Estudio Damgo II (EDII) - Site Survey

We're on site today to field verify property lines and determine the required set backs for the multipurpose building.  Upon strong recommendation of stakeholders and with approval of the site owner, the project has been relocated from Caritas 1 to the neighboring site at Core Shelter.  This site is owned by the City of Dumaguete and managed by the Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD).  The new site is about 2/3 the size of the original, requiring the students to rework and reduce the size of the design to match the new dimensions and site features.  This site change at this stage in our design is significant.  Even though the change in location happened a couple weeks prior to submitting permit drawings and after the approval by the community, we are relieved to cut material costs and scope of the construction.  It's better we're making such a dramatic change during the design phase, rather than being knee-deep in excavation work during the construction phase.  Design is much easier to change than physical work.

We're immediately seeing the benefits upon approaching the new site.  We discovered locally donated interlocking clay blocks!  Happy to see this generous gift, we're incorporating this material into the design for non-load bearing walls for the Toilet, or Comfort Room (CR), and Storage Room.  This material was donated as part of the relief fund efforts for typhoon Sendong by the City Counselor, Teves.

In addition to the re-do survey, we took video footage of the site and in-field interviews which will be incorporated into the promotional video for Estudio Damgo II.  Coming soon!

 Donated interlocking, clay blocks.  We're incorporating this local material into the design of the multipurpose building.  Thanks to City Councelor, Teves.

 Surveying in action.  Students are wearing the new Estudio Damgo II t-shirts.

 Leigh is assisting the field measurements.  She's crouching in the present day garden at Core Shelter, soon to be the location for the aquaponics.

Fifth year student, Rhea Dicen, is being interviewed by FU's Creative Department.

A site photo series: images of Core Shelter resident flood survivors from typhoon Sendong. - by Herlsey-Ven Casero   (see more images like these here - CAM photos)

Support Estudio Damgo II

video still by Hersley-Ven Casero

 ESTUDIO DAMGO VIDEO

(select the HD option for better resolution) 

YOUTUBE VIDEO 

The second Estudio Damgo project is underway!  Thank you for supporting us by taking time to read the story and follow along on this tale of an American architect teaching Filipino architecture students sustainable design and construction to benefit communities.  It's been almost one year since I embarked on the program at Foundation University.  Before setting foot on this island, I wasn't sure how long this experience would last, nor how much the Philippines would impact and change me.  I'm thankful to have this opportunity, and enjoy leading such an important project and program in the Philippines.  Thanks to your help, last year Foundation University's Estudio Damgo built a daycare for a rural mountain community.  This year, we're building a multipurpose building for the flood survivors from Typhoon Sendong.  As part of this project, we are implementing a water management system (aquaponics) so the residents can raise fish and grow vegetables by utilizing site water runoff which will benefit their livelihood.

Estudio Damgo is successful because of donors like you.  Please go to the top of this blog and find the link to the Donation page at Global Giving.  There you can receive a tax deductible donation.  Thank you for your support!  And keep reading the blog.  Construction starts September.


Link to Global Giving Donation Website Here:
Estudio Damgo II - Multipurpose Building