Yasmeen Lari is working to help Pakistan’s rural communities that are most affected by climate change. The country is still recovering from last year’s floods. We visit a flood-proof settlement in Pono village in Sindh province to see if these climate-resilient homes can be a solution for those in need.
Published: May 27, 2023, 14:05 IST
Yasmeen Lari, an 82-year-old Pakistani architect, is working tirelessly to fortify Pakistan’s rural communities that live on the frontlines of the havoc wrought by climate change. Pakistan is still recovering from the floods that battered the country last year, leaving many people homeless and destitute. Lari’s innovative solution to this problem is to construct flood-proof homes that can withstand the worst of nature’s fury.
One such settlement is located in Pono village in the Sindh province of Pakistan. These climate-resilient homes are designed to be the ultimate solution for the needy. They are built on raised platforms to prevent water from entering the homes during floods. The walls are made of mud bricks that are more durable and sustainable than traditional bricks. The roofs are made of metal sheets that can withstand strong winds and heavy rainfall. The homes also have windows that can be opened to allow for ventilation during hot weather.
Lari’s approach to architecture is unique in that she focuses on sustainability and social responsibility. She believes that architects have a duty to use their skills to help the less fortunate and to protect the environment. Her work has earned her numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Jane Drew Prize for her contribution to women in architecture.
Following a report by WION News, Lari is Pakistan’s first female architect and has been working in the field for over five decades. She started her career in the 1960s when there were very few women in the profession. She faced many challenges and obstacles along the way, but she persevered and became a trailblazer for women in architecture.
Lari’s flood-proof homes are not just a solution for Pakistan’s rural communities; they are also a model for sustainable and resilient architecture that can be applied to other parts of the world. As climate change continues to wreak havoc on our planet, architects and builders must adapt and innovate to create homes and buildings that can withstand the worst of nature’s fury.
As Lari herself says, “Architecture is not just about creating beautiful buildings; it’s about creating a better world for everyone.”
To summarize it all, Yasmeen Lari’s work is an inspiration to architects and builders around the world. Her innovative and sustainable approach to architecture is a model for how we can create homes and buildings that are resilient to climate change and that benefit society as a whole. We can all learn from her example and work together to create a better world for future generations.
Photo Credit: aljazeera.com
