Download - Thinking Beyond the Build
THINKING BEYOND THE BUILD.
How architects and designers can enable developing communities to build better futures.
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INTRODUCTION
Build Abroad: Int’l Construction Volunteer Organization- Work with communities in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nepal, Peru and Thailand
- Work specifically with locals on long-term solutions
- Volunteer funded
Shelter Global: DENCITY Competition, studio
- Focused on providing lasting solutions for informal settlements through DENCITY
- Raise awareness of this massive issue (1B+ people live in slums)
- Over 700 submissions in the last 2 years
Who we work with: Designers, volunteers, architects, construction
workers, students, non-profits, educators, media, writers, artists, travelers,
entrepreneurs, NGOs, and anyone else who wants to help
WHY TWO ORGANIZATIONS?
Build Abroad: We want to get our hands dirty- Working directly with local orgs allows us to learn and build relationships
- No design yet, but when ready we will have resources and knowledge
- Volunteering provides much needed labor, affords volunteers great experience
Shelter Global: We like to think big
- Working with designers and architects allows us to stay sharp
- Creating an archive of useful, conceptual ideas through DENCITY
Merging the Two: When real world relationships meet ideas- DENCITY ideas will be implemented by Build Abroad partners and volunteers
- Together, we are multidisciplinary. Design alone can’t change the world
BUILD ABROAD: PROJECTS
COSTA RICA: HOUSING + COMMUNITY
COSTA RICA: HOUSING + COMMUNITY
GUATEMALA: SCHOOLS
GUATEMALA: SCHOOLS
NEPAL: POST-DISASTER RELIEF
NEPAL: POST-DISASTER RELIEF
NEPAL: POST-DISASTER RELIEF
PERU: HOUSING + SCHOOLS
PERU: HOUSING + SCHOOLS
THAILAND: SCHOOLS + COMMUNITY
THAILAND: SCHOOLS + COMMUNITY
THAILAND: SCHOOLS + COMMUNITY
THAILAND: SCHOOLS + COMMUNITY
BUILD ABROAD: THE PROCESS
Local Partner AssessmentPrioritization: Immediate impact, long-term maintenance
Building Techniques: Limited power tools, low cost materials, minimal
assembly, focus on labor
Unskilled (and skilled) Volunteers: Constant flow for constant
improvements and low costs
Follow up: Make sure repairs are made, projects are a success
Feedback: Volunteer surveys to ensure positive experience
BUILD ABROAD: CHALLENGES
Resources: Materials, time, labor
Accessibility: Remote locations, transportation costs
Corruption: Must watch for this, vet partners thoroughly
Cultural Barriers: Ensure volunteers are educated on basics
Technology: Little access to power tools, new tech
Political/Economic: i.e. Fuel shortage (real example)
Weather: Rainy seasons, humidity
SHELTER: DENCITY COMPETITION
SHELTER: DENCITY CRITERIA
Impact: Does the project empower residents?
Concept: Is the concept strong?
Sustainability: Will the effects be long lasting?
Feasibility: Can the idea realistically be implemented in context?
Originality: Is the idea unique and creative?
Visuals: Do the project boards illustrate the concept clearly?
“Slums are not problems; slums are approaches to solutions.Kirtee Shah, Ksa Design, Jury Member, 2015 DENCITY Competition
SHELTER: DENCITY ENTRIES
URUKUNDO: SLUM FACTORY
RIO DE JANEIRO: MAPPING
LIMA: WATER RECYCLING
THANK YOU
Build Abroad: Buildabroad.org
Shelter Global: Shelterglobal.org
Contact me: [email protected]