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: Chad@buildabroad.org