DRC1

Project Description:

This report presents the design of a sustainable healthcare clinic for Monkoto, a remote region of Salonga National Park (SNP) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Despite the park’s global ecological significance and a staff of over 300, there is no permanent healthcare facility to support park personnel or nearby communities, including displaced and underserved pygmy populations. This project addresses that need with a context-sensitive, stakeholder-informed clinic design prioritizing durability, cultural responsiveness, and long-term functionality.

With limited site data, our team conducted extensive research on local environmental conditions, logistical constraints, and stakeholder needs. These findings guided key design decisions to ensure the clinic could be constructed and maintained in a remote, flood-prone, labor-limited environment. While USAID funding remains uncertain, all designs were completed to U.S. code standards (ASCE 7, NDS) to ensure readiness for future implementation.

The clinic features an I-shaped layout that promotes efficient patient flow, passive ventilation, and cultural appropriateness. Dedicated zones support emergency care, maternity services, consultations, and community education. Separate entrances and courtyard areas for men and women respect local customs. Structurally, the building uses reinforced concrete frames with baked compressed earth brick infill and sawn timber trusses, selected for regional material availability, ease of construction, and durability.

A staggered cloistered gable roof improves ventilation, daylighting, and rainwater drainage. Solar panels meet the clinic’s estimated 25 kWh weekly energy needs, while a rainwater collection and French drain system manage runoff. Structural calculations were performed using SkyCiv, with all members verified against worst-case load combinations under U.S. design codes.

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