At the request of the Municipality of Leogane Habitat for Humanity and Architecture for Humanity are collaborating with the local community to create an urban infrastructure that will support the settlement of a starter home village, schools, health facilities, recreation and community spaces as well as opportunities for commercial development at Santo, near Leogane. The project was supported during the initial stages by local planning company, SODADE, who helped facilitate community engagement and review the design process.

The proposed Masterplan for the project and exact layout has been determined through a community lead design process. The construction process will be integrated with strong community engagement, and the involvement of local business and skills. Through community based planning, Architecture for Humanity and Habitat for Humanity will identify cultural and economic drivers that will support the long term growth of this community.

The site survey and preliminary engagement is complete. The Framework Plan has recently been completed following various Focus Group Sessions and Design Charrettes with the local community. Work on site has commenced for the first 150 homes. Currently a Masterplan is being finalized through further phases of community engagement, technical input and review. Updates and reviews will be posted as they happen.

As part of the masterplan process, Architecture for Humanity is working with various community groups and partners on the design of two schools, a community sports center and a public market place. These key components of the social fabric still require construction funding and will hopefully be rolled out by the end of 2012.

Video from the recent Ground Breaking on September 15, 2011. With 140 foundations already in the ground the ceremony had a palpable reality to it. Work on site in progressing swiftly and the first 150 homes together with the physical infrastructure should be complete by the end of November with residents moving in before Christmas.

Video from the recent housing charrette at Santo. This was a very successful session which drew heated debate from all involved. A detailed report is available in the files section.

Video from the recent Market Charrette at Santo on August 26 with local vendors, business people, the planters and tradespeople:

Presentation of one of the Community Vision Maps during a design charrette on April 13:

Location