By Lucille Chi

Creative architecture student Magnus Larsson shares his incredible idea to help settlers along the harsh Sahara desert (see the video at http://greenbuildingelements.com/2009/12/01/dune-architect-transforms-desert-sand-into-dwellings-for-the-green-wall-sahara-shelterbelt/). His proposed process of re-structuring sand is a building material process already researched for helping strengthen earthquake prone land with sustainable bacteria that turns shifting sand into a solid mass.

Looks like Larsson is creating sandcastles out of desert land. Brilliant! His Holcim Foundation winning proposal could very well transform life in that region as the Sahara green wall shelterbelt is planted across the African continent. The possibilities are endless as the quality of life will improve for so many along the Sahara.

First prize winner of the Holcim Foundation’s Sustainable Construction Award, this dune dwelling invention by Magnus Larsson and his proposed team amazes us. The habitat threatening sand is transformed into safe habitable structures. The admirable goal of working alongside the Green Wall Sahara Shelterbelt is a genius way to help the communities there co-create their environment.

Reprinted with permission from Green Building Elements