I work with a sustainable sanitation research program based in Sweden and I looking forward to reading a copy of the exhibition catalogue. Given that 2.5 billion people are without any form of sanitation, and that this year is the UN International Year of Sanitation, I was wondering why there is no specific design work on toilets or simple, low-cost sanitation systems?

Ian Caldwell | Oct 29, 12:25 PM

Dear Ian,
Sanitation is a very important topic. There was one example in the exhibition. A redesign by KickStart international for a latrine used in refugee camps:

Domed Pit Latrine Slab kit
The KickStart Domed Pit Latrine Slab design is based on a concept of a latrine slab by Bjorn Brandberg at the National Institute of Physical Planning in Mozambique. KickStart redesigned the production methods to allow for simple, high-quality mass production of the slabs working with unskilled local laborers; and improved the overall design for better sanitation and lower cost. The dome shape minimizes the required thickness making it cheaper than typical reinforced concrete slabs; a tight fitting lid creates a tight seal to keep the smell in and the flies out; and the wire handle heats up from sunlight, killing germs and reducing contamination. They are the standard in refugee camps in East Africa, where more than 90,000 slabs have now been installed.

http://other90.cooperhewitt.org/Design/domed-pit-latrine-slab-kit

Regards, Cynthia

Cynthia Smith | Oct 29, 05:59 PM

I have sent the domes pit latrine slab design to members of our discussion group – through my programme EcoSanRes here at the Stockholm Environment Institute, we run a yahoo discussion group on ecosan – ecological sanitation, which involves the safe reuse of human excreta for productive agriculture.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ecosanres/

We do have one small book that outlines a number of low-cost toilet designs:
http://www.ecosanres.org/toilets_that_make_compost.htm

We also have a more standard book on the basics of ecological sanitation, including some designs:
http://www.ecosanres.org/pdf_files/Ecological_Sanitation_2004.pdf (1.24MB)

Ian Caldwell | Nov 14, 09:29 AM

Has the exhibition considered the Mayon Turbo Stove? It’s a fantastic design concept to improve cooking efficiency while reducing the reliance on charcoal by burning grain husks.

Eric Huang | Nov 15, 01:27 PM

Here is a link for the stove for those unfamiliar with it:
http://www.reap-canada.com/bio_and_climate_3_3_1.htm

Eric Huang | Nov 17, 01:12 PM

Hello,
I am a product developer and am one of those people that designs for the wealthiest 10% of the population. My work is beginning to feel very hollow and I am interested in social entrepreneurship and design for extreme affordability. What are your favorite resources in these areas?

Christa | Dec 31, 05:04 AM

Any chance that a DC tour might be in the offing? All the international organization and think tank staff would be eager to absorb all this exhibition has to offer.

Samantha King | Jan 7, 04:27 PM

http://www.15belowproject.org/
jackets for the homeless, while waterproof and wind resistant, can change from a raincoat to a wintercoat (-30 celsius) through optional news/paper insulation added to pockets throughout coat

tony | Jan 20, 10:28 PM

i think that it’s really cool you are making the lives in other countries better. they are less fortunate than us and they are in dire need of our help. i am a 16 year old girl who would love to help in what ever way i can.

cheyenne sorrell | Sep 2, 09:47 AM

the devices invented to help the other countries are amazing. especially the life straw. the idea of a q drum for the water was great too. an easy way to transport water.

cheyenne sorrell | Sep 9, 09:44 AM