M2 Case Study_Model 1_Allison Clark
The exhibition Not My HUD House in Bentonville, Arkansas, can undoubtedly be classified as activism through design and architecture. Designed by architect Chris Cornelius in opposition to housing designed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for Indigenous populations, that does not consider the culture or traditions of these displaced communities. This analysis examines the design elements used to better represent a mistreated culture through the ideas of the Public Interest Design (PID)(Kim, 2018) model of design as activism and artistic social-political commentary.
With the knowledge that the government provided HUD houses that were ignorant of the culture of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin as well as other nations, Chris responded by creating a structure that correctly represented the ideals of the Oneida Nation’s culture through design. Elements that are considered necessary in these cultures are ignored in favor of creating what HUD deems “…safe, decent, and affordable housing…” despite failing to involve the receiving cultures in any part of the design process (About ONAP, n.d.). Not My HUD House is designed to feature the elements that were missing, “…A porch, A garage, A place for a fire, A view of the sky, A good connection to the Earth, A place to study/read/draw, A good way to get water off the roof, Any regard for the sun/moon, Space for my non-human relatives, The regalia of my culture” and while some elements of that list are more common than others, it is a testament to how the HUD Houses fail when implemented in communities with little thought (Not My HUD House —Studio:Indigenous, 2022). The structure highlights the versatility of space within these cultures through the creation of flexible interior programming—a room, for instance, can act as both the living room as well as a place for ceremonial spiritual connections (Not My HUD House | Studio:Indigenous, 2022). When spaces and buildings are designed without consideration for the identities and culture of Indigenous people, spaces are being created that will not function physically or culturally. The issue of government-funded housing on persevered land or reservations is the lack of respect and communication with the Indigenous populations. While there are some similarities between Indigenous HUD houses and low-income neighborhoods, it is essential to note that most of the issues regarding government housing in Indigenous communities are the fault of funding issues, geographical location, and limited resources—all of which stem from past and present government programs (U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, 2003) (Momono, 2020).
As an example of the PID model Design as Political Activism, Not My HUD House takes a stand against the carelessness of affordable HUD houses on reservations and preserved land. This structure fights to bring recognition to how HUD is using architecture as a form of colonization within these communities by eliminating the option for cultural design. Not My HUD House could also be classified as a case study within the PID models of Advocacy Design and Participatory Action Research and Practice. With a focus on bringing attention to the mistreatment of Indigenous communities, Studio:Indigenous is using its platform to spread information and highlight the needs of various Indigenous Nations across the United States. In addition to working with local/familial Indigenous Nations, Studio:Indigenous can conduct thorough research while remaining respectful of the desires, needs, and lifestyles of the Indigenous cultures at any project location by creating an environment of inclusion.
Through the research conducted on the past and current mistreatment of Indigenous populations through government housing programs, affordable design, as equitable as it is promoted, does not equal respectful or thoughtful design.
References:
About ONAP. (n.d.). HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing And Urban Development (HUD). https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/ih/codetalk/aboutonap#:~:text= Program%20Accomplishments%20positively%20impact%20Indian,economies%20and%20better %20employment%20opportunities.
Civil rights groups strongly oppose HUD’s new “Fair Housing” rule and call on the agency to reinstate the 2015 AFFH regulation. (2023, January 19). National Low Income Housing Coalition. https://nlihc.org/news/civil-rights-groups-strongly-oppose- huds-new-fair-housing-rule-and-call-agency-reinstate-2015
Glasgow, A. (2022, November 29). How Indigenous architects, artists, and activists are using design to restore tribal sovereignty. Architectural Digest. https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/indigenous-architects-activists-artists-restoring- tribal-sovereignty
Kim, J. (2018) Understanding Public Interest Design: A Conceptual Taxonomy. In The Routledge Companion of Architecture and Social Engagement, New York: Routledge Press.
Klein, K. (2022, September 8). Five house prototypes that take on Northwest Arkansas’s housing crisis. The Architect’s Newspaper. https://www.archpaper.com/2022/08/crystal-bridges-museum-five- house-prototypes-northwest-arkansass-housing- crisis/
Momono, C. (2020). Exploring Indigenous Peoples Issues Around Fair Housing. Northwest Fair Housing Alliance. Retrieved January 15, 2024, from https://nwfairhouse.org/media/images/Native- Americans-Fair-Housing.pdf
Not My HUD House — studio: indigenous. (2022). Studio: Indigenous. https://www.studioindigenous.com/not-my-hud-house
Not my HUD House | studio:indigenous. (2022). https://architectureathome.crystalbridges.org/not-my- hud-house#the-research
Shaw, M. (2023, March 12). An Indigenous Architect's Path. New York Times, F9(L). https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A740797759/OVIC?u=lom_lawrencetu&sid=bookmark- OVIC&xid=cf699e29
U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. (2003). A Quiet Crisis Federal Funding and Unmet Needs In Indian Country. U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.
Wilson, K. (2017). Worlds beyond the political? Post-development approaches in practices of transnational solidarity activism. Third World Quarterly, 38(12), 2684–2702. https://doi.org/10.1080/01436597.2017.1354694
M4 Case Study_Model 2_Allison Clark
The Healthy Materials Lab (HML), a design research lab at Parsons School of Design, is an online database that works to provide designers, researchers, and clients alike with the knowledge and resources to create something that is made with responsible materials (Healthy Materials Lab at Parsons School of Design, 2022). Through published research and case studies, HML can educate professionals and clients while also challenging manufacturers to be transparent regarding the chemicals within their products in hopes of creating a healthier built environment.
As an Open-Source PID Model, HML is stocked with professional, peer-reviewed research and projects that can be accessed by participants with any level of understanding and at any geographical location (Kim, 2018). The idea is that the materials that modern buildings are made of are harming not only the surrounding environment, with the building process accounting for around 40% of all carbon emissions, but the human environment as well, through the emission of harmful toxins (Silva, 2021). Materials can release harmful chemicals in various ways such as off-gassing, degradation, leaching, and/or oxidation.
HML provides material collections that focus on eliminating high embodied carbon amounts and healthier—through the removal of harmful chemicals—interior and exterior materials that designers can access for large-scale projects and non-professionals for smaller home renovations.
From the perspective of professionals, the HML acts as a resource that pairs well with other sustainable design initiatives that target the use of harmful materials, such as the Living Building Challenge (LBC) (International Living Future Institute, 2023). The LBC requires designers to avoid red-listed materials—those with chemicals that have been found related to illnesses—but fails to provide an inclusive list of substitute materials. The HML also includes a constantly updated list of manufacturer product disclosures and certifications that provide the intended purchaser with an overview of the environmental—exterior and interior—impacts of those products.
Along with general material health concerns, the HML also targets the materials that are more often associated with affordable housing (Sjdc, 2020). By providing affordable alternatives to substandard materials that are often used in affordable design and construction, individuals in low-income areas can begin to trust that the spaces were designed with the intent to provide a healthier living environment, rather than just meeting the budget.
The Healthy Material Lab stands as a successful model of open-source design as it operates as a publicly available information bank regarding healthy material design and usage. Not only does HML act as a great resource for designers, but it also encourages public participation through workshops, educational events/resources, demonstrations, and a free podcast—Trace Material Podcast. HML also operates transparently, providing users with annual reports that cover the initiatives and resources researched/added during the year. With a constantly growing library of precedents, material studies, and material innovation, HML remains a reliable open source of information that targets the harmful effects some materials can have on both the human and natural environment.
References:
Healthy Materials Lab at Parsons School of Design. (2022, June 29). CIRCULARITY. Healthy Materials Lab. https://healthymaterialslab.org/tool-guides/circularity
International Living Future Institute. (2023, November 22). What is the Living building challenge? - International Living Future Institute https://living-future.org/lbc/
Kim, J. (2018) Understanding Public Interest Design: A Conceptual Taxonomy. In The Routledge Companion of Architecture and Social Engagement, New York: Routledge Press.
Material order. (n.d.). Material Order. https://materialorder.org/
Silva, F. (2021, January 7). Architecture’s Carbon Problem. Blueprint for Better. https://blueprintforbetter.org/articles/architectures-carbon-problem/
Sjdc. (2020, September 28). Healthy Materials Lab: What’s inside? - Sheila C. Johnson Design Center. Sheila C. Johnson Design Center. https://parsons.edu/sheilacjohnsondesigncenter/healthy-materials-lab-whats-inside/
M6 Case Study_Model 3_Allison Clark
Yasmeen Lari’s Barefoot Social Architecture (BASA) initiative in collaboration with the Heritage Foundation of Pakistan, presents a response to the continuously growing flooding concern in Pakistan. Lari’s work is self-described as humanistic humanitarianism as she promotes collaboration between those in need rather than the act of giving—which if done without consideration, can create a dependency (Sindh Floods Rehabilitation, n.d.). Yasmeen Lari and her work on flood-resistant and environmentally responsible structures represent the Public Interest Design model of Advocacy Design through the consideration of the cultural needs of the community as well as the ease with which the BASA methods and tenets can be applied to other cultural and geographical locations (Kim, 2018).
BASA is broken down into four tenets—apply the three zeros, social and ecological justice, delivery of unmet needs, and non-engineered structures (Sindh Floods Rehabilitation | Heritage Foundation of Pakistan, n.d.). The three zeros represent the steps needed to be taken to one day reach the goal of zero poverty. Social and ecological justice are utilized to give disaster-affected communities back their sense of pride and identity while promoting more ecologically responsible practices. The delivery of unmet needs focuses on providing communities with the tools and resources needed to achieve basic human rights such as shelter, food, water, and cultural representation. The use of non-engineered structures allows for traditional and more ecological construction methods to become more standardized where applicable in response to climate disasters.
Lari’s barefoot design and construction methods focus on the available materials in the community—in this case bamboo, lime, and mud. By ‘un-learning’ the modern/colonialized building process and focusing on traditional materials, methods, and technologies, communities can become less dependent on external aid when disasters occur (Yasmeen Lari: Barefoot Social Architecture Benefitting People and the Planet- the Architectural League of New York, 2021). The importance of giving people a voice to express their cultural needs and traditions within their homes is a human right that Lari is implementing in her humanitarian work. By designing with the Pakistani communities, the housing began to incorporate the ideals, colors, and designs of traditional Pakistani crafts, “The stuff of the new buildings allows this love and knowledge of ornament to be expressed on the walls of emergency housing.”, and though the spaces designed were emergency housing, they were able to add a sense of identity to what is normally considered a standardized product (Moore, 2023).
When working in areas that have undergone a significant disaster, such as the floods in Pakistan in 2010 and 2022 and the earthquake in 2005, it is important to understand the culture of the affected communities. Through the creation of BASA, Lari began reaching out to those affected and working in a participatory design method—gaining feedback from the communities and teaching them how to work with barefoot design methods. Lari was also changing the idea around disaster humanitarian works, going against the idea of simply rebuilding the structure and rather encouraging and teaching communities how to rebuild in a resilient way to flooding and seismic activity (Co-producing Humanitarian Architecture for Disaster Risk Reduction, 2022).
The work of Yasmeen Lari in Pakistan is a prime example of how humanitarian design and advocacy design can truly benefit those affected by flooding and seismic disasters. Not only does Lari’s BASA approach respond to the need for resilient architecture in disaster-prone areas, but advocates for community and cultural integration in the process of humanitarian design.
References:
Co-producing humanitarian architecture for disaster risk reduction. (2022, November 14). Buildings and cities. https://www.buildingsandcities.org/insights/research-pathways/co-producing-humanitarian-architecture.html
Florian, M. (2023, December 20). Barefoot Social Architecture: 10 Projects by Yasmeen Lari, the 2023 RIBA Royal Gold Medal winner. ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily.com/1000417/barefoot-social- architecture-10-projects-by-yasmeen-lari-the-2023- riba- royal-gold-medal-winner
Kim, J. (2018) Understanding Public Interest Design: A Conceptual Taxonomy. In The Routledge Companion of Architecture and Social Engagement, New York: Routledge Press.
Moore, R. (2023, May 12). Architect Yasmeen Lari: ‘The international colonial charity model will never work.’ The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2023/may/07/architect-yasmeen-lari-royal-gold-medal-2023-interview- pakistan- barefoot-social-architecture-floods-earthquake-what-a-terror-i-was-when-i-designed-those-mammoth-buildings
Shop, G. U. (n.d.). Yasmeen Lari: Architecture for Equal Access. Gestalten US Shop. https://us.gestalten.com/blogs/journal/yasmeen-lari-architecture-for-equal-access
Sindh Floods Rehabilitation | Heritage Foundation of Pakistan. (n.d.). https://www.heritagefoundationpak.org/mi/6/sindh-floods-rehabilitation
Wainwright, O. (2020, September 23). The barefoot architect: “I was a starchitect for 36 years. Now I’m atoning.” The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2020/apr/01/yasmeen- lari-pakistan-architect-first-female-jane-drew
Yasmeen Lari: Barefoot Social Architecture Benefitting People and the Planet - The Architectural League of New York. (2021, December 14). The Architectural League of New York. https://archleague.org/event/yasmeen-lari-current-work/
M8 Case Study_Model 4_Allison Clark
The Participatory Organic Research and Extension Training Trust (PORET) in Zimbabwe, is a community-based initiative working towards implementing methods of agricultural design that utilize the local resources and knowledge (Vision & Goals | PORET, n.d.). As an example of the PID model Social Construction, PORET is continuously working towards constructing communal spaces in which community members and small farming communities can congregate to share ideas, methods, and work collectively. Following the criteria for Social Construction—a socially meaningful project that conducts a needed service in an interactive manner—PORET in collaboration with Anna Heringer constructed the Permaculture Training Centre and Kindergarten (Kim, 2018).
The Permaculture Training Centre acts as a community center for local farmers in the Chaseyama area, providing them with multiple training programs to empower struggling communities (Vision & Goals | PORET, n.d.). PORET implements permaculture—the sustainable integration of landscape, agriculture, and people—to encourage sustainable land use as well as raise awareness of healthier living through the idea of consistent food security. Located within the 20 hectares of land The Centre sits on, PORET in collaboration with Anna Heringer implemented The Kindergarten. Providing the involved families with an accessible education option for their children allows for the message and methods of permaculture to be shared with new generations and become a passed-down tradition. PORET is deeply rooted in the local communities and inspires collaboration and involvement. Beyond the permaculture training sessions, PORET hosts the Chimanimani District Seed and Food Festival which seeks to celebrate the local farming communities by allowing them to show off and discuss what foods have been successful for them while promoting the creation of personal seed banks. PORET also bases all additions to The Centre on community input and needs, implementing community-based planning methods to expand and accommodate new methods.
By teaching permaculture methods, PORET and involved farming communities have begun to revolutionize farming and land preservation in the Chaseyama area. The typical landscape in the region is often viewed as dry and sandy due to constant deforestation and harmful farming methods, but through the implementation of permaculture in the 20 hectares of land, PORET’s land is almost always green and is protected from flooding. Standing against deforestation, the farms have benefited as the integrated forests help maintain a consistent water level that is self-sustaining (History | PORET, n.d.). In response to the threat of flooding as well as inconsistent water access, PORET has also been creating swales and dams to direct water to an implemented harvesting system. With there being long periods without rain, the soil requires longer to absorb the water which can lead to flash flooding. Working with the protected forested areas, the swales and dams allow for water to be collected and maintained throughout The Centre.
The mission of PORET circles the idea of a community-based response to climatic change. By educating local farming communities on the rising issues, they can begin to implement resilient infrastructure to ensure their livelihood can survive. Through the integration of water management, PORET has utilized traditional methods to prevent flooding while maximizing water collection and storage in the wake of increased drought periods and harsher rain periods. The seed festival works to prepare communities for the possibility of some plants becoming endangered as climate conditions change. When communities are informed of global issues through their livelihood, the desire to become involved and work towards change increases greatly. PORET uses Social Construction to continuously adapt local farming methods in response to community needs as well as global needs.
References:
Agroecology in a semi-arid zone | PORET | Chimanimani | Zimbabwe. (n.d.). PORET. https://www.poret.org/
Author, P. (n.d.). | Anna Heringer Facebook Title. https://www.anna-heringer.com/projects/kindergarten-zimbabwe/
Institute, P. R. (2019, May 9). What is Permaculture ? - The Permaculture Research Institute. The Permaculture Research Institute. https://www.permaculturenews.org/what-is-permaculture/
Kim, J. (2018) Understanding Public Interest Design: A Conceptual Taxonomy. In The Routledge Companion of Architecture and Social Engagement, New York: Routledge Press.
Silva, V. (2020, November 5). Kindergarten Zimbabwe / Studio Anna Heringer. ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily.com/950708/kindergarten-zimbabwe-studio-anna-heringer
M10 Case Study_Model 5_Allison Clark
ProHousing Missoula is a community-formed organization working towards a zoning code reform that will address the affordable housing crisis in Missoula, Montana (ProHousing Missoula, n.d.). As an example of collective capability, ProHousing Missoula is predominately non-designers who are working collaboratively with professionals in design, construction, and planning to reform the zoning code and policy to implement affordable housing growth in the area. The role of the community member in ProHousing Missoula is emphasized as crucial, as the goal of the reform is to align the zoning code to the needs of the city and the communities within. By prioritizing the opinions and needs of the community members and promoting their message on a large online platform, ProHousing Missoula is a prime example of the model of collective capability.
With a strong focus on reforming zoning codes to promote affordability within the city, ProHousing Missoula is working with a collective of design partners to focus on increasing density. By reducing lot setbacks and increasing maximum height limits, the reform is designed to promote multi-family development over larger single-family houses (ProHousing Missoula, n.d.). This increase in density is predicted to lower housing costs for new and existing residents and provide housing for all community members despite their economic ability. With the proposed increase in density, ProHousing Missoula is also working towards creating a more walkable city, with human-scale developments. By reforming current zoning codes, more mixed-use developments can be implemented and will cater to the service needs of the community.
In addition to targeting zoning codes to be reformed, ProHousing Missoula is also working to establish stronger financial and regulatory support. In their official letter to the Missoula City Council, the median home price has risen from $347,000 to $539,000 from 2021 to 2024 and without reform is estimated to continue this growth (ProHousing Missoula, n.d.). By supporting and advocating for subsidized housing and the affordable housing trust fund, ProHousing Missoula is working to create equal-opportunity housing. If communities have affordable housing options, it then opens the city up to new groups of people with new skills and services.
Partnered with a large variety of companies and organizations, ProHousing Missoula is one of many organizations working towards the growth policy named “Our Missoula” (Engage Missoula, n.d.). In contrast to the design-based partners, ProHousing is comprised of community members who are actively living in the areas of proposed change. Through various social media platforms, ProHousing Missoula and its partners are spreading their message to the local community as well as neighboring cities. This large social presence allows for larger engagement from both the community as well as local design firms and non-profits.
Through the platform of ProHousing Missoula, local community members have begun demanding and designing change in their neighborhoods. As a model of collective capability, ProHousing Missoula prioritizes the wants and needs of the community members to ensure impactful change is made to the community.
References:
Engage Missoula. (n.d.). Engage Missoula. https://www.engagemissoula.com/hub-page/our-missoula
Kim, J. (2018) Understanding Public Interest Design: A Conceptual Taxonomy. In The Routledge Companion of Architecture and Social Engagement, New York: Routledge Press.
North Missoula Community Development Corporation (NMCDC) (@northmissoulacdc) • Instagram photos and videos. (n.d.). https://www.instagram.com/northmissoulacdc/
ProHousing Missoula. (n.d.). ProHousing Missoula. https://www.prohousingmissoula.org/
M12 Case Study_Model 6_Allison Clark
The collaborative research and work done by architect Marwa Dabaieh and the local tradesmen in Balat, Egypt is a prime example of the PID Model Participatory Action Research and Practice due to the equal relationship between the local experts and the topical expert. As described in Understanding Public Interest Design: A Conceptual Taxonomy, Participatory Action Research and Practice (PARP) is the collaboration between experience and expertise and should be represented by a physical outcome as a result of the collaborative research (Kim, 2018).
The initial research conducted was based on repairing the deteriorating conditions of the existing buildings that were constructed with traditional methods and local materials—which require specialists to safely and effectively construct—as well as putting in place conservation efforts (Dabaieh 2011). As is the case with most traditional earth-based construction, the techniques are often not written as instruction manuals but rather passed down through verbal teachings and person-to-person methods. This act of passing down traditional construction knowledge is a strong example of local experts being a necessity when conducting any architectural research. In order to fully understand the materials and construction methods local to Balat, Marwa studied with the local tradesmen, learning about their traditions and partaking in the entire process of mud brick construction (Bradbury, 2022). The research conducted by Marwa and the locals highlighted two main issues that needed to be addressed—the effects of climate change on material collection/use and the impact of losing vernacular architecture in the community.
As the research progressed and the need for a physical example grew, Marwa described the modes of participation that ensured the local experts were regarded as equals in this design process—contractual, consultative, collaborative, and collegiate. The four modes of participation allowed for verbal contracts to be put in place allowing for Marwa to conduct the project, all decisions to be greenlit by the communities before implementation, direct collaboration in the design process, and local tradesmen would lead the construction process (Dabaieh 2011). By establishing the relationship during the research phase and implementing the four modes of participation, it is clear that the Marwa and the local experts were viewed as equals within the collaboration as required by the PARP PID model. This act of true collaboration would allow for a successful physical representation of the research.
The physical construction of the Neo Desert-Vernacular Model House was a product of extensive conversations and teachings between Marwa and the community and the full involvement and participation of the locals. After securing a site through meetings with the local municipalities and organizations, the team began constructing the model house with constant input from locals simply passing the project. The construction was broken down into ten phases: mud brick casting, soil replacement, planning, footing construction, wall construction, roof construction, plastering, sand rendering, floor construction, and carpentry installation (Dabaieh 2011). Though the model house was not completed in the time the project was written about in 2011, there was an extremely positive reaction and a general willingness to continue promoting the research and traditional construction methods in the future.
Through thorough research and a strong willingness to learn, both Marwa and the locals of Balat were able to showcase the effects that PARP can have when applied to something the affected communities are passionate about.
References:
Bradbury, H. (2022, May 1). Participatory action research as a tool in solving desert vernacular architecture problems in the Western Desert of Egypt - AR + Action Research Plus. AR + ActionResearch Plus. https://actionresearchplus.com/participatory-action- research-as-a-tool-in-solving-desert-vernacular-architecture-problems-in-the-western-desert-of-egypt/
Dabaieh, Marwa. (2011). A future for the past of desert vernacular architecture: testing a novel conservation model and applied methodology in the town of Balat in Egypt..
Kim, J. (2018) Understanding Public Interest Design: A Conceptual Taxonomy. In The Routledge Companion of Architecture and Social Engagement, New York: Routledge Press.
M14 Case Study_Model 7_Allison Clark
The Soil Sister project—Soil Sisters: A Ceiling, A Chair and Table, A Wall and a Threshold—is a sustainable material movement created through the collaboration of Yale Soil Sisters and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Architecture. This research project was conducted in Accra, Ghana, and focused on the impact of material waste on the surrounding ecosystems. As this project team is comprised of an overseeing architect/researchers and on-ground partners who prototyped and fabricated the physical products, it follows the architect-facilitator PID model as described in Understanding Public Interest Design: A Conceptual Taxonomy (Kim, 2018).
With a focus on creating colorful and sustainable building materials from waste—mainly textile, agricultural, and food—Soil Sister is proposing new forms of material creation and construction methods. By creating building materials that stem from local ecosystems, designers are able to better respond to design needs as well as cultural needs. This project brings to light Ghana’s reliance on imported building materials that are both harmful to the surrounding environments and take away from traditional building knowledge that has been designed specifically for the region’s climate (Fakharany, 2024).
The materials created through this study are all composed of local, natural materials such as rice husks and bamboo fibers or alternatively, shredded cotton to utilize local textile waste. For example, the study revolving around earth block creation combines clay, sand, and water with varying percentages of bamboo fibers, cement binder, coconut fibers, palm fibers, rice husks, and shredded cotton (Research — Soil Sisters, n.d.). This variable testing is crucial to the development of ‘new’ materials that are constructed with local materials as there is no exact way to know how much of each natural component will be produced and gathered in any given season. When utilizing the abundant textile waste in the area, Soil Sisters, in partnership with specialists Sasha Duerr and Mae-ling Lokko, tested using seasonal invasive plant species and agricultural waste as non-toxic dye alternatives (Fakharany, 2024). With the naturally dyed textile waste, Soil Sisters: A Ceiling, A Chair and Table, A Wall and a Threshold also created furniture using non-toxic adhesive. The versatility demonstrated throughout this exhibit showcases these materials’ ability to be a sustainable and easily accessible option for construction throughout Ghana.
The community partners working with the students and professionals on this exhibit showcase the need for traditional building knowledge and skills. Aiding this exhibition through earth block creation techniques as well as local sourcing of materials, this project would not have made an impact without the continuous involvement of the community. After the creation of the exhibition, there was an effort made to educate local masons on sustainable masonry practices and common masonry building materials (Fakharany, 2024).
The exhibit Soil Sisters: A Ceiling, A Chair and Table, A Wall and a Threshold is a strong example of the PID model architect-facilitator as there is an equal partnership of designers, students, and community members working together to prototype a new form of material production. The architects on this project mainly supervised and provided professional experience and advice, while allowing for the experienced community members and students to lead the research and prototyping.
References:
Fakharany, N. (2024, February 9). Breaking ground: “Soil Sisters” and SOM Foundation pioneer green architectural innovation. ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily.com/1012489/breaking-ground-soil-sisters-and-som-pioneer-green-architectural- innovation?ad_campaign=normal-tag
Kim, J. (2018) Understanding Public Interest Design: A Conceptual Taxonomy. In The Routledge Companion of Architecture and Social Engagement, New York: Routledge Press.
Soil Sister categories — Soil sisters. (n.d.). Soil Sisters. https://www.yalesoilsisters.com/soil-sister- categories
