Shelter : ecological building technologies and affordable housing for our developing world

Abstract

Current trends in population growth anticipate that the earth will exceed seven billion inhabitants by the year 2010. (UNCHS, 2000) As much as 97% of this growth is expected to occur in less-industrialized Third World countries, exacerbating the already desperate conditions of the global housing crisis. Most modern construction practices are highly unsustainable, impractical, and inappropriate when applied to the problems of creating safe and affordable structures to house the world's people. Revival of traditional indigenous building techniques, integrated with contemporary scientific knowledge, may provide necessary linkages in the creation of sustainable living environments in the future.

The following Thesis/Practicum Report discusses the utilization of contemporary, ecological building technologies from a social perspective, including relevant discussions on development theory and policy. The report also summarizes the practical application of my field work with Builders Without Borders; a fledgling NGO focused on affordable housing and sustainable building practices. In addition to highlighting the activities of the organization, I present a review and critique of Builder's Without Border's development during its first year. Seeking insight and recommendations for "best practices" in carrying out the work of the organization, I visited two natural building projects in Mexico. The Casas que Cantan project and the Zopilote Permaculture and Natural Building Workshop , have been included as independent case studies.