Appropriate structural engineering in humanitarian and international development contexts

Globally, we desperately need more resilient homes and schools in developing countries. In addition, it is important to maximise the use of low-carbon materials such as timber, bamboo and soil. Unfortunately, these tend to be more difficult to design properly with, and there are many other issues to consider when selecting the most holistically appropriate materials and technologies for a given project and context. Illustrated by real case studies, this presentation will explore some of the technical and non-technical challenges and considerations that exist when approaching material selection and structural design in humanitarian and international development contexts.

About the Speaker

Sebastian Kaminski

Seb is an Associate Structural Engineer working in the Specialist Technology & Research Team in Arup London. For over a decade he has worked on structural and seismic engineering projects in humanitarian and developing world contexts across Latin America, Africa and Asia. His focus is on appropriate, sustainable, resilient and affordable schools and housing in seismic areas, using a mixture of traditional and modern technologies and materials.

Links

• UNESCO-Chair
• UNESCO-Chair Educational Activities