Do you think it would be possible to get the UN building plans they're using?

As for the UN papers - Yes, AWESOME.  Also, for me 'why yes, I know.'.   There is nothing new there that I haven't read years ago, I recognize a cogent and well communicated communication of much of the information and methods that I am aware of.

I don't know who would be handling discussions with CalEarth - No doubt it would be appropriate to send an ambassador.  

We seem to be fresh out of ambassadors at the moment, though... 

And we're reluctant to purchase designs when we can do it ourselves.  Is buying designs a good use of the money provided OSE and FeF when we can engineer them ourselves from teh talents that are offered to us in collaboration on the internet?

I wonder how I can put out the call for a collaborator on creating a funicular study.  This process interests me and I think that somebody who may have taken architecture would be familiar with the mechanics of it.

Metz thanks for the Sahara Tech. links. Brilliant format.

Come on dorkmo you have to understand the Legal implications. The information is free out there. But  for experts to get involved and be sued later is the reality of this world. In USA with 'pockets of freedom" (Micheal Reynolds) or council regulations that allow 'self build' its fine. Other 1st world countries allow self build with structural engineers signing off on the project. The whole Open Source concept is brilliant. But if I build a LifeTrac for myself fine (possible accident insurance issue) but if I sell it? If the buyer kills themselves with it through incompetent use; I get sued as manufacturer by their family and insurance company. Which brings to question: has FeF gotten their clients to sign a legal waver??? 

David my suggestion is to contact the certifying structural engineer that certifies the CalEarth structures. Designing a structure architecturally you can do; but get it engineered by a structural engineer. A small fee for safety of your self build structure that you can open source later if you like ( they might just help out free?). Just phone and ask. And or get CalEarth to do a teaching season at FeF. 

I would simplify by doing the Auroville/UN Ferrocement Channel roofs. So it collects water to in-ground water tanks and or have living roof garden.

David: a mould can be made of papercrete (instead of polystyrene or other poly used to make professional positives). The papercrete smooth 'mother mould' is given a release agent (plastic or the mould release oil used in concrete form work) , then the ferro-cement process is build on that. After removing channel from mould; one end goes onto a pallet with wheels, the other is hoisted up by (Lifetrac) to roof edge, the wheeled end just follows. Now roof end is tied on (glass fibre hoist) and a cable to it, this goes to far end of roof. A roller or two from a conveyor or boat trailer is handy for the channel to roll on, at the edge of the roof..

The wheeled pallet end is now lifted by LifeTrac1 and slowly pushed over the rollers, end tied cable assists in 'guiding'. Under neath the long span a LifeTrac2 slightly lifts the channel and drives it to the other side (inside building) whilst LifeTrac1 pushes. ?? Clear as mud.

The UN/Auroville Channel Ferro-cement terminology refers to the channels Between the upside down channels. This where is India the channels and locked together and water is collected.

FeF could cement the channels together, use waterproofing coating and then fill in between with straw till level with top. Light mesh is placed and the lot ferro-cement finished off : to collect water or have a 'sun downer eating gazebo' and 'living roof' to keep you cool in summer.

I would add poly or metal 'fibre' to the cement mix these are used in Shotcrete and you could liquid polymer (polymer concrete) for strength, water proofing, flexure.

Building the roof this way might seem long winded but you dont have massive scaffolding to hold up form work like with reinforced concrete slabs. Use less embedded material etc.and is doable with small crew for wonderful roof space.

Inside you have the multi channel when sprayed white will enhance light. Sky Lights or open-able vents (like in ...ships) could be cut in and water proofed onto the roof channels.

I am across the ocean, otherwise I would be physically helping.

Span to long? Could you not use 3 channels resting on intermediate piers? 

Two DIY hoists = 2 LifeTracs have steel tube with hoist block + tackle attached to FEL.

I have 32 years materials conservation science, heritage building conservation and eco building experience. 

Blessings to you all.

A few helpful links? Will help make things clear as mud (hihihihi).

Well... re. embodied energy. Its better to build so it lasts the storms, hurricanes etc than constantly rebuilding (like the US stick + brick method that's embodied energy constantly wasted). A well build structure should last, .. 3 life times? One on my oldest homes was a low fired brick cottage from 1755  with thatch roof(no foundation or strip footing! just straight onto one brick, that on Pleistocene white sand deposit). Good structures are just reused after renovations. Generations later FeF structures should be listed monuments.