Architecture For Humanity has arrived in Atlanta, Georgia. The formation of an Atlanta Chapter is well underway and both local and international projects are being considered. The first project, “Hope Floats Initiative” is the creation of Akin Afolayan and a group of young Atlanta architects. The project is an extension of a 2008 Holcim 1st Prize Award in the category “Next Generation”, Africa Middle East.
Expanding on the original idea ”moving the inhabitants of the traditional, neglected squatter settlements at the borders of cities to floating homes on unused coastal areas” the “Hope Floats Initiative” has evolved into a powerful concept of providing a floating clinic to provide free health care by volunteer doctors to the poor who have never had access to health care.
A prototype has been designed and is currently under construction by members of the Atlanta Chapter of Architecture for Humanity and a group of volunteer local architects including Project Managers Akin Afolayan and Andy Beckham joined by Trevor Walker and Joe Sinclair of Niles Bolton Associates, Leon Williams of Collins Cooper Carusi, Natasha Afolayan, Jamie Francis, Andrew Telker, Luther Lotz and Paulita Bennet of Community Design Center of Atlanta. We have received a great deal of information and field reports by PJ Carew Consulting based in South Africa on types of composting toilets and portable photovoltaic systems. The team members have made progress on building the first module and are continually refining the original design as availability of materials and funding inevitably impact the build. The first module of the prototype is being built (and stored) in the garage of a generous supporter. The initial design consists of three 12’ X 12’ modules joined together to form a floating platform 12’ wide and 36’ long. The modularity allows for easy disassembly and shipping to the site, located in Lagos, Nigeria. The design also allows for addition of future modules as need and financial resources allow. The easy replication of the design using local materials and labor creates opportunities for employment and cottage industries as the prototype moves into production to service other areas with a need for health care.
The amphibious clinic is an optimal response to the utilization of non-usable space. The design incorporates a strong ecological stance through the environmental add-ons including rainwater catchment, solar still, portable PV panels, composting toilets, natural ventilation, daylighting and the use of local materials. The appealing aesthetics and high performance design can act as a catalyst for local pride and inspiration in the community. The types of materials and components in the floating clinic encourage opportunities for cottage industries to replicate, innovate, and create markets in floating assemblies and structures.
The exciting potential of such a project hinges on the goodwill of dedicated physicians willing to donate their time and services. Dr. Simeon Afolayan, a former Permanent Secretary from Osun State in Nigeria instituted a Mobile Surgery program that resulted in over 3000 successful operations. This project plans to build on the past success of Dr. Afolayan and expand the program to targeted areas of greatest need. He has stated, “This is an opportunity to deliver much needed health care exactly where it is most needed. The ability to target areas with little or no public health facilities through the use of inexpensive mobile amphibious clinics allows direct access to care by a large number of people who otherwise would receive no treatment.”
On Thursday, May 14th 2009 the major performance test was carried out on Lake Lanier Marina and the Module exceeded all expectations! The module was assembled and taken apart under 8 hours and buoyancy of the module was 8" higher under specified loads.
Interested in hosting your competition on Worldchanging? Contact Us and tell us about your competition!
Who's online
There are currently 2 users and 615 guests online.
Supported by 
Architecture For Humanity has arrived in Atlanta, Georgia. The formation of an Atlanta Chapter is well underway and both local and international projects are being considered. The first project, “Hope Floats Initiative” is the creation of Akin Afolayan and a group of young Atlanta architects. The project is an extension of a 2008 Holcim 1st Prize Award in the category “Next Generation”, Africa Middle East.
Expanding on the original idea ”moving the inhabitants of the traditional, neglected squatter settlements at the borders of cities to floating homes on unused coastal areas” the “Hope Floats Initiative” has evolved into a powerful concept of providing a floating clinic to provide free health care by volunteer doctors to the poor who have never had access to health care.
A prototype has been designed and is currently under construction by members of the Atlanta Chapter of Architecture for Humanity and a group of volunteer local architects including Project Managers Akin Afolayan and Andy Beckham joined by Trevor Walker and Joe Sinclair of Niles Bolton Associates, Leon Williams of Collins Cooper Carusi, Natasha Afolayan, Jamie Francis, Andrew Telker, Luther Lotz and Paulita Bennet of Community Design Center of Atlanta. We have received a great deal of information and field reports by PJ Carew Consulting based in South Africa on types of composting toilets and portable photovoltaic systems. The team members have made progress on building the first module and are continually refining the original design as availability of materials and funding inevitably impact the build. The first module of the prototype is being built (and stored) in the garage of a generous supporter. The initial design consists of three 12’ X 12’ modules joined together to form a floating platform 12’ wide and 36’ long. The modularity allows for easy disassembly and shipping to the site, located in Lagos, Nigeria. The design also allows for addition of future modules as need and financial resources allow. The easy replication of the design using local materials and labor creates opportunities for employment and cottage industries as the prototype moves into production to service other areas with a need for health care.
The amphibious clinic is an optimal response to the utilization of non-usable space. The design incorporates a strong ecological stance through the environmental add-ons including rainwater catchment, solar still, portable PV panels, composting toilets, natural ventilation, daylighting and the use of local materials. The appealing aesthetics and high performance design can act as a catalyst for local pride and inspiration in the community. The types of materials and components in the floating clinic encourage opportunities for cottage industries to replicate, innovate, and create markets in floating assemblies and structures.
The exciting potential of such a project hinges on the goodwill of dedicated physicians willing to donate their time and services. Dr. Simeon Afolayan, a former Permanent Secretary from Osun State in Nigeria instituted a Mobile Surgery program that resulted in over 3000 successful operations. This project plans to build on the past success of Dr. Afolayan and expand the program to targeted areas of greatest need. He has stated, “This is an opportunity to deliver much needed health care exactly where it is most needed. The ability to target areas with little or no public health facilities through the use of inexpensive mobile amphibious clinics allows direct access to care by a large number of people who otherwise would receive no treatment.”