Community Center in Bercy-Cavaillon, Haiti / Emergent Vernacular Architecture (EVA Studio)

Nestled within the lush tropical vegetation of southern Haiti, the Community Center in Bercy-Cavaillon, designed by Emergent Vernacular Architecture (EVA Studio), serves as a vital hub for the rural population. Covering 240 m² and completed in 2025, the center doubles as a community facility and the office of the local farmers' association, APTEKKA, supporting agricultural initiatives, education, and cultural activities in a region affected by socio-economic instability and climate hazards.

Funded by FOKAL (Fondasyon Konesans ak Libète), this project is one of three initiatives addressing food insecurity in Haiti's Southern Peninsula. The center was developed through extensive engagement with local residents, ensuring it responds to community needs. Its design comprises two levels: the ground floor accommodates a multipurpose hall, administrative offices, and a cafeteria, while the upper floor includes storage areas for local products and a dormitory for participants traveling from nearby villages. Inspired by the traditional Haitian galata, a cross-ventilated granary, the upper floor incorporates a continuous veranda, promoting passive cooling through cross-ventilation and ridge openings.

Sustainability and low maintenance were central to the project. Locally sourced natural materials such as river stones and earth plaster were used, while the steel structure and roof were designed for dismantling and reuse. This hybrid approach blends vernacular lakay riral construction with modern seismic-resistant techniques, ensuring thermal comfort, resilience to hurricanes and earthquakes, and easy local replication.

The region has suffered devastating events, including Hurricane Matthew (2016) and the 7.2-magnitude earthquake (2021), highlighting the need for resilient design. Construction faced heavy rains, flooding, and logistical challenges due to gang blockades, inflation, and material shortages. The community actively participated through the traditional konbit system, providing collective labor to support and accelerate the building process.

Landscaping around the center drew inspiration from the jardin kreyòl, Haiti’s traditional agro-ecological farming system. Over 100 trees and plants, including endemic and endangered species, were planted to restore biodiversity and enhance the cultural and environmental significance of the site. Today, the Bercy-Cavaillon Community Center stands not only as a space for training, cultural exchange, and social gatherings but also as a sustainable landmark demonstrating resilience, community empowerment, and ecological stewardship.

All the photographs are works of  Andrea Panizzo