Thursday 10 May 2007

Mood: Anxious
Song in mind: "Emhlabeni, se go thole kunzima..."
Site: Chess Park
Mission: Begin digging Foundations

We began digging the foundations today by first marking out the width of the foundation using pegs and a builder’s line. The team was keen as we were finally going to make this design and dream a reality-it’s Bra Skool’s dream that’s coming true infact. I believe that this is what being an architect is about, bringing one’s vision in line with the client’s. At times, as architects, we become too anxious to see our own selfish ambitions overshadow the need’s of the community. This is what makes this project so special, as it’s a community project and our own desires have been laid aside to ensure that the community is served with their needs.

We spent most of the day digging the foundations, however, the most educating experience that we had was in negotiating with the Ben, the contractor whom we felt at first was charging ridiculous rates and was taking advantage of us. however, we put a proposal through to him, which we would have to present to the sponsors the following day. Nevertheless, we continued digging as though we were involved in the trench warfare.

During lunch, Kasia was sent to buy lunch for the group and everyone’s fear was revealed: that Kasia would return with "rabbit food". To our surprise and amazement she managed to bring decent food, however, I still can’t explain the "Inkomasi". During the dig, we interviewed the volunteers who were positive about the project and were keen to persue the project till the end.