What We’re Up To

The world is populating and urbanizing at exceptional rates and has been for quite some time. Affordable, clean, safe and comfortable housing is a concern for everyone. At Montana State University, we are interested in this challenge and are working with colleagues in Montana and Kenya to study how straw bale may play a more significant role. We are interested in urban-rural linkages and how architecture can engage with these existing systems at socioeconomic, cultural, spiritual, and material levels. The posts you see here will document our learning experiences during the summer of 2012. The program is administered and taught by Assistant Professor David Fortin of the School of Architecture, and coordinated in Kenya by MSU alumni Michael Spencer, now president of Studio RE. Kevin Brustuen of the Office of International Programs at MSU has been invaluable in terms of overseeing the program. We are also extremely grateful for the guidance by Red Feather Development, based in Bozeman. Not only do we get to work with them for a week in the summer, but they openly continue to provide advice and moral support throughout our efforts.