Open Architecture Network

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Initiative reCOVER is a University of Virginia School of Architecture design/build program established to assist humanitarian aid organizations with disaster relief efforts. From the standpoint of design development and implementation, Initiative reCOVER promotes a constructive spirit of interdisciplinary collaboration and entrepreneurship. Disaster relief structures must be cost-efficient, environmentally adaptable and sustainable, incorporate flexible design parameters, and contain simple yet efficient components that provide viable building solutions in a wide variety of emergent situations in underdeveloped nations. Initiative reCOVER also addresses a series of important pedagogical goals: first, to enable students to sustain a direct connection with the beneficiaries of each disaster relief project; second, to offer students the opportunity to experience other cultures while working with in-country directors and project managers, building trades, and communities; and third, to provide real-world, applied building experiences and skills as an extension of an academic design studio project.

Studio Web Page: http://www.studiorecover.virginia.edu/recover.html

Open Architecture Network Links:
Community Revival - New Orleans
One World Shelter - Uganda
Armadillo- Sudan
Fold Out House- Turkey
Casita Segura- Nicaragua
Elevate- Honduras
Fill Frame - Guatemala