Usually, when one thinks about something too much, doubt and apprehension form or things become overcomplicated. One of the sayings in Permaculture reflects this; nature designs everything perfectly, cooperatively, and we, humans, overthink design, homogenize it, tear it apart, rearrange it, and ultimately overcomplicate it. Our new project, our final design task, is to combine all of the concepts of permaculture and design a sustainable school. The irony of permaculture is that you have to think a lot in order to not overcomplicate things and to design a naturally efficient site that is still under “control.” IPEC is getting funding from the Japanese embassy to build the first sustainable school in Brazil on the Ecocentre property. The school will have to meet the tradtional, governement sanctioned curriculum, however, it will have an environmental focus underlying the curriculum. The building designs will also be efficient “green” designs and will be built with natural materials; they will also be designed by us. This is a huge task; our design groups are jumping into this project like one would into freezing water. It's a daunting task, but we have to do it. We want to do it! It's really exciting. It's amazing that we are being given this opportunity. A few of the people here are considering coming back in the spring to help build it. The state has agreed to provide a couple teachers to the school for free, but IPEC still has to figure out funding for books and supplies. Our design groups have to work within a budget, which is tough, but we are going to aim high as there are always cuts in designs anyway. It's like naming a price for a proposed salary; you always ask for a higher wage than you anticipate getting as negotiations are inevitable.

      The final design will most likely be a combination of all the deisgns, similar to what is happening at the school we are building the playground for. Our group has a number of innovative designs that will incorporate functionality and aestheticism, with the focus being on the function and energy flows. I love doing this type of design. It's so much more challenging to do; there is so much more to consider and work with and aound. It's so much more fun!!! The school will have at least four seperate classrooms. My design group has also proposed an observatory. As soon as Joe came up with the idea, it became our pet project. I have designed an entire science complex. We have also incorporated a lunar planting living roof into our design and the curriculum. There are so many amazing ideas being passed around between all the design groups! This school is going to be amazing and a much needed alternative to what exists now in the public education system. (The US could use a few as well.) The children in Pirenopolis have very few options for public school, and just as in the US, those who can afford to send their kids to private schools do. This will be a great chance for the children in the area, who can and can not afford private school, to be more involved in the manner in which they learn. Everything about the school is meant to inspire and challenge, and of course, to be really fun.

      The project is due next week! Time is going so fast! I usually work better under pressure though, so no worries. Our group has most of the buildings and proposed arrangements figured out already. We will walk the site together and obtain topographical site information later in the week so we can place things where they “should” be placed. Lots to do and lots to learn along the way. Better get to it. . . . =:)