Haiti clinic project wrapping up

The Challenge

The January 2010 earthquake in Haiti devastated an already struggling country. Medical care is acutely needed as most medical facilities perished or were severely damaged. Most of the population is living and receiving medical care in temporary tents. Conditions are not ideal and Haitians are dealing with lack of clean water, unsanitary conditions, lack of ample food and medical treatment. With many injured, preventive outpatient care is in high demand.

The Response

With an open and flexible floor plan, the facility is able to accommodate the current needs as an Outpatient Treatment Center, but can also respond to changes in function, program or patient influx as needed. Sustainability in this case, is not to follow current trends, but a necessity. Although an urban environment, Port-Au-Prince lacks the reliable infrastructure to run a medical facility. In order to keep the facility self-sustainable, reliable and off the grid, several strategies such as rainwater collection, use of solar and heat energy, natural ventilation and lighting, and proper sun shading techniques were implemented. The facility is also raised off the ground to allow for constant air circulation underneath the building, helping keep the facility cool, and to respond to Haiti’s flood season.

Beyond all the technology and strategies, this facility’s primary goal is to provide medical treatment and dispensary in a sanitary, comfortable, safe and self sufficient structure for the local community.