In collaboration with other academic institutions and non-governmental institutions, SUPSI participates in projects concerning both energy and habitat issues.

2008-2012

The University of applied sciences from Southern Switzerland is active since 2008 in theme related to housing and shelter. From 2008 to 2012 The World Habitat Research Centre (WHRC) was involved in interdisciplinary research on environmental, socio-economic, technical and cultural dimensions of the built environment in developing countries, under the supervision of Dr. Jennifer Duyne Barenstein - Senior researcher (at present Senior researcher ETH Zurich). Post-disaster reconstruction was one of the key competences of the WHRC that was pursued through research, consultancies, policy advocacy and education in partnerships with academic institutions, NGOs, public and private agencies and community organizations in low-, middle-, and high-income countries.

Pubblications and Award

2010

Safer homes, stronger communities: a handbook for reconstructing after natural disasters

The Manual for Post-Disaster Reconstruction of the World Bank has been co-produced to assist policy makers and project managers engaged in large-scale post-disaster reconstruction programs make decisions about how to reconstruct housing and communities after natural disasters.

2008

Advocacy of traditional earthquake-resistant construction

The advocacy of traditional earthquake-resistant construction received a Holcim Awards Acknowledgement prize. The project was praised for blending advanced engineering with traditional techniques and local materials to provide appropriate housing in an earthquake-prone and remote area of North-West Frontier Province, Pakistan.

Responsibles

Domenico Chianese
Senior Researcher