After a bit of a rough start (which included the whole program moving from Naples to Sorrento) the inaugural class of Building Beauty is finally underway!

Getting here was a personal challenge. Travel is difficult for me. But this journey has already been one of great personal growth.

Over the next six months, from now until May 25th, a small group of 7 students and a world class faculty will be learning from Christopher Alexander's work, The Nature of Order, exploring ways of cultivating wholeness within a community, and discovering our own inner self.

Our first week included an intensive workshop with two art therapists from Rome. They taught us to free up our bodies to really explore space, and then to translate this exploration into some built form, without really worrying about the eventual outcomes in either case.

And now, a slideshow.

It's been a little over a month since I left this little room and entered the world. Though I am missing it (and my mud) I'm glad for this incredible opportunity to build a better world with some incredible people.

I also miss those puffers. :(