Localized design-manufacture for Developing Countries : a methodology for creating culturally sustainable architecture

Abstract

Can improved technology uptake in developing countries promote cultural sustainability and enable the production of endogenous solutions for development? This thesis, which focuses on technology dissemination for the benefit of under-served communities, is aimed at building capacity locally for self-sustained manufacturing processes using Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) tools suited to create solutions for local infrastructures. Unlike imposed exogenous solutions, an approach is needed which promotes localization of the design-manufacture process to encourage cultural sustainability. The research is threefold: 1) catalogue cultural artifacts that can benefit from digital reproduction for widespread methodological adoption 2) build capacity locally through sustained educational channels and 3) implement technological manufacturing processes that are culturally sustainable and replicable.