Building Happiness

“I was dead, I came alive, I was tears, I became laughter” - Rumi

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/0/3/e/600_272021022.jpeg A glance at the news today shows climate change related hurricanes and floods, earthquakes and fires, human wars and economic crashes, all resulting in humanitarian dsasters. Our prayers are with those who are suffering, and our focus is on how not to have this happen next time.

Starting with pre-existing knowledge of earth architecture and masonry techniques, we study the timeless qualities of the elements, their equilibrium and unity . Such a design process can help us adapt our existing homes to be safer, warmer, cooler, healthier, cost less to run and more suitable for 21st century extreme climates. In this workshop we continue our look at existing homes and how can we improve their sustainability.

“earth, air, fire and

water are obedient creatures,

they are dead to you and me,

but alive at God’s presence”

• Rumi

2013: Floods in India and Europe, a heat-wave and wild-fires the western US, hurricanes in the east and south.