Building aid: the influence on developing nations

Abstract

This report addresses the impact aid organizations have on the built environment, within developing countries. The role of these organizations, as mediators and co-ordinators, places them in a unique position to influence developing societies. Attitudes towards traditional architecture are discussed and possible directions for future development investigated. Built aid is provided in a number of quite different circumstances, each of which offer advantages and disadvantages for development. Cultural issues also need to be consided when working in an unfamiliar context and with existing housing stock. The complexity of each problem requires specifically tailored programmes to adequately address the issues involved. Case studies are appended, as support to the main text, to show the variety of programmes which take place. These offer some enlightening facts of both satisfying and frustrating outcomes.