Photos Day 3

After the harrowing trek into Tali the night before, morning over the rainforest was quite the sight. For me, opening the shutters and looking out upon the fog shrouded forest was one of my fondest memories of the trip. I even found it in my heart to forgive the rooster that had been trying since 4:00 AM to get me out of bed. Although I particularly enjoyed the next meal that featured chicken. 

After breakfast, we ventured out to the site. To get there, we drove about 30 minutes in the 4x4's through the jungle before we had to get out and hike for about another 45 minutes to reach the location of the proposed Phase I site. Many of the men from Tali joined us, and helped clear the path with their machetes. I was humbled by the work that they had put in prior to our arrival to make the site accessible. Along our walk, we finally got to see the much hyped "Big Tree". We had been hearing about the "Big Tree" for months prior to the trip. Usually in a sentence like, "Oh yeah, I remember that. It was just South of the Big Tree." This lead to much knee slapping among those of us who had not been to the site. After all, it is a rain forest, and the "Big Tree" doesn't seem like a very useful wayfinding device. 

And then this ...

US: "Um ... That IS a Big Tree!"



And this ...

Who's laughing now?

Wandering off the path was never really an option since the density of the rain forest made this bad decision impossible. This density is also what makes the work the people of Tali accomplished (clearing the path and the Phase I site) so incredible.





African University Field Team



Aside from locating and marveling at the Big Tree, we did manage to get some real work done. We asked the team in Tali to stake the boundary of our property, to drive a steak every 100 M, and then to stake out a tighter grid inside the purposed Phase I site. We used the handheld GPS to record the coordinates of these stakes so that we would have accurate site data that could be uploaded to the computer and Google Earth.





Welcome to Campus!



As tired as we all were, we still had more to do. After dinner, we went to the Tali Town Hall for a meeting with the village. Wayne and William both updated the village on the progress of the project and the purposed Master Plan. Also, the village Chief presented Cathy (Treasurer) with a monetary donation that the people of Tali had managed to raise. This was a very heartwarming moment, and illustrated the commitment of the people to this project.

Photos Day 2

Where's the car?

 At the start of our second full day in Cameroon, we were all very excited to be heading into "The Bush" to get started at the African University site. As our luck would have it, a new tire was required on one of our vehicles, and supplies for our stay had to be acquired. Our early morning departure became an afternoon departure instead.

University de Chang

Along the way to Tali (location of African U.), we stopped in Dschang and quickly toured the University de Chang (pronounced Chan). This was in a more agrarian setting than the University of Buea and was split almost in two - one campus on the top of the hill and one campus in the valley below. We ate in Dschang and got back on the "road".

Palm Plantation

We all knew that this was going to be a brutal travel day and that we would be in the car for 10 hours, but we had no idea of what was to come. The first few hours after Dschang were on red dirt roads. The dust from the car in front made visibility for the trailing car very difficult. Especially at night. The last stretch (last 3 hours) was spent on very treacherous roads that our drivers needed everything out of the 4x4's to navigate. 



Cameroon!



We arrived in Tali around midnight and were greeted by the local Reverend. Both the men and women were shown to their accommodations, and we all got to experience "off the grid" for the first time.

University de Chang

Harvesting Rubber

Photos from Day 1

University of Buea



On our first full day in Cameroon, we were forced to rearrange some activities since our luggage being a day late forced us to stay in the vicinity of the airport. Our hosts were very accommodating, and we managed to still have a full day of progress despite the delay.



In the morning, we made a site visit to the University of Buea, a very urban campus with a large number of students commuting (mostly by foot).



Del Monte Banana Plantation



Along the drive to and from the airport in Douala (about 1-1/2 hours each way) and to Limbe in the evening, we were first introduced to Cameroon's rich agriculture. Basically, if you are a plant this is the place to be. Coco, Coffee (arabica and robusto), Bananas, Plantains, Mango, Pineapple, Yams, Coconut, Rubber Trees - all these plus more are grown here and sold as exports. Most of the Banana Plantations we saw were owned by Del Monte. A former Governor of one of Cameroon's regions has joined us on our travels, and is teaching us many things about the country. For instance, Cameroon's Department of Agriculture has found a way to grow these crops so that they produce more fruit and are shorter so that they are easier to harvest. Very fascinating.





William presenting to the Rotary Club of Limbe

The Rotary Club of Limbe was gracious to host us a week early and let us present to their group on short notice due to the luggage mishap. It was a great meeting, and we were even able to switch to our Plan B fairly seamlessly when the converter we brought with us turned out to be the wrong one and our technology went down. The  group was clearly interested in the idea of a new university in the country, and asked great questions of our presenters. At the end of the meeting, flags of both clubs were exchanged.



Wayne and Corrie Presenting to Limbe Rotary































Building on the numbers ...

It took us 10 hours to get to the bush.
7 people now in the car.
2 dead chickens on the roof.
1 gorilla heard in the bush making calls and thumping his chest.
2 full days in the bush.
2 buildings staked.
Miles walked - who knows.
1 stream driven through + 1 mud pit.
Number of palaces available for the women to sleep in - 1
Number of beds the women (3 of us) slept in - 1
Number of homes being renovated available for the men to sleep in - 1
1 cultural event, possibly 1 additional dead chicken after that
1 bucket available to bathe in for 1 man
1 shower available for the women
Snails eaten - 4
1 women's forum - 100+ women in attendance from 20+ villages.
1 5' snake along the road. Dead, for sale.
Celebration drinks to be consumed - TBD
Amazing, generous people - countless

3 days left in Africa, lots of work still to do. Having a great time and making progress for African University!

African Trip- By the Numbers

Total Travel Time - Indpls to Buea = 28 Hours
Total Miles Traveled = 11,500 Miles
Number of Loose Chickens in Airport = 1 (that we saw anyway)
Number of Bags that Arrived with Us = 6 out of 14
Dolly Parton/Kenny Roger Songs on the Radio = Too Many
Fantas Consumed by Group = 7
Cow Tail Eaten = 2
Cow Tails Regretted = 1
Phones Working with International Plan = 1.5
Universities Toured (University of Buea) = 1
Hours Anticipated to Reach Rain Forest Today = 8 or more
Number of People per Car = 5 or more
Exchange Rate = 430 CFA's per $1, (official location)
470 CFA's per $1, (guy in airport)
Average Hours Slept per Night = 3.5 or less
Average Temperature so Far = 85F (but now we head to the hot spot)
Number of Trips to the Airport = 3
Number of Snakes per Square Mile = Virtually Unlimited (Wayne has snake proof socks)
Anticipated Days until Another Internet Connection = +/- 4

We made it through airport security and to Atlanta. Only a few bumps. We had our bags searched, bodies patted down, one name changed, and deodorant confiscated.

We each checked two bags and each have two carry on bags. It would be interesting to know our team's weight percentage of the total.

This is the beginning of a long journey. We arrive in Douala tomorrow evening. Keeping you posted ...

All Aboard!

Ready or not, here we go! I just finished packing the majority of my stuff and I feel a lot better. I'm sure I will have forgotten at least one major thing, but what can you do? There are Targets in Cameroon, right?

I will be so relived to get this trip underway. The anticipation has been building for months now and the last week has been particularly hectic. With all the stress of the holidays on top of the stress of preparing for a major trip such as this, just sitting down on the plane will be a relief.

If you had told me a year ago that I'd be going to Cameroon for a project, I would never have believed you. Yet here I am. This project (and this trip) is such an incredible opportunity. Establishing a new university in a place where higher education is a privilege shared by too few, will be a great experience for us all. I am really looking forward to being in a new culture and a new environment. Traveling always seems to give me a clearer sense of perspective. It is easy to get caught up in my day to day life, but traveling reminds me just how big the world really is and that my problems are just a speck of dust in the grand scheme of things.

As a designer, I am really looking forward to being influenced by a new culture and seeing what Cameroon architecture is all about. Just going to soak it all in.

Wish us luck in our travels! 

We are leaving tomorrow afternoon. I am testing this post from my phone.
We have one suitcase packed full of drawings, charrette tools, electrical converters. Right now it weighs 42.8 pounds.
Personally, I have not packed yet. I will be sure to pack a rubber snake since Wayne is fearful that we will run into snakes in the jungle. The area is known for it's snakes and leopards!
I will post tomorrow to share our experience of getting through airport security.

Preparing for the trip

We have been steadily preparing for this trip over the past 3 months and it is now fast approaching. In 2 days, we will be aboard a flight headed to Atlanta - Paris - Douala, Cameroon. What have we been doing to prepare? Good question.

Our packing list includes everything from malaria pills to drawing markers. We have filled one entire suitcase with our supplies (markers, measurement tools, solar chargers, electricity converters, and so on) for the trip. Individually, we are packing clothes for 3 different types of occasions: field work in the jungle, meetings with diplomats, and travel days.

Yesterday, Martin purchased the book "Indianapolis Then and Now" as a gift for our host. Rain gear for our trip was just delivered to the office. We are continually scratching things off our list as they get delivered.

All of us have gotten medical shots. Today, some of us started taking diarrhea pills, and tomorrow all of us will begin taking malaria pills. We have purchased travelers insurance, and have informed our medical insurance that we will be traveling abroad.

I don't think any of us have packed yet. Most likely, we will be crossing the last items off our list on Saturday morning. We fly out at 5 pm.

Self Sustaining

Seldom, do we have the opportunity to design facilities that are completely self sustaining and/or 'off the grid.' The site for African University is located in the middle of a rain forest. Access to the site is currently via a footpath (as shown to the left). Existing resources to support a university campus are non-existent. Therefore, the African University facilities need to serve as a premiere example of how sustainable design and construction can be implemented.

Sustainability is a broad term. For us, sustainable means designing a facility that will endure time and consume minimal resources. Our team plans to implement sustainable construction methods via the building system design and site development. Building systems include the materials of the structure, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Preliminary ideas for these systems include the use of rain barrels, solar panels, wind turbines, large fan systems, and standby diesel generators.

Sustainable design will focus on selecting local building materials, conserving land and other natural resources, installing energy efficient materials, developing a responsible operations plan, and educating the community.

Knowing the extent of what materials are available and current construction methods are one of the goals of the trip ... which begins in only 6 days!

The Team

African University Foundation

William Agbor Baiyee, PhD,Chairman and Founder

Dr. William Agbor Baiyee emigrated from Cameroon to the United States after high school. He is an academic administrator at Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis. Faith and philanthropy are important to him. He enjoys reading and writing poetry. Dr. Baiyee is involved with several local and national civic and professional organizations including membership in the Rotary Club of Indianapolis.

 

David Williams Russell, Esq., Vice Chairman
David is a transactions and securities lawyer handling complex matters (including dispute resolution) in the U.S. and abroad at Harrison and Moberly. David also serves on the advisory board of the Supply Chain & Global Management Academy of the Kelley M.B.A. program at Indiana University, and holds a federal appointment as Chairman of the Indiana District Export Counsel.

Fun Fact: David is a published poet.

Cathy Davis, Treasurer

Cathy Davis is a Staff Accountant at the Central Indiana Community Foundation. Cathy also serves on the Board of Directors of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Board of Directors and is actively involved with several civic organizations. Cathy sees African University as an excellent opportunity to provide students in Africa an opportunity to acquire an integrated experiential education to become leaders.

Schmidt Associates Team

Wayne Schmidt, Hon. D., FAIA

On July 4, 1976, Wayne celebrated his own “Independence Day” by opening a one-man architectural office. Armed with his undergraduate degree and $800 in savings, he launched into the world of business. Today, he serves as CEO/Principal of that firm—now one of the largest full-service architectural/engineering firms in the state. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis.

Fun Fact: Known for his red hat and distinctive ties

Sarah Hempstead, AIA, LEED AP

Although Sarah considered engineering in college, the creativity of architecture was a stronger draw. As a Principal and architect, she leads both the university and urban environment studios. Whether it’s on a college campus or in a downtown setting, she recognizes that architecture makes a strong impact, presenting the opportunity to enrich people’s lives. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis.

Fun Fact: Backpacked from Egypt to Ireland in 1997

Corrie Meyer, AICP, RLA, LEED AP

As an Urban Planner and Landscape Architect, Corrie enjoys working with motivated communities to turn their world around physically, economically, and emotionally. She believes that planning is a tool that successfully leads us into the future. The key is to plan for necessity, comfort, and the environment.

Fun Fact: Climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa in 2005

Martin Sams, LEEP AP

Milwaukee, WI is where Martin's love for architecture was fueled by living a mile from Santiago Calatrava’s iconic art museum pavilion. Seeing how forms from nature can be incorporated into the built environment has greatly influenced the way Martin approaches design.

Fun Facts: Enjoys reading and ancient Roman and Greek literature. Also, he thinks the word ‘waffle’ is the most fun to say.

Trip Goals

Overall Goals

• Unveil the African University Master Plan.
• Unveil the African University Site Plan.
• Discuss opportunities for engaging and mobilizing community members to promote the realizations of African University.
• Release outcomes of the Tali Area Community Development Study.
• Walk away with marketing images and relationships for fundraising.

Design Team Goals

• Confirm the site location with GPS coordinates.
• Establish the location of the 1 sq. mi. University footprint in the 6.5 sq. mi. area.
• Understand construction methods and materials.
• Understand education and living space standards.
• Establish a design aesthetic for the campus buildings.
• Understand how this campus’ infrastructure can be self-sustaining.
• Stake outlines of the proposed footprints of Phase 1 buildings (the Faculty Housing Facility, Student Housing Facility, and Academic/ Community Building).

The Itinerary

Saturday, December 4, 2010

• 5:00 pm - leave Indianapolis - flight route is Atlanta to Paris

Sunday, December 5 (now a 5-hour time difference)

• 1:45 pm - leave Paris for Douala, Cameroon
• 8:15 pm - arrive in Douala
• Staying at Chariot Hotel in Buea, South West Region, Cameroon

Monday, December 6

• Brief visit at the Baiyee Family Home in Mutengene
• Depart for Tali
• Staying at a residence in Tali (5 nights)

Tuesday, December 7

• Presentation of planning documents and community study outcomes to the Tali I Traditional Council

Wednesday, December 8

• Visit the campus site via the Mpomba footpath
• Visit the campus site via Bara Road
• Field work on site
• Sarah, Corrie, and Kathy present to women of the region about being a woman who is educated, professional, and a leader

Thursday, December 9

• Field work at the African University site

Friday, December 10

• Field work at the African University site
• Cultural event and celebration

Saturday, December 11

• Depart Tali for Buea
• Visit the University of Buea
• Meet with local contractors
• Meet with the African University Planning Board
• Visit His Excellency Enow Tanjong's residence in Buea

Sunday, December 12

• Visit Rotary Club of Limbe
• Lunch at the Baiyee Family Home in Mutengene
• Depart Mutengene to Yaounde, Center Region, Cameroon

Monday, December 13

• 10:00 am - audience with the United State Ambassador to Cameroon, His Excellency Robert P. Jackson in Yaounde
• Depart Yaounde to Buea
• Staying at Chariot Hotel in Buea

Tuesday, December 14

• 11:30 am - depart Cameroon for Paris

Wednesday, December 15

• 10:50 am - depart Paris for Minneapolis
• 5:49 pm - arrive in Indianapolis

Project Background—Building the Foundation

For several years, the African University Foundation has been formulating ideas, relationships, and plans to develop African University near the small village of Tali in Cameroon, Africa. Earlier this year, Schmidt Associates was selected to create a campus master plan for the new university. The private, non-profit university campus will provide excellence in education by:

• Providing excellent spaces for higher education and life-long learning
• Showcasing and living by the principles of sustainability, as well as the values of integrity, creativity, and excellence
• Being a premiere example of conservation
• Planning for a coherent and beautiful campus that respects the contextual environment

The 50-year Campus Master Plan preserves and reinforces the surrounding rain forest environment, develops and maintains a cohesive campus landscape, and sets the framework for future development in an orderly fashion.

Building African University

This is the most unusual assignment we've ever taken on. In December, Wayne Schmidt, Sarah Hempstead, Corrie Meyer, and Martin Sams will travel to Cameroon to see for the first time the place where the new African University will be built. Our goal is to create a master plan for the campus—to build a university where there has never been one.