Promising a Million Flood-Proof Homes by 2024

In the wake of the floods that devasted Pakistan in 2022, an architect vowed to build one million flood-resilient homes by 2024, with a third of the target already reached and is calling for a more climate-conscious approach to building as climate change affects a growing number of countries.

“Today, it is Pakistan where one-third of the country is going through the cycle of misery, hunger and disease, but tomorrow it could well be many other countries, who have so far escaped the grievous impact,” states architect Yasmeen Lari, founder of the Heritage Foundation of Pakistan. “It is time to work on fashioning a new world order where the convenience for a few should no longer hold sway over the benefit for the majority.”

The 2022 floods caused 33 million people to lose their homes and resulted in $30 million worth of damage. So far, the Heritage Foundation of Pakistan’s rebuild program has provided 333,000 homes for those displaced by the floods, with an endgame of a million houses ready by 2024. Vernacular building materials and methods are used – structures are made of earth, lime, and bamboo and can be made by hand – and draw from “ancient wisdom and techniques.” Part of Barefoot Social Architecture, this zero-carbon and self-build approach supports impoverished and marginalized communities. “We put Pakistan on the map with this zero-carbon structure program.”