global architecture brigades posits a new model of holistic development

‘project z’ by global architecture brigades, zuzular, hondurasimage © GAB

global architecture brigades is a program of the largest student-led nonprofit organization in the world. dedicated to alleviating community needs in health and education through design and hands-on construction, the organization brings together local governments and skilled masons with a global network of eager students across disciplines. architecture brigades specifically work in honduras, one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere, to develop responsive infrastructural projects aimed at holistic development. this sustainable model weaves architecture with medical, dental, public health and water brigades to solve a cross-section of societal issues. eco-stoves and latrines combat preventable illnesses, while the architecture built by the brigades further serves multiple programs such as clinics, community centers and schools. lastly, a water brigade constructs a full scale clean-water system that works in conjunction with newly introduced rainwater collection structures.the model is self-sustaining; rapid assessments by a first wave of medical clinics help identify specific communities with architecture needs. these evaluations lead to dialogue with health and education ministries, the local government as well as the town’s inhabitants to ensure that community members are willing and ready to undertake a construction project. with architecture brigades acting as a contractor, schools in zurzular and santa rosa, honduras as well as a clinic and community center are well underway in the honduran mountain town of el canton. the process is grounded in collaboration, consideration and sensitivity. students are immersed in a country with a rich building culture, an inherently sustainable lifestyle and a tradition of strong community involvement.

‘project z’ by global architecture brigades, zuzular, honduras

image © global architecture brigades

project z is now a fully functioning school

image © GAB

‘project z’ by global architecture brigades, zuzular, honduras

image © GAB

corrugated metal roof canopyimage © GAB

view below the roof structureimage © GAB

stepped roof system provides ample ventilation

image © GAB

covered exterior patioimage © GAB

classroomimage © GAB

view of project z image © GAB

brigadier lydia slocum attests:

I saw, first-hand, the power of a building to shape a community. The schools in Santa Rosa and Zurzular are centers in their communities, serving not only the students who will attend classes there but the entire population in the surrounding towns. Seeing the role of building in this light was extremely motivating as I move forward in the design world.

exterior wooden veranda on the second floorimage © GAB

classroom in timber structureimage © GAB

stepped corrugated roof planes block out direct light and utilize effective cross ventilation techniquesimage © GAB

image © GAB

the school under constructionimage © GAB

primary wooden structureimage © GAB

image © GAB

concrete block wall substructure on a concrete foundationimage © GAB

roof support systemimage © GAB

footprint of project z image © GAB

the primary school in the ‘centro basico’ of santa rosa is expanded by brigadiers

image © GAB

student volunteers construct the trusswork on another school in santa rosa

image © GAB

the organization is now in a position to develop design competitions, the first and latest of which called for a multi-functioning clinic and communitycenter. the winning entry has already broken ground in el canton, where a massive space for a retaining wall has been carved out and a steppedfoundation has been laid out. the rapid turnover, exponential growth and holistic model are a testament to design in the service of humankind.

the third and newest project requires a massive retaining wall

image © GAB

recycled tires and basic CMU blocks make up the beginnings of the clinic

image © GAB

design and hands-on construction are fundamental to every project