Networking Natural
Builders Worldwide
Building Without Borders: Sustainable Construction for the Global Village
by Joseph F. Kennedy, Co-founder of Builders Without Borders
New Society Publishers
Now available
Building Without Borders: Sustainable Construction for the Global Village describes the current efforts to create sustainable shelter for the billions currently underhoused or without homes. Through chapters, case studies, tech boxes and profiles, it surveys the pioneering efforts of people around the world to create lives of dignity without destroying their natural habitat to do so. It makes the case for empowering local peoples to create houses for themselves, and advocates for education about sustainable building practices as a means to house the homeless.
This book demonstrates hard won knowledge about the possibilities and challenges of addressing the global housing crisis in an ecologically sustainable way. It directly challenges most “development” efforts as being ineffective at best and destructive at worst, but also offers a different path, with a series of case studies to back this up. It takes a holistic approach to the problem of housing provision worldwide, and is consistent in its analysis that education and training are the key factors to solving the housing crisis.
It champions vernacular traditions, while acknowledging that those traditions must evolve to address changing cultural, ecological and technological situations. By including a wide variety of authors, from many differing countries, academic backgrounds, etc. the book is a true cross-section of the wide variety of activities currently underway. By eschewing an academic tone, it is accessible to “regular people” who want to make a difference, while remaining a useful resource for professionals. The book gives a grounding in the various issues facing those that hope to address the terrible state of housing worldwide, and, while not being prescriptive, points to ways of addressing these situations that will be truly sustainable.
The book is composed of chapters that lay out general issues relating to sustainable construction in a global context. Each chapter is followed by several case studies of particular projects illustrating themes brought up in that chapter. Scattered throughout the book are “tech boxes” detailing particular technological advances in sustainable construction that can have wide application or inspiration. Finally, several “profiles” honor pioneers in this field. The book also includes an annotated bibliography for further research.
Building Without Borders is profusely illustrated with photographs of real projects. By focusing on the hopeful vision of people working together to solve a problem common to humanity, the photos provide a “human touch” to this work, showing the excitement and joy attendant to this most meaningful work – to ensure that everyone has a home.
Joseph F. Kennedy is a co-founder of Builders Without Borders and faculty member of the EcoDwelling Concentration, Culture, Ecology and Sustainable Community Program, New College of California. Along with his extensive personal travel, research and hands-on projects in this field, he co-authored The Art of Natural Building and contributed to Alternative Construction: Contemporary Natural Building Methods. Kennedy lives in Sonoma County, California.
BWB is an international network of ecological builders working together for a sustainable future.