Life after 2008 April: (Continuation of previous post dated 4 Jan 2009)
In 2007 December Gastinger Walker Harden Architects donated their yearly outreach fund to Children International . Children International is a nonprofit humanitarian organization dedicated to bettering the lives of impoverished children, their families and communities.
This donation made possible for Shuva Kharna to receive a Children International Model house, which has two rooms with a varandah. The sizes of the rooms are approximately 13' x 12' each, and the varandah is 18' x 7'. The family members and the helpful villagers were involved in the building of the new house.
House was constructed on an elevated cement floor to protect from flash floods of Monsoon rains. The walls were made out of locally burnt bricks finished with a layer of plaster. Metal corrugated sheets were used as roof cladding.
At present, the family lives in the newly built CI model house which provides a better living environment and they do not have to worry about the monsoons. The family members are all happy and feel safe in their new home. The children are performing better in their academics.
Like Shuva's family, there are millions of families relentlessly struggling to create a better shelter with the little passed down knowledge of construction they have. How can we as designers outreach for these less fortunate people?
Data is collected from Children International recorded project. Photo credit : Children International
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