As we enter one of the warmest months of summer, we are reminded even more of the dire situation we are facing in Cape Town. The drought has become such a reality for each and every family in the Western Cape. And with day Zero looming, it is even more evident that our Eco-School is not only an ideal, but rather a necessity. The earth is gradually depleted of natural resources, which makes it even more important that we educate our children to care for their environment –not only through books, but also throughout their everyday life. This truly makes our Dragon Tree Project even more exciting.
In line with Imhoff Waldorf School’s vision, the new school building will follow ecological principles and processes. In order to achieve this, the school is designed with the environment in mind. The layout and actual materials of the school will not only compliment the natural surroundings, but the methods will also have low impact and preserve as much as possible of the existing environment.
The design process is unique too, as natural architect, Keith Struthers, works in studio and in the environment to design in tandem. This is a beautiful process and tangibly shows us how the school begins to take shape.
The outcome of this process shows how the classrooms mimic and flow with a child’s developmental phases, gradually progressing from more curvilinear to more rectangular shapes, all the while responding to the natural surrounds. The lines of the buildings will follow a curve, creating a natural courtyard space.
To keep track of the project, do remember to follow our blog under “News” on our website. You can contact the DTP team if you have any questions, inputs or contacts for donations.
This is a big year for the Dragon Tree Project that will see the school take shape in a more tangible way. We are looking forward to sharing the process with you.
Warm regards, the DTP Team
Building Team: Stefanie Roux, David Evans, Daniel Raubenheimer and Francis Lacey
Fundraising and Marketing: Claire Alberts, Claire Lacey and Jolene du Plessis