90 Facilitator’s Handbook for Permaculture WorkshopsEXERCISECR
EATIVE^ THINK
IN
GCreative thinking : List various building materials
Method : Participatory brainstorm, group discussionTools : Paper, markers, black/white boardReferences : PC Book MOD 3 – Houses, Water, and Waste ManagementObjective : Participants identify sustainable and unsustainable building materialsA. List of sustainable building materials
Step 1With the entire group, conduct a brainstorm to create a list of the best, most environmentally
friendly (sustainable) building materials. Ideally, these materials would be produced from
local resources (table 1). Write the participant’s answers on a large piece of paper or on
the white/black board so that everyone can see and comment.Step 2Once the list of sustainable building materials is complete, ask the participants to split up
into smaller work groups (see appendix for ideas about using a creative group techniques)
and work out (a) where the materials come from, and (b) how they feel those materials
may be used. (table 2.)The answers listed below are supplied for the facilitator only for prompting
ideas and discussions if the participants need help.Sustainable
materialWhere the material
comes from Various ways it can be usedBamboo Local area Handicraft, fence, furniture, kites, roofing, building, incense stick, cooking fuel, ropeRock River, mountain BuildingGrass thatch Local area (rice field) Roof, bed (use only the leaf, wash with water and whitening agent first)Clay brick Construction waste Wall, floor, stoveRenewable
timberWaste from construction and
logging companyDust can be use for triplex, incense, charcoal,
cooking fuel. Timber can be use for furniture,
construction, temporary house
Palm fiber Palm tree Roof, rope
Rattan Forest Furniture, handicraft
Table 1. Table 2.Step 3After each workgroup has created their lists, they can present the results to the entire
group for feedback and other suggestions.