[ projects ] → [ the americas ] → [ haiti ]

Post-Earthquake School Reconstruction: HAITI

[ images ]

Article 25, in collaboration with humanitarian organisation Outreach International and local Haitian partner Organisation for the Social Development of the Masses (ODSM), are currently undertaking vital structural surveys, site safety assessments and measured surveys as part of a large school reconstruction programme in post-earthquake Haiti. Throughout the affected areas, poor standards of construction and deficient materials were the root cause of tremendous structural failures and, ultimately, an overwhelming loss of life. Reconstruction in Haiti must go beyond restoring what was lost and introduce building methods for sound, earthquake and hurricane resistant construction. Collaborating with engineers Buro Happold, the Article 25 team will develop regionally and culturally appropriate building systems while drawing upon its previous experience in post-earthquake reconstruction.

Article 25 have the immediate challenge of demolition, site clearing and temporary school mobilisation on all 30 sites. Over a three year programme, the team will rebuild or improve schools using local involvement to build the community’s internal capacity.

[ project location ]

The earthquake originated near the town of Léogâne, and devastated much of the country’s capital Port-au-Prince and its surrounding areas. The schools are located throughout these areas, including Pétionville, Carrefour, Cité-Soleil, Léogâne, Croix-des-Bouquets and Jacmel. These areas range from cities and suburbs to rural towns. Remoteness and security are factors in half of the projects and will greatly influence the design and construction management approach.

[ project partner ]

Article 25 are working with Outreach International and ODSM. Outreach International, a US registered charity and humanitarian organisation, currently works in impoverished countries around the world, assisting hundreds of thousands of people each year in four key areas: children, families, communities and the environment. Outreach International have supported a network of 90 schools in Haiti alongside ODSM for the past 30 years. Buro Happold, UK-based consulting engineers, are providing structural expertise to the Article 25 team.

[ project type ]

Article 25 were appointed to design and rebuild primary schools. The schools are intended to become models of good practice for future schools and for better construction methods overall.

[ problem addressed ]

The January 12, 2010 earthquake damaged or destroyed 30 schools in Outreach International and ODSM’s programme. Lack of public awareness regarding earthquakes, lack of training of construction trade workers and deficient materials will all be addressed in the reconstruction efforts, as well as the yearly hurricane season. Reconstruction work also represents an opportunity to apply climate responsive design and to improve natural ventilation and daylighting to ultimately create better learning environments.