Open Architecture Network

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Bhutan is a landlocked nation between China and India. It is one of the least developed nations in the world, but it is also one of the happiest. A 98% Buddhist country, Bhutan is a nation that thrives on its rich culture and national sport, archery. The country takes pride in the fact that it's the only sport in which they've sent people to the Olympics, one of which was a woman. It wasn’t until recently that the country allowed tourism, delaying the influences of the western world. Although the people of Bhutan are some of the happiest, the country has its share of issues. The country is 50/50 men and women, but of those women, 98% are illiterate. This leads to sexual exploitation of women and little to no advancement in modern technologies and standards of living. The living standards are low, with most villages having no electricity and most without clean water. Health issues arise from these poor standards of living. ‘Farsight’ proposes a building that would provide electricity via solar power, internet/computer and library access, clean, safe, self-sustaining dry compost toilets, rainwater collection, and a structure to hold community archery events. Every village might not have much, but almost all have an existing archery pitch. We're hoping that by providing these buildings at each pitch, we'll be able to gain community interest in the new technologies provided, connect villages via the web, and teach the villages about better standards of living. And the best part is that by using local materials and labor, we'll be able to provide two to three of these buildings for under $30,000.