Thomas Windell

Team Culturing Information

Last updated: January 29, 2013

WHO are you?

• Name - Thomas Windell
• Location (city, country) - Cape Town
• Contact Information (email, skype, phone) - tomwindell (at) live (dot) co (dot) za
• Picture - http://imgur.com/IiirCDX
• Introductory Video -
• Resume/CV -

WHY are you motivated to support/develop this work?

• Do you endorse open source culture?

Wholeheartedly, it seems to me that it's the most rational and efficient way of developing (pretty much) everything. And I personally enjoy collaborating with others on things that interest me.

• Why are you interested in collaborating with us?

I'm a mechanical engineering student and I have an interest for social investment and development. Open ecology seems to align with many of the things I deem important and would like to learn more about. I would also like to introduce these idea's to people who would also be interested in them.

• How do you think that the GVCS can address pressing world issues?

I have lived in South Africa my whole life and have seen the impact of social injustice that in my eyes hasn't changed very much since the start of democracy in my country. I see a need for self-empowerment and self-reliance that I think GVCS could play a part in.

• What should happen so that you become more involved with the project?

I would like to be involved with the CAD Team, I'm by no means an expert, but I see this as an opportunity to gain experience and learn from those with more skills than myself as well as apply what I'm learning to a project which I see great value in.

• What is missing in the project?

At this stage I can't really say anything with much certainty. Although that if say, Factor e Farm was situated in a community where there was a need for technology as well as a local population with the will to learn how to develop and use it, something cool might happen.

• What are your suggestions for improvement of the project?

Expand

WHAT are your skills?

• List all of your skills in these areas: Communications - Organizational - Computer Support - Finances - Design - Natural Building - Electronics - Automation - Metallurgy - Engineering - Fabrication - Agriculture - Energy - Architecture - Video/Graphics/Art - PR/Marketing - Education - Construction - Industry - CNC - Chemistry - Product Design - Other

Organizational - involvement with societies at school (nothing hectic or formal)
Computer support - I always fix my own computer/IT problems. Very computer literate, us linux ubuntu, experience with Java, Python and Matlab.
Design - I've studying courses and am going to do more courses involving engineering design. Still have a couple of years until I get my B.Sc.
Electronics - Included in my field of study, been messing around with an Arduino kit for a while.
Engineering - 2nd/3rd year electro-mechanical engineering student at UCT (University of Cape Town)
Fabrication/CNC/Industry - internship at a engineering firm and a workshop course (mig, tig, arc welding, basic CAD/CAM design and workshop fabrication - turning, fitting, drilling, milling)

• How have you already contributed to the project?

Haven't

HOW can you help?

• How are you interested in contributing to the work of GVCS development?

Development/CAD team

• Can you volunteer to work with us, and if so, how many hours per week?

5hrs/week at this stage.

• Are you interested in working with us for pay? If so, what services can you offer, and what is your hourly or per-project rate?

No

• Are you interested in a Dedicated Project Visit?

Not at this stage, although perhaps in the future.

• Are you interested in purchasing equipment from us to help bootstrap development?

No

• Are you interested in bidding for consulting/design/prototyping work?

No

• Are you a True Fan? If not, why not?

Don't have a credit card.

• Would you like to see yourself working with us on a full-time basis?

No.

• Are you interested in being part of the world's first, open source, resilient community? The GVCS is the preparatory step for the OSE Village Experiment – a 2 year, immersion experiment (2013-2014) for testing whether a real, thriving, modern-day prototype community of 200 people can be built on 200 acres using local resources and open access to information? We are looking for approximately 200 people to fill a diverse array of roles, according to the Social Contract that is being developed. This may be the boldest social experiment on earth - a pioneering community whose goal is to extend the index of possibilities regarding harmonious existence of humans, ecology, and technology.

No (still studying)