To entertain myself while lounging at the beach and to pretend I was character in the indie classic 300 Days of Summer I have passed some time devouring the fascinating work of Alain de Bottom in his revolutionary architectural novel The Architecture of Happiness. The piece of work frames the intrinsic connection between architecture, philosophy and psychology. He investigates that way in which humans develop their identity in direct correspondence with our local environment, therefore, the way in which we design the architecture of our own happiness.
I was extremely moved by his work and the parallels he drafted between historical landmarks and the ideology of people within that specific context. It is stunning to consider the credibility of comprehending our world's history through the built environment alone. Buildings, parkways, city plans, sculpture, design, etc. serve as the canvass to understanding humankind and a mode of translating how one translates their personal significance and outlook on life. For someone to understand this power is the key of a great architect. This passage embodies this agency:
"The places we call beautiful are, by contrast, the work of those rare architects with the humility to interrogate themselves adequately about their desires and the tenacity to translate their fleeting apprehensions of joy into logical plans-a combination that enables then to create environments that satisfy needs we never consciously knew we even had" (249).
By transcending the material creation, a designer, may further comprehend their own being. Through this self realization the designer will become a more thorough, innovative professional who benefits the evolution of humankind's built environment to reflect the intrinsic connection between people and place. Their creation will become a legacy beloved by many.
For the gift of interrogating my work and passion within this context, I thank my liberal arts education and will not complain too excessively for my subsequent years in graduate school to specialize my broad knowledge of the built and natural environments.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
The New Buzz Word: Innovate
There are many slogans used to represent the concept of the current environmental movement. Here's a very short list: sustainability, eco-concious, eco-savvy, environmentally friendly, and the most generalized, beloved term of all: green. While all of these terms have connotated an universal intent of minimizing human impact, spreading consciousness and creating a more harmonious natural and built environment, I have come to believe that the most applicable common thread is epitomized in the action word- innovate.
Our culture is consumed by the popular explosion of rethink, reduce, recycle, reuse jargon in everyday thought. In my opinion, innovate is the ideal term in which to unify all of the re words within a holistic ideology of utilizing the present built environment and human culture while adapting new technologies and theories into its application for modern day. Through the evolution of traditional cultural practices into a new terrain with integrated scientific advances, the historic systems will expand their capacities for improved sustainable, communal, localized existence.
While contemplating the implication of "innovate" in this specific context of my Mexican project, I find myself interrogating the impact of my design intent upon the natural environment and the local community. The process of designing and building my family's home exemplifies the necessity to use innovative measures to create an unique place that harmoniously integrates into the natural and social fabric of the landscape and community respectively, while still generating energy and water resources in a sustainable manner. In order to do so, I have deeply mediated on the ways in which I can incorporate traditional methodologies, local and alternative materials, and modern technologies for extensive modes of conservation and recycling.
I believe you must consider the process, the creation and the legacy of the place in a holistic manner. Striking a balance between the present and the future to innovate a modern home grounded in the local ecology and traditional culture of the region. Only in this moment of balance will you find peace in your impact upon the larger whole. You are only a compartment of the nautilus.
Resalvaged, Recycled Materials
Reinventing Local, Natural Materials
Resource Conservation
Revitalizing Traditional Practices
Monday, March 28, 2011
The Pursuit of Happiness: Designing Life from Nature
While traveling through the coastal mountain highway on a crowded Mexican bus with Mamma Mia playing in the background I noticed a familiar field of grain tucked into a lush valley along the road. It took me a moment to think back to my earlier trips along this dangerous mountain road between San Pancho and Lo de Marcos, to this particular curve in the road. Then all of the sudden, I realized that this head high flowering grain was the crop I witnessed being planted only 2 months ago. Within this compressed timeline, the crop had sprouted, shot up into the air and developed its nutritional grain to be harvested. This realization left me with a feeling of frustration. This human driven agricultural crop had fully accomplished its mission in the past 2 months and I was still waiting on phone calls-completely stuck. Point to the grain.
As I continued on my bus journey into the canopy of the Mexican Riviera, this feeling of frustration evolved into a deep reflection. A mediation concerning the processes and productivity of nature in this localized region, and in relation to its people and their constructed social structures. I had to ponder the question: "Why has this crop come into full maturity while I wait for endless political procedures and permitting to be processed for months on end?"
Through this train of thought, I began to comprehend the parallels between the natural environment and the culture that has developed amongst this unique landscape. During my months of cultural immersion into the intricacies of Mexican social structures, power relations, traditional non-secular beliefs and practices, and the constant cultural connotations of the language has, I have gathered the research to thoughtfully compose this analysis through the lens of natural ecology.
I believe everything in life on this planet is given a time and place. The natural world along with the human constructed social sphere and built environment is dictated by ecological systems and processes. (I will be looking at the specific context of the small communities dotting the coastline of Nayarit.) While modern technologies, global trade and capitalism has adamantly challenged these natural evolutions of people and place, once you enter the traditional, interwoven social landscape of small Mexican communities, the concept of living from the land transcribes into a permeation of every thought, belief and practice in one's daily life.
While I may be impatiently waiting for the progress of our project in Mexico to gain speed, I must step back from my position and consider the holistic experience and all the players involved. Like the growing season of the grain along the highway, which experiences its period of peak productivity and then it's dormant or decomposes back into the earth; the governmental offices designate their energy to specific projects and development in a strategized manner. This may sound like ordinary political systems, but it's amplified in this context because the system is informed by the overarching culture. The political figures work in coordination with the seasons, whether it's in reference to the election season, tourist season, rainy season or religious/vacation season. They expend their energy in waves with periods of intensive production and then longer periods of rest and rejuvenation with their family and community.
This observation and analysis translates into a critique of the entire social landscape. Women and men, elders and children exert themselves for work, school and play in a conscious manner. Again, there is a time and place for everything. The rural Mexican culture does not disregard the natural ecology of their home and its influence of their way of life, instead the local ecology and gifts of the land are embraced. Through this optimistic, appreciative outlook on life, it is evident that the Mexican community in Lo de Marcos rejoices in the opportunities and happiness the land provides for the families of the town and beyond.
This is a ideal moment to incorporate one of my favorites quotes I have ever stumbled upon: "Live Simply so Others May Simply Live." This beautiful Mother Teresa saying exemplifies the concept of living at peace with the land and your community. Excessiveness, greed and materialism will only bring unhappiness to one's life. To succeed in leading a satisfying and compassionate existence, acknowledge the simply gifts of life-air, water, fruits of the earth and ones you love-and life will be a party.
I am thankful for this opportunity to reflect on such holistic frameworks present in our social and natural landscapes. Without this Mexican adventure, I wouldn't of taken the time to mediate on the importance of the crop of grain and my frustration with the political system, and therefore, my pursuit of happiness would not of been complete. I am now on my way- I just needed to take a deep breath and look around.
Alas, design your home and your life from nature, and your time on this planet will be bountiful.
As I continued on my bus journey into the canopy of the Mexican Riviera, this feeling of frustration evolved into a deep reflection. A mediation concerning the processes and productivity of nature in this localized region, and in relation to its people and their constructed social structures. I had to ponder the question: "Why has this crop come into full maturity while I wait for endless political procedures and permitting to be processed for months on end?"
Through this train of thought, I began to comprehend the parallels between the natural environment and the culture that has developed amongst this unique landscape. During my months of cultural immersion into the intricacies of Mexican social structures, power relations, traditional non-secular beliefs and practices, and the constant cultural connotations of the language has, I have gathered the research to thoughtfully compose this analysis through the lens of natural ecology.
I believe everything in life on this planet is given a time and place. The natural world along with the human constructed social sphere and built environment is dictated by ecological systems and processes. (I will be looking at the specific context of the small communities dotting the coastline of Nayarit.) While modern technologies, global trade and capitalism has adamantly challenged these natural evolutions of people and place, once you enter the traditional, interwoven social landscape of small Mexican communities, the concept of living from the land transcribes into a permeation of every thought, belief and practice in one's daily life.
While I may be impatiently waiting for the progress of our project in Mexico to gain speed, I must step back from my position and consider the holistic experience and all the players involved. Like the growing season of the grain along the highway, which experiences its period of peak productivity and then it's dormant or decomposes back into the earth; the governmental offices designate their energy to specific projects and development in a strategized manner. This may sound like ordinary political systems, but it's amplified in this context because the system is informed by the overarching culture. The political figures work in coordination with the seasons, whether it's in reference to the election season, tourist season, rainy season or religious/vacation season. They expend their energy in waves with periods of intensive production and then longer periods of rest and rejuvenation with their family and community.
This observation and analysis translates into a critique of the entire social landscape. Women and men, elders and children exert themselves for work, school and play in a conscious manner. Again, there is a time and place for everything. The rural Mexican culture does not disregard the natural ecology of their home and its influence of their way of life, instead the local ecology and gifts of the land are embraced. Through this optimistic, appreciative outlook on life, it is evident that the Mexican community in Lo de Marcos rejoices in the opportunities and happiness the land provides for the families of the town and beyond.
This is a ideal moment to incorporate one of my favorites quotes I have ever stumbled upon: "Live Simply so Others May Simply Live." This beautiful Mother Teresa saying exemplifies the concept of living at peace with the land and your community. Excessiveness, greed and materialism will only bring unhappiness to one's life. To succeed in leading a satisfying and compassionate existence, acknowledge the simply gifts of life-air, water, fruits of the earth and ones you love-and life will be a party.
I am thankful for this opportunity to reflect on such holistic frameworks present in our social and natural landscapes. Without this Mexican adventure, I wouldn't of taken the time to mediate on the importance of the crop of grain and my frustration with the political system, and therefore, my pursuit of happiness would not of been complete. I am now on my way- I just needed to take a deep breath and look around.
Alas, design your home and your life from nature, and your time on this planet will be bountiful.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Los Amigos Standing at the Tipping Point
The nonprofit organization, Los Amigos de Lo de Marcos, is an overarching community action entity composed of people from the town of Lo de Marcos. The organization was began over 5 years ago through the efforts of a group of gringos who were determined to become more active within their Mexican community and establish an avenue to channel humanitarian activism for a greater holistic good. Amigos is now comprised of a 100+ active members that embody 7 different specialized committees in collaboration to provide a plethora of social, environmental and economic services.
Since its' inauguration, Los Amigos has founded this diverse array of committees to ensure engagement with the community wherever aid is needed. These subdivision of the nonprofit consist of the school committee began to oversee the dispersion of funds for school projects at every school; the health committee provides funding for the local clinic and organizes health clinics and sponsorships for the local community; the sports committee, which has created baseball and basketball sports league, directs annual specialized sports workshops; the senior citizen's committee provides aid for the senior citizen center through funding weekly events and general resources; the animal committee oversees the quarterly spay and neuter clinics (for more information, check out my spay and neuter clinic post); the fundraising committee; and lastly, the recycling committee which has created a successful, free of cost recycling program for the plastic, single-use based consumer Mexican culture of LdM and is currently collecting at least one kilo of recycled material a week.
One of the exciting new goals of Amigos is to expand their recycling program and general aid to the town's prosperity by cultivating a community garden and city wide composting program. The organization has already sign a 3 year lease for a 700 square meter parcel in an ideal location in the middle of town. I am helping with the the design intent and composition of the future garden/compost site at this very moment. Not only will this be a very impressive expansion of Los Amigos' presence in the town's daily life, but this will also be a perfect platform for my family to become more involved with Los Amigos. We stand with the organization in their efforts to minimize the local waste stream and transform "garbage" into enriched soil that will assist in the cultivation of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables for the community. These local products and the place in which they are created can also serve as a forum to expose the school children to hands on environmental curriculum, and as a retreat for the senior citizens who have their center only a block away. I am thrilled to be apart of this community and be present in the aspiring energy amongst the devoted group of people composing this eclectic whole.
One of the exciting new goals of Amigos is to expand their recycling program and general aid to the town's prosperity by cultivating a community garden and city wide composting program. The organization has already sign a 3 year lease for a 700 square meter parcel in an ideal location in the middle of town. I am helping with the the design intent and composition of the future garden/compost site at this very moment. Not only will this be a very impressive expansion of Los Amigos' presence in the town's daily life, but this will also be a perfect platform for my family to become more involved with Los Amigos. We stand with the organization in their efforts to minimize the local waste stream and transform "garbage" into enriched soil that will assist in the cultivation of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables for the community. These local products and the place in which they are created can also serve as a forum to expose the school children to hands on environmental curriculum, and as a retreat for the senior citizens who have their center only a block away. I am thrilled to be apart of this community and be present in the aspiring energy amongst the devoted group of people composing this eclectic whole.
Bazaar at the Los Amigos de Lo de Marcos Fundraiser
Setting out on the first annual Walk About to tour the project sites for the Amigos' committees
The free kindergarten that was partly funded by the school committee
Lo de Marcos' recycling center
Good night Lo de Marcos.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
And Here's the Curve Ball......
This post will serve as the forum to touch upon every out-of-this-world type of experience that has left me completely stunned in a clash of wonderment and slight confusion. Here's to the "what the hell is going on" life "accomplishments."
1. Encountered a scorpion spider the size of my face in our "communal" pantry. Imagine a daddy long legs on sport enhancing drugs with claws the size of a king crab spitting venom. WHOA moment.
2. Played wedding planner for a day in Sayulita, Mexico. I helped organize and execute a lavish Mexican wedding for 60 guests. My day consisted of running around with lace, paper flowers, bottles of tequila and white wine, color coordinating every napkin and chair seat, lighting 1000+ candles, comforting a crying bride, taking care of a drunk bride and groom as they were the last to leave the dance floor, and having the first college test kind of pressure of decorating the entire wedding cake that was melting before me. I think I will wait until I get hitched to be involved with another planning extravaganza.
3. Observed the lunar eclipse through a palm tree canopy amongst the nocturnal orchestra of the San Pancho jungle after my lovely mother woke up the entire jungle community including myself at 3 a.m. announcing this spectacular siting.
4. Learned how to maneuver and rock out on a surf board twice my size over treacherous coral reefs with only 2 feet of water cushioning my inevitable fall.
5. Worked at an Circus de Soliel show in San Pancho for the community center's, Entreamigos, annual fundraiser. 70+ kids from the community were chosen to participate in the performance. They only received 10 days extensive training while beautiful recycled costumes and sets were being simultaneously constructed by community members to culminate in the most magical event ever to take place in San Pancho. The entire campus of Entreamigos was transformed into a carnival for 48 hours with unicyclists, jugglers, unbelievable acrobatic performances, your typical friendly clown, and a plethora of vibrant colors, scents, sounds and people to satisfy anyone's senses. I even had the privilege to tote around a bucket o' beer and wine on an unicycle-bringing it back to the good ol' kinder days!
6. Had my face shoved into a cake for my birthday by a group of 6-8 year olds while 50+ kids cheered them on. Mexican frosting is best when licked off your nose.
7. Drank some the oldest family owned tequila in the world on a lovely New Year's Day in Tequila, Mexico.
8. Received the pleasure of jamming out and busting a move with a total of 7 different 8 piece Cuban bands while I spend a winter in Mexico.
9. Learned how to navigate the machismo, corrupt waters of Mexican bureaucracy and come out alive with every goal accomplished and plus some.
10. Have fallen back in love with donuts, churros, fried bananas and ice cream bars.
11. Shot a quincinera photo shoot for a good Mexican friend on the beach in the dead of night. I was asked by the local Fruteria owner to take pictures for her daughter's quincinera- the coming of age celebration for young women in Latin America. I accepted the challenge, but did not foresee my girl being 3 hours late for her own photoshoot, therefore leaving me to take pictures of her and her lavish dress from the headlights of her boyfriend's dune buggy in the waves of the Lo de Marcos beach pitch black. I have to admit though, the final product was sensual and elegant- very Mexican.
12. Made an extensive Sangria concoction and gathered with 50+ people for one of San Pancho's biggest social events of the year- the exotic and cherished Superbowl Sunday.
13. Worked the margarita booth for the Amigos de Lo de Marcos fundraiser and sold 5 water fountain sized jugs of invigoratingly potent margaritas-it was a good party to say the least.We raised $50,000 pesos=$5,000 dollars for the cause. Cheers to that!
14. Discovered the first sign of wildlife on our property- a 1.5 meter long rattle snake. I don't think I will be ever going back to that neck of the woods.
15. Have been given the honor to be apart of opening 2 different non-profit thrift stores for the local communities of San Pancho and Sayulita, and am now working on designing and constructing a large community garden and composting center with Amigos de Lo de Marcos.
16. Fallen back in love with the good ol' One Tree Hill. On a "furthering education" level, I have taken this time to critically analyze the show's commentary on the socialization of sex, drugs and rock n' roll. At least that's what I tell anyone that catches me in the act.
17. Witnessed a tragic car accident on the jungle mountain highway from only meters away, but subsequently witnessed a miracle-they first car to drive by in the dead of the night with no major hospital nearby within 30 miles was an ambulance. Still, I have now made a vow to not travel at night no matter what.
18. Final curve ball for tonight- I don't go to the beach everyday.
More to come..........Here you go......
19. Attended several silent mediation retreats where I learned to do a walking mediation. Never have I ever moved that slowly in my life, and for those of you who know me, who know how difficult it is for me to simply walk let alone at a snail's pace.
20. Went skinny dipping.....well that's not a rare event for a young woman's Mexican adventure, but it was unbelievably memorable underneath the blanket of dazzling stars.
1. Encountered a scorpion spider the size of my face in our "communal" pantry. Imagine a daddy long legs on sport enhancing drugs with claws the size of a king crab spitting venom. WHOA moment.
2. Played wedding planner for a day in Sayulita, Mexico. I helped organize and execute a lavish Mexican wedding for 60 guests. My day consisted of running around with lace, paper flowers, bottles of tequila and white wine, color coordinating every napkin and chair seat, lighting 1000+ candles, comforting a crying bride, taking care of a drunk bride and groom as they were the last to leave the dance floor, and having the first college test kind of pressure of decorating the entire wedding cake that was melting before me. I think I will wait until I get hitched to be involved with another planning extravaganza.
3. Observed the lunar eclipse through a palm tree canopy amongst the nocturnal orchestra of the San Pancho jungle after my lovely mother woke up the entire jungle community including myself at 3 a.m. announcing this spectacular siting.
4. Learned how to maneuver and rock out on a surf board twice my size over treacherous coral reefs with only 2 feet of water cushioning my inevitable fall.
5. Worked at an Circus de Soliel show in San Pancho for the community center's, Entreamigos, annual fundraiser. 70+ kids from the community were chosen to participate in the performance. They only received 10 days extensive training while beautiful recycled costumes and sets were being simultaneously constructed by community members to culminate in the most magical event ever to take place in San Pancho. The entire campus of Entreamigos was transformed into a carnival for 48 hours with unicyclists, jugglers, unbelievable acrobatic performances, your typical friendly clown, and a plethora of vibrant colors, scents, sounds and people to satisfy anyone's senses. I even had the privilege to tote around a bucket o' beer and wine on an unicycle-bringing it back to the good ol' kinder days!
6. Had my face shoved into a cake for my birthday by a group of 6-8 year olds while 50+ kids cheered them on. Mexican frosting is best when licked off your nose.
7. Drank some the oldest family owned tequila in the world on a lovely New Year's Day in Tequila, Mexico.
8. Received the pleasure of jamming out and busting a move with a total of 7 different 8 piece Cuban bands while I spend a winter in Mexico.
9. Learned how to navigate the machismo, corrupt waters of Mexican bureaucracy and come out alive with every goal accomplished and plus some.
10. Have fallen back in love with donuts, churros, fried bananas and ice cream bars.
11. Shot a quincinera photo shoot for a good Mexican friend on the beach in the dead of night. I was asked by the local Fruteria owner to take pictures for her daughter's quincinera- the coming of age celebration for young women in Latin America. I accepted the challenge, but did not foresee my girl being 3 hours late for her own photoshoot, therefore leaving me to take pictures of her and her lavish dress from the headlights of her boyfriend's dune buggy in the waves of the Lo de Marcos beach pitch black. I have to admit though, the final product was sensual and elegant- very Mexican.
12. Made an extensive Sangria concoction and gathered with 50+ people for one of San Pancho's biggest social events of the year- the exotic and cherished Superbowl Sunday.
13. Worked the margarita booth for the Amigos de Lo de Marcos fundraiser and sold 5 water fountain sized jugs of invigoratingly potent margaritas-it was a good party to say the least.We raised $50,000 pesos=$5,000 dollars for the cause. Cheers to that!
14. Discovered the first sign of wildlife on our property- a 1.5 meter long rattle snake. I don't think I will be ever going back to that neck of the woods.
15. Have been given the honor to be apart of opening 2 different non-profit thrift stores for the local communities of San Pancho and Sayulita, and am now working on designing and constructing a large community garden and composting center with Amigos de Lo de Marcos.
16. Fallen back in love with the good ol' One Tree Hill. On a "furthering education" level, I have taken this time to critically analyze the show's commentary on the socialization of sex, drugs and rock n' roll. At least that's what I tell anyone that catches me in the act.
17. Witnessed a tragic car accident on the jungle mountain highway from only meters away, but subsequently witnessed a miracle-they first car to drive by in the dead of the night with no major hospital nearby within 30 miles was an ambulance. Still, I have now made a vow to not travel at night no matter what.
18. Final curve ball for tonight- I don't go to the beach everyday.
More to come..........Here you go......
19. Attended several silent mediation retreats where I learned to do a walking mediation. Never have I ever moved that slowly in my life, and for those of you who know me, who know how difficult it is for me to simply walk let alone at a snail's pace.
20. Went skinny dipping.....well that's not a rare event for a young woman's Mexican adventure, but it was unbelievably memorable underneath the blanket of dazzling stars.
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