Hey guys,
Thanks for all your input. Tom’s comment makes me realize a bit more background on the project might be required. This project is about two years old and runs entirely on volunteered time. So we have a situation where all the buidlings have been individually designed (pro bono) by different architecture firms, without any cohesive masterplanning. The current situation requires an element of reverse engineering to deliver a master plan from the existing layout/footprints of these buildings, not ideal but that is where the project currently is.
I personally have a very strong affinity with Tom’s suggestion, being a young builder of forts myself. While such a concept may be unsuitable to drive the whole masterplan it makes a lot of sense as a suggestion for personalizing the outdoor areas.
Theodore, i can see your point about training children for future sweat shop employment. But i think it is necessary to see the philanthropic intention behind the proposal. In order to provide assistance to the greatest number of affected youths the intention is to reintegrate orphans back into society once they have attained adulthood, freeing up space to assist younger orphans. One possible method is to give educated, adult youths the necessary work experience to obtain employment outside of the orphanage. This is of course only one of many methods, but one that has a model of success in a developing countries such as Pakistan.
Wyatt, i will certainly check out those links, and Tom, it was indeed Ken Smith who used the rolling dumpsters as planters.
Keep the comments and suggestions coming, any relevant books, articles, journals, and/or website recommendations will be very much appreciated.
