Sustainable Bamboo Housing for Displaced Populations in Myanmar: A Transdisciplinary Design Project
Keywords:
sustainable housing, bamboo construction, displaced populations, transdisciplinary designAbstract
This study presents a transdisciplinary design project aimed at developing sustainable bamboo housing solutions for displaced populations in Myanmar. Following the 2021 military coup, over 1.8 million people have been internally displaced, creating an urgent need for affordable, culturally appropriate, and environmentally sustainable housing alternatives. This research employed a participatory design approach, integrating architectural design, engineering, social sciences, and community engagement methodologies. The project involved 180 displaced families across three regions of Myanmar over a 24-month period, examining the feasibility, cultural acceptance, and environmental impact of prefabricated bamboo housing units. Results demonstrate that bamboo construction can provide 60% cost reduction compared to conventional materials while maintaining structural integrity and cultural appropriateness. The transdisciplinary approach proved essential in addressing technical, social, and environmental challenges simultaneously. Community acceptance rates exceeded 85%, with significant improvements in housing security, thermal comfort, and social cohesion. This research contributes to understanding how sustainable building materials can address humanitarian housing crises while promoting environmental stewardship and community resilience.
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Copyright (c) 2023 John Matthews, Chloe Richardson, Marcus Hill, Sophie Bernard, Kenji Yamamoto, Lucia Moretti (Author)
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