Open Architecture Network

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
This scheme establishes a cohesive community that combines a number of functions that interact to satisfy the needs of the Nyaya Health NGO. The plan of the site creates zones performing different purposes that are integrated. It incorporates modern technology within a sustainable environment, which can be maintained and improved upon by users and the local community.

There are three zones that satisfy the three distinct requirements for the site: medical, community and living. The medical zone incorporates the existing clinic but enhances these services by providing Internet access. This allows Nyaya Health plans to enable the health workers to communicate with worldwide experts. Extra counselling rooms are provided with an optional separate access route. A pharmaceutical store is adjacent to the counselling rooms facilitating access from both these and the clinic next door.

A key requirement of this scheme was to attract health workers to the area. As such a separate living zone provides a hospitable environment. The layout planning of this zone has ensured an open view of the landscape and outdoor area while still maintaining sufficient privacy from the rest of the community. Separate living accommodation is provided for men and women. These are linked by a veranda, which provides a covered walkway between the two and the domestic unit that separates them. The domestic unit houses bathrooms, and a combined kitchen living space that provides a welcoming environment in bad weather.

A key component of improving public health in the Acham region is educating large groups. This requires a flexible learning space to accommodate the unpredictable group sizes that will use the centre. Internet access and computers have been provided as well as a small library. The idea is that one of the units can be used as an Internet café, which will generate income and promote acceptance within the local community.

An extra feature of the community zone is a mobile technology bus (Techno-Bus), which can relocate to more remote communities and thus extend the reaches of the clinic. This bus houses computers and servers so that the Internet can be accessed from wherever the bus is.

Each unit is constructed from the structure of existing buses. Sanfe Bagar is a central transportation hub and from this we propose to acquire seven retired buses. The advantage of using buses is that we have a ready made robust structure that is earthquake and flood resistant. Therefore the emphasis of the construction teams can be placed upon creating a high quality living or working environment in each unit. Finishes and facilities can be improved upon as and when finances and materials become available. It also allows for ownership of the project by the local community.

It is proposed to install a microhydro system to provide enough electricity for the scheme plus lighting for the local community. This can also be combined with the local mill that allows for the expansion of this innovative local project. By providing lights for the community it creates a vested interest in the success of the scheme.

This scheme provides the building blocks for a successful public health initiative that could equally be applied to numerous other enterprises. It is extremely flexible and expandable and will provide an example of a new way to structure these types of projects in a manner that is applicable worldwide.