Minutes to Tele-meeting, November 6th 2008
Attendees:
- Arno Pronk
- Mark West
- Fariborz Hashemian
- Rick Fearn
- Sandy Lawton
Discussion:
- Technical note: in future, everyone should install Skype as it allows you to easily 'see' who is talking. Please go to www.skype.com for the simple download. You will need a microphone and speakers on your computer.
- The main discussion centered on having a real fabric forming workshop, and making the construction part of a house to be sold, rather than pure experimental fabric designs. This would mean the designs would have to meet local building codes.
- Sandy Lawton has a property that would be perfect for such a work shop, and he intents is to begin the foundation early next summer on the next home. (To see this development, go to http://www.hastingsmeadow.com.)
- Mark suggested opening up a design competition to get interest from the Universities and design community. The attendees thought this was a great idea, but then 'reality' stepped in as one realized there was insufficient time for the competition in advance of the construction of the foundation. And in addition, because it is a spec house (to be sold), Sandy had to ensure the design was compatible with his market needs.
- Fariborz suggested that the design competition could be centered around certain components for a house design already completed by Sandy. Arno confirmed that time made this the best option.
- Mark said that because syllabuses for the next term are being arranged now, there is a need to get the competition out into the market place immediately.
- Sandy said he would forward information immediately on his property (see links above) so that the next lot could be chosen and his design could begin immediately.
- Rick suggested that a more sloping site may be preferable as it would give more scope for fabric formed beams, stepped footings, complex wall junctions, etc. However the lot choice is really Sandy's.
- Sandy agreed to have as much info ready for attendees before the next teleconference in two weeks time.
- Mark suggested ISOFF could offer a more open design competition for a civic sculpture (public art). This would not be constrained by the construction schedule of Sandy's project. All attendees would ask their local cities to see if monies would be available for such a competition.
Next Teleconference
- Attendees agreed to next teleconference in two weeks time, namely Thursday, November 20th, 8:00 AM Pacific Standard Time. Please download Skype.
- Shuiji (Kenzo's translator) apologized for not attending, but would translate these minutes. Remo was in Turkey, and apologized. And David Jolly had intended on attending, but I believe it was a communication problem.
- We need a name for the workshop next summer, suggestions, please?
- We need to pin down the exact date for the late summer workshop, suggestions, please?
- Please forward any errors or omissions in these minutes to me, thanks, Rick