Engaging a community in the heart of el Tamarindo, Nicaragua... Just before starting ArchiNerd.
El Tamarindo, Nicaragua
In a small village outside of Leon, Nicaragua, is El Tamarindo. Thanks to amazing support from folks all over the world, this city is getting special attention. An international not-for-profit, Autentico, gave the project a foundation of support.
Philip Vertriest is the brian-child of Autentico, an international NGO based in Belgium. Autentico was born out of the hard work of MPowering People, a local NGO. As a locally rooted organization, MPowering People was the connection to the community Philip needed to thoroughly analyze assistance to 4 communities in the Leon area. Each one had unique economic and social hardships - some more than others. The funding needed to be used purposefully, so the decision was made to focus on el Tamarindo.
Pre-Planning the Design
Autentico had a two-fold plan:
1. Micro-financing for mothers in the community to create businesses, and
2. Education for children to extend learning outside of the classroom.
Our biggest questions were always, "How do we make this sustainable?" Not 'green design', but how can micro-loans and volunteer led programming be sustainable into the future? This, and many topics were discussed with empathy and heartfelt listening, allowing folks like me to better understand the situation of the families.
A list was made which targeting the desires of the organization, and ways to make it sustainable:
1. School - Education
2. Kitchen + Store - Community
3. Garden
4. Rental Home
5. Public Space
Conceptual Plans
Conceptual Elevations
The Design
A plan was made to develop a community center in the heart of el Tamarindo - alongside a popular river swimming location. A property and funding was secured, and building needed to be planned. Brent worked with the organization and the mothers of the community to plan was would be ideal going into the future - and most importantly, how to make it sustainable.
The initial concept was very simple - utilize all of the site as a tool for community.
1. School Design
- separate space for high school & elementary
- passive design to utilize natural light & ventilation
- flexible space for kids & adults
2. Kitchen Design
- periodic restaurant ran by consejo (mothers teams)
- access to kitchen by community, separate from children
3. Garden
- vegetable garden and tree orchard
- gutters from buildings to cisterns to hold water during dry season
- education on nutrition & plants
4. Rental Home
- to be used by project volunteers to offset housing costs
- separate room and bath for additional rental
5. Public Space
- free wifi because access to internet is access to education
- engage the public to activate the area
- provide changing area for river tourists
There are many conversations that go into a decision like building a school for a small community in the middle of no where Nicaragua. For me, the economic opportunity that this project provides a community alongside the assistance these mothers get for their children is priceless.
Please consider checking out Autentico and asking how you can help out!
Links
Director / Donkey:
Website:
Also follow Autentico via Facebook:
The Grand Opening
The community center was finished in February 2019. Brent was asked to give the new community center a little color. With the help of Mario and Jorge, we completed a mural that dissolves the corner of the center into a fun peek into the jungle.
Check out the painting, and other art by Brent here.
Opmerkingen