International Humanitarian Design/Build

  India

Mumbai

Term: Summer 
Dates: May 19-June 28, 2008 (tentative)

Description: The program of study will give participating students the chance to use their unique creative talents to design and construct a portable schoolhouse to serve the urban poor surrounding the city of Mumbai. During their time abroad, students will work closely with a people who speak a different language, have different customs, and carry different values to construct a work that is custom tailored to the specific needs, culture, and traditions of their adopted community.

Once completed, these projects will not only benefit the receiving community in a way that boilerplate solutions simply cannot; they will also amplify the already sizable benefits gained from studying abroad. More than simple tourism, this experience will allow participating students to become active members of a community utterly unlike their own. The perspective gained from this experience will forever change the way both parties view themselves, their cultures, and their world.

Although the program will touch on a vast array of topics relevant to the project overseas, specific attention will be given to the following areas of study: the art of socially-responsive design; experimental constructions; humanitarian art, architecture, and design; guerrilla art and design; improvisational fabrication techniques; indigenous materials and methods of construction; and sustainability.

Some final program details are in the process of confirmation, including tentative plans for the program to begin in Philadelphia. After five days of intensive seminars and research on Temple's main campus, students will meet in Mumbai for the remainder of the six-week program.

Highlights: Through planned travel sessions and more informal excursions, students will have ample opportunity to explore one of the most important cities in the world and discover the unique and complex beauty of Mumbai.

In order to anchor this experience within a slightly wider context, the program will also include excursions to other areas in India.

Cost in US$: Approximately $4000-5500

India Fee:
$1500

The India fee includes accommodations in India and travel during program excursions in India.

Please note that program costs are subject to change.

Experience Required: yes

Preference will be given to upper-level students with a background in architecture, art, or design, as well as to students who offer expertise in fabrication and construction or who have extensive experience within the host community.

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to India Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Transcript
• Written Application