"A Developing Framework - Rethinking the Displacement Housing Crisis in Developing Countries​" - Thesis work by Jorge Blandin & Joanne Engelhard.

On August 15th, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti. With news still unfolding, at the time of publication, over 1,400 people have been confirmed dead and over 6,000 injured. However, this isn't the first time a massive earthquake destroyed homes and impacted lives within the region. For this iteration of Archinect's Summer 2021 Thesis Review, we connected with B.Arch students Jorge Blandin & Joanne Engelhard. The duo from Tulane School of Architecture used their thesis project "A Developing Framework - Rethinking the Displacement Housing Crisis in Developing Countries" to explore how to approach essential infrastructure and affordable housing after a natural disaster like the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. 

Blandin and Engelhard's thesis project question the excessiveness within architecture and the disparity between accessible and functional architecture that also fosters community development and equity. The duo explains, "The 2010 earthquake in Haiti damaged and destroyed 295,000 homes, displacing 5 million people. Twelve years later, Haitians still live in 'tent camps,' under tarps or in refuges made of cardboard or rusty metal with no running water, electricity, or latrines [...] architecture has become a luxury separated from the majority and unthinkable to the impoverished."

Continuing with Archinect's ongoing Thesis Review series, we strive to connect with recent graduates to amplify their voice as they share their experiences and final thesis projects. Together we discuss their thesis, working together and finishing their thesis during the pandemic, and their thoughts on the industry post-graduation. 

Archinect's Spotlight on 2021 Thesis Projects: Archinect's commitment to highlighting student work doesn't stop at simply sharing student work. Our editorial team focuses on connecting with students and asking questions to learn their process, architectural perspectives, and their take on the industry as young designers. 2020 has been a challenging year for all architecture graduates; to support the class of 2021, we've launched our summer series iteration of Archinect's Thesis Review to highlight the work of thesis students during this unique time of remote learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Be sure to follow our 2021 thesis tag to stay up to date as we release new project highlights.

...this thesis consists of creating a framework that incorporates the essential infrastructure of glulam living modules, water towers, kitchens, bathrooms, and circulation.

Please provide a brief summary of your thesis/final project. 

The 2010 earthquake in Haiti damaged and destroyed 295,000 homes, displacing 5 million people. Twelve years later, Haitians still live in “tent camps,” under tarps or in refuges made of cardboard or rusty metal with no running water, electricity, or latrines. Although these informal settlements provide temporary shelter, it can only take one hurricane to wash them away. 

Located in Cap-Haitien, Haiti, this thesis consists of creating a framework that incorporates the essential infrastructure of glulam living modules, water towers, kitchens, bathrooms, and circulation. While the essential amenities are provided, the users will bring forward the infill materials according to their needs, finances, and personal tastes. By providing the essential infrastructure embedded in a solid structural foundation, these modules can enable the necessary growth and development of the community. Furthermore, the addition of communal spaces such as a market and park/agricultural plots on the ground floor will promote a sense of belonging and community.

How does your thesis fit within OR challenge the discipline of architecture?
 
Architecture has become a luxury separated from the majority and unthinkable to the impoverished. Architects can design extravagant monuments, but fail to provide low-income housing due to the cost of construction, quality of materials, and overall aesthetics. Why are architects taught to design expensively? Why do most architects only consider monumental works and expensive designs? This thesis intends to bridge the gap between architecture and low-income housing without affecting the quality of a project. By understanding the people and their basic needs, the architect can strip away inessential luxuries, creating an architecture founded on affordability, functionality, aesthetics, and experiences with the intention to improve their quality of life.

This thesis intends to bridge the gap between architecture and low-income housing without affecting the quality of a project.

Did your thesis change during the pandemic? What difficulties did you face? How did your thesis advisors help you during this time?
 
Because we were working mostly remotely we had a lot of challenges with the development of the concept and the process of turning it into a project. The pandemic affected the way we design in not allowing us to create physical models but our professors highly encouraged us to work with 3D software to create models and flush out our ideas and concepts. It was a slow process, but we managed to get more effective as time passed by.

As a young designer, how do you feel about the architecture industry right now?
 
Jorge Blandin (JB): During college, I would romanticize the career of architecture and thought it a noble profession. As I got closer to my graduation I became disillusioned, finally understanding the harsh reality of our profession outside of school, yet at the same time optimistic and impassioned with the possibilities to change it for the better.

Joanne Engelhard (JE): As a student, we are taught to think conceptually from day one, but as I started to get a better sense of architecture as a profession I feel that this link between concept and architecture is lost. I think we are building out of necessity instead of building to change or enhance how we experience form in architecture. I am hopeful that our generation of architects might be able to bridge the gap and drive built forms to reach a new potential.

I think we are building out of necessity instead of building to change or enhance how we experience form in architecture. I am hopeful that our generation of architects might be able to bridge the gap and drive built forms to reach a new potential. - Joanne Engelhard

What are your next steps academically? Professionally?
 
JB: In my short-term plan, I see myself going into the field to better understand the inner machinations of architecture and its different typologies. I plan to refine my design and technical capabilities with the hope of getting licensed for practice so that in the future I will be in a position to work for the advancement of the built environment and to improve the general quality of life for its users.

JE:  Within the next couple of years I would love to experience architecture at different scales. Understanding how various typologies differ or compare to each other is an interesting prospect. On the other hand, how can I apply what I learned in architecture school to other fields such as interior design or industrial design? I think within the next couple of years I want to find and understand myself as a designer and see where different opportunities take me.

What has helped prepare you for the workforce?

Deciding to work as a team for our final thesis project helped both of us prepare for the workforce by collaborating and understanding that projects are only possible by combining efforts and constructive criticism. Another essential element of entering the workforce is the ability to meet deadlines. The constant press of looming dates to finish and present work was strenuous at the time, but now, looking back, we are appreciative of how it has shaped our work ethic. We feel confident that we will be able to meet deadlines head-on. After a certain point, architecture students must learn to push themselves past what feels comfortable and think outside the box for their next great design. Once we graduated, we had several skills under our belts and this one is perhaps the most valuable.