Emergency Architects Australia has been commended by the World Architecture Community for its work in the Solomon Islands.
December 21st, 2010
The not-for-profit organisation’s Phase 2 of the Ngari school building was named a winner in the 8th cycle of the online World Architecture Community Awards, which aim to highlight amazing projects that might otherwise go unrecognised.
Emergency Architects Australia (EAA) has been making an impact in the Solomon Islands region since May 2007. After its initial work on the ground following the 2007 tsunami in the Western and Choiseul provinces of the Solomon Islands, the organisation’s designs were used for 80% of the work undertaken by UNICEF’s specially set up Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Project (RARP).
The EAA then felt it necessary to test further designs, of which Ngari Phase 2 is the culmination. The designs are now being used and adapted around the country.
The EAA’s award-winning project is exemplary of its innovative, practical and yet sensitive approach to disaster relief.
“We can’t just leap towards the best practice solution,” said David Kaunitz, Operations Director of EAA.
“We strike a line between what is best practice and what is achievable standard. We take the view that if we don’t make [the buildings] easy to build, no one will build them and there will be no improvement.”
Kaunitz and his team implemented simple measures, such as cross-bracing for stronger structure, to create buildings that incorporate local materials, traditional techniques and modern disaster-resistant design.
Sago palms were used to create tightly-knit, meticulous roofs that last longer and are cheaper than metal roofs, can be easily patched up, won’t rust and are easy to repair.
Most importantly, this involves supporting the local agriculture and craft community by buying and using their handmade products.
“In the process we’re also disseminating that money through the community, allowing people to pay for school fees to send their kids to school,” explained Kaunitz.
Being commended by the World Architecture Community is a great coup not only for EAA but for the communities they are helping to rebuild.
“It’s really important for the communities,” said Kaunitz.
“They live in a place completely cut off from the outside world, and they win a global award. This has an effect on other communities in motivating them to do things; it’s a positive reinforcement of what’s happened on the ground to the people on the ground.”
Emergency Architects Australia
emergencyarchitects.org.au
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
‘The Elevation of Gravity’ installation was an immersive showcase of innovation that heralded the debut of Gaggenau’s groundbreaking Essential Induction cooktop.
The American Hardwood Export Council promotes the works of next-gen designers through Discovered Singapore exhibition happening from 16 to 22 May at Red Dot Design Museum Singapore.
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
Finally an environmentally friendly board product for the architecture, design and building industries
With the help of Woods Bagot, DLA Piper’s offices are keeping pace with changes in the legal sector.
The winners in the 2018 edition of the competition have been selected, and in the lead up to the awards ceremony, Red Dot has revealed the key trends emerging in this year’s competition.
‘SPEKTRA’ is the new woven vinyl flooring from BOLON, the design company. Those who are accustomed to BOLON’S cool, natural colours and slightly austere Scandinavian design sensibility may be surprised by the news. This is the company’s most colourful collection ever. According to BOLON, it is coloured and created to awaken emotions and to create […]
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
We spoke to Ketil Årdal, CEO of Danish green-tech design brand, Mater, as they unveiled the Alder collection at Milan Design Week.
A collaboration between Humanscale and Hames Sharley saw sustainability take centre stage in this Melbourne project.