+ progress +
rachel and i have been corresponding through email, although i am terrible at remembering to check it regularly, even with important projects relying on it. *sigh*
more information about fistula repair has been gathered. the procedure is not long, and the equiptment for repair is somewhat minimal, but we are still gathering more information on this. it involves surgically attaching "fat pads" to the hole (Martius procedure?). although it is not essential to my design persay to understand this i think it is important to know exactly what i am accommodating and what means are neccessary to make this feasible.
i am looking into what type of architecture is typical in the rural areas of tanzania and what local materials are used. it is quite difficult to do this, by the way. my best bet thus far is looking at images and guessing what the buildings are made of...
basic living structure (no electric or plumbing)
addis ababa fistula hospital bed ward
these are two prime examples of the gap between the simplicity of who i may be assisting with this center and how intimidating the facilities might appear. other families may have basic plumbing or electricity, but it remains that this birth center must have a welcoming facade that references this culture instead of negating it.
research links
+ http://www.sosghana.com
+ http://www.sos-childrensvillages.org
orphanage facilities with concern about cost-efficient design, also located in regions not unlike where our birth center may be located.