The Children’s Academy: A Special Project in Haiti
In July of 2020, we received word that one of our most important projects was completed – the Children’s Academy, high on a hill above Port-au-Prince in Haiti. Together with BAR Architects and their team, we developed and coordinated the design of a 2,700 square foot earthquake- and hurricane-resistant expansion to the school by adding a third floor to accommodate more students. The priority was to meet programmatic, aesthetic, and functional needs, all while designing with locally available materials that could be easily assembled by local labor sources, many of whom were parents of students at the school. Curious about how such a project ends up in the FTF portfolio over 3,000 miles from our San Francisco headquarters, we sat down with Randy Collins to learn more.
- How did you get involved with the Haiti Partners and this project?
FTF was introduced to founders Merline and John at an industry fundraiser hosted by Lisa Victor and Ken Linsteadt. I instantly appreciated what they do – “Give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, he eats for a life”. They improve the lives of Haiti families through community-building and childhood education – a systematic solution to poverty. Not a handout, but a hand up. In the second year I was involved (2017), FTF designed the third story addition to Classroom Building 2 pro bono, and in 2018 FTF was title sponsor of the fundraiser.
- What was FTF’s role in this project?
Structural Engineer of record, meaning we worked closely with BAR Architects and their team to develop and coordinate the design to meet programmatic, aesthetic, and functional needs, all while designing with locally available materials that could be easily assembled by local labor sources.
- Why was it important to you personally to be involved in this project?
Firstly, I was drawn to structural engineering as a career to provide a basic need for society – shelter. I also chose to study and practice in earthquake-prone areas because it’s more difficult than non-seismic design, and with modern, quality design and retrofit methods, we can keep buildings from killing us when earthquakes strike nearby, and when appropriate, we can consider the impact of damage, repairs, and down-time, and design to reduce the economic and functional impact of earthquakes on the built environment.
Secondly, I value using my gifts, talents abilities, and resources – not just to provide for the FTF family, but also to build up communities for those that are less economically resourced than our typical clients.
Thirdly, it was a great project experience for FTF’s Alejandra Bravo who graduated Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2020, and who participated in an overseas engineering service project. The impact that trip had on her, and the enthusiasm she has shared with me about it, gave me eyes to see this opportunity and take it. AND it was a great opportunity for Skye Garrison, SE, to use her exceptional, diverse, and creative engineering skills to mentor Alejandra and oversee the design process.
- How did FTF’s involvement align with the company’s mission?
Our mission statement, FTF Creates Value by Designing Safe and Enduring Structures with Integrity
Is packed with meaning. Obviously, with the Children’s Academy, we created value by providing a very high-quality design, pro bono. In hurricane- and earthquake-prone Haiti, our engineering process was very careful and deliberate to keep the building safe in frequent, severe events. “Safe and enduring” – check. “With integrity” – this has a dual meaning. Our buildings are designed with integrity in the structure – to be holistic structures that have an appropriate response to nature and their communities and users. We also design with integrity in the process – we communicate with the team and we understand that the goal of any project is not just structural engineering. Structural engineering merely serves the purpose of the project – the design, the budget, the use, the return on investment, the time horizon of the facility. We are deeply respectful of the construction process, and we use our expertise to guide projects and clients to success – their success.
- What does the future hold for the partnership of Haiti Partners and FTF?
FTF’s Business Development Director Shannon Collins (and my better half!) have developed a friendship and fellowship with Merline and John and look forward to seeing them in the near future and continuing to be a Haiti Partner with them, serving the needs of the community with FTF’s resources as the need arises.