Above: the Centre de Reconstruction in Port-au-Prince (Photo: Open Architecture Network)

While Haiti once had its own comprehensive building code, along with a zoning code, construction in Haiti has lost a coherent structure, according to Stacey McMahan. While Haitian architects are starting to learn more about earthquake-safe design, the country’s building industry is a bit more stubborn. McMahan, who is a fellow of the American Institute of Architects and Architects for Humanity, has put together what’s dubbed the Rebuilding 101 Manual, which is a guide focusing on construction that is aimed at helping Haiti’s reconstruction efforts. [Huffington Post]