Fostering a Humanitarian Architecture for vulnerable communities. Contributions to the inter-cooperation within the CPLP (Portuguese Speaking Countries' Communitiy).

Despite covering a wide range of areas, the current studies on post-disaster and informal settlement tend to focus more on field operations that in reality are mostly limited to immediate disaster relief or rehabilitation... [ view full abstract ]

Despite covering a wide range of areas, the current studies on post-disaster and informal settlement tend to focus more on field operations that in reality are mostly limited to immediate disaster relief or rehabilitation rather than employing a long-term developmental perspective. As a result, there is a distinct lack of trans-disciplinary studies that explore the links between architecture, natural hazards, vulnerability, disaster risk reduction, post-disaster recovery, slum upgrading, social innovation, community-oriented design and self-help building. Aiming at filling this gap, this paper focuses on the role played by architects working alongside ‘humanitarians’ and ‘developers.’ It seeks new methodological approaches and a reestablishment of architectural practice and education. In practical terms, this research will look for lessons to be learned from worldwide experiences that can be applied to the CPLP, in order to make a contribution to strengthening inter-cooperation on housing issues.

To fill the gap between ‘humanitarians’ and ‘designers’ working alongside vulnerable communities I will attempt to bring in to ‘humanitarian architecture’ social innovation features while exploring translational tools between those professionals. This matters since it can contribute to improving practice and hence, influence housing policy.

The research uses the concepts of trans-disciplinary, social innovation, transitions, community-design, incremental housing and mapping, and stands on the findings on the role played by architects in post-disaster environments.

Initial results point to the best methods of informing local leaders and households to rebuild and incrementally expand their houses, without mischaracterizing traditional settlements and vernacular architectural knowledge and caring about previous lifestyles and livelihoods. In addition, it has emerged that the most sustainable and resilient accomplishments occur when architects work as ‘cultivators’ and ‘facilitators’, assuming a creative but also supporting role, instead of working merely as designers and processes controllers.

The reestablishment of architectural theory, practice and education, in order to better plan, build and use the adaptive capacity of architecture, stands as a point of transformation towards a more sustainable and equitable world.