The January 2010 earthquake in Haiti caused catastrophic loss of life and widespread destruction across Port-au-Prince and surrounding regions, leaving more than 1.5 million people homeless. The scale of devastation exposed systemic weaknesses in construction quality and land-use practices. Recovery required not only rebuilding, but a fundamental reappraisal of how and where communities could safely be established.
In response, the government of Haiti – supported by the Clinton Foundation and international partners – launched the Building Back Better programme to provide shelter and support long-term recovery. As part of this effort, JMP was invited to establish and lead the Haiti Housing Expo, a national platform to explore alternative approaches to housing, education, healthcare and community infrastructure.
Haiti Housing Expo
Conceived as a practical demonstration of innovation, the 2011 Expo brought together architects, engineers, NGOs and manufacturers from around the world to develop affordable building solutions suited to Haiti’s climate and social context. More than 400 consortia from 30 countries applied to participate, with selected teams constructing 60 prototype homes to shared design and safety standards developed by JMP in collaboration with engineer Arup. Emphasis was placed on speed of delivery, seismic resilience, environmental performance and the use of locally appropriate technologies.
The Expo attracted funding from international institutions and private organisations, and established one of the first coordinated post-disaster housing showcases in the Caribbean.
Impact and legacy
A key outcome of the programme was the Zoranje development on the northern edge of Port-au-Prince – the first social housing project completed after the earthquake. Comprising 400 homes, Zoranje prioritised community continuity, social support and psychological wellbeing alongside physical reconstruction. Building Back Better in Haiti demonstrated how strategic design leadership, policy coordination and community-centred planning can contribute to recovery efforts that are not only faster, but safer, more equitable and more resilient.
