Yasmeen Lari is a pioneering Pakistani architect known for her sustainable and humanitarian approach, focusing on low-cost, disaster-resilient designs using local materials and community participation. Her work integrates eco-friendly principles to empower marginalized groups while minimizing environmental impact.
Core Principles of Her Approach
Lari's methodology emphasizes vernacular architecture, drawing from traditional techniques to create self-build structures. She leverages passive strategies like natural ventilation and solar orientation, avoids high-energy materials, and promotes circular economies through resource reuse.
5 Sustainable Design Tips from Yasmeen Lari
- Prioritize Local Materials: Source clay, bamboo, or recycled items locally to reduce carbon footprint and support regional economies.
- Engage Communities: Involve residents in construction to build skills and ensure designs meet practical needs sustainably.
- Implement Passive Systems: Incorporate natural elements such as cross-ventilation, rainwater harvesting, and thermal mass for zero-energy climate control.
- Design for Resilience: Use disaster-proof features like elevated foundations and flexible structures to withstand floods or earthquakes with minimal repairs.
- Promote Modularity: Create scalable, adaptable components that allow for easy expansion or reuse, reducing waste and life-cycle costs.
Adopting these tips fosters inclusive, low-impact development, as demonstrated in Lari's projects like Pakistan's zero-carbon shelters.
