Walkin’ on water, houseboating after the climate change
Many countries wonder how they should house their populations when sea levels rise, as the scientists predict. The Netherlands, for instance, are beginning to build floating or amphibious houses. Unsuitable spatial planning laws and controversy about ownership of ‘wet building locations’ still hamper developments, though. For a glimpse of the future a visit to California’s famous resort Sausalito, just North of San Francisco, may be well advised.
Some 400 house boats, side by side with the yachting harbors, line Sausalito’s waterfront. You got all kinds, from redone old tugs to veritable water villa’s, complete with a sauna and a terrace on the roof. Their history dates back to 1800, when poor workers from Sausalito’s numerous ship building wharfs took up living on boats as a form of cheap housing.
The Second World War Navy’s shipwrights constituted the second wave of floating home occupants. The hippies of the seventies reshaped the boat house area into a colorful artists’, bohemian and philosphers’ community.
Their attachment to their fluid way of life became apparent when developers tried to get rid of this unruly lot in favor of more yachting space and expensive appartment blocks. These plans resulted in furious ‘Houseboat Wars’, with some pretty rough clashes between the boat people and the police.
As a result some piers were kept intact as part of Sausalito’s cultural heritage. Ever since, though, the floating homes must conform to strict safety and building quality rules. Like any other home, they are connected to the town’s water, electricity and sewer system.
Boat owners pay real estate tax and morage rights to the town or to private ‘wet harbor lot’ owners.
Freedom lost? To some degree. But the upside is that the homes look better than ever before. They are well-kept. AND the home owners have organized into active associations, guarding the profitable touristic heritage value of their picturesque property.
Dr. Phil Frank's 128 page historical photo book "The Houseboats of Sausalito (2008) is the best study thus far on this memorable part of CA State. Read more....
Photography: © Michel Robles
Martial Art
Once they were bullets, pistols or grenades. Now under the deft hands of Mozambique’s possibly most famous sculptor Goncalo Mabunda they have been transformed into Art.
Recycling AK-47's and other arms from the one-time civil war has become the trade mark of Mabunda and a couple of his fellow artists. I saw some of the results in a small B&B in Antwerp. But even the British Museum and the Bill Clinton Foundation acquired pieces from the 'Arms into Art' programme. Read more…
Photo: © Michel Robles
High on FSC
Ten years ago the Netherlands were an admired environmental pioneer nation. Nowadays, due to a shortsighted neoliberal policy we are almost tail-end Charley within the European Union. Belgium, on the other hand, is a real runner-up. Last December (2010) the Flemish Leukenheide distillery presented Dennenknopje (Pine Bud). Dennenknopje is the world’s very first jenever (traditionally a truly Dutch strong drink), made from a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) labeled wood product. The gin-like softbooze is distilled from pine cones from the Pinus silvestris. The pines grow in Flanders’ vastest, FSC certified forest region Bosland. A local high from an okay forest. Innovation can be anywhere.…
Questioning Plastiki pride
The newly designed cradle-to-cradle catamaran Plastiki has recently arrived is Sidney after a publicity voyage from California across the Pacific Ocean. The designers claim extreme recyclability. But, contrary to earlier announcements, the ship will not be up-cycled now that it has reached its destination. The builders say they've become too attached to their newborn baby. Of course, the vessel can be a showcase for years to come. But, hey, isn't this kind of attachment of people to their achievements precisely the reason why our earth is becoming such a cluttered place? www.theplastiki.com
Sweet C2C
Cradle-to-cradle handmade beauty: go haunt the town's antique and recycle shops and flea markets for a bunch of elegant (or maybe you prefer funny or modern design) plates, saucers and wine glasses. Wash them well, sand the glasses' brims lightly and glue things together with strong porcelain glue. Any shape, size and design you fancy, will do.
Lo and behold: you have now created your own home grown bonbonnière! For sweets, cookies, fruit - or sandwiches if you like. Ladies love'em! Dozens were sold in a fashion shop in my home town. Enjoy more...
Photos: © Michel Robles
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