Abstract:
The need is great to design and develop building technologies for the underde¬veloped and third world nations. With a passion for underdeveloped nations as well as design, I pushed this project to explore varying degrees of design in an uncommonly taught platform of a third world country. I aimed to realistically un¬derstand what typical building constraints were valid and which ones I wanted to challenge. I strived to understand the feasibility of building with typical local ma¬terials but push the boundaries with form, design, and structural reinforcements. I found a great richness in the concepts of community and gathering spaces that are integral to Haitian dwellings. Through investigating various local materials, gaining significant understanding of natural climatic forces, and the power of passive heating and cooling systems, I was able to push the envelope of design. The results were a schematic design for an orphanage complex, which challenged typical Haitian building techniques and explored other possibilities while still staying true to important aspects of Haitian architecture vernacular.
