NATURAL DISASTERS AND HAZARDS REDUCTION RESEARCH IN THE DOMINICAN

DESCRIPTION: The project conducted a series of exercises to research questions of the applicability of sustainable design applications as they are attributed to vegetative organic forms and superficial energy production, hotels and commercial centers, vertical skyscrapers, and low impact environmental energy production. Studio design projects will focus on programmatic innovation as regards the economic and social development of the city; especially as relates infrastructure and the post-World Bank phase. Each project will introduce one or more "gamechangers" relative to this future.

OUTCOMES: The final report showcases ideologies and projects that can offset Puerto Plata’s path from a city that has been disadvantaged in the short stay compact tourism model to a region that can be economically competitive enhancing developmental growth within its existing community fabrics to include agricultural production, environmental management, natural resource conservation and enhancement in local economic production. Each project develop a well-detailed architectural/ engineering intervention for a small design fragment on the site, incorporating a strategy for micro-infrastructure and urban planning design strategies. These proposals will serve as illustration of a technique to jump-start a long term site development that supports sustainable strategic approaches.