more third world genius...

[ashe]

Kinda like hassan fatay. Saw this on PBS. http://www.barefootcollege.org/

[Michael]

The barefoot college is cool. Now if only I knew what hassan fatay was

[qiphlow]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hassan_Fathy

Hassan Fathy (1900 – 1989, Arabic: حسن فتحي) is a noted Egyptian architect who pioneered appropriate technology for building in Egypt, especially by working to re-establish the use of mud brick (or adobe) and traditional as opposed to western building designs and lay-outs.
...
Fathy utilized ancient design methods and materials. He integrated a knowledge of the rural Egyptian economic situation with a wide knowledge of ancient architectural and town design techniques. He trained local inhabitants to make their own materials and build their own buildings.

Climatic conditions, public health considerations, and ancient craft skills also affected his design decisions. Based on the structural massing of ancient buildings, Fathy incorporated dense brick walls and traditional courtyard forms to provide passive cooling.

[ashe]

see also paolo frier. (sp?)