Architects as activists :designing hope and a future for a Haitian community

Building upon my experience as an intern with Engineering Ministries International during the summer of 2013, I designed the next phase of a community development project in Croix des Bouquets, Haiti-a primary and secondary school for local Haitian children-for a client ministry called Life Is Hope. The project explores design solutions that are environmentally, economically, and contextually responsible. The thesis project is a comprehensive design project, exploring construction techniques, materials, sustainable design strategies, cultural context, and the effects of design elements on the learning process. All culminate in a final design that works to respond to both the needs and the strengths of the people and the climate.