A FARNHAM architect is taking part in an initiative by the Haitian government to develop cheap and durable housing for people made homeless by the January earthquake.
Alan Kumarasamy, a partner of Architwin Associates, will be bound for Port-au-Prince later this year, after winning through the first stage of the Building Back Better Communities international design competition.
There his ideas and those of others who have sense through the competition's first stage will be constructed at a prototype Expo on a two-acre site, to be occupied by about 150 families when the Expo has ended.
The earthquake resulted in the loss of 200.000 homes and has left more than a million people living in temporary shelters. the cost of rehousing them estimated at four billion dollars.
The humanitarian competition, which attracted submissions from across the globe, is being supported by organisations including the Clinton Foundation, World Bank, and Architecture for humanity.
Expo participants are expected to cover their own costs, but at stake are specific contracts expected to be awarded by the Haitian government in early 2011, based on the results of the Expo.
Mr Kumarasamy hopes that the potential to take pan in such a major reconstruction and develop innovative new ideas may persuade local developers to add their own expertise to the project.
"The consortium we put together with other international companies would have to implement large-scale affordable housing projects. We are excited about this opportunity and will pursue the resources it requires:' he said.
"I have to match with people who have the ability to do the job out there and if possible. I would like to find a local company to take with me"
Architwin Associates was formed in the early '80s and its work has ranged from small housing schemes in Britain to more than 600 units and a five-star hotel in Sri Lanka and a community centre in Denmark.
Mr Kumarasamy stressed that the firm doesn't believe in 'concrete jungles' and in its designs always views the selection of eco-friendly materials combined with energy-saving technology as of paramount importance.
The housing projects needed for Haiti will be simple in construction, but bring a new standard of living for their future habitants thanks to hi-tech design methods.
"They'll be very simple but they must be earthquake-proof. It means analysing every part of the buildings, from the foundations to the roof. We're looking at the culture, emotion, how they use the kitchen..." explained Mr Kumarasamy."
The next stage will be tough. I believe the big boys from all around the world are coming. We're just a small company, but it's a great opportunity for our ideas to make their mark."