Rebuilding Haiti
In the days since the earthquake in Haiti, numerous aid groups have opened up channels for contributions small and large to assist in the immediate needs of survivors in and around Port-au-Prince. From the sound of news reports, despite the fast action of governments and individuals around the world, the impact of aid so far pales in comparison to the devastation. Money and machines and hands are needed right away for triage, but we are also reminded by people like Cameron Sinclair of Architecture for Humanity that in crises like these, a long view is required and help will be needed long after the final death toll has been called.
In an article on The Huffington Post this morning, Sinclair explains that after a disaster, "the second disaster that looms is the efficiency and impact of the three R's—Response, Recovery and Reconstruction." As exemplified in the post-Katrina fiasco, lack of planning and organization in these three areas results in further tragedy. AFH is working with the Appropriate Infrastructure Development Group and Yele Haiti (a non-profit founded by Wyclef Jean) to make sure that the materials, temporary structures, and reconstruction plans befit Haiti's situation and people.
As with their work in Sri Lanka after the tsunami and Biloxi after the hurricanes, the mission of this endeavor is a rebuilding approach that makes Port-au-Prince stronger and safer for the future. They are accepting donations at this time for the project (and many other organizations including the Red Cross and UNICEF are also calling for funds), and once the initial relief process has made progress, those of you who like to get your hands dirty will surely have the opportunity to help AFH on the ground as so many architects, designers and students have done in the past.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYzg1_Ozqwo every container in should be converted into a useful structure.
I have designed a safe, quick, low cost alternative to these people having to live in tents and on the dirt. 2- 40' shipping containers spaced 10' apart w/ 4- 20' containers stacked on top would provide a shaded common area. With the doors facing opposing direction this could provide private shelter for 30-50 people. At the same time utilizing crushed concrete removed for roadway accesss, afterwords the containers can be smelted for long term I-beam contsruction.
Why not have the US govt, who has comitted $200M for relief efforts hire 1000 out-of-work construstion personell to re-build, redesign, etc. Haiti. US architects and engineers could do work off site, US suppliers could provide materials with Canadian companies, the US could collect income taxes from teh US workers and suppliers, etc..since they US employees, the income derived from this would assist their families at home in the US and assist in economic recovery from their familes while helping the Haitians. There needs to be a sustainable effort which will assist the Haitians in their own recovery, not only due to the disaster, but financially for the long term. I would be willing to go. I am a design-build contractor and real estate developer.
Port-au-Prince needs to be divided into redevelopment zones: maybe 10. Each zone will have its own design team and would be self-contained. Think of neighbourhoods you would find in say Berlin or Paris. This would be the way to guarantee a sustainable city is re-built to high standards (and not a slum with slum buildings that collapse in earth quakes). Xe could provide security to keep the gangs out. High tech surveillance could be brought in to monitor the border points between neighbourhoods to keep crime down. Think of these as the first 21st century communities for the developing world. Eschewing the slums and degradation and nasty design so often found in the third world, for something akin to South Beach Miami. Haiti's economy would jump back to life.
Please download our company presentation for temporary & permanent solutions during and after the reconstruction of Haiti. https://download.yousendit.com/MVNlYnUzTmF0QTFMWEE9PQ
For more discussions on the rebuilding of Haiti, please read and comment on this blog post at RightRespect: http://www.rightrespect.com/2010/03/15/will-a-marshall-plan-save-haiti-lessons-in-rebuilding-an-economy/
Earthbag (sand bag) building is the strongest, most earthquake and hurricane-resistant housing I am aware of. Made of sand bags filled with earth, gravel, crushed rubble, etc. this type of housing can be built by locals with minimal training and at very low cost. Our websites provide complete information. EarthbagBuilding.com http://www.earthbagbuilding.com/ Earthbag Building Blog http://earthbagbuilding.wordpress.com/ A private discussion site has been created for NGOs, government officials and building professionals to rebuild Haiti and other countries using earthbag technology. Contact us through our websites for more information.
On January 2nd 2011, on message 25677 at 05:14 P.M. on Preval blog, I promised to build a database website about Haiti and Haitians. The website is almost done but it will not be limited to database only. So expect to visit the website lherisson.org within a few weeks. The lherisson.org website will be apolitical. Those that want to discuss politic could always go to the other Haitian blogs that discuss politics.
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