Urban initiatives

Indonesia: Panic in my neighborhood November 23, 2009

It was Sunday, September 27, 2009 and I was rather sad. That morning, my family and I intended to visit some of our extended family in another city, but our car stalled.

West Bank and Gaza: We're all the beneficiaries November 21, 2009

Indonesia: Morning mood November 9, 2009

I’ve never considered myself a morning person. I keep telling people how my brain works better after the sun goes down but, really, I think my main problem simply lies in the waking-up-early-morning part.

Indonesia: Lasting change November 7, 2009

Behavior is hard to change. I know. I’ve tried. Even with support, it’s still extraordinarily difficult to change. To learn new skills. To give up character flaws. To be a better person.

Indonesia: The drawbacks of women’s equality November 5, 2009

Indonesia: Can you spare a square? November 4, 2009

I didn’t expect my first blog post from the field to be about sanitation. I thought maybe microfinance or agriculture programs or mobile commerce. Something unique, innovative, life changing. But sanitation? Toilets? Hand washing? What could be less cutting edge?

Indonesia: Before the fire September 27, 2009

Before the fire, neighborhood 12 of Penjaringan — a poor slum in the north of Jakarta — was vibrant and bustling with activity.

Everyone is an architect September 25, 2009

I’m writing from Rotterdam, the Netherlands, where summer has long gone and H1N1 flu poses a very serious threat. The purpose of my stay here is to attend the 4th International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam.