2016 SOLAR EARTH WORKSHOPS

SECMOL Alternative School, Phey was accorded the UNESCO Chair for Earth Architecture- Constructive Cultures and Sustainable Development in 2014. A rare honour accorded to institutions in order to create centers of excellence to accelerate research and development, and the dissemination of scientific and technical know-how on earthen architecture worldwide. We are now heading towards the creation of an Alternative University for Mountain development. So it is with this backdrop, that we announce the 2016 Solar & Earth Workshops.

Through a single modules lasting 2 weeks, we shall learn how to build with earth beneath our feet and the sun above our heads! While the Earth course will be useful to people from all geographical locations, the Solar course will be particularly useful for people from cold and sunny mountain climates.

EARTH BUILDINGS & PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN 
Arrival: 30th July
Course duration: 31st July to 14th August.
With earth buildings we will learn how to identify, interact with and understand soils and their behaviour. Building with different earthen techniques; elements and anatomy of earthen buildings etc.

In passive solar design we will understand comfort & well-being; climate responsive planning. Applying strategies at multiple scales of the built environment. Designing, simulating and calculating for comfort. etc

The course will include a 3 day field trip to the beautiful Pangong region with visits to prominent monasteries and other relevant structures and buildings that focus on Earth and solar architecture.

The course will be facilitated by renowned experts like Robert Celaire from France and Sonam Wangchuk from Ladakh along with practicing architects and builders like Swati Negi and Konchok Norgay.
Watch this video to get a sense of the journey.

FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS :
Course fees: Rs.21,000/- per module (two weeks).
This is highly subsidized;actual cost come to Rs40,000/-
This includes course material, dormitory style accommodation, simple vegetarian food and a 3 day field trip.
A part of this fees will be used to further cross subsidize students below 22 years of age. For such scholarships, priority will be given to candidates with rural government school background. Local ladakhi participants will also be given need based scholarships.

HOW TO APPLY :
Please fill this form and send it to Ms Swati Negi at secmolcourses@gmail.com
Application deadline date is June 10th, 2016

Feel free to mail us for queries,if any.