OUR APPROACH
We are committed to operating our design and construction projects in a socially, environmentally and economically responsible manor, ensuring that we use our experience as a force for good. Our design approach aims to tackle difficult issues with beautiful solutions, whilst our contracting and construction workshops are a platform for creating long term learning opportunities for local communities and international participants alike!
PROJECT SELECTION
Community Development :
When selecting community projects, we ensure that our four core requirements can be met:
The build has been requested and approved by community leaders.
The community leaders will be fully involved during the brief making, design and construction process.
Sensitivity is taken when choosing projects to see if we are best positioned to offer a solution by adding value to it’s brief, design and impact.
Skill exchange opportunities are identified for both our international team and local communities.
Private Commissions :
We aim to work with organisations or individuals who share our vision, ethos and methods of collaborative practice, to get the most out of the project.
We aim to integrate skills workshops and community engagement where possible.
There’s no project to big or small! If you have one in mind then don’t hesitate to contact us.
Once a project meets these requirements we work with the community and client to determine and enhance one or more of the project objectives :
Long term economic impact.
Social impact
Low/positive environmental impact.
6 KEY STAKEHOLDERS
Each community development project establishes a number of key stakeholders to ensure that the projects run smoothly from initial brief making through to completion. Each stakeholder has their own set of responsibilities and contribute their skills and knowledge to the project. Each member benefits from a collaborative, inclusive process that meets their personal needs and acts as a precedent for a change in the status quo regarding design access and design education:
NGO / LOCAL PARTNER
It is crucial for us to partner with a local figurehead or NGO / Charity who has both knowledge and trust of the local community. Their responsibility is to identify the project need, communicate with the community in the lead up to the project as well as fundraising the cost of materials and any paid local labour or design fee that is required.
LOCAL WORKFORCE
When it comes to building, the local skilled workforce know a great deal about what is available and the correct ways of using it. We combine this knowledge with that of our engineers and our design expertise to generate a high quality design whilst using the skills and materials that are accessible to them.
THE COMMUNITY
For a project to be successful the community and end users must be fully supportive and engaged in the design and construction process. Since the building will be maintained and occupied by them, their input throughout the project duration is critical in creating a building that works best for their needs.
INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS
In many of the projects we undertake, we invite architecture, design and engineering students / young professionals to be involved in the design and build process. They’re able to input with their design education as well as learn about working within a different climate and context and gain onsite construction skills.
CORPORATE SPONSORS
The sponsors and donors of each project either provide direct financial support or input their work pro-bono, such as the engineers and any relevant specialist design consultants. Additionally, material suppliers or manufacturers may donate their product to be used within the project at a reduced rate or free of charge.
CAUKIN STUDIO
We’re responsible for the overall design process and construction management. We work with each stakeholder to formulate a design that satisfies the needs of the community and tackles any challenges set out in the initial brief. We assemble and manage the team of international participants along with the local workers.