ECUADOR
July 22 - 29, 2023
7-day eco-building and design intensive
in the magical mountains surrounding Cuenca, Ecuador
Learn the essential principles of living and building in partnership with the land
During our time together you will learn :
How to prepare the land and design plans for building
Understand Different materials (soil, bamboo) and processes for creating shelter and space
12 Principles for Permaculture Design
The Importance of curating Space and Design to elevate the mind
How to observe the environment to see what resources can be consciously utilized in producing one’s needs for living
About the traditions, values, and crafts of local Andes Culture
We will share meals together, connect with local and global artists, and experience simple living and high thinking. This intensive will be very hands-on, and participants should be prepared to spend multiple hours daily getting their hands dirty.
Additional activities include:
Hiking adventure to Parque Nacional Cajas
Meeting with local ceramicists
Tour of the City of Cuenca
Yoga x Meditation
Pablo Andrés Cardoso
is an architect trained in the city of Cuenca and, later, as a furniture designer at the University of Buenos Aires. While in Buenos Aires, he complemented his education by training to become an art director at the independent school "Relacional".
From the beginning, he was guided by the sense of service that one can offer to not only the people with whom he worked but to the environment as well. Permaculture and bio-construction became the pillars to develop his career both in urban and rural environments. Art accompanies every step on his path, and he is a faithful believer that a sense of community is vital for the development of a human being.
He has dedicated the last 8 years to researching the use of materials that can be obtained from nature without causing irreversible or significant impact. Direct contact with raw materials and involving the entire body in the intervention of a space allows him to perceive the invisible within a construction project.
Recent projects by Pablo
- For those who are interested in developing these skills to a professional level beyond the scope of the intensive, further opportunities for apprenticeship and project development with Pablo will be available-
where we will be:
CUENCA
is a vibrant colonial city in southern Ecuador surrounded on all sides by mountains. The center of the city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site site because of its many historical buildings. Everywhere you look in Cuenca, there are flowers, blooming trees, grass, and rushing waters.
We recommend booking your hotel centrally located in the city, and our work and study site will be approx 30 min. drive into the mountains.
Details
Fly into Mariscal Lamar Internation Airport in Cuenca, Ecuador on July 22, 2023. You can also fly into a larger airport such as Guayaquil airport, and take a bus to Cuenca from there.
PLEASE NOTE: You are responsible for booking your own hotel in central Cuenca. We understand that people travel differently; some prefer simple hostels and others prefer luxury hotels. Cuenca has a great range of both! Here are some recommendations:
You can also find lovely air BnB’s in the area. Please make sure yours is centrally located so that you will have easy access to our daily transport!
Local transport from our meeting point in Central Cuenca to our work site and excursions will be provided
Love-filled home-cooked vegetarian breakfast and lunch meals at our worksite with be provided. Snacks, tea, and coffee will be available throughout the day. Students are responsible for their own dinners.
Tuition: $1250
*Refund policy: 50% refund up to 1 month before the retreat. No refunds are permitted less than 30 days before the retreat.