Phelan Memorial Hospital & Respite Place of the Plains
Construction Phase
Builder : Simon Pontius
Builders' Notes:
October 14, 2018
As promised, Simon sent his two best Associate Builders to the site to begin a new topographical and geological survey of the land where the Memorial Hospital was to be constructed. Aided by three of Simon's six thralls, measurements were taken three times to ensure accuracy and precision, new maps were created of the area ( 3 in all, one for construction use, one for the city records themselves and one to submit for building approval ), as well as core samples and hydrography tests around the foundation and surrounding areas. According to the older survey maps he was provided with a Builder long ago had found natural springs and laid foundation pipes, sadly the Builders name on these maps had been blurred and smudged into the ages yet the information the maps provided were well noted and true. The thralls began digging and at 15 horts indeed not only was a spring found but the rudimentary beginnings of a piping system abandoned long ago. Other test holes were dug, some came up dry, two yielded natural water tables to be tapped into as construction called for. While waiting for the information he needs, Simon begins his architectural drafts for the building and surrounding complex itself. The hospital will be a two story building itself, inclusive of one surgical theater, one treatment room, seven beds for varied treatment forms, a kitchen for visitors, patients, and hospital staff, a dining room, lobby fitted with builders glass and an open alcove. Three cylindrical wings attached to a main cylindrical hub, each floor consisting of information desks, patient rooms, visitor waiting areas, student observation chambers and in the belly of the hospital furnaces to supply heat to the building, air and water pumps and a mortuary. The outside of the building finished in muted white polished limestone and granite finish, all to be blended in to the surrounding look and feel of the area itself, a building of quiet stature and subtly, the surrounding complex mimicking the main building, all one story dormitories complete with three rooms apiece, heated floors and baths. Linked to a central courtyard complete with a covered cooking area, covered and non-covered eating areas, interwoven with meditation gardens, walking gardens and flowing ground and upright fountains.
October 15, 2018
All the proper paperwork filed with Ven'dara Scribe of the Coin, half the payment now, the other upon completion from the Scribe of the Coin from the funds of Lady Kyrielle, Simon the Master Builder, five of his nine Associate Builders, fifty thralls and twenty kajira descend on the site. Temporary lodging of lean-to's are constructed to hold Free Men, and slaves alike, along with tools, construction materials, food and drink, a small community of beings all having their own assignments, the Builders to lay their hands and eyes to prints, levels, pitches, direction and forewarn progress, the thralls for their backs and loyal dependability, the kajiras to cook, feed, water, mend and overall pleasant demeanor to keep all happy. The ground breaking starts before dawn, guided by torches on markers, plum and directional lines laid in place by Simon himself, making sure to check each depth marker as the ground itself becomes displaced, the soil and stone to be used as back fill around the footers when complete and any over run of material deemed to be useful in the design of earthen mounds is to be saved. Each arc of the cylinder shapes is dug first, measuring and checking each radian of circumference, then moving onto the next ...as each is completed, the removal of soil, clay, granite and slate, they excavate inward to their respective hubs, completing one part of the basement at a time. Behind this construction the main supports are pile driven into the bedrock, reshaped and cemented in place along with their respective footers and cross supports. Another crew begins the ditches for the clay pipe to lead to the hospital and the complex, down to the water tables, and spring water wells, aligning and creating maximum pitch for water to flow naturally. The pipe will vary in size and curvature, to create a pressurized water system to supply the whole area as well as any decorative fountains listed on the blue prints. Some unforseen problems do arise, a buried boulder, a slow, annoying leak of the water table into a spring, soil collapses and improper bracing along the ditch walls, none of them causing any major disruption or slow down in the overall progress of today's goals." There will be no over runs, or un foreseen costs, we WILL come in under budget and ahead of schedule" was the first directive Simon had passed on to ever one involved. And everyday, before starting he tells them to "be safe, we are all important here in our work." At the end of the day as pre-arranged Simon talks with the Captain of the Guards about security at the site, he wants no one hurt because of curiosity and if they must have a look see there is a viewing platform area that they may use and only that area. He thanks the Captain, thanks his tired crew, gives them a pep talk and wishes them a good night, tomorrow will be here soon enough....
October 21, 2018
With the foundations secure, the outer frame work solid with no pitch or yaw, the first floor ceiling / second level floor goes into place as well as the knee, a-joints and cross beams for the roof. The room walls are brought up, all pre-fabricated on the ground, all numbered and letter to location and position. Into these walls and floors the rough in for plumbing, ventilation, air supply and sanitation lines, again all pre-measured to fit the first time. The curved windows are placed in their proper openings, the veins of piping are tested for pressure and leaks before the inner walls go up around them, leaving the correct clearance for connections later on in the process. Each room construction over seen by at least one Master Builder, prints in hand, eyes not missing any small detail in this phase of building, one missed opening and a wall must come down. The foundation block and cement dried and strong the Master Masons begin their stone work along the bottom of the buildings outside face. Stone quarried locally, each for its distinctive feature, a vein of blue, a shape, a mineral sparkle...all were cleaned and polished, all given a special place in the border face wall, 4 horts high, around the cylinders, not looking like much now but this face wall will bring the whole of the project together as one unit when finished. Right behind them the Fellow Craft of Masons start going up with the inner block, then the outer facing of smooth white limestone. From afar the building complex will seem like it's always stood there, the white of the limestone will in time temper itself down to the rich colours around it, a natural patina of washes of subtle whites and cleaned sand. All of the mortar for this phase was donated anonymously and much appreciated for its strength and durability. The underbelly of radiant heat brick is put into place, arches and walls of firebrick installed and supporting arches of wood are set in place until the fire mortar and brick are secure, this will be the last of any supportive aide structure removed. Along the grounds are the areas for walkways are prepared, another of the last things to be laid into place are the paver bricks. Little tweaks in measurement and shape are made at this point as the building now "speaks" of how it would like its avenues to be. A tired but happy crew of Builders and support teams relax for the evening, eating well and sharing stories, Simon himself walks the grounds, checks with energy bulb in hand through out the building from roof to belly, happy and satisfied he joins the others for the night, his brain already working on the next chapter.
October 27, 2018
The patient rooms now functional with their finished plumbing of water, air and private baths, the surgical suite fitted with the same supply lines, overhead swing lighting of a magnified energy bulb surgical lamp, a steam cleaning unit for sterilizing surgical instruments and pre-op area for physicians and their assistants. The post-op area a room filled with natural light just next to the surgical suite is completed along with the treatment room, with its' in wall cabinet and shelving spaces. The supply rooms, at the end of each main hall on their respective floors, are stocked with supplies donated by the Builders on this project, the main desks in the center of each floor, crafted with functionality in mind, the visitors waiting areas, furniture included are subtracted from the billable hours per the Craftsman Guild of Builders. The main floor kitchen is completed with two stone ovens, an open hearth fireplace, marble counter tops, walk in pantries, cabinets, wash basins and dry racks. The walk in cold room fitted with slide and drip trays for ice to be slid in easily and the melting water to be collected either inside or outside the building. The plumbing tested and sealed, the drainage clear and running smoothly, the floors sealed to help keep them cleaner and resistant to any spills from water to oils. The dining room and lobby are each inspected, the fireplaces built with the areas stone, polished to reflect the minerals in each, the hearths of blue stone, the mantle of polished tem wood and engraved upon the capstone of each PMH. The floor tile pattern reflects the concentric ring pattern of the complex itself, leading one to atrium of glass and out to the open alcove. The walkways, gardens and fountains are slowly taking shape, each weaving in and out around the buildings and grounds of the complex, smaller planter gardens to accentuate the walkways which will lead one to and from the area, fountains designed for serenity in sound, water walls for serenity of mind and simple but eye pleasing gardens of local and imported flora.
Final Builders Notes, November 10, 2018
From the added roof gardens, through the interior working spaces, the dormitory areas, the outer gardens and surrounding landscaped grounds, the final inspection of the Phelan Memorial project takes place by the Master Builder and Architect, Simon Pontius, along with the Associate Builders brought onto this project. Upon approach from any direction the cylindrical design is part of the areas around, from the color of the path bricks, blending from the flora selected for the gardens through the dormitories, to the main hospital itself, you understand this is a place of healing and professionalism, not only from the outer wounds but for the inner as well. The main entrance, leading to the registration area, balanced in form and function, flows uninterrupted around to the emergency entrance, to the ramps leading to the second floors' operating and recovery rooms. Patient rooms are spacious and well lit from natural lighting in the curved window design to the installed energy lights. The visitors dorms are self sufficient rooms themselves, each with a private bath areas, patio and deck, depending on the floor, the commons area leads through serenity gardens, some with smaller fountains, some with rain walls, some with "streams" flowing around and through them, all leading to the larger back area of kitchen and eating stations, some covered, some open, the addition of a play area for children added, with consultation of child therapists, for their recovery, is gratis from the Builders involved. The statue raised upon its slate pedestal is secure, the plaque installed, Phelan Memorial Hospital of the Plains along with the requested Builders Glass box for the items to be placed, is illuminated from the ground in its circular garden with care. The structure deemed sound and functional, room seals are taken away, the walkways are open, the fountains flowing gently, the energy bulbs lighting the way a smaller bronze plaque is affixed to the main rear entrance to the building, as per the Builders Caste listing the Builders involved. Before he leaves, Simon places a handwritten note on the registration desk "Our sorrows and wounds are healed only when we touch them with compassion"
The Blessing
11 January 2019
Sanctuary (Safe zone, no hammers, no bans) Phelan Memorial Hospital & Respite Center of the Plains
Phelan Memorial Hospital & Respite Center of the Plains. Location: The gentle rolling highlands of the Plains. Equidistant between Ar and Corcyrus, the Flats of Sarpeto and Holmsek. This sanctuary open to all goreans, free and slave alike.
~Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara ascends the low podium...
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : FRIENDS OF PHELAN
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : WELCOME
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : On behalf of the Center, Builder Simon
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : Thank you for Honoring this occassion with your presence
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : thank you for honoring the man...Phelan
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : Simon you have embodied the man in this structure
~SimonPontius bows his head polietly
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : as was He, this Center is as solid as bedrock
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : yet as open , as was He , as these vast plains
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : in thse unassuming, as was he, buildings
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : the serious work of caring for the sick, wounded, poor, rich. slave and free will quietly go forth
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : free of charge as long and as oft as there be need
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : the work you see about you is Simon the Master builder's doing
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : May all Gor, take notice of how this man humbly lived out his life dedicated to his craft
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : the man Phelan
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : I was honored he chose to spend his final year chatting beside my firepit.....
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : Phelan you lived your life well
~ Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara steps down from the podium....
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : I CALL ON THE GREAT PRIEST KING TO WATCH OVER THIS FACILITY AND TO OPEN TO THESE OF THE GREEN CAST YOUR DEEPEST MYSTERIES....
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : SO LET IT BE
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : the doors and gates are open folk
My heartfelt thanks, lifelong gratitude to Simon Pontius and his crew for making this hope of my soul a reality. It will outlive us all, as it should. For love and for the memory of ......Phelan.......Physician of Gor.
My deepest gratitude to Cabot, Sar of Ven'dara for the Blessing & formal opening of the Center.
My thanks to Mortimas for the gift of the only known drawing of Phelan. An extremely generous gift by any measure. Placed in the foyer of the Phelan Memorial Hospital & Respite Center of the Plains against the far wall.
My thanks to the nameless who contributed to this project of the heart. Know each and every one of you will remain in my heart and prayers. Always.
Phelan of the Plains. Physician of Gor. Deceased
October 14, 2018
As promised, Simon sent his two best Associate Builders to the site to begin a new topographical and geological survey of the land where the Memorial Hospital was to be constructed. Aided by three of Simon's six thralls, measurements were taken three times to ensure accuracy and precision, new maps were created of the area ( 3 in all, one for construction use, one for the city records themselves and one to submit for building approval ), as well as core samples and hydrography tests around the foundation and surrounding areas. According to the older survey maps he was provided with a Builder long ago had found natural springs and laid foundation pipes, sadly the Builders name on these maps had been blurred and smudged into the ages yet the information the maps provided were well noted and true. The thralls began digging and at 15 horts indeed not only was a spring found but the rudimentary beginnings of a piping system abandoned long ago. Other test holes were dug, some came up dry, two yielded natural water tables to be tapped into as construction called for. While waiting for the information he needs, Simon begins his architectural drafts for the building and surrounding complex itself. The hospital will be a two story building itself, inclusive of one surgical theater, one treatment room, seven beds for varied treatment forms, a kitchen for visitors, patients, and hospital staff, a dining room, lobby fitted with builders glass and an open alcove. Three cylindrical wings attached to a main cylindrical hub, each floor consisting of information desks, patient rooms, visitor waiting areas, student observation chambers and in the belly of the hospital furnaces to supply heat to the building, air and water pumps and a mortuary. The outside of the building finished in muted white polished limestone and granite finish, all to be blended in to the surrounding look and feel of the area itself, a building of quiet stature and subtly, the surrounding complex mimicking the main building, all one story dormitories complete with three rooms apiece, heated floors and baths. Linked to a central courtyard complete with a covered cooking area, covered and non-covered eating areas, interwoven with meditation gardens, walking gardens and flowing ground and upright fountains.
October 15, 2018
All the proper paperwork filed with Ven'dara Scribe of the Coin, half the payment now, the other upon completion from the Scribe of the Coin from the funds of Lady Kyrielle, Simon the Master Builder, five of his nine Associate Builders, fifty thralls and twenty kajira descend on the site. Temporary lodging of lean-to's are constructed to hold Free Men, and slaves alike, along with tools, construction materials, food and drink, a small community of beings all having their own assignments, the Builders to lay their hands and eyes to prints, levels, pitches, direction and forewarn progress, the thralls for their backs and loyal dependability, the kajiras to cook, feed, water, mend and overall pleasant demeanor to keep all happy. The ground breaking starts before dawn, guided by torches on markers, plum and directional lines laid in place by Simon himself, making sure to check each depth marker as the ground itself becomes displaced, the soil and stone to be used as back fill around the footers when complete and any over run of material deemed to be useful in the design of earthen mounds is to be saved. Each arc of the cylinder shapes is dug first, measuring and checking each radian of circumference, then moving onto the next ...as each is completed, the removal of soil, clay, granite and slate, they excavate inward to their respective hubs, completing one part of the basement at a time. Behind this construction the main supports are pile driven into the bedrock, reshaped and cemented in place along with their respective footers and cross supports. Another crew begins the ditches for the clay pipe to lead to the hospital and the complex, down to the water tables, and spring water wells, aligning and creating maximum pitch for water to flow naturally. The pipe will vary in size and curvature, to create a pressurized water system to supply the whole area as well as any decorative fountains listed on the blue prints. Some unforseen problems do arise, a buried boulder, a slow, annoying leak of the water table into a spring, soil collapses and improper bracing along the ditch walls, none of them causing any major disruption or slow down in the overall progress of today's goals." There will be no over runs, or un foreseen costs, we WILL come in under budget and ahead of schedule" was the first directive Simon had passed on to ever one involved. And everyday, before starting he tells them to "be safe, we are all important here in our work." At the end of the day as pre-arranged Simon talks with the Captain of the Guards about security at the site, he wants no one hurt because of curiosity and if they must have a look see there is a viewing platform area that they may use and only that area. He thanks the Captain, thanks his tired crew, gives them a pep talk and wishes them a good night, tomorrow will be here soon enough....
October 21, 2018
With the foundations secure, the outer frame work solid with no pitch or yaw, the first floor ceiling / second level floor goes into place as well as the knee, a-joints and cross beams for the roof. The room walls are brought up, all pre-fabricated on the ground, all numbered and letter to location and position. Into these walls and floors the rough in for plumbing, ventilation, air supply and sanitation lines, again all pre-measured to fit the first time. The curved windows are placed in their proper openings, the veins of piping are tested for pressure and leaks before the inner walls go up around them, leaving the correct clearance for connections later on in the process. Each room construction over seen by at least one Master Builder, prints in hand, eyes not missing any small detail in this phase of building, one missed opening and a wall must come down. The foundation block and cement dried and strong the Master Masons begin their stone work along the bottom of the buildings outside face. Stone quarried locally, each for its distinctive feature, a vein of blue, a shape, a mineral sparkle...all were cleaned and polished, all given a special place in the border face wall, 4 horts high, around the cylinders, not looking like much now but this face wall will bring the whole of the project together as one unit when finished. Right behind them the Fellow Craft of Masons start going up with the inner block, then the outer facing of smooth white limestone. From afar the building complex will seem like it's always stood there, the white of the limestone will in time temper itself down to the rich colours around it, a natural patina of washes of subtle whites and cleaned sand. All of the mortar for this phase was donated anonymously and much appreciated for its strength and durability. The underbelly of radiant heat brick is put into place, arches and walls of firebrick installed and supporting arches of wood are set in place until the fire mortar and brick are secure, this will be the last of any supportive aide structure removed. Along the grounds are the areas for walkways are prepared, another of the last things to be laid into place are the paver bricks. Little tweaks in measurement and shape are made at this point as the building now "speaks" of how it would like its avenues to be. A tired but happy crew of Builders and support teams relax for the evening, eating well and sharing stories, Simon himself walks the grounds, checks with energy bulb in hand through out the building from roof to belly, happy and satisfied he joins the others for the night, his brain already working on the next chapter.
October 27, 2018
The patient rooms now functional with their finished plumbing of water, air and private baths, the surgical suite fitted with the same supply lines, overhead swing lighting of a magnified energy bulb surgical lamp, a steam cleaning unit for sterilizing surgical instruments and pre-op area for physicians and their assistants. The post-op area a room filled with natural light just next to the surgical suite is completed along with the treatment room, with its' in wall cabinet and shelving spaces. The supply rooms, at the end of each main hall on their respective floors, are stocked with supplies donated by the Builders on this project, the main desks in the center of each floor, crafted with functionality in mind, the visitors waiting areas, furniture included are subtracted from the billable hours per the Craftsman Guild of Builders. The main floor kitchen is completed with two stone ovens, an open hearth fireplace, marble counter tops, walk in pantries, cabinets, wash basins and dry racks. The walk in cold room fitted with slide and drip trays for ice to be slid in easily and the melting water to be collected either inside or outside the building. The plumbing tested and sealed, the drainage clear and running smoothly, the floors sealed to help keep them cleaner and resistant to any spills from water to oils. The dining room and lobby are each inspected, the fireplaces built with the areas stone, polished to reflect the minerals in each, the hearths of blue stone, the mantle of polished tem wood and engraved upon the capstone of each PMH. The floor tile pattern reflects the concentric ring pattern of the complex itself, leading one to atrium of glass and out to the open alcove. The walkways, gardens and fountains are slowly taking shape, each weaving in and out around the buildings and grounds of the complex, smaller planter gardens to accentuate the walkways which will lead one to and from the area, fountains designed for serenity in sound, water walls for serenity of mind and simple but eye pleasing gardens of local and imported flora.
Final Builders Notes, November 10, 2018
From the added roof gardens, through the interior working spaces, the dormitory areas, the outer gardens and surrounding landscaped grounds, the final inspection of the Phelan Memorial project takes place by the Master Builder and Architect, Simon Pontius, along with the Associate Builders brought onto this project. Upon approach from any direction the cylindrical design is part of the areas around, from the color of the path bricks, blending from the flora selected for the gardens through the dormitories, to the main hospital itself, you understand this is a place of healing and professionalism, not only from the outer wounds but for the inner as well. The main entrance, leading to the registration area, balanced in form and function, flows uninterrupted around to the emergency entrance, to the ramps leading to the second floors' operating and recovery rooms. Patient rooms are spacious and well lit from natural lighting in the curved window design to the installed energy lights. The visitors dorms are self sufficient rooms themselves, each with a private bath areas, patio and deck, depending on the floor, the commons area leads through serenity gardens, some with smaller fountains, some with rain walls, some with "streams" flowing around and through them, all leading to the larger back area of kitchen and eating stations, some covered, some open, the addition of a play area for children added, with consultation of child therapists, for their recovery, is gratis from the Builders involved. The statue raised upon its slate pedestal is secure, the plaque installed, Phelan Memorial Hospital of the Plains along with the requested Builders Glass box for the items to be placed, is illuminated from the ground in its circular garden with care. The structure deemed sound and functional, room seals are taken away, the walkways are open, the fountains flowing gently, the energy bulbs lighting the way a smaller bronze plaque is affixed to the main rear entrance to the building, as per the Builders Caste listing the Builders involved. Before he leaves, Simon places a handwritten note on the registration desk "Our sorrows and wounds are healed only when we touch them with compassion"
The Blessing
11 January 2019
Sanctuary (Safe zone, no hammers, no bans) Phelan Memorial Hospital & Respite Center of the Plains
Phelan Memorial Hospital & Respite Center of the Plains. Location: The gentle rolling highlands of the Plains. Equidistant between Ar and Corcyrus, the Flats of Sarpeto and Holmsek. This sanctuary open to all goreans, free and slave alike.
~Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara ascends the low podium...
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : FRIENDS OF PHELAN
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : WELCOME
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : On behalf of the Center, Builder Simon
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : Thank you for Honoring this occassion with your presence
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : thank you for honoring the man...Phelan
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : Simon you have embodied the man in this structure
~SimonPontius bows his head polietly
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : as was He, this Center is as solid as bedrock
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : yet as open , as was He , as these vast plains
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : in thse unassuming, as was he, buildings
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : the serious work of caring for the sick, wounded, poor, rich. slave and free will quietly go forth
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : free of charge as long and as oft as there be need
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : the work you see about you is Simon the Master builder's doing
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : May all Gor, take notice of how this man humbly lived out his life dedicated to his craft
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : the man Phelan
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : I was honored he chose to spend his final year chatting beside my firepit.....
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : Phelan you lived your life well
~ Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara steps down from the podium....
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : I CALL ON THE GREAT PRIEST KING TO WATCH OVER THIS FACILITY AND TO OPEN TO THESE OF THE GREEN CAST YOUR DEEPEST MYSTERIES....
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : SO LET IT BE
Sar_Cabot_of_Vendara : the doors and gates are open folk
My heartfelt thanks, lifelong gratitude to Simon Pontius and his crew for making this hope of my soul a reality. It will outlive us all, as it should. For love and for the memory of ......Phelan.......Physician of Gor.
My deepest gratitude to Cabot, Sar of Ven'dara for the Blessing & formal opening of the Center.
My thanks to Mortimas for the gift of the only known drawing of Phelan. An extremely generous gift by any measure. Placed in the foyer of the Phelan Memorial Hospital & Respite Center of the Plains against the far wall.
My thanks to the nameless who contributed to this project of the heart. Know each and every one of you will remain in my heart and prayers. Always.
Phelan of the Plains. Physician of Gor. Deceased