MADHousers Shelter Deploy with guest builders: Architecture for Humanity Atlanta Chapter on 2.27.11

Awesome Awesome Awesome Day !!!

Today we Deployed the HiHat Shelter as Architecture for Humanity Atlanta Chapter acted as guest builders for the MADHousers organization. --- Everyone came together, all stars aligned, and the god(s) were smiling down on us. The Energy today was almost tangible. It was an excellent Shelter Deploy. Thank You so much to all the good folks who came together to make it happen.

We deployed a HiHat with about 14 Volunteers in under 5 hours (including travel time and total assembly, including panel assembly, roofing, and painting). The Shelter was the best looking Shelter I had seen in my 3 years with the MADHousers. Everybody worked fast, fun , and safe. Most importantly, the client was excited to have a new place.

On my drive home, I couldn't help but at first feel very proud of my accomplishment (Designing) & Building Homeless Shelters; fulfilling a Goal that I had set for myself after coming to Atlanta and seeing the problems of Big City poverty. As I drove toward my house, I reflected on the day. I initially felt great, radiating with a warm feeling inside getting better and better, lifting me higher and higher until I was enveloped an emanating aura of good energy. I felt a real sense of accomplishment, reaching some of my own goals while spreading positive energy into the world. I felt proud, happy, and relieved things went well. But, in the process of reflection, I began questioning if I had done enough, or if I had even done the right thing, then all at once, all that proud happiness boiled over into a powerful sadness. As tears filled my eyes, I thought about what my efforts had accomplished, and realized that I could only do so much. All my hard work and turmoil, and I had barely scratched the surface of what I felt needed to be done. Maybe it was the feeling of being overwhelmed, or maybe it was the first hand reminder of extreme poverty and social instability. Whatever it was, I couldn't fight my tears of joy woven through a powerful range of emotions. It has taken several hours to begin to understand this special moment. I feel blessed today. What a Powerful Day. I can't wait until the next Build & Deploy. Special Thanks to everybody who attended! Special Thanks to the MADHousers !!!

I feel alive today!

Google SketchUp Presentation for the 3D ATL UsersGroup

 

On Thursday, Feb 10, 2011 -  I was invited to Present Google SketchUp 3D Digital Modeling Software to the 3D ATL UsersGroup.  This is a Group of Local 3D Modeling professionals who come together to discuss the latest 3D Digital trends, techniques, and Programs available.
Tonight, was my opportunity to speak about a program that I use most often in my professional 3D Modeling & Rendering business TelkerDesign Visual Studio.  The Program is called SKETCHUP. 

SketchUp has envolved over a period of  11 years, since 2000.  Of which I have used the 3D visualization software for 7 of those years.  It is a software program that is aimed to allow anybody to Model in 3D.  The intuitive interface and simple drawing tools make this software very easy to learn.  I have watched SketchUp change over the years, and even remeber the day that Google Aquired SketchUp.  Currently, with Google dumping countless resources into this software, SketchUp has real potential to grab the entire future 3D Market.  This combined with the software compatiability that SketchUp has with all the other Google applications, seriously  makes SketchUp a POWERHOUSE 3D TOOL.

     *For a basic overview on the Story & History of SketchUp, visit WikiPedia.

     *For a Sample of what the Program can do visit Google SketchUp WebSite Gallery.

 

During the Presentation, I spoke about the ease of interface, and then demonstrated by constructing a basic 3D house in about 15 minutes.  I painted it with color & texture, and then added a few interior walls.  SketchUp can allow anybody to become a "3D DIGITAL DESIGNER" almost overnight.  Google has put a ton of YouTube Videos on How To Do XYZ in SketchUp .  You wont find the quanity or quality Video Tutorials on any other 3D program (trust me, I have looked).

    

A variety of "PlugIns" - [additional enhancing compatiable software] can be purchased for SketchUp to increase performance in specialized areas.  If you can name it, somebody has created a PLUGIN that can do it in SketchUp.  This is good and bad.  Good is that there is Limitless Growing Solutions & Plugins.  Bad is the same thing.  Sometimes you just want things in a simple contained package.  But Google Moves at the Speed of Light, and can make my head spin at times.  There are Countless PlugIns that I recommend.  Check Out Smustard.com for the Latest, and the Link above.

 PlugIns (for Google SketchUp):
Energy Compliance:            Green Building Studio
PhotoRealistic Rendering:  VRAY and/or IDX Renditioner
Character Animation:         Iclone4

  I think Google SketchUp will Surpase Auto Desk in the UpComing Years in serving the software needs of Architects & Designers. That is ....... if they do not merge with one another to form a Super 3D Master Giant.  Check Out Layout3, a Construction & Presentation Document Tool that users the SketchUp Model to make the PLANS / Drawings. 
Oh yea, did I mention Google has a 3D Warehouse Royalty Free Library with a Billion Kazillion AWESOME 3D Digital Models to use with your everyday Modeling and Scene making.  This is the best!  Nobody can top this in the 3D World - FREE 3D Detailed Models.  Ok to top it, you can put your Model anywhere in the world with Google Earth, and it is accurate with Sun Angles, major Monuments, and Topography.  Did I blow your 3D Mind yet.  This is all still free (with the exception of a few PlugIns). 
If interested, I will be hosting Google SketchUp Tutorial Sessions  in the April 2011.  For more information, email me andrew@telkerdesign.com

Architecture for Humanity, Presentation at Emory University (2.3.11)

Architecture for Humanity Seminar
Emory University Feb 3 2011

It was an eventful afternoon over at Emory University.   Today I attended Emory as an invited guest speaker for the Architecture for Humanity Seminar hosted by Judith Rohrer, Ph.D, and Chair of the Art History Department.  This is the second year in a row Professor Rohrer has hosted such a seminar, aimed at creating awareness and promoting social responsibility to students enrolled in the curriculum.

Guest speakers today were Rick Glassman, Chair & Andrew Telker, Board Member, on behalf of Architecture for Humanity Atlanta Chapter,  and also Akin Afolayan, Executive Director of Hope Floats Initiative.

Architecture for Humanity Seminar - Emory University 
Rick, Chair of the AFHA,  Leading the Discussion

Rick, Chair of Architecture for Humanity Atlanta Chapter discussed the workings and founding of the Architecture for Humanity NATIONAL, through which the local Atlanta Chapter  was (re)formed just over 2 years ago.  He continued to discuss several of the success stories of the AFHA organization, including the Oasis Project, Haiti Reconstruction efforts, Birdhouse Social, and the English Avenue Project.  Rick elaborated on some of the challenges of being a Civic Activist while talking during the Presentation, but continued to put a strong emphasis of the mission of the AFHA organization.

Andrew, Board Member of Architecture for Humanity Atlanta Chapter discussed the need for the cross pollination of several local activist groups in order to maximize progressive positive change in the community.  Although not an official spokesman for the group, Andrew, a build volunteer since May 2008, discussed his role with the MADHousers organization.  MAD HOUSERS Inc. is an Atlanta-based non-profit corporation engaged in charitable work, research and education.  Their main focus is building shelters for the Homeless.  Andrew talked about the two most successful structures built by the group:  the HUT, and the LOWRIDER, and how each structure fit a particular situation and client.  Both units are built in panel formations, and then assembled at the needed location in only an hour or two.  AFHA will be volunteering labor  in an upcoming MADHousers Shelter build, check the AFHA WebSite for event dates.

Architecture for Humanity Seminar - Emory University -  2.3.11
Andrew, Board Member of the AFHA, talking about Civic Activism.

The MADHousers organization:   provides shelter for homeless individuals and families regardless of race, creed, national origin, gender, religion, or age. - develops low income housing for people in need of housing & help people develop the skills and knowledge for constructing and rehabilitating housing and shelter.

Akin, Executive Director of Hope Floats Initiative (HFI) presented the prototype Amphibious Clinic/Community Center.  It is an Amphibious Clinic with the aim at providing healthcare and sustainable developmental solutions to informal coastal settlements worldwide.   During the presentation, Akin outlined the need for such a project, and spoke about the process of designing, and testing the prototype here in Atlanta in early 2009.  He went onward to describe launching the prototype Floating Clinic in July of 2009 in Makako Nigeria.  Akin described that during Construction in Makoko, HFI provided temporary employment to a few dozen local youths, and a few long-term positions in the community. Ultimately he explained, the effort of HFI succeeded with amazing support from partners & friends at AFH Atlanta as well as the Yaba Local Government Development Authority in Lagos.



Architecture for Humanity Seminar - Emory University 
Akin, Executive of the Hope Floats Initiative shares Ideas.

"Currently, Hope Floats Initiative continues to function, and has celebrated 22 free surgeries carried out by their medical team led by Dr Simeon Afolayan and his surgeon colleagues."



Hope Floats Initiative Slides





Finally, we finished our presentation by looking some at some fun items like the "HFI Coloring & Activity Book" promotional fundraising material and 3D FoldUp Paper Model.  All in All, it was a great afternoon.  Architecture for Humanity Atlanta Chapter (AFHA) was honored to be able to present today at Emory University.  AFHA has made great progress in the past couple of years due to countless volunteer hours by numerous folks.  We look forward to seeing both new & old faces participating in all the projects, activites and events for 2011. Special thanks again to Professor Rohrer & Emory University for hosting AFHA on 2.3.11.

Architecture for Humanity Seminar - Emory University
Professor Rohrer and Class 2.3.11

 

HFI Coloring & Activity Book









Join Architecture for Humanity Atlanta Chapter

Join MADHousers

Ideas on how to INVEST the City of Roswells' $2.2 million budget surplus

As a LOCAL Citizen of Roswell Georgia:
     "I always look for opportunities to work with the community in ECO Preservation. My background is Sustainable Design & Construction, and I have a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Florida A &M University. I have worked for several local Architectural Firms in Atlanta, and currently I am a small business owner, and Civic Activist in Roswell GA."   - Andrew Telker

What to do with the City of Roswells' $2.2 million surplus consisting of:
*Around $1 million in savings as a result of the City’s early retirement offered to employees.
*More than $475,000 in reductions in spending in the City’s General Fund.
*$820,000 in increased revenues.

1. Invest in Water Technologies, Preserve the Chattahoochee River:
 
Roswell, and Fulton County will be faced with Water Shortages in the upcoming years. Atlanta (and Fulton County) will no longer be able (without financial compensation) to remover water from Lake Lanier in the very near future. There will be a strong demand for clean fresh water. Roswell has several uptake stations along the Chattahoochee River as well as her tributaries to draw water for the City of Roswell.   The  Annual Quality Water Report of Roswell provides some further information & resources.   In addition, Roswell draws millions of gallons of water from Freshwater wells, and plans are underway currently to invest in additional local wells to meet the growing demand for Water in Roswell.  Learn more about the river: at Upper Chattahoochee RiverKeeper - Roswellgov.com - Chattahoochee National Recreational Area  or by Visiting the Chattahoochee Nature Center .   Conservation efforts are underway, and the Rules & Regulations of Water use in Fulton County outline exactly what you can and cannot do with Municipal Water.  I personally think we should take the steps below to preserve our Clean Water:
  
A. Invest $150,000 in Well Drilling / Management in Roswell.
B. Invest $1,000,000 to Provide Tax Savings (Local Tax Incentives) for Residents using Water Efficient Technologies like low flow toilets/fixtures, water catchment cisterns, xeriscaping plants/landscape, permeable paving, green space, indigenous landscaping, and bioremediation.  
C. Invest $150,00 in River Preservation.
D. Invest $700,000 in unconventional Waste Water strategies like "Living Machines", that treat black water w/o toxic chemicals, in a natural process. This will seek to preserve our most vital resource for the next 7 generations.
 
2. Invest in Passive Recreational Space, Sidewalks, and ECO Preservation:
 
A. Invest $100,000 in Sidewalks in areas w/o sidewalks, to increase pedestrian activity.
B. Invest $100,000 in Passive Recreational Space, Parks, Public amenties.

                                                                             "We need to look ahead, and invest in the future, 
                                                                                                           rather that robbing from it"   -Andrew Telker