Camp Eco Brief, Tay Kheng Soon, 5/10/04
The Camp will accommodate up to 400 pax, the majority in two native style longhouses. There will also be a variety of smaller dwellings for smaller groups and tutors.
Learning by doing is the philosophy. Principles of sustainability such as reduce, reuse and recycle are amply demonstrated in the camp. The structures are built of recycled timber with the minimal use of new materials. Use of water is self-rationed through bath and toilet arrangements whereby participants can visibly monitor their water use. All grey water is treated and recycled through an in-situ plant. All lighting is from bio-gas produced through methane produced from zoo-poo in an on-site plant. Solar energy is sparingly used to charge small appliances.
The culture of forest peoples of the tropics is highlighted in terms of their adaptation and sustainability and cultural practices and values. Their arts and crafts will be displayed throughout the camp and serve as talking points for spontaneous discussions and seminars.
The architecture of the longhouses, the dining and assembly halls are inspired by the “Naga” themes as found in all South East Asian tribal and village cultures. “Naga” and our affinity towards water is something that needs to be rediscovered and re-contextualised into today’s metropolitan environments.
A key exhibit is the “autonomous dwelling”. This is a proto-type building that demonstrates that the only things needed to live well is the import of food and toilet paper. All the other things are self provided. Water is harvested, stored and recycled. Waste is composted and turned into fertilizer. Electricity is generated from the sun. Cooling is achieved through task air-conditioning and the creation of a cool micro-climate through vertical and horizontal planting and low heat mass use of materials.
Eco Camp is therefore not just a nostalgic trip although
the allure of nature is a big plus. While the experience of the Eco
Camp is a departure from everyday life, immersed as it is in the wonders
of the tropical rainforest next to a beautiful water body and near exotic
animals, educationally, it is an effort to bring the nature message
into the contemporary context. Towards this end, the designs, the embedded
information and the activity programs are all designed to have the serious
intent of bringing to a high level of consciousness the message of nature
in our urban lives and what each and everyone of us can do towards sustainable
living.