Institute for Alternative Methods (IAM) at BUST
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Prof Dr Norbert Pintsch
Objects mentioned in the literature can be seen at CAT and their working is explained.
Apart from NGOs, companies and private persons, there are CAT clubs in 7 Sub-Divisions and a Youngster-Club since 2009. Future students learn here in a playful manner among others handling devices, which are friendly to the nature.
The basic concept of IAM was initiated due the excellent relationship with BUST.
Of course one finds reference to Appropriate Technology in the brochures of universities, these are however understood as an extension of the regular study programs.
But Appropriate Technology is lot more !
It is a complete way of thinking and therefore to be placed equally along with disciplines like economy, trade, society and politics etc.
It is important here to differentiate between the rather holistic approach with elements from traditional culture, like visible in rural life, and the rather open resource depleting system, a it can be seen in urban and semi-urban regions and the closed independent system.
The holistic system is however not to be understood as an escape into the past, but on the contrary, it carries forward the futuristic approach by building upon the existing open system.
One can understand it well from the following example: the low-tech method of faeces-disposal on one side and the high tech recycling method as used in the europeon space lab.
Brainstorming about new concepts also finds its place at the IAM: The Organization of Climate Conserving Nations (OCCN) as an alternative to OPEC...
We can see, AT is more than only a technical aid.
Labels: Appropriate Technology
posted @ 9:08 AM,
, links to this post
Appropriate Technology Exhibition
Monday, March 19, 2012
In the face of energy shortage, particularly in the rural areas of Pakistan, Appropriate Technology is the obvious solution and people are turning to appropriate technology solutions. Best thing is that appropriate technology solutions are not only affordable and available but they are guaranteed anywhere.
Dr. Norbert Pintsch, an appropriate technology expert, was chief guest at appropriate technology exhibition in Superior College, Dipalpur (district Okara) on March 13, 2012. Mr Shakeel -teacher in the college and a member of Technical Transfer and Training Center from men AFA (NGO) in village TGD – had arranged an awareness exhibition. Dr. Norbert Pintsch also gave a presentation to the students and other notables of the area. Among others, PTI member and MNA Mr Arshad, Mr Rashid and Mr Wariam, Mr Farooq and Mr Ilyas from the AFA-NGO also attended the function that was followed by interactive questions answers session.
Labels: Appropriate Technology, Prof Dr Norbert Pintsch
posted @ 10:01 AM,
, links to this post
Earthen Architecture
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Earthen buildings come in a vast variety of shapes and sizes, made from materials like fired clay, compressed dirt and a mixture of clay, sand, straw and water. People have been using various forms of earth to build structures for centuries, from the traditional thatched cottages in Devon, England to the pueblo villages of the American west. The ancient ‘rammed earth’ building technique has been used in Neolithic architecture sites and modern cathedrals alike.Here are 10 diverse examples of structures made from earthen materials.
See 10 Mud and Dirt Buildings here!
Labels: Mud Architecture
posted @ 7:45 AM,
, links to this post
Caught Mud Handed
Monday, March 12, 2012
English volunteer Hattie Miall shows her hands after preparing a mud floor in a school that Italian architect Valerio Marazzi is constructing out of old tyres and mud for children of the Jahalin Palestinian Bedouin tribe on July 12, 2009 in the Judean Desert near the Israeli settlement of Maale Adumim in the West Bank. (Photo by David Silverman/Getty Images)
Labels: Mud
posted @ 8:31 AM,
, links to this post
Earth Architecture
Friday, March 9, 2012
Currently it is estimated that one half of the world’s population—approximately three billion people on six continents—lives or works in buildings constructed of earth. And while the vast legacy of traditional and vernacular earthen construction has been widely discussed, little attention has been paid to the contemporary tradition of earth architecture. Author Ronald Rael, founder of Eartharchitecture.org provides a history of building with earth in the modern era, focusing particularly on projects constructed in the last few decades that use rammed earth, mud brick, compressed earth, cob, and several other interesting techniques. EARTH ARCHITECTURE presents a selection of more than 40 projects that exemplify new, creative uses of the oldest building material on the planet. {Via }
Labels: Earth Architecture
posted @ 8:09 AM,
, links to this post
Traditional Yemen Architecture
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
A builder took a break from restoring a building in the Old City of Sana, one of the world's architectural gems. Traditional building arts continue to thrive in Yemen.
Labels: Traditional Architecture
posted @ 7:08 AM,
, links to this post
Housing
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Download Housing by Prof. Dr. Norbert Pintsch here
Labels: Housing, Prof Dr Norbert Pintsch
posted @ 10:46 AM,
, links to this post
Saudi Mud Fort
Monday, March 5, 2012
Of course, if it’s the history of the country which interests you, you simply cannot miss the Musmak Fortress (pictured above). This is where the official history of Saudi Arabia starts from – the stronghold that Abdul Aziz captured in January 1902 leading to the eventual foundation of the Kingdom 30 years later. The fort is a wonderful example of mud and brick architecture with crenellated towers, triangular windows and traditionally decorated doors and ceilings. It can be found in the Qasr al Hokum area right by the headquarters of the Muttawah (religious police). Read more here...Labels: Mud Architecture
posted @ 9:58 PM,
, links to this post
Construction Material
posted @ 11:06 AM,
, links to this post
