As part of a Modern Architecture history course, we took a drive over to Beth Sholom in Elkins Park, PA. The functioning synagogue also has a small museum within that described the long process that led Frank Lloyd Wright to design this structure which he never saw completed. The design is so "out there" that it is surprising how little known this FLR building is to the architecture community. Would recommend experiencing this space.
Looking out onto a porch of a house in El Ojochal, Honduras.
We were helping finish up the kitchen. The house has slowly been under construction as the family worked towards financing it. This trip has been a truly great experience. Being surrounding by constant positivity definitely put a lot of things in perspective for me. First of all, it was very humbling seeing the living conditions many people live with and that many of us take for granted. Despite the harsh realities, by getting to know the people, we learned that hope and happiness can be found anywhere. So what exactly did we do to help the families we met? Global Brigades teams up with villages to help out families who want to start projects. The families contribute a small part, and then Global Brigades, with the help of our donations, starts the projects with the help of contractors, family members, volunteers from the villages and volunteers from Global Brigades. The Architecture Brigade comes after the Water and Public Safety Brigades to complete homes that now have access to water and clean bathrooms. Our team got to work with the Cabrera-Castellon family to finish the kitchen in the family home and build a new home for one son and his family. Our team split up to build the walls, which consisted of mixing cement, laying concrete blocks, and setting up rebar reinforcement. Most of this was done with very simple tools, and handmade ladders and scaffolding. Average temperatures rose well above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but long garments were required to wear for protection against the mosquitos and building materials. Besides the hard work, our days we filled with a lot of bonding with other team members, staff members, the family and some furry creatures. I thought the Global Brigades staff did a great job of explaining the situations we could encounter and preparing us to be productive. It was also very heartwarming to be accepted by the family so easily and making us feel comfortable. I enjoyed being part of the families’ efforts to improving their situations and seeing how appreciative they are. The trip itself was short, but I am left with many memories, knowledge, and a desire to continue doing more service projects!
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Photo BlogDigital Camera: Archives
May 2015
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