I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to work with a couple of students on an independent study project to design and construct a Biosafety Lab Level 3 and a group residence for UF students that travel to Haiti to study pathologies. As we know, the 2010 earthquake ravaged Haiti and opened Haiti up to a number of endemic diseases such as Tuberculosis, Malaria, and Cholera. So they there is a lot of work that needs to be done in order to help the already fragile nation rebuild itself and grow.
I was just thinking that this is the “meeting the needs of today” part of sustainability. There are a number of countries that are going through similar economic and health issues. The first part of sustainability is that we see to the needs of the helpless, so that can be sustained and bring on the next generation. Its impossible to look into the future when the present is dying of disease, malnutrition, and being without proper shelter. God has already said in His word that we should look into the needs of others and our own needs He will meet. Many people don’t think of this aspect of sustainability. Sharing is caring. (Got a little preachy there lol but it’s true!)
Anyways, on the constructable sustainable side I am trying
to incorporate as many aspects of passive design as possible as local resource es
in Haiti are limited and costly. Here are some of the initial aspects we are
considering (and I’d love to have any other suggestions):
2. Maximizing natural ventilation by allow for open paths from one end of the residence to the other for cross ventilation. High windows that allow the hot air to escape and a series of high roofs that allow for ventilation. The wind corridors are on the east-west axis (prevalent winds in Hait)
3. Rain water collection system- I haven’t worked out all the logistics yet but I plan to capitalize on the amount of rainfall that occurs in Haiti.
4. Local Materials used
Unfortunately, there are so many limitations that come along
with building in other countries on limited funds but every little bit counts.
Thank God that there are so many willing to volunteer their minds and efforts
for free to help us make this a reality. Just remember that helping others
improve their lives is a segment of the “now” part of sustainability and as
always design for better use with our natural resources.
I completely agree with you on the "now" part of sustainability. It blows my mind that people in many first world countries are often so wasteful with things such as food, everyday household items and building materials when there are people all around the world who would be glad to have a fraction of the things we have in our lives.
ReplyDeleteI applaud your efforts in volunteering to create a building design that will be appropriate for Haiti, a place with little to lose and much to gain. And just some suggestions for the building: decorating the building with artwork from local Haitian artists, creating a community garden on site could teach students and locals about gardening, and of course using native landscaping.
I was completely shocked with the devastation Haiti went through in the earthquake of 2010. It's hard to imagine how far the country has to go to rebuild its communities. To keep it on a positive note, the rebuilding period allows the opportunity for such designs as you have suggested. This will make for a better future and lend for more sustainable built environments. You will have to keep us updated on the progress of your volunteer work.
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