permaculture

90 Facilitator’s Handbook for Permaculture Workshops

EXERCISE

CR

EAT

IVE^ THINK

IN

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Creative thinking : List various building materials

Method : Participatory brainstorm, group discussion

Tools : Paper, markers, black/white board

References : PC Book MOD 3 – Houses, Water, and Waste Management

Objective : Participants identify sustainable and unsustainable building materials

A. List of sustainable building materials

Step 1

With 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 2

Once 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

material

Where the material

comes from Various ways it can be used

Bamboo Local area Handicraft, fence, furniture, kites, roofing, building, incense stick, cooking fuel, rope

Rock River, mountain Building

Grass thatch Local area (rice field) Roof, bed (use only the leaf, wash with water and whitening agent first)

Clay brick Construction waste Wall, floor, stove

Renewable

timber

Waste from construction and

logging company

Dust 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 3

After each workgroup has created their lists, they can present the results to the entire

group for feedback and other suggestions.