EWB

In the Spring of 2023, I joined Engineers Without Borders Boston’s professional chapter as one of two architects for their ongoing primary school building project in Tanzania. The project is a low-cost, community-focused building funded entirely through donations. Emphasizing sustainability, the design utilizes locally sourced materials and straightforward construction methods suited to the skill levels of local craftsmen and the limited availability of tools. The structure features a durable concrete slab-on-grade foundation, concrete walls with inset windows and doors, and a lifted wooden truss roof assembly. This elevated roof enhances natural ventilation, promoting passive cooling to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures in the warm climate. The project demonstrates a balance between affordability, functionality, and environmental sensitivity, fostering long-term resilience for the local community. Construction began in the Summer of ‘24 and is scheduled for completion in the Summer of ‘25.