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Video Link: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGjC_k0CP0/M-qCLLnpMwn5vTcVE6XBdg/watch?utm_content=DAGjC_k0CP0&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h977cc72c70
Alyssa Forget @ www.linkedin.com/in/alyssa-forget-0aab66212
Faraha Mehmood @ www.linkedin.com/in/faraha-mehmood
Sayuj Stephen @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sayuj-stephen-681019238/
Abdulaziz Alghamdi @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdulaziz-alghamdi-083958354/
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<aside> Maputo is facing a shortage of safe and affordable housing, due to rapid population growth, natural disasters, and limited access to education and financial planning. Maputo has grown by 36,820 in the last year, representing a 3.09% annual change in population (Statista, n.d.). Additionally, following the cyclone Idai and Kenneth in 2019, an estimated US$3.2 billion across seven provinces was needed for the total cost of reconstruction, including housing (Decent work & economic growth: why it matters, n.d.). Existing infrastructure is often poorly constructed and unable to withstand extreme weather events with 60% of construction companies operating without construction permits and the vast majority of residents building their own homes (CAHF, 2023). There is an urgent need for a sustainable, resilient, and community-driven housing solution that addresses these challenges and promotes long-term development in communities vulnerable to the increasing impacts of climate change with 81% of natural hazards being storms and floods (Climate risk and adaptation country profile, n.d.).
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The proposed solution to the housing crisis in Maputo is to provide communities with accessible educational materials that teach residents the best building practices and construction methods, providing a clear framework to follow. This low-cost solution is socially acceptable because it utilizes existing social frameworks and empowers residents to construct safer, longer-lasting homes. Financially, it requires minimal government and NGOs investment while improving construction outcomes. Environmentally, it promotes resource management and the creation of disaster-resilient housing, directly addressing both the rapid population growth and the increased rate of natural disasters. By providing this educational material, we can meet the needs of the residents, community leaders, and local governments, improving housing quality, resilience, and safety in vulnerable areas.
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<aside> Firstly, the members involved in this project do not have a housing architecture background or sufficient experience to propose detailed speculations about the complete design of the housing. Therefore, this initial proposal focuses on key sustainable, biophylic and climate-resistant strategies already proven and tested by other communities and institution in a similar context gained from case studies and mentors within the program (of note Dr. Asma Bashirivand). Further research must be done in this regard to strengthen the validity of this proposal.
Secondly, further research to more clearly and succinctly define community values must be done to ensure local support of the initiative. Collaborative support from the government is equally essential and further research regarding community housing and poor quality infrastructure statistics must be conducted to strengthen our proposal and help guide key areas of focus in the implementation of our project. Community-level surveys should be conducted to gain valuable insight into the wants and needs of individuals within specific pockets of Maputo, especially as climate challenges, and societal and cultural expectations differ across regions within the city.
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Humility clause: team members involved in this project are not trained architects. The direct implementation of this project would require further investigation by experienced, sustainably-driven architects.
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The house design balances wind resistance and practicality with a square shape and rounded corners (Burca, n.d.; Casimiro, n.d.). A hip roof reduces wind uplift and directs rain runoff, while strategic window placement improves airflow and natural light (Earth Architecture, n.d.; Burca, n.d.).
Sustainable, locally sourced materials keep costs low and improve durability. Compressed Earth Blocks (CEB) provide natural insulation using dirt and minimal cement (Burca, n.d & Casimiro, n.d.). The bamboo roof, treated for strength and reinforced with cyclone ties, adds extra protection (Casimiro, n.d.).
Projects across China have already utilized bamboo architecture, an early 2000s innovation fuelled by technological advancement and increased awareness on impacts on the environment. In China, the large scale use of bamboo has been created for use across diverse components, structures and even construction methods. Additionally, there has also been scope for integration of Bamboo into smart technology and renewable energy in the homes. Hence, with China having already used Bamboo Architecture (Ding & Xian, 2024) we can highlight that fact which can hopefully, positively impact the confidence of Residents in Maputo, Mozambique in our toolkits.
Traditional features enhance comfort and efficiency. Thatched or woven bamboo ceilings help with cooling, extended roof overhangs provide shade and protect from rain, and local plants help regulate humidity (Blackstock, 2023; Earth Architecture, n.d).
The house is designed for the climate. CEB walls keep heat out during the day and warmth in at night. The bamboo roof is light and breathable, reducing the need for cooling. Cross-ventilation and north-south window placement improve airflow and lighting. The hip roof evenly distributes weight, making it more resistant to wind and heavy rain (Burca, n.d.; Casimiro, n.d.; Earth Architecture, n.d.).
For storms and flooding, the reinforced roof is treated to prevent rot and pests using . Rounded corners reduce wind pressure, and overlapping roof layers prevent leaks. The raised foundation protects against water damage. Other features include bamboo or wooden window shutters, temporary sandbag barriers, a rainwater collection system, and a quick-release roof that detaches safely in extreme winds (Casimiro, n.d.; Earth Architecture, n.d.; World Changing Ideas, n.d.).
Urban planning in Mozambique comprises cities that are curated and explored in terms of physical aspects as opposed to mobility, social and cultural aspects of decision-makers. The core of cities and communities are under more pressure due to decentralization in services for civil construction, which puts limits on current effective city planning strategies (OMT et. al, 2023). Our proposed solution gives power to communities to generate their own sustainable cities and communities.
The long-term implementation plan starts with community input to shape the design, followed by finding affordable materials and training locals in construction. A pilot home will be built for testing before expanding the project.
Short-term efforts focus on a proactive scheme to raise awareness and advocate for social responsibility within communities, while the long-term aim is to build community knowledge that can be passed down through generations (Blackstock, 2023). According to local mentors, Mozambicans are very visual people and would benefit from a demo as a means of value assessment towards the city. Resident stakeholder support is essential to the success of the project as Mozambican culture and society takes pride in building and owning their own homes at a certain age where the design makeup of the house is important to local residents.
Additionally, the implementation of this project would not be possible without the support of local partners (ex. resource distribution centres) and the government. Changing communities involves government cooperation as the state owns the land the communities are built upon (Blackstock, 2023). External cooperation is also essential as dedicated risk support in the project monitoring and evaluation process to ensure the impacts of this initiative reach the right community of people for the most positive impact (Blackstock, 2023).
As a long-term initiative, a ten-year report may have the goal to expand beyond housing infraction to understand the function of a fully functioning optimal sustainable community that meets the needs of Maputo (Blackstock, 2023). The project may involve residents leading community-lead projects with the support of the initiative to build their own infrastructure with the possibility of later expansion into the tourist industry to increase employment and economy strength (Blackstock, 2023). However, these expansions are beyond the scope of this current project proposal but provide aspirational insight into the scalability of this project and its potential for far-reaching impacts within Maputo communities.
(Blackstock, 2023)
(Blackstock, 2023; UNDP, OPHI, 2022)
The selected metrics of success align directly with Mozambique's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 for Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 13 for Climate Action (UNDP, OPHI, 2022 & Blackstock, 2023). By educating 80% of young adults in targeted communities about climate-resilient, sustainable building practices, we are fostering a knowledgeable and empowered generation of builders who can contribute to the long-term resilience of their communities. Training 60% of local builders in the use of sustainable, locally sourced materials ensures that these practices are both scalable and practical, reducing dependence on external resources and reinforcing local economies. The goal of having 50% of new homes meet climate-resilient standards demonstrates a clear, tangible impact on improving housing quality, reducing vulnerability to climate change, and advancing urbanization in a sustainable manner.
These metrics were chosen to drive practical, measurable change in line with global sustainability goals while addressing immediate local needs for climate resilience, community education, and affordable housing (United Nations, n.d.). By 2030, this approach will contribute to creating communities that are better equipped to adapt to climate challenges, ultimately supporting Mozambique’s progress toward its SDG targets (UNDP, OPHI, 2022). However, more research must be done in order to fully understand data trends and the main predictors involved in reaching Mozambique’s (specifically Maputo) SDG goals by 2030 to accurately quantify goal objective metrics.
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