PROPOSAL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN INDIGENOUS MATERIALS AND METHODS-ORIENTED DESIGN-DATA AID FOR DESIGN PROFESSIONALS PRACTICING IN DEVELOPING-NATIONS

The problem of meeting increasing shelter requirements in developing n ations is seen as being a complex one, Factors such as reliance of dev eloping nations upon built-environment technologies, materials and ski lls imported from developed nations are considered in terms of the pre ssures this typically places upon the natural capital of nations suffe ring from low currency exchange rates with developed nations, Such pre ssures are seen as detracting from the implementation of sustainable d evelopment policies with regard to depletion of natural capital. The p aper suggests that encouragement should be given to the use of indigen ous materials and methods as one contributed to an, as yet, emerging s trategy of sustainable development, Such encouragement can be given th rough the supplying of performance and location data on indigenous mat erials and also through the supplying of data on 'best-use' methods of utilising such materials within the built environment. A possible for mat and means of delivery is proposed for a prototype design aid, whic h will supply both small scale entrepreneurs and design professionals in developing nations with data relevant to the use of indigenous mate rials and methods. Copyright (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.