Proposal for the development of an indigenous materials and methods-oriented design data aid for design professionals practising in developing nations

The problem of meeting increasing shelter requirements in developing nations is seen as being a complex one. Factors such as reliance of developing nations upon built-environment technologies, materials and skills imported from developed nations are considered in terms of the pressures this typically places upon the natural capital of nations suffering from low currency exchange rates with developed nations. Such pressures are seen as detracting from the implementation of sustainable development policies with regard to depletion of natural capital. The paper suggests that encouragement should be given to the use of indigenous materials and methods as one contributed to an, as yet, emerging strategy of sustainable development. Such encouragement can be given through the supplying of performance and location data on indigenous materials and also through the supplying of data on ‘best-use’ methods of utilising such materials within the built environment. A possible format and means of delivery is proposed for a prototype design aid, which will supply both small scale entrepreneurs and design professionals in developing nations with data relevant to the use of indigenous materials and methods.