The new Gheskio Family Health & Nutrition Center in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, has reached a significant project milestone: The steel frame is complete. It was erected by Haitian workers together with a small American crew.
Designed by NYC-based firm Tonetti Associates Architects, the new health center represents GHESKIO’s comprehensive approach to nutrition, clinical care and community development through combining various healthcare and family planning departments within a single complex.
The design team undertook this project as an opportunity to help the people of Haiti after the devastation they experienced in the Haiti earthquake.
“We chose a steel frame building because of the lower mass of the building as compared to the standard Haitian concrete and masonry construction, and because of the great control of the detailing of the structure,” said Andrew Wright, AIA, LEED AP, of Tonetti Associates Architects.
Construction is expected to be complete this fall.
A August 2011 MSC article entitled “Assurance of Quality” discusses the project team’s choice of steel for the health center, written by Charles J. Carter, S.E., P.E., Ph.D., AISC vice president and chief structural engineer.