Koutiala Artisan Center Project

Gwynne’s Concept

A design studio class at the University of Oregon with the help of professor Naoto Sekiguchi is collaborating with me a Peace Corps Volunteer to generate design proposals for a new artisans’ center in Koutiala, Mali.

There are just some projects that come along that everyone involved is excited about. The exchange with the University of Oregon Architecture School is one of those projects. Carmen, a volunteer was visiting Koutiala who I knew was an Architect graduate and it just so happens that the Union of Associations of Artisans of Koutiala has several building projects coming up. Carmen got excited from the very start and that excitement has carried on through all the phases and all the people involved.

Here is the link to the project's website, www.uoarchkoutiala.com. The photos are examples of the student's ideas.

By Stacy Hsu

Sharing information on Mali and my work is always rewarding. This project has not only been rewarding but touches on all three Peace Corps' Goals;

• To help the people of interested countries meeting their need for trained men and women.
• To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of people they serve.
• To help promote a better understanding of other people on the part of Americans.

Watch for updates on this project and visit the website there is more information on Mali there then anywhere else I have seen. Enjoy!