At first glance, David Hornick, it seems likely that it is a candidate for spear-heading the development of housing in the State of Oaxaca, one of the poorest states in Mexico and in the south, his Spanish is limited to the generous, the beginning of this year has not been ventured in this section the country was never designed or built the house, and lived most of his life in Schenectady, New York, we are more or less typical, middle-class Jewish existence.
But Hornick had the vision, born of life experience of others who have more GA than the best qualified to continue the project. “One thing, for me,” he said in his first trip to Oaxaca, “is that when they decide to do something, you know, it is in the depths – and then there is no stopping me.”
For more than three decades Hornick is a family physician, diagnosis and treatment of aging Americans only … through home visits. He and his wife Roberta, his partner in medical practice, we know how and where we have traditionally rarely perfect, because it is simple and well from a position of economic security.
The answer, as I came to celebrate in recent months at least Hornick protection plan for the solution is to introduce some common characteristics of housing (Cohousing), and many elements as possible to universal design in the region in the world, where is the best way to resolve concerns – Oaxaca … for beginners. And this is exactly what Hornick.
Collaboration home
Cohousing communities are usually designed as a series of attached or families with one or more pedestrian streets and grouped around the courtyard. Although the concept originated in Denmark, since the beginning of 1980-invited to the USA and since then, as in the case of community-based approach was developed during the rest of the Western world, such as Canada, France, Germany and the Re Zealand.
Each community includes the construction of buildings, “common house”, which includes the social center in the area where the neighbors meet, eat, and participate in other activities that normally are not required on a daily basis (eg washing machine) and a series of small apartments for guests. In the last two points have implications in terms of minimizing the total costs per stay, because it is not normally occupied space on a daily basis has been released from the house.
Although models of the net population is actively involved in their surroundings, in this case, since the members of effort saved – Hornick devoted his life for all adults, needs assessment, as Americans change their stage of life. Therefore, significant progress has been made on this project is advanced Oaxaca, and in fact the Internet is the place to deal with those who are interested in life, following a change in the foreseeable future. At present, includes two photographs of the land, architectural plans and drawings of these two models of homes.
Hornick preferred terms to avoid a common goal or housing, and Cohousing in favor of “neighborhood” and “community.” The former imports the idea of consensus decision-making, which he believes is reliable. A planned, but as a “resident board” (probably similar to the dwellings in the Board) for assistance in connection with the proposals in relation to the area. This indicates that the approach is realistic and practical model. This project is not needed, he said, and participants agreed to work together to promote some basic objectives: energy efficiency, respect for the environment, local production and use of “green” materials (construction and other types), access and universal design allows people of all ages to grow and ripen well.
Universal Design
Universal design (UD) can be defined as the creation of products (including communications systems) and environmental (including landscape), which can be used for all people to as much as possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. It is often associated only with the treatment of elderly and infirm. I really should not doubt that the concept of Oaxaca project is very attractive for those who are in their fifties and older, many of ending his career, and a new phase of life, “to leave the pension. But the use of design is concerned with more universal – promotion of the natural progression of functional changes throughout life, according to Hornick.
Until we address all ages and skill levels, and thus represent an attractive project for families at all stages of life? Hornick says:
“Anyone who was born and has been exposed to short. We can not reach the light switches, and for four years, long after we are able to do the legs and feet. Improved functional ability (in principle) between D ‘late adolescence and then begins decline.
“The light can be reduced to three feet so that is only available for children and people in the neck karroceta limited mobility. Round neck node can be replaced by a lever, which will meet arthritic hands, but also allow people to carry out a full plate of food on the open side doors opened. could be replaced with ramps, and even the door of the house. light intensity can be regulated by an adjustable dark vision with age. showers to build without step-up of small and much more. There are literally hundredth of one or more alternative proposals and products are available market, which may be taken into account, which was not removed, or “normal” aesthetics or functionality of the house. ”
Hornick consulted in the Seniors’ Retrofitting apartment projects related to production prior art design prototypes for adaptation. The project allows Oaxaca, their wealth of knowledge and experience to carry out a bit with different orientation.
We are at a time when a growing number of individuals and couples in North America became a disillusionment with the work-until-you-drop mentality, less-than-optimal environment in which they feel obliged to live and raise their families, lack of increase in basic goods and services including health care, and more recently, and uncertainty in employment, and reduce the nest egg.
Oaxaca Project
Given the enthusiasm Hornick, Oaxaca as a potentially attractive site for the development of a prototype of what is stated at the beginning, the first time you advise me in November 2008, the elderly community. “This characteristic is probably the beginning of my interest in the top of my house, without asking very difficult to answer questions. I fell on him and detained, and since then, welcome to our home of David, the introduction of a number of experts who can make progress projects and consultations of possible sites.
Places in Latin America have different advantages in comparison with U.S. and Canadian projects, the potential sites. While the rest of the northern Rio Grande in May, initially appears attractive due to language, to facilitate access to friends and family, and return visits and cultural familiarity, Oaxaca was chosen due to its unique set of advantages:
1) to improve access to transport system is updated via Mexico toll road, but is extended in various countries across the U.S. border, in the city of Oaxaca and the most appropriate way through the flight (as if you could avoid Mexico City with the Continental non-stop service from Houston and Los Angeles Mexican);
2) It is a very mild climate for the 12 months of this year, and on a personal level, as well as individual bids for solar power;
3) Close to the beach on the Pacific coast destinations such as Puerto Escondido and Huatulco;
4) The modest cost of living (such as employment, public transport, entertainment, meals and fees) in connection with the United States and Canada, even in the northern half of the country;
5) The availability of reasonable cost-Extensions enough clay and sufficient rainfall and underground water in support of partial self-sufficiency in agricultural production;
6) the number of potential development sites, where the choice, no more half-hour’s drive from the center of Oaxaca in order to guarantee the proximity of restaurants and cafes, galerive, museums and other cultural institutions and health professionals and hospitals;
7) In the left burgeoning community (including the English language to ensure Oaxaca library), with the support of consulates of Canada and the United States;
from local residents that the Mexicans are not welcome, since immigration to Canada and the U.S. will mean more jobs and higher wages in a depressed economy and a real willingness to accept foreign winged open;
9) an understanding of many experts, companies and governments and businesses involved in the project hopes to achieve, and potential for growth for the same in other parts of the country.
Each of the two “Eco Village” site, which are in Hornick site is equally attractive, meets all the criteria and simply easier to promote a series of common objectives. San Juan Country Development consists of 25 hectares and is approximately 30 minutes from the center of Oaxaca, and San Lorenzo Cacaotepec reduced to 75 hectares, and only 15 minutes from the city. Each is about 10 minutes from the city Etla, known for its lively market on Wednesday and production of animal products, especially famous Oaxaca cheese (cheese, as well as the most popular string cheese, also known as cheese.)
Each of these two events were 30 times more than 1000 square foot common house protected corridors and green gardens and water, energy and waste facility, which ensures independence from the whims of local federal and state public services.
Hornick says that with more than 300 sunny days a year, municipalities will be able to create and store electricity using photovoltaic technology. Hot water produced by solar water heaters. The internal temperature will be comfortable throughout the year through passive solar energy for heating and cooling – such as construction of stone walls at the local level (also known as the “bottom”), brick clay, or Adobe, depending on the direction in relation to the sun and prevailing winds.
But independence has its limits and, to some extent, depending on the wider community in Oaxaca is a key element. Hornick plans for the development of relations with the inhabitants of surrounding villages who are interested in employment, home gardeners, and personal care assistants. In addition, the continued practice in the State of Oaxaca that foreign participation in local exchange concerts with several hours a week meetings were held in Oaxaca in English and Spanish immigrants.
Hornick has … two [sites] will have access to health services, health care workers to live at home via the Internet and video teleconference with experts from renowned centers of excellence. “Support from the state of his medical practice in the lines. Of course, in today’s technological world does not see distance, political boundaries, or differences in language and other cultures, and barriers.” Sure, there are problems, but perseverance is easy to overcome, “continues.” You know, when I was only a few months, with a single idea, and my finger pointing to the spot in the world – and see where we are now. “Indeed, Hornick and his team of experts (including Prometheus Islands Sánchez, Dean of School of Architecture at the University of Oaxaca) continue to work hard on this project.
During her visit in Oaxaca Hornick pay particular attention to evidence of the cost of living in the selling prices of photography at the supermarket (which was drawn attention to the management of the store.) Currently seeks to establish additional transport costs, insurance and other costs, cleaning, maintenance, gardening and landscape (even if it is convinced that it is important for residents to participate in these activities, training and maintenance functions and purposes of meaning). “I am striving to achieve” soft “nature of the interested parties to determine whether it can survive in their social security.” Provided. But one thing is certain – the cost of living is more than 50% of what most who live in the United States or Canada.