Innovation through Humilty
INNOVATION THROUGH HUMILITY A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of the Architecture Department in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Masters of Architecture in Architecture at The Savannah College of Art and Design By JANEE M. PETERS Savannah, Georgia Š May 2014 [Huy Ngo] [Melanie Parker] [Scott Jackson]
For all the late night phone calls of encouragement, I would like to thank my PARENTS. Without your unconditional support, this wouldn’t have been possible.
[Committee Chair] PROFESSOR HUY NGO, Thank you for showing me the various directions I needed to explore to make this thesis a reality. [Committee Member] PROFESSOR MELANIE PARKER, Thank you for making me laugh before presentations and working with me to design a structurally sound building despite a severe lack of resources. [Committee Member] SCOTT JACKSON, Thank you for granting me the opportunity to utilize not only your expertise but connections within Ethiopia as well. Without you this thesis would have been unable to have an architectural design component. [Other] PROFESSOR JULIE ROGERS-VARLAND, Thank you for guiding me throughout seminar. Your unwavering support and literary recommendations allowed me to realize I wasn’t designing an object but a process. [Other] Professor DÉSIRÉ HOUNGUÈS, Thank you for taking the time to speak with me throughout this process. Our conversations gave me the confidence to discern and implement a feasible design process that, with time, could lead to lasting change.
TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Figures
1
Abstract
7
Statement
9
SECTION ONE Observations into Solution
13
SECTION TWO Lessons Learned
21
SECTION THREE Overlapping Methodologies
37
SECTION FOUR Observations in Humility
47
SECTION FIVE Catalyst for Change
57
SECTION SIX Turning Research into Result
67
SECTION SEVEN Macro to Micro Hypothetical Design - Before Trip
77
SECTION EIGHT Incite from Abroad Conceptual Design - Durring Trip
103
SECTION NINE Taking it Further Design Development & Final Presentation
135
Bibliography
173
LIST OF FIGURES SECTION ONE Observations into Solution FIGURE 1.1 Diagram. Janee Peters. Design Build Studio – Ghana 2010 (page 14) FIGURE 1.2 Diagram. Janee Peters. Existing vs. Proposed Relationships (page 15)
SECTION TWO Lessons Learned FIGURE 2.1 Diagram. Architecture for Humanity. Project Map <http://www.publicinterestdesign.org/2011/11/02/architecture-for-humanity-project-map-1999-2011/> (page 22) FIGURE 2.2 Photograph. Mass Design Group Ltd. Butaro Hospital <http://openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/dlygad2_butaro_hospital> (page 24) FIGURE 2.3 Photograph. Mass Design Group Ltd. Construction of Butaro Hospital <http://openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/dlygad2_butaro_hospital> (page 24) FIGURE 2.4 Play Pump. Working <http://openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/%5Bfield_oanproject_path-raw%5D-14> (page 26) FIGURE 2.5 Play Pump. Abandoned <http://openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/%5Bfield_oanproject_path-raw%5D-14> (page 26) FIGURE 2.6 Photograph. LifeStraw. Individual <http://openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/dlygad2_lifestraw> (page 28) FIGURE 2.7 Photograph. LifeStraw. Family <http://openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/dlygad2_lifestraw> (page 28)
SECTION THREE Overlapping Methodologies FIGURE 3.1 Diagram. Prevention Institute. Clinical/Community Population Health Intervention Model <http://www.preventioninstitute.org/component/jlibrary/article/id-298/?tmpl=component&print=1> (page 38) FIGURE 3.2 Diagram. Health and Education for All. Projection Money Spent vs. Money Proposed <http://blogs.oxfam.org/en/blogs/13-05-16-are-governments-meeting-their-mdg-spendingtargets> (page 40)
SECTION FOUR Observations in Humility SECTION FIVE Catalyst for Change FIGURE 5.1 Diagram. Janee Peters. Documented Case Studies: Success of Design and Intent (page 58) FIGURE 5.2 Diagram. Janee Peters. Based on Felix Salmons Diagram. Total Population Vs. Poverty <http://blogs.reuters.com/felix-salmon/2011/10/31/how-poverty-has-tracked-global-population/> (page 60) FIGURE 5.3 Diagram. Janee Peters. Based on Forbes Statistic. 85 People Own Half of the Worlds Wealth <http://www.forbes.com/sites/laurashin/2014/01/23/the-85-richest-people-in-the-world-have-as-much-wealth-as-the-3-5-billion-poorest/> (page 60)
SECTION SIX Turning Research into Result FIGURE 6.1 Diagram. Janee Peters. GoDesign Inc. - Project Map (page 68) FIGURE 6.2 Diagram. Janee Peters. Partnerships Lead to Possibilities (page 69) FIGURE 6.3 Diagram. Janee Peters. Utilize Partnerships to Create Lasting Change (page 70) FIGURE 6.4 Diagram. Janee Peters. Thesis Concept (page 71)
SECTION SEVEN Macro to Micro FIGURE 7.1 Diagram. Janee Peters. Understanding What is Needed (page 78) FIGURE 7.2 Photograph. Janee Peters. Original Image Found on Google Earth. Kore, Ethiopia (page 80) FIGURE 7.3 Diagram. Janee Peters. How Are Projects Completed in Ethiopia? (page 82) FIGURE 7.4 Diagram. Janee Peters. Longitudinal Case Study (page 83) FIGURE 7.5 Sketch. Scott Jackson. Existing Site Documentation and Program (page 84) FIGURE 7.6 Diagram. Janee Peters. Based on Information found in Shelter. Traditional Construction Practice - Tukul aka Gojo (page 86) FIGURE 7.7 Diagram. Janee Peters. Based on Conversations with Scott Jackson. Current Construction Practice - Wattle and Daub (page 87) FIGURE 7.8 Diagram. Janee Peters. Materials - Current and Introduce (page 88) FIGURE 7.9 Diagram. Janee Peters. Innovative Design Solutions Using Local Materials (page 89) FIGURE 7.10 Diagram. Janee Peters. Ethiopia - Climate Conditions (page 90) FIGURE 7.11 Diagram. Janee Peters. Janee Peters. Current Site Conditions - Images (page 91) FIGURE 7.12 Diagram. Janee Peters. Current Site Conditions - CAD Drawing (page 92) FIGURE 7.13 Diagram. Janee Peters. Hypothetical Design - View of Pharmacy from Guardhouse (page 92) FIGURE 7.14 Diagram. Janee Peters. Site Discrepancies - Size (page 92)
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FIGURE 7.15 Diagram. Janee Peters. Hypothetical Design - Site Circulation (page 92) FIGURE 7.16 Diagram. Janee Peters. Hypothetical Design - Master Plan (page 93) FIGURE 7.17 Diagram. Janee Peters. Hypothetical Design - Floor Plan Configurations (page 94) FIGURE 7.18 Diagram. Janee Peters. Hypothetical Design - Floor Plan (page 95) FIGURE 7.19 Diagram. Janee Peters. Hypothetical Design - Roof Plan Configurations (page 96) FIGURE 7.20 Diagram. Janee Peters. Hypothetical Design - Building Section (page 97) FIGURE 7.21 Diagram. Janee Peters. Hypothetical Design - Site Section (page 97)
SECTION EIGHT Incite from Abroad FIGURE 8.1 Diagram. Janee Peters. Timeline Section - March 14,2014 and March 15,2014 (page 104) FIGURE 8.2 Photograph. Janee Peters. Timeline Section - March 16,2014 (page 106) FIGURE 8.3 Diagram. Janee Peters. Timeline Section - March 17,2014 (page 110) FIGURE 8.4 Diagram. Janee Peters. Timeline Section - March 18,2014 (page 112) FIGURE 8.5 Sketch. Scott Jackson. Timeline Section - March 19,2014 (page 116) FIGURE 8.6 Diagram. Janee Peters. Timeline Section - March 20,2014 (page 118) FIGURE 8.7 Diagram. Janee Peters. Timeline Section - March 21,2014 (page 120) FIGURE 8.8 Diagram. Janee Peters. Timeline Section - March 22,2014 (page 122) FIGURE 8.9 Diagram. Janee Peters. Timeline Section - March 23,2014 (page 124) FIGURE 8.10 Diagram. Janee Peters. Timeline - Ethiopia March 14,2014 to March 23,2014 (page 128 - 129) FIGURE 8.11 Diagram. Janee Peters. Janee Peters. Conceptual Design - Step One (page 130) FIGURE 8.12 Diagram. Janee Peters. Conceptual Design - Step Two (page 130) FIGURE 8.13 Diagram. Janee Peters. Conceptual Design - Step Three (page 131) FIGURE 8.14 Diagram. Janee Peters. Conceptual Design - Step Four (page 131)
SECTION NINE Taking it Further FIGURE 9.1 Diagram. Janee Peters. Architectural Typologies – Ethiopia (page 136) FIGURE 9.2 Diagram. Janee Peters. Current Projects – GoDesign, INC. (page 137) FIGURE 9.3 Drawing. Janee Peters. Floor Plan (page 138) FIGURE 9.4 Drawing. Janee Peters. Front Elevation (page 139) FIGURE 9.5 Drawing. Janee Peters. Left Elevation (page 140) FIGURE 9.6 Drawing. Janee Peters. Right Elevation (page 141) FIGURE 9.7 Drawing. Janee Peters. Section A (page 142) FIGURE 9.8 Drawing. Janee Peters. Section B (page 143) FIGURE 9.9 Drawing. Janee Peters. Section (page 144) FIGURE 9.10 Drawing. Janee Peters. Section D (page 145) FIGURE 9.11 Drawing. Janee Peters. Earth Bag Wall Detail (page 146) FIGURE 9.12 Drawing. Janee Peters. Drainage Detail (page 147) FIGURE 9.13 Drawing. Janee Peters. Pivot Window Detail (page 148) FIGURE 9.14 Drawing. Janee Peters. Foundation Detail (page 149) FIGURE 9.15 Drawing. Janee Peters. Site – Existing Conditions (page 150) FIGURE 9.16 Drawing. Janee Peters. Site – Master Plan (page 150) FIGURE 9.17 Drawing. Janee Peters. Site – Roof Plans (page 151) FIGURE 9.18 Drawing. Janee Peters. Site – Floor Plans (page 151) FIGURE 9.19 Drawing. Janee Peters. Site – Context Plan (page 152) FIGURE 9.20 Drawing. Janee Peters. Site – Exploded Axon (page 153) FIGURE 9.21 Drawing. Janee Peters. Rendering – Walk to Payment Center (page 154) FIGURE 9.22 Drawing. Janee Peters. Rendering –Walk to Patient Rooms (page 155) FIGURE 9.23 Drawing. Janee Peters. Rendering –Overlooking Building from Patient Room 4 (page 156) FIGURE 9.24 Drawing. Janee Peters. Rendering – Overlooking Clinic from School (page 157-158) FIGURE 9.25 Drawing. Janee Peters. Rendering – Approach to Site (page 159-page 160) FIGURE 9.26 Photograph. Janee Peters. FInal Presentation Layout (page 162)
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FIGURE 9.27 Boards. Janee Peters. Final Defenseâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; Board Layout (page 164-165) FIGURE 9.28 Photograph. Janee Peters. Concept Model (page 166) FIGURE 9.29 Photographs. Janee Peters. Conceptual Site Model (page 129) FIGURE 9.30 Photograph. Janee Peters. Materials Model (page 168) FIGURE 9.31 Photographs. Janee Peters. Building Model (page169)
SECTION DIVIDERS FIGURES Photographs. Janee Peters. Ethiopia. March 2014
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INNOVATION THROUGH HUMILTY
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ABSTRACT
INNOVATION THROUGH HUMILITY
JANEE M. PETERS May 2014 Growing up in a stable middle class family, I am the quintessential byproduct of the American Dream. With that privilege came an understanding of the world including the plight of those less fortunate. This realization encouraged me to build upon my generational standard and incite change by choosing a path devoted to understanding, documenting, and improving the lives of those living in cultures few will ever experience.
Prompted by parents who regaled me with tales of far off places, I was enthralled with the world at a young age. Always inquisitive, I sought adventure both through travel and design. This curiosity and intrigue has, over the years, evolved into something much more. During my junior year of college, I participated in a two month Design-Build Studio in Ghana where I fell in love with the people and culture. My extensive documentation of the experiences, methods and techniques utilized, provided the framework and basis for my thesis intent. By reflecting on this understanding, I recognized ways in which the project may have been improved, not in design, but in process.
This life changing experience helped to define this thesis by providing the basis upon which my research was structured. By analyzing current humanitarian practices, both within the architectural profession and others, I have begun to identify gaps in current methods and techniques.
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THIS THESIS IS A CASE STUDY INTENDED TO DEMONSTRATE AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH TO HUMANITARIAN ARCHITECTURE; A PROCESS BASED IN COLLABORATION, EDUCATION, AND MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING.
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OBSERVATION INTO SOLUTION
PAGE 12
SECTION ONE OBSERVATION
INTO SOLUTION
Many for-profit and not-for-profit organizations around the world set
This outlook is the basis for why the quality of life for those living in the
out with good intentions to help societies they perceive to be in need.
tribe has gone unchanged. Although these projects were geared towards
They provide their expertise, time, and money to assist impoverished
community improvement, with every technique and method utilized able
communities. But do these acts of kindness inhibit those in the
to be adapted on an individual basis, no progress was being made on a
communities from reaching their full potential?
community level to implement any of the new techniques or methods we had worked with them to create. There was an undeniable gap between
While spending a summer fully immersed in the Abrafo-Odumasi Tribe,
what we had done with the local community and what they are willing to
which is located in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, I witnessed
do for themselves.
firsthand that intent and outcome don’t always go hand in hand. For two months, fifteen students and I, from Miami University’s architecture program, studied and worked alongside local carpenters and masons combining their techniques with our designs. The construction site was full of life, everyone was eager to participate and overjoyed with the thought that this project could bring teachers to their local school.
THESIS INTENT? By drawing attention to intent based gaps in current humanitarian practices, specifically within the architectural profession, this thesis is a case study intended to demonstrate an alternative approach to humanitarian architecture. Like many other aspects of the architectural profession, humanitarian aid has to be sustainable. If local communities
Yet… As I walked around Abrafo-Odumasi, signs of progress were scarce. Miami University had been working with the tribe for fourteen years, having constructed over seven structures to aid the local community. For
associate our presence with the expectation that something will be given to them, then what is the message we are sending? Our impact needs to outlast our presence.
years they have been utilizing local workers, materials, and methods in an attempt to enhance the community’s way of life. By providing locals with the structures they told us they needed, the university believed the work they were doing would one day help reshape the local building typology into one that promoted a structurally sound, healthy style of living. Unfortunately, this was not the case, and after years of abuse the structures had begun to deteriorate with no work being done to repair the damage. I recall our professor, J.E. Elliot convinced the only solution was to one day bring a group of students over with the sole intention to fix what was already built.
A paradigm shift is occurring within the architectural profession. With the global population increasing at an unprecedented rate, developing nations that were once relegated to relative insignificance are now demonstrating their ability to reshape their identities as important global hubs. Today, the worlds super powers are beginning to embrace this reality and transform a once ignored population, into a resource for the future. As far as the architectural community is concerned, developing nations present an opportunity for the profession to expand into new markets.1 This is where the true architectural challenge lies and it is up to us to provide the solution.
1 Watson, Joseph M.
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SECTION 1 | Observation into Solution
FIGURE 1.1 Design Build Studio - Ghana 2010
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CHANGE
SECTION 1 | Observation into Solution
CLIENT
knowledge
share
result
implement
educate
plan
connect
research
result
implement
educate
ARCHITECT
FIGURE 1.2 Existing vs. Proposed Relationships
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SECTION 1 | Observation into Solution
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SECTION 1 | Observation into Solution
SECTION ONE ENDNOTES 1 Watson, Joseph M. “Aid, Capital, and the Humanitarian Trap.” Thresholds 38 (2012): 237-44. Print.
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LESSONS LEARNED
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SECTION TWO LESSONS
LEARNED
The more I read, the more I have learned one inherent truth: the organizations that lead the way in the current realm of architectural or
[1] Unless you build it, it doesn’t matter [2] Innovation is only valuable
design based aid relief “intend to draw attention to a kind of design that
if it is shared [3] Be the last responders [4] It is more fun to partner [5]
is not particularly attractive, often limited in function, and extremely
Design is an economic tool [6] Unleash local talent [7] Let scale happen
inexpensive,” yet has, “the inherent ability to transform and in some
[8] There is no such thing as a typical architect [9] Have a sense of humor
cases, actually save lives.” 1
[10] Design yourself out of a job 4
BUT HOW DO WE AS DESIGNERS TAKE THIS ABILITY AND MAKE IT A REALITY?
These lessons, posed throughout the introduction, focus on key aspects
Architecture for Humanity, the non-governmental organization (NGO) at the forefront of humanitarian aid, began at a time when there was no identifiable design resource to inform and aid humanitarian groups in good design practices.2 By questioning the role of the architect, Architecture for Humanities’ co-founders, Cameron Sinclair and Kate Stohr realized the potential impact a humanitarian architecture approach could have on the profession. In the past fourteen years, their organization has operated in forty-four countries and has provided over two million people with structures that are utilized on a daily basis.3
Like any great success story, Architecture for Humanity had to learn from their mistakes as well as demonstrate their successes to the humanitarian architectural community. Design Like You Give a Damn and Design Like You Give A Damn [2] do just that, by highlighting the ways in which Architecture for Humanity has begun to change the face of humanitarian architecture. Design Like You Give a Damn, highlighted Architecture for Humanities realization that an organization such as theirs was needed, and that through failure comes enlightenment. This understanding laid the ground work for Design Like You Give a Damn [2] published six years later, that emphasized the top ten things they had leaned. 1 Blowmink, Barbara 2 Sinclair, Design Like You Give a Damn 3 Sinclair, Design Like You Give a Damn [2]
of a successful project. If a project isn’t fully realized, it doesn’t help those in need, which can cause resentment between locals and outsiders meaning, [1] Unless you build it, it doesn’t matter. In the developing world knowledge is everything to ensure a project comes to fruition and provides the most value. Conflicts between locals and outsiders can be avoided if the outside organization takes the time to gain an insiders, or locals’ perspective and trust. This source of knowledge will be a guide in understanding local customs, expectations, hesitations, and needs. These local connections are the basis from which an organization can gain acceptance, and the way in which it creates lasting relationships. One connection leads to two, which leads to many, and soon the organization has created a web of partnerships that allow for constant adaptation and inspiration from within the community, because with time and flexibility of process comes the realization that [4] It is more fun to partner.
As a result, organizations can embrace the idea that [5] Design is an economic tool. If aid groups fail to express support for local businesses, there will be no basis for the local economy to rebuild itself. Architecture provides a unique opportunity to [6] Unleash local talent and utilize their innate abilities. “Necessity is the mother of invention, intensity breeds innovation.”5 Locals are the experts; their design isn’t based on 4 Sinclair, Design Like You Give a Damn [2] 5 Kahn, Shelter i
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SECTION 2 | Lessons Learned
FIGURE 2.1 Architecture for Humanity - Project Map 2011
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SECTION 2 | Lessons Learned
aesthetics, but on observation. Shelters are structured based on weather
a brief description written by the projects team. Additionally, there
patterns, seasonal changes, and available materials, with construction
is a rating section where other viewers are able to rate the projects
techniques that rely on community collaboration and methods
design, level of sustainability, material usage, and cost effectiveness.
passed down through generations.6 These improvisational skills used
With a corresponding discussion board feedback is easily given or
throughout developing nations need to be utilized in order to prevent
obtained about any given area of a particular project.10 The majority of
the implementation of culturally inappropriate structures that inevitably
“participants are focused, they are not just social networking but are
cause resentment from within local communities.
there because they believe that their work serves a social good.”11 By allowing users to sign in, create a profile, and search for other users
“Too often, humanitarian and developmental assistance comes from a
with specific skills or connections, the Open Architecture Network is an
concept so far removed from the crisis at hand that it simply fails or falls
invaluable tool for formulating an effective team or making connections
short”7 The conclusion being, [2] Innovation is only valuable if it is shared.
with local stakeholders.
In 2006 Cameron Sinclair was awarded the prestigious TED Prize, with his wish to save the world; “to create an open source, collaborative project
To fully grasp what can be done, a thorough understanding of what
management website that would empower building professionals with
has been done is needed. The Open Architecture Network is vital when
design solutions to improve life.”8
researching an organizations intent behind particular projects. However, it is important to note that this database, as well as many publications
By merging with the organization Worldchanging, Cameron Sinclair
that reference various design based humanitarian projects, provide little
and Architecture for Humanity were able to make his wish a reality.
or no insight into the final products effectiveness. By conducting an in-
Together they created the Open Architecture Network, where people are
depth analysis of various project goals and impacts on local communities,
encouraged to post their proven design solutions. Today, having been
correct methods for integration and implementation began to present
fully functional for seven consecutive years, the site is host to over ten
themselves.
thousand designs posted by various people from diverse backgrounds.9
To find a design that best suits the needs of a project, a team can conduct a simple keyword search or browse through the database by categories, ranging from competitions to country of origin. Once a comparable project is found, a more in-depth look at the project information is provided. Not only does the database provide a project’s location, materials, cost, size, and type, there are supplementary pictures and 6 Kahn, Shelter II 7 Steffen, Alex 8 Sinclair, TEDTalks
9 Open Architecture Network
10 Open Architecture Network 11 Alter, Llyod
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SECTION 2 | Lessons Learned
FIGURE 2.2 Butaro Hospital FIGURE 2.3 Construction of Butaro Hospital
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SECTION 2 | Lessons Learned
BUTARO HOSPITAL, RWANDA [Mass Design Group] After attending a lecture given at the Savannah College of Art and
work resulted in the project being finished ahead of time, and below
Designs Museum of Art by Patricia Gruits of Mass Design Group in October
budget.14
of 2103, the information provided on the Open Architecture Network was used as a reference to check my notes and connect to other sources
It is important to note that by using the local labor force and materials,
dealing with the project.
the project itself encouraged economic growth for the local community, by providing residents with the skills necessary to start their own
By taking a holistic, immersive strategy, Mass Design Group was able to
successful business and inspiring area children to pursue a career in
integrate themselves into the local Butaro community to solve the design
architecture. Mass Design Group has continued to encourage this
problems the Butaro Hospital presented. By joining with Partners in
collaborative effort by providing many of these students with internships,
Health, the Rwandan Ministry of Health, as well as holding meetings with
or hiring them as local consultants on other design-build projects in the
local stakeholders, Mass Design Group realized an innovative solution
area.15
wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the answer.12 Instead, they introduced good design practices that were simply unseen previously in this area of the world. These methods utilized proper ventilation practices to prevent the spread of airborne disease, rather than the previous hospital, which unintentionally functioned as an effective way to incubate and spread diseases.13
After explaining the design to everyone involved, the group began investigating and experimenting with locally available materials. After the identification of a seemingly extraneous local stone, they were able to work with local masons who could develop the necessary skills to hand shape the buildings intricate façade. By realizing the benefits of utilizing the local community, Mass Design Group employed both skilled and unskilled men and women to excavate the hospitals foundation. Not only did this method evoke a sense of pride within the local community, but they genuinely appreciated the opportunity to be a part of the construction process. The final result was phenomenal; a lower cost of labor and materials paired with the entire communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eagerness to 12 Jackson, Satu 13 Gruits, Patricia
14 Gruits, Patricia 15 Ibid
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SECTION 2 | Lessons Learned
FIGURE 2.4 Working Play Pump FIGURE 2.5 Abandoned Play Pump
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SECTION 2 | Lessons Learned
PLAY PUMP [Sub-Saharan Africa] By searching through the Open Architecture Network to find a project thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sole purpose was to improve an areas way of life, the Play Pump initially caught my attention as a creative response to Sub-Saharan Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growing need for clean water.16 Upon further investigation this project reads as a cautionary tale for any organization looking to implement a design without connecting to the local community.
The Play Pump was intended to be a revolutionary solution to SubSaharan villages where water is often buried deep underground. The project gained support in 2006 when First Lady, Laura Bush announced the project would receive $16.4 million in funding. The design for the pump was simple, as children play on the merry-go-round, water would be pumped from deep underground to a reservoir where the local community could come and easily tap into the stored water supply. Despite good intentions, the Play Pumps proved difficult to use and even harder to maintain. With the organizations that installed the Play Pumps no longer available, locals were unable to fix any broken components that resulted, thus rendering the entire system useless in the longer term.17
16 Kirklin 17 Rajagopal, Avinash
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SECTION 2 | Lessons Learned
FIGURE 2.6 Individual Lifestraw FIGURE 2.7 Family Lifestraw
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SECTION 2 | Lessons Learned
LIFESTRAW [Anyone, Anywhere] In an attempt to find the ‘evolution’ of the Play Pump, I used the Open Architecture Network to research the LifeStraw, which I had seen referenced in books, journals, and magazines as an accessible solution to personal water purification. Although this claim didn’t prove to be entirely truthful, the LifeStraw did present an interesting solution to repurposing a product that may have otherwise been rendered invaluable.
LifeStraws were intended to be an affordable portable water purifier for anyone without access to safe drinking water. The product itself proved effective and at $3.50 apiece, it was believed anyone could afford a single unit, which could provide a user with clean drinking water for up to a year.18 However, it soon became apparent that this wasn’t the case. The system was too expensive for its indented users to afford. Instead of scrapping the project all together, NGO’s and charities saw the LifeStraw as a cost-effective addition to their humanitarian efforts. To date, thousands of LifeStraws have been distributed by numerous relief projects.19 As a result, the product has been adapted to cater to both individuals and families. With many models on the market today, the LifeStraw is still primarily used as a form of humanitarian aid, but has begun to be marketed to demographics such as hikers and travelers. 20
18 Holakai, Pavitrad 19 Rajagopal, Avinash 20 Holakai, Pavitrad
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SECTION 2 | Lessons Learned
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SECTION 2 | Lessons Learned
“IF YOU REALLY WANT TO MAKE CHANGE IN THE WORLD, YOU CAN’T HOARD THE TOOLS FOR MAKING IT.” 21 The reality is creating, “a great social-design idea is a long, arduous process, with some necessary lessons in humility along the way,” that can result in an improved quality of life for an entire community. But the end goal isn’t what defines the road to success as it doesn’t tell you how to get there.
Humanitarian organizations shouldn’t assume they know what a community needs. Humanitarian organizations have not participated in the reality of these people’s daily lives. Thus, full collaboration with locals is necessary to ensure proper utilization of resources and acceptance of a project within a community. This process will foster designs that allow communities to be fully invested in the projects, and ultimately, their future success. With proper implementation of designs, we could [10] Design ourselves out of a job. Not to be taken literally as ending the profession of architects, the extreme nature of this statement allows for the necessary poignancy of its intent to fully register. As professionals, it is our duty to help facilitate the process so that others can design and make their own worlds.
21 Open Architecture Network
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SECTION 2 | Lessons Learned
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SECTION 2 | Lessons Learned
SECTION TWO ENDNOTES 1 Bloemink, Barbara. “Foreword.” Design for the Other 90%. New York: Smithsonian, Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum (2007): 5. Print. 2 Sinclair, Cameron, and Kate Stohr. Design Like You Give a Damn: Architectural Responses to Humanitarian Crises. 1st ed. (New York, NY: Metropolis, 2006): 11-31. Print
3 Sinclair, Cameron. Design Like You Give A Damn [2]: Building Change from the Ground Up. 2nd ed. (New York: Abrams, 2012): 11-47. Print. 4 Ibid. 5 Kahn, Lloyd. Shelter. 1st ed. Bolinas, CA: Shelter Publications; Distributed in the U.S. by Random House (New York, 1973): 3. Print. 6 Kahn, Lloyd. Shelter II. 2nd ed. Bolinas, CA: Shell Petroleum (1978): 3-5. Print. 7 Steffen, Alex. “Open-source Humanitarian Design.” Worldchanging: A User’s Guide for the 21st Century. 2nd ed. (New York: Abrams, 2011): 347-49. Print.
8 Sinclair, Cameron. “Building Wonder: Open Source Architecture.” TEDTalks. 29 Sept. 2013. Lecture. 9 Open Architecture Network. Worldchanging, 2006. Web. 5 Oct. 2013. <http://openarchitecturenetwork.org>. 10 Ibid. 11 Alter, Lloyd. “Open Architecture Network Goes Live.” Tree Hugger. N.p., 10 Mar. 2007. Web. 07 Oct. 2013. 12 Jackson, Satu. “Open Architecture Network.” Butaro Hospital. N.p., 2010. Web. 05 Nov. 2013. 13 Gruits, Patricia. “Building to Heal.” Mass Design Group Ltd. SCAD Museum of Art, Savannah. 08 Oct. 2013. Lecture. 14 Ibid. 15 Ibid. 16 Kirklin. “Open Architecture Network.” Play Pump. N.p., 2007. Web. 05 Nov. 2013. 17 Rajagopal, Avinash. “Social Design: Easier Said Than Done.” Metropolis 30.9 (2011): 98-101. Print. 18 Holakia, Pavitrad. “Open Architecture Network.” LifeStraw. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2013. 19 Rajagopal, Avinash. “Social Design: Easier Said Than Done.” Metropolis 30.9 (2011): 98-101. Print 20 Holakia, Pavitrad. “Open Architecture Network.” LifeStraw. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2013. 21 Open Architecture Network. Worldchanging, 2006. Web. 5 Oct. 2013. <http://openarchitecturenetwork.org>.
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OVERLAPPING METHODOLOGIES
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SECTION THREE OVERLAPPING
METHODOLOGIES
The successful implementation of an architecturally driven humanitarian
of assistance.
project doesn’t lie solely in collaboration with local communities. By investigating the ways in which other organizations approach and
This trust forms the foundation from which projects gain [2]
conduct the implementation of their humanitarian efforts, a more holistic
Sustainability. By maintaining a close working relationship from pre-
understanding of proper methodologies is uncovered.
design phases through completion, locals become invested in the work that is being done because they have helped create the change. If, on
HEALTH
the other hand, a community is indifferent about the changes being
An interview with Rear Admiral Nadine Simons, Assistant Surgeon
made within their area, they will be less likely to implement these new
General of the US Department of Public Health, provided insight into the
methodologies into their daily routines.
similarities between Health and Architecture. “Any effort to improve healthcare includes efforts to improve life in
Similarly, conflict in these types of communities can run high when
general.”1 To maintain a healthy community, those people living within
[3] Resources become scarce. To maintain a cohesive relationship with
confines of poverty must have access to adequate shelter and safety.
local stakeholders, an organization needs to ensure adequate supplies are available to successfully implement any form of humanitarian aid.
From her administrative standpoint, three things must be present within
“Without adequate resources and infrastructure nothing will change.”4
a community to guarantee successful implementation of change.
[1] Infrastructure [2] Sustainability [3] Resources 2
At the time of this interview, Admiral Simons was reviewing The 21st Century Approach, which is a health service plan, designed by the
Without an adequate [1] Infrastructure, a community will be unable to
Prevention Institute, aimed at making the widest possible impact by, “not
support any aid related project intended to better the area. To explain
delivering public health services.” Instead it emphasizes a new approach
this idea further, Rear Admiral Simmons explained that the health
that promotes “broad participation and developing community” through
service industry uses ‘Community Participatory Research’. Community
leadership.5
Participatory Research’ provides a close working relationship with local stakeholders within a specific area prior to a projects implementation to
With the key outcome being the advancement of health, safety, and
avoid any biased preconceived notions on their part. Local stakeholders
equity within communities across the nation, the Prevention Institute,
in this case are defined as influential members of the community, both
found that too often community stakeholders were brought into a project
at the local and regional level.3 This collaborative effort that holds all
after a policy had been determined, or an initiative launched. This lack of
community members on an equal playing field begins to foster trust
inclusion would then foster an uneasy acceptance among local residents.
between the organization looking for acceptance, and the locals in need
To prevent any future missteps, the Prevention Institute encourages
1 Simons, Nadine 2 Ibid 3 Ibid
4 Nadine, Simons 5 Chehimi, Sana, and Larry Cohen
PAGE 37
SECTION 3 | Overlapping Methodologies
FIGURE 3.1 Prevention Institutes Intervention Model
PAGE 38
SECTION 3 | Overlapping Methodologies
a process geared towards engagement of a community during the
CONFLICT
designing of a policy to ensure any resources they provide benefit the
In 2000, the United Nations created a set of Millennium Development
masses.
Goals that called for global change by 2015. By partnering the world’s
6
richest and poorest countries, the strategy intends to bring about global By utilizing the world’s addiction to social media, The 21st Century
security through the “alleviation of abject poverty and its indicators:
Approach explores ways to engage media outlets as a way to promote
violence, terror, and disease.”9
their work to the masses. Through the documentation of both their successes and failures, the Prevention Institute aims to prevent future
By imploring the world’s most impoverished countries to “pursue good
organizations from having to ‘reinvent the wheel.’
governance and a responsible economic and social stewardship,”10 the United Nations intends to inspire global security by encouraging
While it is necessary to understand the successes and failures of the
developed nations to guide these newly governed countries throughout
past, it is important to not get caught up on minute details. As an article
the process by extending them aid, trade, and technology to ensure their
informant discussed,” sometimes as advocates, we’re our own worst
efforts weren’t in vain.
enemies by focusing on something too narrow and not seeing those common threads… when you sit around and talk to people, the common
Since their enactment, the UN’s Millennium Development Goals have
thread is something you can weave together.” Baltimore, Maryland’s
motivated little change. Some developing nations have begun to reform
local public health service demonstrated the impact listening to the
their governments and create a more economically sound internal
community and finding the root cause of a problem can have on an
structure, but the worlds most impoverished countries seem to continue
area. Recently, Baltimore had seen an unprecedented rise in emergency
to fall further and further below the poverty line.
7
room visits due to asthma. The resulting remedy didn’t rely on a medical treatment, but an investigation. By mapping out the location of those
Considering the world’s richest countries have neglected to provide
admitted, they were able to identify a specific low income area of the
adequate assistance to these developing nations, the eradication of
city where simple housing improvements could prevent asthma related
abject poverty by 2015 appears to be unattainable. With the first
medical visits all together. Through simple home improvement projects,
world preoccupied with internal issue that ‘force’ them to allocate their
the local public health service was able to remove old carpets and repaint
attention, money, and resources to issues pertaining to national security
walls within the area most affected. At the end of the improvement
and the headline grabbing ‘War on Terror,’ Jeffery Sachs says it best. “It
project, a significant decline in emergency room visits could be observed.
is really a terrible mistake on the part of the rich world not to be paying
This project demonstrated that “bettering the health of the public calls for
more attention to this. It hurts us in the end by contributing to world
a more inclusive approach.”
poverty.” 11
6 Chehimi, Sana, and Larry Cohen 7 Ibid 8 Ibid
8
9 Sachs, Jeffery 10 Ibid 11 Ibid
PAGE 39
SECTION 3 | Overlapping Methodologies
FIGURE 3.2 Projection of Money Spent vs. Money Proposed to Meet UNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Millennium Development Goals by 2015
PAGE 40
SECTION 3 | Overlapping Methodologies
In Africa alone, the tragedies that cause instability haunt the nation’s super powers on a daily basis.12 We send medicine to cure preventable diseases, food to regions willing to farm, we gather intelligence in areas we feel may be prone to terrorist attacks, and our involvement in emergency intervention both in times of natural disaster and war cost valuable time, money, and resources that could be better utilized. If these methods of resolve were instead repurposed to comply with the UN’s Millennium Development Goals, the world could eradicate extreme poverty, preventing crises that lead to conflict, war, and terror.
“WHEN YOU TAKE ALL THE PARTIAL ANSWERS AND PUT THEM TOGETHER, WE CAN SEE WHAT’S UNIVERSAL. WORKING TOGETHER IS MANY TIMES MORE EFFECTIVE THAN THE SUM OF OUR INDIVIDUAL EFFORTS.”13 Humanitarian aid groups shouldn’t remain confined to information pertaining to their specific intent. A cross-disciplinary, holistic approach is needed when humanitarian organizations interact, design, and enact policy. Although we may not all want the same outcome, we all impact the areas in which we work in a similar manner, and we all set out with the intent to help.
By maintaining a sense of humility and willingness to share across various professions, we can utilize our need to stay connected to social networking by creating a new unbiased database with the sole intent to share the way in which organizations have successfully interacted and implemented sustainable designs, policies, and change.
12 Sachs, Jeffery 13 Drayton, Bill
PAGE 41
SECTION 3 | Overlapping Methodologies
PAGE 42
SECTION 3 | Overlapping Methodologies
SECTION THREE ENDNOTES 1 Simons, Nadine. “Interview: Rear Admiral Nadine Simons.” Telephone Interview. 17 Oct. 2013. 2 Ibid. 3 Ibid. 4 Ibid. 5 Chehimi, Sana, and Larry Cohen. Towards a 21st Century Approach: Advancing a Vision for Prevention and Public Health. N.p.: Prevention Institute, October, 2013. Print. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
6 Ibid. 7 Ibid. 8 Ibid. 9 Sachs, Jeffrey. “Poverty Reduction.” Interview. Massive Change (2004): 231-33. Print. 10 Ibid. 11Ibid. 12 Ibid. 13 Drayton, Bill. “Citizen Sector.” Interview. Massive Change (2004): 219-21. Print
PAGE 43
OBSERVATIONS IN HUMILITY
PAGE 46
SECTION FOUR OBSERVATIONS
IN HUMILITY
The evidence presented in the previous sections demonstrate that proper
gain or those driven by personal hardship will prove ineffective.
integration into a community is vital to the success of any humanitarian effort, but it doesn’t express the effect this type of work can have on the
Prior to any kind of trip, one needs to acquire the necessary skills or
individual providing the assistance. When fully immersed into a new
expertise to endure any unexpected personal struggles they may face.
society, it is necessary to analyze both professional and volunteer-based
This can be accomplished through discussions with others who have been
motives behind a project.
in similar situations, or by thoroughly researching the area and culture in which you will soon be a part of. Similarly, many organizations now
Most people who embark on these types of trips are motivated not only
host pre-departure events that focus on a specific trips expectations,
by a desire to help, but also the corresponding ‘prestige’ that accompanies
obstacles, and intended outcomes.2 Without the necessary skills or
it. These multifaceted motives are the foundation for which their
understanding, a lack of knowledge can render any individual, no matter
influence on a local community is derived. A person’s underlying motives
what their background, useless. Resources in these areas of the world are
are immediately put to the test in humanitarian situations when those
scarce, if not non-existent, which intensifies the need for individuals who
being helped are in a vulnerable position, and may feel intimidated or
are able to think on their feet and work with what is available.
pressured by outside organizations. This vulnerability can foster a feeling of insecurity. It is vital that aid workers don’t exploit this feeling, which
By researching local customs, outsiders will gain knowledge of the way
could prevent locals from making their own decisions. Every community
the society in need operates. Oftentimes outsiders underestimate their
and its residents have the right to fully understand what aid is being
own reactions to foreign situations and become ineffective and incapable
given. If they deem an initiative harmful, the community needs to feel
of providing any assistance. With knowledge comes understanding,
secure enough to state their concerns and deny any aid effort they believe
and by understanding an area, outsiders will become better able to
will do more harm then good.
monitor their own self-awareness by maintaining perspective of the situation at hand. It is important that assumptions are not made based
As outsiders it is very difficult to successfully navigate these types of
on inaccurate information or cultural stereotypes. Many stereotypes
situations. Although many organizations and professions implement
demonstrate a blatant disregard for local customs, which can result in a
a code of ethics or conduct that all participants must follow, there is no
lack of acceptance among the community or cause social unrest. “In crisis
governing body to hold them accountable. “A very real test of morality
work, an observant, skilled intellect and an open, compassionate heart is
is how we behave when no one is looking, chaos of crisis obscures
essential for ethically sound practice.”3
accountability.”1 That being said, it is important to assess personal motives before embarking on any aid-based trip. Motives based solely on
To further understand the influence humanitarian work has on the
the intent to ‘save,’‘convert’, or ‘exploit’ locals for personal or professional
individual, a more analytical approach must be taken. By exploring
1 Sommers-Flanagan, Rita
2 Sommers-Flanagan, Rita 3 Ibid
PAGE 47
SECTION 4 | Observations in Humility
first-person accounts of various aid relief experiences, the personalized
after attention was drawn to his recent blog post on his aid work in
nature by which individuals become engrossed in their new communities
Haiti. His blog, unlike most, highlights the frustration that goes hand
can be observed.
in hand with aid relief. His empathy for the crisis raging in Haiti is still profound, but he has taken off his ‘rose-colored’ glasses and adopted
ACCEPTANCE [Ethiopia]
a more realistic approach to helping. He, like many, believed the work
After working with Peace Corps Ethiopia for over a year, Emily Spiegel
he was going to do would ‘fix’ the area. Today when others discuss this
shed light on her experiences in an article she posted to Huffingtonpost.
idea, he finds the notion egotistical and misguided.6 That being said,
com in October of 2013. Before joining the Peace Corps, she believed
the area needs help and good things are being done to ensure change.
the experience would be a risky, but rewarding adventure. What she
The decision any aid worker must make to fully immerse his or herself
didn’t realize was that by fully immersing herself into others’ reality, she
into a cause is a commitment that allows the work they are doing to be
would be able to go though her daily routine without questioning what
more effective overall. The question is, how does one get to this level of
was going on around her. She writes of a boy who shows up to her class
clarity? For Zimmerman, commitment lay in staying focused. You can’t
without shoes, and a girl who is singlehandedly raising her two siblings
single handedly “save Haiti,” but by marveling in the small victories, you
yet still finds time to walk two hours everyday to attend school. Initially
will be able to stay involved and remain useful. By realizing your own
these hardships bothered her, but these things that once gave her “chills”
limitations, one can fully grasp where they can do the most good.
no longer evokes emotion. Today, she feels comfortable within this new society, because the things that once bothered her have become normal,
Frustration and abandonment of ideals come from within the community
“I see them everyday.”4
you are working. For Zimmerman, Haiti provided many obstacles. He found locals to have misguided intentions towards relief workers, which
The new ‘hardship’ for her to overcome is the reality that she will one
is why he initially began to blog. His blogging provided an outlet from
day leave this culture she has become so accustomed too.5 The mixed
which to vent so he didn’t become outwardly frustrated with those he
emotions she feels about returning to America, and the fear of not being
was trying to help. Through his blogging, he came to the realization
able to find a balance is a struggle many humanitarian workers must face.
that although he isn’t in Haiti for personal gain, many Haitians view the
The desire to reintegrate into ones old culture while still preserving the
recent influx of “help” as an exploitation of their misfortune. This stems
respect and understanding for another, is a fine line anyone participating
from the apprehension Haitians have about the recent influx of money,
in humanitarian projects must walk.
aid workers, and organizations to their country. Progress is slow and as a result, tension is running high among locals.
FRUSTRATION [Haiti]
PAGE 48
Quinn Zimmerman was recently interviewed on Talk of the Nation
In contrast, there is a reoccurring belief among many aid workers,
4 Spiegel, Emily 5 Ibid
6 Zimmerman, Quinn
SECTION 3 | Observations in Humility
that despite their best efforts, the locals they are trying to work with
comfortable enough to share her dream of attending school in America
are unwilling to help themselves. This willingness to accept help but
with her. Although it wasn’t Kristina’s job, she was more then willing to
unwillingness to participate in the effort causes workers to resent
help Dilshoda achieve this dream. The two worked together throughout
helping local communities who ‘assume’ they are there to do all the work.
the process, and eventually the application was complete. When her
Zimmerman discussed one instance in which he had a man asked him
acceptance letter arrived, she remembers screaming, “I am going. I am
for a dollar. When he responded “Why?” the man replied, “Because that
going.”8
is what you’re supposed to do. If you’re not going to, then leave because there’s no reason for you to be here.”7
Unlike most parents in Uzbekistan at the time, hers were accepting of their daughters dream. At her age, most parents would have been
This reminded me of my own personal experience in Ghana where, like
finding a suitor for their daughter, but Dilshoda’s parents encouraged her
Zimmerman, this mentality of ‘give me this, give me that,’ really started
to go to America. Today Dilshoda is proof that one small victory can lead
to wear on my own good intentions. Even if an individual has committed
to many. She still keeps in touch with Kristina and hasn’t forgotten her
themself completely, not being accepted or embraced as more than an
Uzbekistani heritage. As a result of all her good fortune, she has taken
outsider and always being referred to as the ‘person who will give me this
Kristina’s lead and helped other girls attend schools in the States. And
or that’ and not the ‘person who taught me this or that,’ becomes a daily
having recently graduated from Harvard Business School, she intends to
struggle. This is why it is so important to engage locals from the begin-
start a formal program in Uzbekistan to inform children of the possibility
ning, that way a community’s preconceived notions or prior experiences
for higher education, which will hopefully spark change within the
with other organizations can be overcome. By working together, a mutu-
internal mindset of her country.9
al understanding of the benefits a collaborative approach to humanitarian aid could have, will be not only realized, but embraced by all.
REVERBERATIONS [Uzbekistan to America] The past two experiences have been written from the viewpoint of the aid worker, but this article written by Dilshoda Yergasheva is in honor of the aid worker who came to live with her and her family when she was fifteen years old. At the time, “the American” intimidated her because the only impression she had of western culture was what she saw in the movies. After a few weeks, she realized how approachable Kristina, the Peace Corps Volunteer was. Within a few months, Dilshoda felt 7 Zimmerman, Quinn
8 Yergasheva, Dilshoda 9 Yergasheva, Dilshoda
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SECTION 4 | Observations in Humility
PAGE 50
SECTION 3 | Observations in Humility
“ARE DESIGNERS THE NEW ANTHROPOLOGISTS OR MISSIONARIES, COME TO POKE INTO VILLAGE LIFE, ‘UNDERSTAND’ IT AND MAKE IT BETTER?” 10 As designers, we now understand that when we “poke into village life,” how we interpret what is needed isn’t the only cause for concern. The ways in which we integrate into a culture plays an even larger role. Our intentions, expectations, and ethics need to be checked on a daily basis to ensure the work we are doing is of the utmost help to those in need.
10 Nussbaum, Bruce
PAGE 51
SECTION 4 | Observations in Humility
PAGE 52
SECTION 3 | Observations in Humility
SECTION FOUR ENDNOTES 1 Sommers-Flanagan, Rita. “Ethical Considerations in Crisis and Humanitarian Interventions.” Ethics and Behavior 17.2 (2007): 187-202. Print. 2 Ibid. 3 Ibid. 4 Spiegel, Emily. “Peace Corps: The First Year.” The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 09 Oct. 2013. Web. 30 Oct. 2013. 5 Ibid. 6 Zimmerman, Quinn. “Aid Worker Leaves Haiti With A Sour Taste.” Interview by Neal Conan. NPR. Talk of the Nation. 10 May 2012. Radio. Transcript. 7 Ibid. 8 Yergasheva, Dilshoda. “Peace Corps Passport.” Passport. Peace Corps, 22 Aug. 2013. Web. 30 Oct. 2013. 9 Ibid. 10 Nussbaum, Bruce. “Is Humanitarian Design the New Imperialism? Co.Design, Business Design.” Co.Design. Fast Company, 6 July 2010. Web. 30 Oct. 2013.
PAGE 53
CATALYST FOR CHANGE
PAGE 56
SECTION FIVE CATALYST
FOR CHANGE
“ONE BILLION PEOPLE LIVE IN ABJECT POVERTY. FOUR BILLION LIVE IN FRAGILE BUT GROWING ECONOMIES. ONE IN SEVEN PEOPLE LIVE IN SLUM SETTLEMENTS. BY 2020 IT WILL BE ONE IN THREE. WE DON’T NEED TO CHOOSE BETWEEN ARCHITECTURE OR REVOLUTION. WHAT WE NEED IS AN ARCHITECTURAL REVOLUTION.” 1 Architecture is a powerful tool and architects are a catalyst for which
out to specific organizations such as Architecture for Humanity, a broader
design can transform lives.2 So far, this thesis has provided information
audience will be reached.
pertaining to the aspects of humanitarian aid, which need to be addressed before any progress can be made. By fully comprehending and
Through the sharing of knowledge, comes change. With databases like
interpreting the aforementioned information, this thesis has presented
the Open Architecture Network that “aims to be just such a catalyst for
an “architectural revolution” can begin.
change,”4 the information will disseminate from databases, to networks, to emails, to texts, to conversations, until the entire world understands
Currently, there is a hierarchy to the order in which change in
that by doing little things like donating money, time, expertise, or even
humanitarian practice is implemented. The enactment of the United
blood, the world will become a more stable place.
Nations Millennium Development Goals in 2000, aimed to “achieve improvement in the lives of 100 million slum dwellers by the year 2015,”
But I digress, this thesis is meant to hone in on the role architecture plays
by eradicating abject poverty in the world. The recent realization that
in improving quality of life, which is why the last paragraphs referenced
although some progress has been made, the goals set forth will not be
Architecture for Humanity and the Open Architecture Network.
met within that time frame, brings into question the order in which change is initiated. This isn’t to say that the intent was misguided.
As a database, the Open Architecture Network could be used as a
On the contrary, lofty goals such as these need to be implemented to
universal catalyst for change if it took on a more collaborative approach.
educate the general public on the ways poverty and all its indicators
Right now its function is admirable, but its full potential has not yet
will greatly change the world we live in. That being said, the biggest
been realized. By advancing its internal social networking system to
problems pertaining to the UN Millennium Development Goals are that
provide links to other professional databases, various individuals with
the majority of the population is unaware of their existence.
specific disciplines of study would have an unbiased place to consult one another. The similar approaches mentioned throughout this thesis,
To inform the world’s population, a more personable approach must be
document the overlapping methods organizations take in approaching,
taken. Instead of concentrating primarily on world summit meetings
implementing, and promoting their humanitarian aid work. By utilizing
and the enactment of government policy, the United Nations needs to
one another’s resources, various organizations will not only have access to
extend beyond their comfort zone to target the masses.3 By reaching
other methods of how to approach a certain culture or project, but they
1 Open Architecture Network 2 Citizen Architect 3 Sommers-Flanagan, Rita
4 Sommers-Flanagan, Rita
PAGE 57
intent
design
Butaro Hospital: Rwanda Play Pump: Sub-Saharan Africa LifeStraw: Everyone & Everywhere Emily Spiegel: Ethiopia Quinn Zimmerman: Haiti Dishoda Yergasheva: Uzbekistan
FIGURE 5.1 Documented Case Studies: Success of Design and Intent
PAGE 58
SUCCESSFUL
share
connect
accept
collaborate
educate
utilize
integrate
plan
research
SECTION 5 | Catalyst for Change
SECTION 5 | Catalyst for Change
will be able to see where it may be beneficial to team up. By exhausting
village may be a school, whereas in another it may be a park. The varying
every source of available knowledge, projects are sure to not only gain
needs from one location to another is why it is so important to work with
recognition, but the organizations that are accepting of a more holistic
the community, so together you can find the solution that meets the
approach will be able to integrate into a new society with less conflict
needs of the whole. It is important to note that one all-encompassing
because of the connections and information they were able to obtain
solution won’t always be agreed upon, which is why cooperation and
before arriving onsite.
willingness to compromise are needed. As outsiders it is important to remember that this design is for the locals, because when all is said and
Having realized the benefits that a cross-disciplinary, holistic approach
done, they are the ones who will be using it on a daily basis. This isn’t to
can have prior to departure, it is necessary to maintain this collaborative
say local methods are always correct. If there is a discrepancy in the way
nature upon arrival. Yet again, collaboration is the key to success. As
a community practices, it is important that they are educated on where
demonstrated throughout this thesis, locals can have preconceived or
they have went wrong and where they can improve. This way future
negative connotations towards outside organizations and their want to
projects they construct, after an organization has left, wont’ continue to
‘fix’ the local community. To prevent any hostility from being directed at
utilize improper technique.
one’s organization, it is vital to make connections with local stakeholders prior to arriving onsite. This connection will provide an inside look at
The diagram illustrated on the previous page, documents the various
the society in which one will integrate into. By being accepted into the
design solutions and first hand experiences presented thoughout this
community, the project implemented will be derived from the needs
thesis. By laying out the path for which each case study approached its
of the people. Many times organizations enter into humanitarian
unique solution or location, it is easy to pinpoint the steps that need to be
situations believing they know what is best for the area, when in fact
taken for a project to be considered a success.
they couldn’t be any further from the truth. These communities live in this impoverished state because they have no other choice; they have
By fully integrating into a community and utilizing its local knowledge
utilized whatever resources they have to make the best of their situation.
and resources, while simultaneously embracing an environment for
“Necessity is the mother of invention, intensity breeds innovation,” 5
mutual learning to take place, the design solution one’s collaborative
which is why, as designers it is so important to harness local talent. They
efforts formulate will be accepted by the local community because they
understand the conditions they live in and they know what they need, so
are just as invested in its outcome. This integration into the community
by working with them, we too will understand what it is a project should
and the corresponding excitement that has ensued as a result will
accomplish.
create a web of connections within the local and neighboring areas. The message that organizations are beginning to utilize local knowledge,
Design solutions present themselves in many forms. A solution for one
and their willingness to work with a community, is a concept that will
5 Moggridge, Bill
PAGE 59
SECTION 5 | Catalyst for Change
1804 total population
population 1 billion
1927
population 2 billion
$1 or less per day
1960
population 3 billion
1974
population 4 billion
$2 or less per day
1987
population 5 billion
$10 to $100 per day
1999
population 6 billion
2011
population 7 billion
FIGURE 5.2 Timeline Documenting Total Population Vs. Poverty FIGURE 5.3 85 People Own Half of the Worlds Wealth
PAGE 60
$
85 people
SECTION 5 | Catalyst for Change
be shared by local word of mouth which will in turn gain publicity in the
few of the amenities they are accustom to are available. By conducting
first world through the organizations documentation of the reasons and
individual, post-occupancy evaluations, future aid workers will be able
methods they undertook to make the project a success.
to research the different approaches taken to become comfortable in a specific culture and take comfort in the realization that others have shared
With the path to a successful design laid out, the question remains, “What
in their hardships and were able to overcome their worries or frustrations
is the correct path for the individual worker so they to can achieve similar
to become a welcomed member of the community. Until such information
success?” Unfortunately, those who partake on such endeavors come
is available, one can consider the process by which a design project reaches
back and only document the ways the experience has changed their lives.
success and adapt its path to the individuals. Through research and
Inevitably, it seems that if you stay within one place long enough, your trip
planning, an individual can enter a community with a respectable amount
will be considered a ‘success’ because you were able to feel comfortable
of information about local customs and the resources that will be available
in the society for which you lived. What needs to be documented is the
to them. This understanding will allow them to form relationships with
struggle workers have when they first enter into a different culture, where
locals that will lead to their accepted presence within the community.
“HUMANITARIAN ARCHITECTURE - WHEN VIEWED WITHIN ITS CONTEMPORARY SOCIOECONOMIC CONTEXT - MIGHT BE EXAGGERATING ITS SELF-PROCLAIMED TRANSFORMATIVE POTENTIAL.”
6
Although many individuals and organizations are saying the right things, it is easy to believe they are exaggerating the “transformative potential” architecture has in humanitarian aid. With many groups preaching their collaborative approach, it seems few are realizing its full potential. With what little information is out their on the methods organizations take to include a community, it is hard to believe these techniques are gaining momentum in the field because they are only talked about in the form of intent. Why is it that organizations are able to realize that, “when you impose architecture on a community, you destroy it,”7 but are unable to provide an implementable solution?
6 Watson, Joseph M. 7 Citizen Architect
PAGE 61
SECTION 5 | Catalyst for Change
PAGE 62
SECTION 5 | Catalyst for Change
SECTION FIVE ENDNOTES 1 Open Architecture Network. Worldchanging, 2006. Web. 5 Oct. 2013. <http://openarchitecturenetwork.org>. 2 Citizen Architect: Samuel Mockbee and the Spirit of the Rural Studio. Big Beard Films, 2010. DVD., Quote by Steve Banadanes. 3 Sommers-Flanagan, Rita. “Ethical Considerations in Crisis and Humanitarian Interventions.” Ethics and Behavior 17.2 (2007): 187-202. Print. 4 Ibid. 5 Moggridge, Bill. “Foreword.” Design with the Other 90%: Cities. 2nd ed. New York: Smithsonian Institution, (2011): 5-10. Print. 6 Watson, Joseph M. “Aid, Capital, and the Humanitarian Trap.” Thresholds 38 (2012): 237-44. Print. 7 Citizen Architect: Samuel Mockbee and the Spirit of the Rural Studio. Big Beard Films, 2010. DVD., Quote by Cameron Sinclair.
PAGE 63
TURNING RESEARCH INTO RESULT
PAGE 66
SECTION SIX TURNING
RESEARCH INTO RESULT
Transitioning from research into result requires perseverance. Throughout
only thing I really wanted to do differently was include local stakeholders
the entire research process I was unsure what would present itself in
throughout the design process. The reality is, as architecture students
the form of an architectural design. Inevitably, the research lead me to
we learn to design by doing, so why not bring this same methodology to
formulate a process not an end product. Meaning the only way to have a
humanitarian practice? Although GoDesign Inc. had never implemented
corresponding design was to formulate a case study in which the process
this practice into their design, Scott was intrigued by the idea and
could be tested. By teaming up with Scott Jackson, co-founder and
granted me the opportunity to implement this process during the
president of GoDesign Inc. a non-profit organization located in Savannah,
organizations upcoming trip to Kore, Ethiopia in March of 2014.
Ga. this thesis could indeed become a case study to demonstrate an alternative approach to humanitarian architecture.
With a trip planned, the next step in guarantying a successful outcome was understanding the country, its customs, and its building practices
Scott Jackson, Stephanie Jackson and Eric McManus founded GoDesign
prior to traveling.
Inc. in August of 2010. After formulating a strong relationship with Aschalew Kebede an Ethiopian man with extensive experience working both in Ethiopia and the United States, they were able to begin construction on their first project in October of 2011. Since then they have worked throughout Ethiopia having designed and constructed three schools and two houses. Every one of their projects has utilized native tools, indigenous building techniques, and materials while simultaneously developing a solution for the architectural need within the area.1
After learning about the organization I met with Scott Jackson in the hopes that he would grant me the opportunity to work with him and his organization to test a process geared towards collaboration, education, and mutual understanding. A process that would lead to a project that is accepted and inevitably adapted by the local community. Luckily for me, many of our ideologies aligned. Scott like myself, believed the only way to truly help a community was to work with them and utilize their local building materials and techniques by re-envisioning their potential. The 1 â&#x20AC;&#x153;About GoDesign.â&#x20AC;?
PAGE 67
SECTION 6 | Turning Research into Result
FIGURE 6.1 GoDesign Inc. - Project Map
PAGE 68
SECTION 6 | Turning Research into Result
AMERICA TO ETHIOPIA
ADDIS ABABA TO KORE
KORE TO SITE
SITE
FIGURE 6.2 Partnerships Lead to Possibilities
PAGE 69
Re sea rch
SECTION 6 | Turning Research into Result
Integrate Uti lize
n Pla
Collaborate te uca Ed
FIGURE 6.3 Utilize Partnerships to Create Lasting Change
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SECTION 6 | Turning Research into Result
engage
community
Engage Community to Build Community
FIGURE 6.4 Thesis Concept
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SECTION 6 | Turning Research into Result
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SECTION 6 | Turning Research into Result
SECTION SIX ENDNOTES 1 “About GoDesign.” GoDesign Inc. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2014.
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MACRO TO MICRO
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SECTION SEVEN MACRO TO
MICRO
ETHIOPIA
design in an attempt to provoke constructive discussion about the now
Ethiopia is one of the poorest and fastest growing populations
and the very near tomorrow of the architecture of Ethiopia.”6 The reality
worldwide.1 Home to eighty-one million people (in 2008) the country,
is that the country faces a formidable challenge to improve the quality
the size of Texas, is expected to exceed a population of a hundred and
of life for their population, but the possibilities for adaptation and
twenty-five million by 2025.2 With over eighty-three percent of the
innovation of current building materials and techniques are endless.
population living in rural areas, that provide little opportunity for economic growth, the government of Ethiopia predicts an influx of
To date the university has published the book, Building Ethiopia
residents will transition to urban living. That being said, the country
dedicated to expressing both the need and possible solutions to the
itself is comprised of nine states with only two established cities for
current architectural crisis the country faces. Ethiopia is a primarily
people to inhabit. Thus leaving these cities overcrowded with insufficient
traditional society, which has remained relatively unaffected by the
housing and jobs to support the growing population. This constant
outside world. Despite the Italian Occupation from 1935 to 1940 the
housing shortage within the cities results in most citizens choosing to
country has maintained its cultural identity. However, its preferred
build their homes informally without officially leasing the land from
building typology has changed. Within those five years the Italians
the government, obtaining building permits, or using sound structural
introduced cement masonry unit (CMU) construction throughout the
techniques.3
country. Today both the government and its people place a higher value on CMU construction, which leads to higher construction cost
With seventy to eighty percent of the country living in “substandard,
and the inability for rural dwellers to obtain and afford adequate
slum like conditions,”4 Ethiopia is in need of an architectural revolution.
supplies.7 Unable to afford CMU blocks, most Ethiopians continue to
Despite the extreme need for housing and increasing population the
build traditionally using eucalyptus rods covered in mud, mixed with a
country itself has the smallest number of schools for architecture
native straw-like grass. This practice referred to as Gojo or Wattle and
per capita anywhere in the world. That being said, by establishing
Daub construction, depending on wither the footprint of the building is
the Ethiopian Institute of Architecture, Building Construction, and
circular or rectangular, lasts for a maximum of fifteen-years and is prone
City Development (EiABC) the government of Ethiopia seems to be
to termite infestation.8
making, ”use of the integrated and investigative power of design based disciplines”5 to respond to the ‘substandard, slum like conditions’ the
That being said eucalyptus and the earth’s soil are the most abundant and
majority of the population resides in.
affordable construction materials found in Ethiopia today. By learning from the informal sector architects can revisit these traditional materials
EiABC strives to find “sustainability and innovation in architecture and
in an attempt to rework construction practices and typologies that will one day bring about healthier dwellings. By utilizing naturally occurring
1 Cherenet, Zegeye 2 UN Human Settlement Program 3 Cherenet, Zegeye
4 UN Human Settlement Program 5 Cherenet, Zegeye
6 Cherenet, Zegeye 7 Ibid 8 Kahn, Lloyd
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SECTION 7 | Macro to Micro
ity bil na i a st Su
FIGURE 7.1 Understanding What is Needed
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Share
Resources ARCHITECTURE HEALTH GOVERNMENT
prepare
implement
Inf ras tru ctu re
EiABC & GOVERNMENT
problem op vel De
solution Lea rn
SECTION 7 | Macro to Micro
resources construction will preserve the countries economy and hopefully
doing something. Although design is most often used to describe an
bring it out of an import-dependent society.
object or end result, in its most effective form, it is a process, an action, a verb not a noun – A protocol for solving problems and discovering new
EiABC stresses that any new method has to preserve their traditions and
opportunities.” 10
heritage. ARCHITECTURE CANNOT BE DRIVEN
- Jannemarie de Jonge
BY CHEAP PRESTIGE, IT NEEDS TO BE AWARE OF ITS SOCIAL IMPACT AND BE A CATALYST FOR CHANGE. Currently, “insufficient use of indigenous and low cost building materials and construction technique in most, particularly residential, construction has resulted in expensive housing stock for the majority of the poor. There is therefore, an urgent need to explore alternative and locally available building materials and techniques that are both affordable and sustainable.”9 By experimenting with local building materials in an attempt to discover new building techniques, the Government of Ethiopia, EiABC, and this thesis are all searching for ways to not only improve living conditions but community. Economic performance and compatibility are the intent behind any new method. To make lasting change, a project and its process need to be adaptable, able to be self built using locally available materials, and when possible provide jobs not only during construction but after. Working with local craftsmen enables them to learn valuable skills that can be utilized after a project is completed, thus affording locals the opportunity to earn a better living while improving the construction practices within their community. Architecture is one of the many tools to be utilized in creating lasting change within impoverished countries. To improve construction is to improve health, which should strengthen economy and lead to a country able to help it self.
“Design is an intellectual activity, which simply means thinking before 9 Cherenet, Zegeye
10 de Jonge, Jannemarie
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SECTION 7 | Macro to Micro
FIGURE 7.2 Kore, Ethiopia
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SECTION 7 | Macro to Micro
KORE, ETHIOPIA
or even farther out of town are in need of medical care or would like for
To solve problems and discover opportunities, it is important to
their children to attend school, do so at a cost. Not only is the distance
understand as much information as possible about the region in which a
sometimes to far to overcome, it can be unsafe as well. Many families
project will be taking place. For this thesis that area is located seven hours
are discouraged at the thought of sending their kids into town to attend
southeast of the countries Capital, Addis Ababa in the small rural town
school for fear they may be beaten or raped on the way. This harsh reality
of Kore, Ethiopia. Finding specific information online or in books proved
is the main reason the ‘Rural Kore’ site was chosen.
impossible, so I sought insight from Scott Jackson. In rural areas such as Kore, little or no published information maybe accessible, making word
In this region of Ethiopia the property designated for schools or clinics is
of mouth the only viable way to attempt to understand a culture before
provided to a local NGO by the government, under the agreement that
embarking on a trip.
if neither of the building typologies is constructed and functioning on the site within five years, the government will regain ownership of the
Kore itself is only accessible by a single dirt road that passes through
property. That being said the ‘Rural Kore’ site was obtained though the
the town. The town itself has grown organically over time, with little
Rift Valley Mission lead by Gezahegan Asmamaw. His friendship with
organizational planning or forethought. Homes here are constructed
Scott Jackson has lead to a mutually beneficial partnership. By joining
using Wattle and Daub and house not only a family but their livestock
forces Gezahegan is able to meet the governments requirements and
as well. This un-hygienic practice leads to preventable disease, which
Scott, in conjunction with GoDesign Inc. gains a connection within a rural
overcrowds the local clinic that serves Kore’s seven thousand plus
town in need of architectural assistance.
residents. This overcrowding causes disease to spread and infect more of the community. By educating locals on sanitary living practices and
The site given to the Rift Valley Mission in ‘Rural Kore,’ provides a unique
explaining why certain things they do lead to disease, the community
opportunity to not only house schoolhouses but a clinic as well. These two
will become a healthier place to live, and the clinic more accessible. That
amenities if brought to the area would be invaluable to the community
being said the site for this project lies just out of reach of the town’s
as a whole. By providing education and healthcare to those living further
amenities.
out of town overcrowding will no longer plague the current clinic and the families will feel safe sending their kids to school. To date this symbiotic
Meeting with Scott many times before the trip, I learned that the site was
partnership has been able to construct a three-room schoolhouse, and
located in an area he deemed ‘Rural Kore.’ Although still part of Kore, the
has begun construction on an onsite guardhouse (to ensure the safety of
‘Rural Kore’ site offers the possibility to bring education and healthcare
those onsite) and a hole has been dug which will one day be the location
to those out of reach of ‘downtown’ Kore. If those who live in ‘Rural Kore”
of the onsite restrooms.
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Loc al S tak eh old er
SECTION 7 | Macro to Micro
GoDesign
“The government works directly with the Rift Valley Mission to organize and prepare project proposals. When this land was granted to the Rift Valley Mission, they were given two years to begin construction of either a school or clinic. After two years, if no project had been constructed the government would revoke the lease. All land in Ethiopia is leased from the government. If you are proposing projects to help with education or medical needs the government will gladly work with you.” - Scott Jackson
FIGURE 7.3 How Are Projects Completed in Ethiopia?
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ity un mm Co
HOW ARE PROJECTS COMPLETED IN ETHIOPIA?
SECTION 7 | Macro to Micro
Panama: Huts
Columbia: Amazon Indigenous Communities
Venezuela:
Sierra Leon: Swazi
Liberia
Cote Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Ivoire: Beehive Hut
Ghana: Compound
Togo: Compound
Benin
Nigeria: Mbari House
Cameroon: Conical Roofs
Central African Republic
South Sudan: Dinka Hut
Somalia: Thatched House
Sri Lanka: Acient Vihara & Vassthu House
Thailand
Philippines
Samoan Islands: Fale
Before beginning the conceptual design process, it proved useful to conduct a longitudinal case study of indigenous building practices around the world. The results of this study not only demonstrated shockingly similar construction practices and materials but a vernacular that emphasized a built space structured around a central courtyard.11 Central courtyards engage community by generating social interaction which intern builds community.
FIGURE 7.4 Longitudinal Case Study
11 Frey, Pierre, and Patrick Bouchain
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FIGURE 7.5 Existing Site Documentation and Program
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The community has high hopes for this site and is hoping it will one day house three school buildings, the guard house, a restroom facility, a clinic, and a church. Although unaware of the exact size of the site or the buildings in question, I did have Scotts original site sketch and a Google earth view to work from in an attempt to realize the potential design solutions this thesis could present to the community.
The scope of this project at this point in time was to work with local stakeholders to design a master plan of the site and the future clinic. I was given a program for the clinic but like the rest of the project, dimensions were not yet defined. Using what little information available I began to experiment with various site and clinic layouts to enable me to understand certain design requirements pertaining to ventilation, natural day lighting and water capture. Ideally, when designing a clinic, humanitarian organizations specializing in healthcare and architecture would join forces to find the best design solution but unfortunately time and lack of connections rendered this partnership unattainable. However, by reviewing the design solutions presented by Mass Design Group for the Butaro Hospital and deciphering the sites sun angle, average wind speed and direction, certain design solutions were obvious in insuring optimal ventilation to prevent the spread of disease and natural day lighting.
** ALL INFORMATION IN SECTION 6 PERTAINING TO KORE, ETHIOPIA WAS OBTAINED THROUGH CONVERSATION WITH SCOTT JACKSON
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FIGURE 7.6 Traditional Construction Practice - Tukul (aka Gojo)
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FIGURE 7.7 Current Construction Practice - Wattle and Daub
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FIGURE 7.8 Materials - Current and Introduce
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FIGURE 7.9 Innovative Design Solutions Using Local Materials
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FIGURE 7.10 Kore - Climate Conditions
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FIGURE 7.11 Current Site Conditions
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FIGURE 7.12 Current Site Conditions FIGURE 7.13 Hypothetical Design - View of Pharmacy from Guardhouse
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FIGURE 7.14 Site Discrepancies - Size FIGURE 7.15 Hypothetical Design - Site Circulation
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FIGURE 7.16 Hypothetical Design - Master Plan
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FIGURE 7.17 Hypothetical Design - Floor Plan Configurations
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FIGURE 7.18 Hypothetical Design - Floor Plan
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FIGURE 7.19 Hypothetical Design - Roof Plan Configurations
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FIGURE 7.20 Hypothetical Design - Building Section FIGURE 7.21 Hypothetical Design - Site Section
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SECTION SEVEN ENDNOTES 1 Cherenet, Zegeye, and Helawi Sewnet. Building Ethiopia: Sustainability and Innovation in Architecture and Design. 1st ed. Vol. 1. Addis Ababa: Ethiopian Institute of Architecture, Building Construction and City Development (2012): 8. Print.
2 United Nations Human Settlement Program. The State of African Cities: A Framework for Addressing Urban Challenges in Africa. Nairobi: United Nations - Habitat, 2008. Print.
3 Cherenet, Zegeye, and Helawi Sewnet. Building Ethiopia: Sustainability and Innovation in Architecture and Design. 1st ed. Vol. 1. Addis Ababa: Ethiopian Institute of Architecture, Building Construction and City Development (2012): 8 - 9. Print.
4 United Nations Human Settlement Program. The State of African Cities: A Framework for Addressing Urban Challenges in Africa. Nairobi: United Nations - Habitat, 2008. Print.
5 Cherenet, Zegeye, and Helawi Sewnet. Building Ethiopia: Sustainability and Innovation in Architecture and Design. 1st ed. Vol. 1. Addis Ababa: Ethiopian Institute of Architecture, Building Construction and City Development (2012): 9. Print.
6 Ibid: 10. 7 Ibid: 11. 8 Kahn, Lloyd. Shelter. 1st ed. Bolinas, CA: Shelter Publications; Distributed in the U.S. by Random House (New York, 1973): 3 Print. 9 Cherenet, Zegeye, and Helawi Sewnet. Building Ethiopia: Sustainability and Innovation in Architecture and Design. 1st ed. Vol. 1. Addis Ababa: Ethiopian Institute of Architecture, Building Construction and City Development, (2012): 9. Print., Quote by Helawi Sewnet
10 de Jonge, Jannemarie and Arnold Van Der Vaulk. Landscape Design Dialogue: Bridging the Gap between Knowledge and Action. Maastricht: n.p., 2010. Print.
11Frey, Pierre, and Patrick Bouchain. Learning from Vernacular: Towards a New Vernacular Architecture. Arles: Actes Sud, (2010): 78. Print.
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INSIGHT FROM ABROAD
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SECTION EIGHT INSIGHT
FROM ABROAD
What a surreal experience. Even with the flight attendant announcing the plane was landing soon, glancing out the window yielded nothing but darkness. It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t until we neared Addis Ababa that I noticed more than a glimmer of light on the ground. The airport itself was teaming with life and once Scott, Matt, and myself wangled our way through security, we were met by Kalkidan Dahtew (Kal) and Yordanos Bobo (Yordi), the translators that accompanied us throughout the trip. Although late, the traffic was still heavy as we made our way to the hotel. The twenty-seven hour travel day we had just experienced had left us all ready for bed. Unfortunately there is nothing like an eight-hour time change to turn your internal clock on overdrive, forcing you to awake at four oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock the following morning. That first day however, it was easy to overcome sleep deprivation.
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FIGURE 8.1 Timeline Section - March 14,2014 and March 15,2014
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MARCH 15, 2014 Although eager to arrive in Kore we werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t expected onsite for another two days. This allowed us to enjoy the seven-hour drive to Shashamene, the town where we stayed for the remainder of the trip. Shashamene lies an hour outside of Kore and is the closest town we are able to stay in. With traffic ragging as usual in Addis Ababa, it was a sigh of relief as we approached roads void of chaos. That being said we still encountered various roaming wildlife along the way, prime among them horses, cows, donkeys, and goats. The drive, although long, took us on a journey from the countries largest and most densely populated city, into flat arid waste lands which slowly transformed into rolling hills of lush forest.
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FIGURE 8.2 Timeline Section - March 16,2014
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MARCH 16, 2014 With one day left before beginning work in Kore, it was the perfect
The village’s eldest woman walked us out to the family’s farm located
opportunity to explore both the countries indigenous architecture and
at the back of the house. There she began to demonstrate the process
the projects GoDesign has conducted in the area. Dilla, located five hours
of making false banana. False banana is the way most rural dwellers in
outside of Shashemene is where GoDesign had previously constructed a
Ethiopia are able to survive. The plants that look like a banana leaves
school, home, and two guesthouses.
grow fast and are accessible to the countries poorest inhabitants. The six month preparation process consists of digging up the plants root,
Along the way we stopped at the Alegash Hotel for lunch. Scott had
soaking it until it breaks down, then digging a hole in the earth for it to
told me about its traditionally woven bamboo huts and after seeing the
be covered with the plants leaves, burned, and left to dry into a powder.
buildings I was intrigued by the possibility of bringing this technique
Once the powder is ready they are able to prepare it into dough, porridge,
to Kore. We spoke with Gregory the hotels owner who explained that
or butter-spiced paste, which is eaten three times a day. Witnessing this
each piece of bamboo is treated before being woven into the structures
process first hand granted us an invitation to stay and eat with the eldest
we saw before us. On-top of that the maintenance was rigorous, with
women and her family. We all entered the Gojo where she prepared the
regular weaving repairs needed to be done and each building having to
false banana powder into dough for us to try. It was an acquired taste that
be sprayed in a local termite remedy each year to prevent infestation.
reminded me of soft sourdough bread and Gouda cheese. The preparation
(This amount of upkeep made woven bamboo a non-viable construction
process allowed us to witness first hand some of the problems Gojo huts
method for Kore at this time.)
present. Not only does the entire family sleep on the dirt floor along with the livestock but after the false banana was prepared so much smoke had
After sitting down for coffee with Gregory, he found our interest in the
gathered within the structure that everyone was left coughing. The home
regions indigenous architecture fascinating and told us of a village near
just didn’t allow for adequate air circulation.
by that would welcome us into their homes and let us experience some of their lifestyle first hand. Intrigued by the offer, we hiked twenty
After saying our goodbyes and thanking the village for their hospitality
minutes into the forest until we came upon the small village; consisting
we continued on our way to Dilla. There we met with the family Scott had
of approximately twenty-five people living in four Gojo huts. We learned
previously worked with. The family of five was still living in the home he
that this village was comprised of a single extended family that lived
and GoDesign had built and although the school was now being used as a
off nothing but the land. Their homes were picturesque against the lush
church, the locals had finished its construction. The same couldn’t be said
green hillsides, but the insides were void of any light, except that which
for the two guesthouses GoDesign had begun to build onsite. He spoke
was brought in by two small doors located on either side of the circular
with the man and found out the community wanted the guesthouses
structure.
to be converted into schoolrooms. This change in programming had
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SECTION 8 | Insight from Abroad
apparently halted construction despite the fact that no design change was necessary. Its unfortunate that things like this happen, but patients is truly a virtue in situations such as these. When locals get confused or unsure of a process, instead of working through the problem they simply halt production, which leads to long waits and waste of material. It is a long process but with time locals will gain the experience and confidence needed to complete projects on their own.
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FIGURE 8.3 Timeline Section - March 17,2014
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MARCH 17 , 2014 This lesson of patients was further engrained when we arrived on-site
In an attempt at compromise we explained that if they let us move
in Kore. Thankfully the schoolhouse’s exterior walls were finished as
forward with the earth bag guardhouse, we would forgo our desire to
expected, but the guardhouse was in shambles. Scott had left the earth
install wood walls in the school, for their preferred CMU block walls.
bag house a year ago, explaining to the local workers that the earth bag
With that a deal was struck, so long as we convinced the locals of the
walls needed to be covered in chicken wire then plastered over with
earth bags stability. When the earth bag ordeal was under control we
concrete. At the time he believed they understood, but in reality the
spoke to them about the site. Last time Scott had visited the site the
project wasn’t finished and many of the earth bags had broken down in
area surrounding it was vacant, today however homes were under
the sun, leaving the house in need of major repairs.
construction surrounding the property and we were curios as to why. Gezahegan and Kutter informed us that locals were staking claim and
The unexpected nature of the guardhouse prevented us from beginning
actually leasing land from the government to secure a site near the school
any construction that day. Instead we walked the site, measuring both
so their kids could have access to education. The community, especially
its size and degree of slope. The site turned out to be much larger then
its rural dwellers are very excited to see what the site will bring to the
we had previously imagined. When finished, we packed up and headed
community.
to Awassa to meet with Gezahegan Asmamaw of the Rift Valley Mission, the man with whom Scott had entrusted the funds to complete the earth bag house.
Scott, Matt, Yordi, Kal, and myself meet with Gezahegan and Kutter. Prior to this meeting I had never heard of Kutter, but as it turns out he is the Rift Valley Missions liaison to Kore. This initial meeting was nothing short of discouraging. It turns out the locals believed the earth bags didn’t deteriorate but were instead infested with termites. The suspected termite infestation halted production because locals were afraid of the building. Despite our best efforts to explain the bags simply became brittle in the sun and broke open Gezahegan and Kutter were unconvinced.
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FIGURE 8.4 Timeline Section - March 18,2014
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MARCH 18 , 2014 To ensure a productive construction week we ordered the weeks supplies
central Kore. The school brought education and the clinic allowed the life
in the morning, in hopes the cement, sand, and CMU blocks would be
span of those within the community to increase exponentially. Access
delivered within the next few days. This like everything else took time, all
to medical care and education has allowed Kore to grow and with the
prices were negotiable and Kal and Yordi wanted to make sure we weren’t
increased population the community has expanded, making it difficult for
being ripped off.
the entire population to access both the school and clinic. This is why the community is so grateful for the new site that will one day provide both.
By the time we got to the site it was almost noon, but many locals were their looking for day labor jobs. We hired six men for the day at sixty birr a
Throughout the conversation we were able to speak freely on maters
piece, the equivalent of three dollars. Three of the men were hired for the
concerning the community and the site. The clan leaders family spoke
week to sand, seal, and paint the school. The remaining three were tasked
of how they would like for everyone in the community to have access
with rebuilding the earth bags that had deteriorated. This took time but
to electricity, clean water, and education. They have all seen the
by the end of the day, the old bags had been put into new bags, filled,
community begin to change for the better, but their building practices
sewn together and were ready to be re-stacked in morning.
need to change. Despite their want for everyone to live in sturdy cement covered home like theirs, many locals don’t understand why their way
Before leaving the site that day Scott, Matt, Yordi, Kal and I were invited
of life needs to change. Their ancestors built their homes this way, why
to coffee at the clan leaders house. The clan leader, although not a
shouldn’t they? That being said, the introduction of the clinic and school
village elder, is the most influential member of the community because
into the community as well as the example set forth by the clan leader
of his wealth. Although we didn’t meet with the clan leader we were
and his family has made the community as a whole begin to see the
able to speak with his third wife, second eldest son (55 years old), and
health benefits that accompany leaving their livestock outside the home.
his youngest daughter (19 years old). Sitting and talking with them we
Although locals are afraid of change, progress is being made in the form
learned that Kore has underwent a lot of changes in the past twenty-five
of example. For progress to be made an example needs to be set. The
years. The community used to be very shut off from the rest of the world,
community needs to be able to see or experience a solution first hand
not allowing outsiders to come to their village or aid workers to provide
before implementing it.
services. When the first outsiders were welcomed however, they brought
The majority of the community doesn’t have access to outside knowledge
with them the knowledge of sustainable farming, which enabled many
and simply doesn’t understand that things need to change, so by
to grow crops year around. With increased food supply the community
presenting a hands-on, educational alternative progress can begin to be
allowed outsiders to construct a school and clinic within
achieved at a faster pace.
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We expressed our agreement and explained that right now we are building a guardhouse on the site that encompasses their desires. The guardhouse is being build from materials available to locals, is easy to construct and will last up to 50 years. Ideally, the fastest way for earth bag construction to begin on a local level would be for the clan leader to construct one on his property. Otherwise the evolution may take fifteen years for them to realize the construction methods potential.
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FIGURE 8.5 Timeline Section - March 19,2014
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MARCH 19 , 2014 Construction on both the schoolhouse and guardhouse continued. In
I explained to him that for my thesis I would like to work with him to
the morning the team of local workmen came and reconstructed the
design that clinic. Although apprehensive at first he began to design
guardhouse walls. We then covered the walls in chicken wire so tomorrow
without knowing it. I asked him what the community needed the
we could start to plaster over them with concrete. In the afternoon we
clinic to provide them with. The program he devised was simple, four
hired the local woodworker to assemble a team to build the guardhouse
patient rooms, two injection rooms (one male and one female), a
roof. This, as well as obtaining adequate lumber took time so I sat down
laboratory, staff room with offices, a pharmacy, payment center, and
to speak with Kutter.
finally an information desk and waiting areas. He liked the layout of the current clinic, which consisted of two rectilinear buildings. With each
We began by talking about the community. He said that the locals he has
requirement he was able to provide a dimension for each room as well
spoke to the last few days were once again taking interest in earth bag
as its adjacencies. For instance the patient rooms should be next to each
construction. He asked how much we had spent on the home so far and
other, the injection rooms should be close by followed by the lab. The
I explained that as of then we had spent around $300 U.S. dollars and
pharmacy and payment center need to be adjacent to one another and
expect to spend somewhere around $750 US dollars total. This surprised
the information/waiting area should be in the middle of it all. He didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t
him because locals spend between 1,500 and 3,000 US dollars to build
feel comfortable drawing a building plan so instead, he explained how
their wattle and daub homes that last for only fifteen years where as the
he liked the two rectangular building configuration the current clinic
earth bags will last fifty years. Later that day he told many of the locals
possessed. We ended the conversation, agreeing to meet up tomorrow
the shocking price difference and suddenly many adults throughout Kore
and look over sketches of what we had discussed.
were stopping by the site to see what we were building.
I asked what he thought the site needed to bring to the community. Above all else, Kutter said schools. Currently, there is no kindergarten in Kore and the school they do have is overcrowded. On this site he envisions a total of four schoolhouses to educate children from kindergarten to fourth grade. Once the school buildings are constructed he hopes a clinic will follow and finally a church.
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FIGURE 8.6 Timeline Section - March 20,2014
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MARCH 20 , 2014 Having sketched up a to scale plan of the possible building we had discussed the previous day, I realized the circulation pattern wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ideal. When I spoke to Kutter about it, he agreed the plan was confusing, it just didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t read as one individual entity, primarily because of the broken up circulation plan. This is when we agreed upon a U-shaped configuration, which allowed for a central meeting place. Kutter also expressed his desire for their to be a restroom positioned near the building as well as a guardhouse placed in such a way that anyone who entered the site had to walk by. I promised that once again I would draw up a schematic plan to show him the following day.
Construction continued to move forward on both the school, which was now painted, and the guardhouse, which by the end of the day had a fully functioning roof.
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FIGURE 8.7 Timeline Section - March 21,2014
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MARCH 21 , 2014 When we arrived onsite, for the first time since we had been there, the
do so for a clinic. That night I left the site understanding exactly what the
workers were already getting started on today’s tasks. We had left the
community not only wanted for the clinic but that they would be able to
night before having explained that tomorrow we would begin to cover
understand how it was to come together.
the guardhouses earth bags in cement. We had preemptively hired the town mason who got right to work. While he and his coworker were busy
As it was our last day onsite, we worked vigorously to finish covering the
applying the cement overlay, the day labors we had hired worked to
exterior walls of the guardhouse with concrete. We left that day having
create the guardhouses window frames. Locals still stopped by and even
explained to both Kutter and the local workmen that the interior had
with the language barrier we could tell they were beginning to see the
to be covered as soon as possible because we were unable to stay in
potential this form of construction could have on their community.
town another day. At the end of the day we said our goodbyes to the workers, kids, and clan leader thanking them for welcoming us into their
When Kutter arrived on site I showed him the finalized version of the
community.
plan we had went over. Now it was time to discuss the slope. He initially assumed there would be an attempt to flatten the slope, but when I suggested digging it into the ground, to earth’s thermal properties, to my surprise he welcomed the idea. He said the locals new how to build retaining walls so this would be an excellent idea. I then drew how the slope could actually be harnessed to drain water off the buildings roofline and into cisterns placed within the clinic itself.
At this he became confused. He didn’t understand why cisterns would be useful if they had water pumps available to use off-site. Off-site mind you, was quite a ways away. It took a while to explain how the cistern worked and why having access to water onsite would be so useful. After a long conversation he agreed it would be a good instillation. The only other design advise he gave was that because it was a clinic, he wanted it to be built completely out of CMU blocks. Although he himself thought the earth bags would make a wonderful home he didn’t feel they would
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FIGURE 8.8 Timeline Section - March 22,2014
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MARCH 22 , 2014 Having packed up the previous night we got on the road early to head back to Addis Ababa.
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FIGURE 8.9 Timeline Section - March 23,2014
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MARCH 23 , 2014 Our last day in Ethiopia went by quick. We did a little shopping then headed to the EiABC where Scott gave a lecture. When we arrived the university (EiABC) toured us around the grounds showing us what they were doing to try and combat the countries housing problems. Having read their publication Building Ethiopia, it was hard not to be slightly disappointed. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get me wrong the structures were beautiful but the book stressed their desire to break free from being an import dependent society.
The first two projects they showed us relied on materials from Italy. The material was a kind of bamboo drywall that could be used without needing to be covered. The idea was that some day these boards could be produced here in Addis Ababa, the only major problem was that they are looking for a solution for low-income housing. If these boards were to be locally manufactured the material would inevitably be to expensive for the countries poor to afford and would have to be sold out of country to turn a profit. The other projects, a rammed earth home and earth bricks had the right idea; they just werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fully realized before the project was scrapped all together. The rammed earth house was constructed at too grand of scale for a first attempt, which resulted in large cracks thought the building and the earth brick formula was never quite realized, leaving the bricks brittle. As the tour ended we were brought into the lecture hall where Scott was to discuss not only GoDesign but the way in which they use local materials to bring structurally sound building practices to those living in rural Ethiopia. The students took well the presentation and showed interest in the initiative, a few stayed behind to further discuss earth bags and then that was it. We headed back to the hotel, packed up and headed for the airport.
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AFTER THOUGHTS The trip taught me a lot. It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just about a single design but about understanding what was able to be both understood and implemented. Despite not being able to build the clinic, this thesis has expanded into two projects. The first being the misconception of the guardhouse and the second the design of the clinic. By being able to experience first hand why the community was so hesitant about earth bags, then continuing forward with the project, till the realization hit, anything that is built onsite is a case study for the community. Whither it is a success or not these projects are the only way of to introduce alternative methods so locals can begin to see, understand, and learn different ways in which they can utilize what little resources they have. The clinic on the other hand was asking a lot from the community. I quickly realized the only person I was able to work with was Kutter, not because of availability but because of education. He was the only one on-site who was aware of what the community needed and understood their were alternative methods to construction. Although hesitant at first, once he started talking he knew exactly what was needed from the building, where the rooms should go, how big they needed to be, and what materials he envisioned were needed. It was inspiring to see it all come together and I hope that one day the clinic we worked to design will be built.
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FIGURE 8.10 Timeline - Ethiopia March 14,2014 to March 23,2014
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FIGURE 8.11 Conceptual Design - Step One FIGURE 8.12 Conceptual Design - Step Two
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FIGURE 8.13 Conceptual Design - Step Three FIGURE 8.14 Conceptual Design - Step Four
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TAKING IT FURTHER
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SECTION NINE TAKING
IT FURTHER
Having worked with Kutter to formulate a schematic design for the clinic,
understanding why and how to live better locals will begin to implement
it is up to me to finalize that design, keeping in mind that it inevitably
different techniques and methods quicker, bringing to faster community
needs to be something the locals will understand, build, and accept.
development then we ever thought possible. I understand that is a lofty
Essentially keep it simple.
statement to be making but the current methods arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t working. Miami University has worked exclusively in Abrafo-Adumasi for fourteen years
I had agreed with Kutter to make all the walls from CMU block but after
and the community hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t changed, Kore has had groups come in to
thinking about how this building is a case study for the community and
build both a school and clinic but their life style hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t changed. Clearly
will easily be the biggest and most involved project the community has
something needs to change. LET THE ARCHITECTURAL
undertaken, I wanted the building itself to be a learning experience
REVOLUTION BEGIN.
by incorporating as many of their building techniques as possible. The foundation and retaining walls will be made from locally sourced rocks and cement, the waiting area from eucalyptus rods, the side walls from earth bags and the front facing walls from CMU block. This way as the building ages the community can see first hand how even though the earth bags cost less, they last just as long as the much sought after CMU blocks.
My hope is that when Scott returns to the site this summer, he will relay back to me Kutters final critique.
[1] Is it what he envisioned? [2] Is it able to be understood? [3] Is it possible to be built by the locals? [4] Will it be accepted?
The reality is, this is a never-ending process void of conclusion. A process intended to include and utilize the community has to be adapted to every countries resources and situation. No two communities are able to understand, design, and build at the same level. This is a process, which tests patients and takes time. The hope is that by taking that time to understand and be welcomed by the community at the start of a project, time will be saved in helping locals realize its potential. By
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FIGURE 9.1 Architectural Typologies - Ethiopia
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FIGURE 9.2 Current Projects - GoDesign, INC.
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FIGURE 9.3 Floor Plan
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FIGURE 9.4 Front Elevation
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FIGURE 9.5 Left Elevation
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FIGURE 9.6 Right Elevation
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FIGURE 9.7 Section A
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FIGURE 9.8 Section B
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FIGURE 9.9 Section C
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FIGURE 9.10 Section D
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FIGURE 9.11 Earth Bag Wall Detail
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FIGURE 9.12 Drainage Detail
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FIGURE 9.13 Pivot Window Detail
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FIGURE 9.14 Foundation Detail
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FIGURE 9.15 Site - Exsisting Conditions FIGURE 9.16 Site - Master Plan
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FIGURE 9.17 Site - Roof Plans FIGURE 9.18 Site - Floor Plans
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FIGURE 9.19 Site - Context Plan
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FIGURE 9.20 Site - Exploded Axon
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FIGURE 9.21 Rendering - Walk to Payment Center
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FIGURE 9.22 Rendering - Walk to Patient Rooms
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FIGURE 9.23 Rendering - Overlooking Building from Patient Room 4
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FIGURE 9.24 Rendering - Overlooking Clinic from School
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FIGURE 9.25 Rendering - Approach to Site
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FIGURE 9.26 Final Presentation Layout
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CONCLUSION Definitively saying there is no conclusion to this thesis may sound inappropriate, but the fact of the matter is, this thesis isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a building but a process. A process that is meant to evolve over time and adapt to location. By traveling to Ethiopia this process has gained credibility and a further understanding of how organizations need to adapt on a community basis.
The reality is, to fully realize the processâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s potential impact more time was needed with the community on a one to one basis. Locals living within communities such as Kore are unaware of the hardships they face because they know no different and are unable to envision alternative methods because of this. By working as a tool for the community organizations are the only way in which locals can begin to understand and experience alternative lifestyles. It takes a longtime and many compromises to change a localâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opinion but once they trust you and can experience the change first hand anything is possible.
Its is a daunting task but to truly make a difference within Kore, I would have needed to spend 5 years building the clinic we have collaboratively designed and presented here in this thesis. In addition, I would have liked to spend another 15 years watching and working alongside the community to explain to them how the different construction methods are enduring, how they can be adapted into their everyday building needs, and most importantly why this will help the community flourish. By preventing illness and extending life expectancy the community will expand its understanding of the world and begin to help itself out of poverty.
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FIGURE 9.27 Final Defense - Board Layout
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Context Model demonstrates how a unifying form can engage a community and bring it together to work as one.
FIGURE 9.28 Concept Model
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Built up in layers, this contextual site model breaks down the community. [1] Its land. [2] Its people. [3] The pathways they have made. [4] The areas they frequent.
FIGURE 9.29 Conceptual Site Model
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Demonstration of all materials accessable to locals and needed to construct the clinic. Top to Bottom: Earth Bags, Local Tool, Materials Currently Used and Valued (Left to Right: Eucalyptus, Concrete & CMU, Aluminum Sheeting)
FIGURE 9.30 Materials Model
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This building model shows how the Clinic fits into the site and utilizes its natural slope not only for its thermal properties, but for its ability to drain water.
FIGURE 9.31 Building Model
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TO BE CONTINUED...
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Sachs, Jeffrey. “Poverty Reduction.” Interview. Massive Change 2004. Print. Sinclair, Cameron. “Building Wonder: Open Source Architecture.” TEDTalks. 29 Sept. 2013. Lecture. Sinclair, Cameron, and Kate Stohr. Design Like You Give a Damn: Architectural Responses to Humanitarian Crises. 1st ed. New York, NY: Metropolis, 2006. Print. Sinclair, Cameron. Design Like You Give A Damn [2]: Building Change from the Ground Up. 2nd ed. New York: Abrams, 2012. Print. Simons, Nadine. “Interview: Rear Admiral Nadine Simons.” Telephone interview. 17 Oct. 2013. Sommers-Flanagan, Rita. “Ethical Considerations in Crisis and Humanitarian Interventions.” Ethics and Behavior 17.2., 2007. Print. Spiegel, Emily. “Peace Corps: The First Year.” The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 09 Oct. 2013. Web. 30 Oct. 2013. Steffen, Alex. “Open-source Humanitarian Design.” Worldchanging: A User’s Guide for the 21st Century. 2nd ed. New York: Abrams, 2011. Print. United Nations Human Settlement Program. The State of African Cities: A Framework for Addressing Urban Challenges in Africa. Nairobi: United Nations Habitat, 2008. Print. Watson, Joseph M. “Aid, Capital, and the Humanitarian Trap.” Thresholds 38., 2012. Print. Yergasheva, Dilshoda. “Peace Corps Passport.” Passport. Peace Corps, 22 Aug. 2013. Web. 30 Oct. 2013. Zimmerman, Quinn. “Aid Worker Leaves Haiti With A Sour Taste.” Interview by Neal Conan. NPR. Talk of the Nation. 10 May 2012. Radio. Transcript.
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J
anee Peters
J
1 (262) 617-0219 janee.m.peters@gmail.com www.janeepeters.com