuration. They both shade participants in event venues, and collect overnight moisture and rain. They may be quickly disassembled or moved to a protective location in suddenly occurring high wind conditions. Use of modified overnight moisture collection devises is seen as possible auxillary collectors once effective hydrogen-ammonia cycle refrigeration is developed.
Water collected is immediately suitable for gray water usages, and can be made potable through evorporative collectors using human-powered devises and electrolysis. Water may be stored in large deflatable sausage-shaped bottles under the bleacher units. It will fulfill sanitation needs and many other essential needs. In case of an emergency event, it will be available for fire fighting using high pressure human-powered pumps. It can be used for misting the crowds on very hot day events. It can be electrolyzed to provide fuel for fuel cell or adaptive combustion engine (ICE or diesel) use.
Human power (PPPV) is also contemplated in the form of power-generating units, grainmill/corn degrainer, blender, water pump, coffee depulper, metal sharpener, nut sheller, wood saw and others. Small stall locations can offer services that use PPV-powered machines. PPPV power units have integrated 12-volt permanent-magnet power generators and necessary electronics. Power created is stored in batteries. These PPPV units are seen as income-producing opportunities, both as a service to be rendered and 'building for sales' of machines.These units may create, for persons unable to afford an event, a means to earn their enjoyment. A structured watts-for-reais time requirement may provide fair compensation for individual effort. The machines also will be good training equipment. Low-power lighting is seen using this resource.
Community and Economic Development
With the emergence of women taking a leading role in many sports, the principle design is to include and secure safe playing space for women; teams and individuals. There are many “traditional” female roles available within the organization, as well. While much of the assembly process involves “heavy lifting,” organization and administration of the construction process is universal. Women are to be encouraged to involve themselves an any and all aspects of the project facility. This includes fund raising and promotion of both the project and events that it will hold.
As such, the building of the project can be phased according to resources as they become available. Government intervention will be restricted to legal requirements and outright grants without “operational strings.” Hopefully, sponsors will come forward to fund aspects of the total picture; from large grants to cover major purchases like the tractor/trailer rig, to small grants to cover materials like t-shirts, flag material and graphics needs. Several avenues have been discussed toward realization of the funding involved. It is obvious that, once built, the facility will be able to realize its own economy and be self-sufficient. In fact, it can become a national organization providing both social and economic infrastructure where needed.
Much of the actual construction involves craft disciplines that are easily integrated in to youth training vehicles. Basic skills like carpentry, welding, plumbing, heavy equipment operation, rigging, crane operations, and others will be involved in the needs of the construction process. Maintenance, including assembly and disassembly, is seen as another opportunity for youth involvement; including ownership of small companies who will hold contracted services agreements. Support will be a critical element in meeting the expectations of participants.
Integrating safety into all phases of construction and eventual operations is crucial to successful and lasting success of the project. Individuals chosen to head various aspects of building the project must be trained to realize the value of safety. These are both short and long run realities. This may include items like effective scheduling of facility availability; to insure equal opportunity to any identifiable minority, and/or both sexes. Once made a habit, the integration of safety into the lives of the individuals involved may lead to other social benefits.
As the project design involves a premium on available storage space, the library created will be digital; with emphasis on online storage and application usage. One or more 'Corner Unit' will be dedicated to building and maintaining this library; with emphasis on sports, training and youth culture. Use of notebook/laptop computers, Personal Digital Assistants (PDA), and cell phones with Internet capability, is advised, as these will be further integrated into use over coming years.
Throughout, the development of income-generating enterprise can best be realized through integration of individual ideas within existing community norms. While there may be an occasional proposal that involves activity that may skirt that value, the success or failure of most small enterprise is tied directly to its mass appeal or targeted to a common need. With this principle in mind, small endeavors can grow to become large enterprises. Administration of this aspect needs the “Wisdom of Solomon,” coupled to careful planning; outlining the process from idea to funded operation. Use of micro-loan principles is advised. To this, teams will be encouraged to create logos and other identifiable imagery for purpose of selling articles of clothing and other items emblazoned with this imagery.
Thought to operations on a 24-hour, 7 day a week basis need be entertained. While this may have obvious downside considerations, use of “Midnight Basketball” program opportunities have proven successful in curbing street crime in American cities. Early morning training for boxers, and other martial arts athletes, is normal and should be encouraged. Much of the success of such operational hours depends on conditions in the neighborhood where the facility is located. SEnsativity to the neighborhood will divert possible ill will.
All this will need space and location to grow from the community. Again, the key will be in effective scheduling and security within the actual facilities. Evenings and weekend “opportunities sessions” may allow time to adequately understand, develop proposals and design solutions involved in the many ideas that will come. Staff and participants both must have great patience and adequate encouragement in dealing with this very sensitive issue.
Security
As the building of this project is community-based, there is always the prospect of violent reaction to any given decision or rumor. Controls to meet the needs of the physical plant, the immediate surrounding area. and the community-at-large is the simple most measure by which this project will succeed or fail. As so many individual dreams and community alliances will be involved, building networks before actual operations begin will be key. While cliques are to be discouraged, a base cadre from a wide cross-section of the community is essential. All need non-violent crowd and individual control training prior to construction and operation.
Once built, the community must take responsibility to insure the safety of all individuals and teams that participate. Good sportsmanship must be backed with effective crowd control. To this, the access to the playing fields in some configurations is designed to limit the number of spectators. Patrol by police, and/or community-based team patrols, is expected to handle the usual crisis during events. Individuals must be trained to effectively talk-down upset individuals, and emphasis on non-violent methods in reactive situations is crucial to maintaining peace and order. Daily operations will rely on a trained cadre of individuals, who hold sessions and administrate the facilities, having adequate training to handle any situation that arises.
The real secret to maintaining peace is communication within all factors involved in a given situation. Coaches, players and staff must be sensitive to the situations within their functions. Often, movement of an individual or two to another ongoing operation can defuse a festering conflict. Discipline point systems and prejudged consequences do not work with youth; the idea is to instill within participants a “pride in community and in themselves” that will not allow behavior that threatens others, the community, or use of the units for their entertainment, enterprise and edification.
Property is to be secured after each and any event with sophisticated locking mechanisms. Be it a tractor, tent side, or tennis racket, the equipments to a given set configuration must be accounted for before the next event of the same type is opened. Normal wear and tear will cost in replacement, but that will be written off by a person put in charge, as noted on the schedule. Accounting for equipments may be visually built into a given equipment box or equipment bag; by section dividing according to the equipment held. Some individual equipment may be signed out on a semi-permanent basis. Consumable supplies will be made available by reservation from preprinted listing according to activity.
Team uniforms may provide opportunity for gang activity. There needs to be a check on the content of uniform design; but, other than a check for content, the design parameter is completely open. These designs will be opportunity for income-producing activity. As such, the accounting for any sales must be verifiable by count and sales slips. This will include hats, shirts, shorts or pants, balls, and other such sports-related products.
Materials
Use of recycled materials makes sense in many ways; not the least of which is cost. In every instance, use of recyclable materials may be mandated. However, there are situations where the use of recyclables is not advised; in structural members and equipments where failure would endanger life or limb. Safety will be measure and motto in building our project.
However, certain equipments can be had for very little. This can and may be critical in moving the project from the playing fields into the homes of the community. Many used electronic devises can be had by simply asking; an outdated laptop or PDA, cell phone, public address amplifier, speakers, lights and the like included. There is some satisfaction in knowing that a piece of equipment, that had been used for sometime but replaced by a newer version with more features, is going to some person who will use it to learn or earn. This is seen as an opportunity that is an Internet natural. Utilization of MIT’s One Laptop per Child program will solve some Internet access difficulty; however operation of a low-power Wi-Fi router distribution is seen as essential for communications and information sharing.
In the 1970s, a man in Levitown, NY, that received recognition for a process he called Plastic B, mixed sludge crude oil, molasses left after sugar processing, and inert material like wood ash. He came up with a plastic that harded over time, was waterproof and very economical to produce. The science was proven, but the process remains obscure. It is thought that investigation and experimentation in Brazil may come up with a suitable strength material for bleacher bench construction from reclaimed material, mixed with a Plastic B-type bonding agent. All these materials are common to the Sao Paulo region and can be integrated into the micro-business model with some planning.
Many materials common to homeowners in the past can make a comeback in today's “think green” atmosphere. Common baking soda, as a laundry detergent boost or general cleaner, is but one example. Online investigation into past common practices may reveal many such products; and provide both an environmentally acceptable alternative, and possible income-producing product or service. Creative thinking is a primary emphasis in any teaching situation. When individuals learn to think for themselves, and investigate both notions and wild ideas, society is tested and often improved. While there may not be anything new under the Sun, there are new ways to put those things together.
Sanitation
Use of the 'Clivus Multrum' (inclined plane) design dry toilets, where permanent installation is possible, may provide needed humus for local urban agricultural plantings and a needed control system for grey water distribution. Incineration toilets are available but at a premium cost. Bio-methane generators are to be considered, providing obvious health and environment problems are solved. This human problem has to be solved to provide a workable project environment for the enjoyment of sports. Configuration units need to be cleaned after each use. The grounds need to be maintained. All equipment needing repair needs to be attended. An "exchange for value received" program can involve community members, and provide economic incentive benefits for all those involved. Research investigation, design and construct of the appropriate technology of yesterday and today may provide solutions for tomorrow's problems.