Evento

Natural and Unnatural Building in Haiti

In contrast to the importation of costly industrialized materials that more often than not, ultimately end up in landfills, Haiti has a rich array of local materials that can be adapted to provide modern well designed structures to meet Haiti's current and long term construction needs. Earth, straw, bamboo, and rubble offer abundant opportunities to do just that.

The objective of these Haitian reconstruction projects was an effort to create building systems that could respond to the conspiring crisis' of resource depletion, climate challenge, economic disparity, and rapid population growth. Addressing Haiti's problems today offers us a glimpse into how these practices might be applied around the globe.
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SPEAKERS
Bruce King, Structural Civil Engineer
Founder and Director of the Ecological Building Network (EBNet). Helped write improved building codes from California to Mongolia that have facilitated more ecologically-sound methods of building. Currently working to build their winning scheme for the Haitian government's Building Back Better Communities (BBBC).

Martin Hammer, Architect
Martin worked on several projects in Haiti over the past year including work with the Earthquake Engineering Readiness Institute, World Monument Fund, and Builders Without Borders. He designed and built the first straw bale structure in Haiti, similar to the structures he introduced to Pakistan. He has also been instrumental in the further development of the code for straw bale construction in California.

Bob Theis, Architect / Planner
Bob has worked on several projects in Haiti over the past year in association with with Green Microfinance and the Peasants Association of Fondwa. He has also designed more than 100 Natural buildings around the world.

Tim Owen-Kennedy, Designer/Builder
Tim is the owner of Vital Systems Natural Building and Design, He spent the past year developing building methods and techniques for rural reconstruction in Haiti. This was primarily in association with Green Microfinance and the Peasants Association of Fondwa. He is on the Board of Directors for Architects/ Designers/ Planners for Social Responsibility, and The Natural Building Network.