Panta Rei – Passignano sul Trasimeno, Italy
I decided to do my three month internship for the Masters of Sustainable Architecture at an environmental education center in Umbria, Panta Rei. By living and working within structures built of natural materials I was able to learn first hand the benefits they offer, including occupants’ health and comfort. I was responsible for the maintenance and repair of the earth and lime plasters, utilizing humble tools and techniques. While helping run volunteer work camps I participated in the construction of earth and straw walls added to secondary structures. By creating a color coded floor plan legend and corresponding pages which combined sketches, details, and photos I documented the materials and methods used to construct the existing buildings in a way that could be easily shared with future visitors. To document my activities and experience during my stay at Panta Rei, I created a blog that I posted to during my internship.