NorCal Bulletin 2010-03-05
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Northern California ADPSR Newsletter
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5 March 2010
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ADPSR NEWS
ADPSR is now accepting nominations for our 2010 Lewis Mumford Awards.
Call for Nominations - Deadline March 31, 2010
Through the Mumford Awards, ADPSR recognizes outstanding efforts and achievements in the categories of Peace, Environment, and Development. Since 1992, we have given 54 awards over 18 years to individuals and organizations that exemplify our goals of disarmament, preservation of the natural and built environment, and socially responsible development.
 
Lewis Mumford 2009 Mumford Award Recipients
The National Board requests your assistance in nominations for the 2010 Lewis Mumford Awards. Lewis Mumford's writings continue to inspire and remind us that architecture, design, and planning, must respond to human needs, harmonize with its surroundings, and reflect the aspirations and social context of our civilization.
The Awards Ceremony will be on Saturday, June 19, 2010, in Berkeley, California. The deadlines for nominations is March 31st, 2010, and the winners will be announced approximately April 20, 2010.
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TOWARD A JUST METROPOLIS:
From Crises to Possibilities
June 16-20, 2010 Conference San Francisco Bay Area
Call for Proposals - Deadline extended to March 15, 2010
Presentations, Posters and Workshops
Classroom-based sessions, which will occur on Friday, June 18th and Saturday, June 19th, are the primary way for organizations and individuals to showcase their work, workshop new ideas, and network with others invested in similar areas of work. The call below is designed to stimulate and help you format your proposal, but the most important thing is to send us your ideas! Don't hesitate to email workshops@justmetropolis.org with questions.
Visit www.justmetropolis.org for more information
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In this issue:
ADPSR NORCAL EVENTS
COMMUNITY EVENTS
NEWS AND INFORMATION
EMPLOYMENT
No new items
HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
FURTHER THINKING
What is our Purpose?
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ADPSR NORCAL EVENTS
ADPSR Monthly Presentation
The Science of Building Green: Materials, Energy, and Health
March 16, 2010, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
AIA San Francisco 130 Sutter Street, 6th Floor $10 donation, no one turned away for lack of funds    
Co-Sponsored by the Ecological Building Network (www.ecobuildnetwork.org)
Architects, Designers, and Builders face an enormous array of decisions. Yet most of these are based on incomplete information about the physics that will actually happen to the building. On March 16 join a panel of experts for a presentation and in-depth discussion of what is really going on in our buildings – how energy flows, how buildings fail (and how to avoid that), and how they can contribute or injure human well-being and the health of our environment.
The discussion will be led by John F. Straube, Ph.D., P.Eng. John is a specialist building science engineer who has been deeply involved in the areas of building enclosure design, moisture physics, and whole building performance as a consultant, researcher, and educator. Other panelists include Bruce King, Ecological Building Network, and others to be determined.
Visit http://adpsr.org/nor-cal/lecture-march-16-2010
$10.00 donation, no one turned away for lack of funds.
RSVP: lecture@adpsr-norcal.org or pre-register through Brown Paper Tickets https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/101816
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FURTHER THINKING
What is our Purpose?
I had this strange dream last night: In it, I was sitting in a Congressional Hearing, listening to the usual Kabuki, when a Senator started making disparaging remarks about the people about to give testimony on behalf of the environment. He ranted that they hadn’t really “achieved” anything, but had lived their lives working for government and non-profits, basically off the “largesse of society”.
I can’t repeat here my uncontrolled blurting, but before security removed me (it was a dream, after all), I managed to name a long list of people who made large contributions to society while living off our “largesse”, ranging from Martin Luther King (and Billy Graham?) to Harold Varmas.
We recently had the (very real) Kabuki of the health care discussions, with the ultimate wrestling match between the President and Congress. Oddly, but not expectedly, advocates for the 2/3 of Americans who favor some form of single payer plan were specifically excluded. But the even larger question has never been addressed in the major media, “What is the Purpose of a Health Care System?” Perhaps asking that fundamental question would yield a very different discussion.
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
Build It Green Presents: 2008 Title 24 Energy Code Update & HERS Phase II – March 10 – San Rafael
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Topic: 2008 Title 24 Energy Code Update & HERS Phase II
This presentation will cover the key items included in the 2008 Update to the Title 24 Energy Standards, effective January 1, 2010. In particular, this lecture and discussion will focus on the residential sector (single- and multi-family dwellings) and will cover building envelope, HVAC, water heating, and lighting. Lastly this presentation will discuss some of the overarching impacts that this code change may have for projects wishing to exceed the new code for energy or green program purposes.
Place: Marin Builders Association, 660 Las Galinas Ave., San Rafael
REGISTER ONLINE at http://www.builditgreen.org/en/cev/64 or call 510-845-0472 ext. 105.
Pre-registration Rates: $10 /Build It Green Members, $20 /Non-Members
Non-registered Rate (Door Price): $25 /Person
Admission includes a light meal; those choosing not to eat still are required to pay the meeting fee.
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Build It Green Presents: Insulation – March 17 – San Francisco
Date: Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Insulation is the least understood and most unappreciated component of our buildings. Yet - in the face of all the other energy efficiency options and in a "return on investment" analysis - insulation is the most important component and variable in making our buildings safe, healthy, comfortable and durable - and able to operate at the lowest cost possible.
Speaker: Charles Bennett, Mr. Insulation; and Andy Fessel, Energy-Able
Place: SF Environment, 11 Grove Street, San FranciscoRegistration:
REGISTER ONLINE at http://www.builditgreen.org/en/cev/65 or call 510-845-0472 ext. 105.
Pre-registration Rates: $10 /Build It Green Members, $20 /Non-Members
Non-registered Rate (Door Price): $25 /Person
Admission includes a light meal; those choosing not to eat still are required to pay the meeting fee.
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Author Event: "A Different Kind of Luxury"
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Author and photographer Andy Couturier will discuss his new book of profiles of people living simple, sustainable, extraordinary lives in rural Japan. A Different Kind of Luxury: Japanese Lessons in Simple Living and Inner Abundance, just published by Berkeley-based Stone Bridge Press, lets readers feel the flavor and texture of the lives of a number of fascinating farmers, artists, philosophers and craftspeople who've chosen lives of reduced consumption and increased satisfaction.
Although raised in the tumult of Japan's industrial powerhouse, each of the men and women profiled have made the transition to a slower, more deeply satisfying lives with plenty of time for contemplation and a deeper connection with the natural world. Although the places they live are beautiful, and many have innovative ways of growing their food and providing for their needs, the talk will also touch on the intentional choices these people have made, and the rich texture of the lives they have created. The author will also show beautiful slides from of these people's way of life, and there will be a question and answer period at the end.
Wheelchair accessible.
Time: 7pm - 9pm.Location: Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave, near Dwight Way, Berkeley.
Info: 510-548-3402, alison@ecologycenter.org, http://www.ecologycenter.org/store/
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Urban Permaculture Design Course - Berkeley - April
Common Circle Education is thrilled to present our Weekend Urban Permaculture Design Course taking place on twelve consecutive Saturdays starting April 10th in Berkeley.
We are thrilled to offer an awesome early registration special at just $495 for the course before March 1st (regular rateis $995).
This workshop is an incredible opportunity to experience sustainable holistic living, have loads of fun, and learn practical skills you can apply in the real world in your ownhome, backyard, and in your community.
You’ll learn how to create sustainable, thriving human systems, from green houses and organic gardens, to local micro-economies and eco-communities, using sustainable design principles rooted in nature, that are applicable to every human system - from businesses, communities, and cities to personal relationships.
Upon successful completion of this course and meeting the requirements, you’ll leave with an internationally recognized Permaculture Design Certificate as the course will build upon the standard 72-hour permaculture curriculum.
What: Urban Permaculture Design Certificate Course (more info @ www.commoncircle.com).
Who: Common Circle Education (commoncircle.com)
When: Twelve consecutive Saturdays, starting April 10, 2010. Where: 2130 Center Street, Berkeley
More information @ http://www.commoncircle.com
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*2010 **Natural** **Building** Workshop Series*
Taught by Sasha Rabin and Massey Burke, of Vertical Clay Construction
For more information including workshop descriptions, times, cost and locations, please see our web site: www.verticalclay.com
Or contact us at sasha@sgnb.com
-KASSA-THE FIRST ANNUAL URBAN ADOBE FESTIVAL-May 2- FREE
Introduction to Building with Earthbags
June 5 & 6
Natural Building & Natural Plasters for Urban Dwellings
June 13
Introduction to Building with Adobe
June 19 & 20
Cob Building Intensive
July 8,9,10 &11
Learn to Build your own Wood Fired Cob Oven
July 24 & 25
Introduction to Natural Plasters and Paints
August 6, 7 & 8 |
In the News and Information section we have a report from Kevin Rowell, who is working to not only assist in the immediate aftermath of the Haitian earthquake, but to look at the long term means to improve not only construction but also the means of living in Haiti.
And that has long been the intent of ADPSR. The Northern California board recently held a retreat to evaluate our purpose, something every organization should do on a regular basis.
In our discussions we first posited what may be our ultimate purpose:
“We are a forum for catalyzing and incubating the best ideas for a life supporting future.”
We then determined four major methods for ADPSR moving forward:
People - Democratizing, collaborative process that allows community creation and capacity Building. We act as Facilitators, Advocates, and Foster mobilization. Dynamic Governance is a tool.
Things – We are interested in generating a better understanding of the effect of the built environment on our capacity to create a life-sustaining future.
Ideals and Transformation - How do we define and measure the future world we want to create? How do we transform the existing paradigm and redefine consciousness. MEASURE WHAT MATTERS We are pushing the paradigms and evolving techniques that will help our conscious grow. We are evolving the life supporting elements of the built environment.
Means - By creating a forum and offering our expertise we develop our brand. ADPSR is a think tank with linkages. We are a role innovation think tank.
In January we hosted a forum in Berkeley addressing the needs of “People” in discussing the Downtown Plan. We hope to have more discussions to promote deeper democracy in the decision making process.
Our upcoming Lecture Series for March and April (one of our “Means”) will focus on the “Things” – appropriate choices for how we create our dwellings. To many the “Green Building” movement has been little more than a shopping spree of new materials. Our March presentation will try to delve into the deeper meaning of choosing our designs and materials.
In April we want to give a little “kick in the side”, by having a discussion on the materials we wished we’d never specified, and how we can avoid that in the future. Vinyl, Halogenated Bromides, Fiberglass insulation, Formaldehyde, Styrene Butadiene, Polyurethane Foams, and Wall to Wall Carpet are just a few that spring to mind. Do you have any favorites? Let us know at lecture@adpsr-norcal.org.
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News and Information
Update from Haiti – Foundation CUSM
The following report and request comes from ADPSR member Kevin Rowell, who went to Haiti in the immediate aftermath of the disastrous earthquake. His blog is also available at http://haiti-patrimoine.org/
We have connected with a local architect, engineer and social focus group similar to ADPSR.
They would like very specific sets of information on various aspects of Code, enforcement, Capacity building at all levels, materials testing ETC.
I’m wondering if we can use the ADPSR network to locate professionals from these areas who want to come down and spend from a few days to a few weeks working on specific issues with them. They are an influential group here and seem to have the respect of the government ministers who introduced us.
Here is the Summary I Wrote while meeting with them. Feel free to call and chat if you have any thoughts on how to help them get what they need. There is no RUSH per-se but the sooner the better.
Thanks in advance!
Agency Description: Foundation CUSM Committee for union and support
Is an association of Architects, Engineers, Sociologist and others looking at the betterment of life for Haitian people.
These are some of the points they are trying to address in relation to the reconstruction.
All Housing Solutions should look at:
- Culturally appropriate housing models. From historical ginger bread style houses to (timber frame with wattle and daub or clay brick infill. ) to CMU Confined Masonry Unit and possible others, in Rural areas a modified Bahareque style is still employed. Though the craftsmanship is often poor.
The CUSM group asked for specific assistance to:
Improve the level of training that all levels of building professionals receive.
Evaluate the quality of local used building construction materials:
Steel - As in structural and re-enforcing
Cement- There appears to be a poor level of production standardization, as such they do not have true “Portland Cement” Therefore Building codes that spec it may not apply here…
Aggregate- Quality and consistency are highly variable especially based on source.
Wood- Specifically on quality, species specification appropriate to design
Earth- As it related to the vernacular architecture of the area especially, as infill in timber frame structures.
Capacity building of Contractors:
Capacity building of workers: it is essential to create an association of builders, or organizations
Supervision/ Support: From 3rd party oversight to training centers, various levels are possible.
Used to be done in the field, usually by people who are not trained in the Schools.
Kevin Rowell
Kleiwerks International Program Director
U.S. 510-325-4277
Haiti 001-509-759-8194
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OWA is generously extending their group health plan to ADPSR members. While not strictly requiring PAID membership in ADPSR, wouldn't you feel better if you knew you had contributed to your favorite source of e-mail information? 3 minutes to join at our secure server atwww.adpsr.org,
Group Health Coverage for Individuals & Small Firms in Architecture and Design-Related Professions
Looking for a health plan for yourself or your small firm? The OWA (Organization of Women Architects & Design Professionals) has provided this major benefit to their members (women and men) for the past 30 years. Two flexible, easy to join plans with Health Net provide all the benefits of a large group plan to an individual or small business.
· The lower deductible HMO has strong benefits and allows individuals to join regardless of pre-existing conditions. The more affordable higher deductible PPO Health Savings Account plan has a 6-month pre-existing condition wait period, unless you are leaving another group plan.
· If you join as a member of a firm and move on, you can keep your health plan membership as an individual at the same premium.
· Firms have flexible options including signing up some staff in one plan and some in another and some not all.
· You can join the health plan at any time, effective the first of the month following enrollment in OWA. OWA membership costs $50 per person per year.
For more information about OWA, check out www.owa-usa.org. For more information about the health plan contact Anne Jakiemiec, OWA's insurance broker ajakiemiec@northgatebenefits.com or Janet Crane, OWA's Health Plan Coordinator at 415 398 4094.
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 New Village Press, a long time project of ADPSR (www.newvillagepress.net) will be publishing “What We See: Advancing the Observations of Jane Jacobs” w ith 30 essays on the eve r evolving legacy of her renowned economic, social, and urban planning theories. In May we will have presentations from some of the authors.
And of course June brings “Towards a Just Metropolis: From Crisis to Possibilities”, 4 days of events that address “Ideals and Transformation”.
And we know that our members, like Kevin Rowell, put their time and energy to a variety of efforts to improve our world. We are happy to hear and publicize your efforts. We appreciate your thoughts, suggestions, and participation in helping us achieve our Mission. Look for an ADPSR Code of Conduct, ideas for all of us to use in our daily lives, coming soon and looking for input.
The recent economic crisis and its underlying causes – absolute greed by a very few – have shaken our social landscape. We can only hope all of us will use this opportunity to reevaluate our Purpose.
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EMPLOYMENT
No new items
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Housing Opportunities
SAN FRANCISCO potential Potrero Hill cohousing site visit Saturday, March 6, 9:30 am
Tour a San Francisco site that is approved for development. The (entitled) condo project could work for cohousing with some changes, at moderate prices by SF standards.
RSVP required, for more information visit http://www.ebcoho.org/calendar/12683155/
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Room Openings at the 611 Ecovillage
Hello everyone. The 611 Ecovillage has two room openings on May 1st for $500 each. Both rooms are large (12 x14), have tall cove ceilings, low-to-no voc finishes, skylights, and of course come with all the bells and whistles of the 611 ecovillage. Our solar-heated hot tub costs pennys on the dollar to operate, the roof deck has beautiful landscaping and sun year round, and our in-house yoga instructor is offering weekly yoga classes in our "yoga and music room."
We're a ten minute walk from MacArthur BART, a short distance from downtown Oakland's Art Murmur, and a short walk or bicycle ride to nearby Temescal District, Lake Merritt, Manzanita Cafe, Eli's, and assorted Central and West Oakland venues. The new middle eastern restaurant around the corner has the best falafel in the east bay!
After ten years of spearheading the 611 Ecovillage, I'm now opening up opportunities for people to invest in and co-own 611. If you or anyone you know would be interested in shared ownership in an intentional community, 611 is an option worth considering. You could move in as a renter, give it some time to see if it's a good fit, and then invest as an owner. There are many ways to do this and if you're interested please email for more info.
OPEN HOUSE TOUR THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 7TH, 1:00. Please RSVP dantonioli@earthlink.net if you can make it. If you haven't been here in a while, visit our website for more info: www.611ecovillage.com
Dan Antonioli
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