A few weeks ago one of the villages we helped to rebuild after the 2010 flooding in Pakistan was hit by a monsoon. While it tore through nearby towns the resilient construction methods proved their worth and the village sustained little damage.

We supported The Heritage Foundation (founded and run by the first woman architect of Pakistan, Yasmeen Lari) and Architecture for Humanity Karachi, both of whom used local labor and natural building materials such as bamboo and earth block to build low-carbon footprint, sustainable, flood-resistant housing and infrastructure. In addition, Arup provided engineering support.

Pictured here is the Women's center built by The Heritage Foundation that serves as the heart of the village and as an emergency flood recovery center. As you see it is standing tall.