Haiti "Kit-of-Parts" Units

Professor: Harris Dimitropoulos

Year: Second-year student project

Assignment: Kit-of-parts unit designed to be easily built by Haitians; easy to aggregate across various topographical situations; stable in loose, muddy terrain, as well as earthquakes and floods. Use materials easily found by or shipped to Haitians in pre-cast forms; also lightweight, easy-to-lift materials.

Precedent: Zip-Up Enclosure by Richard Rogers

Concept: Strong foundations that lift structure above ground to reduce earthquake tremor and avoid flooding; adjustable foundations to fit any slope; square shape easy to aggregate and choose floor plan layout with optional walls. 

Design: Corrugated aluminum roof directs water through vertical pipes to be collected in cistern below unit.