15 May 2013
The catastrophic 2010 earthquake in Haiti killed more than 200,000 people and destroyed much of this impoverished country’s residential, commercial and institutional built stock.
Three years on the headlines have subsided but around 320,000 displaced people are still living in tent camps.
Poor standards of construction and deficient materials were the root cause of widespread structural failures and loss of life.
To help Haiti rebuild in a way that prevents such disasters in the future, engineering charity Article 25, backed by top consultant Buro Happold, is in Haiti developing resilient building systems drawing on previous experience in post-earthquake reconstruction.
A key focus is schools. Over the next three years Article 25 will rebuild schools there using local involvement to provide learning environments that don’t collapse and cause death in earthquakes.
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is helping to fund this important work with a unique art auction to be held next month in the Houses of Parliament.
"In the brick kiln" by photographer Phuc Ngo, finalist in the CIOB’s 2012 Art of Building competition, will be among the prints up for auction at the House of Commons, 12 June.
Last year the CIOB asked entrants to its Art of Building digital photography competition if they would support Article 25’s work to build two hurricane and earthquake resilient schools in Haiti.
The answer was a resounding yes and thousands of photographers from around the world agreed to allow their entries to be auctioned to raise money for this important international development project.
The auction takes place 12 June at the House of Commons in London. Attended by many visionary and influential people from across the built environment sector, it is aimed at those who share our ambition and want to show their support by bidding on these unique pieces of art.
To see the arresting and beautiful images themed on the world’s built environment, and to register your interest in the limited number of places at the auction, click here.
You can find out more about the project in Haiti here.
