The relevance of architecture in a developing community depends not on the technological grandeur and global influence of the building itself, but rather on the success of the design process and its execution in meeting the basic needs of the community.

Communities worldwide, regardless of socioeconomic condition, can benefit from site specific, environmentally friendly design.

This project sets out to explore a broader definition of cutting edge architecture by reviving regional and sustainable thinking in a developing community.

Architecture and education share a fundamental link as social institutions and humanitarian professions. Along with the ability to shape the built environment comes the responsibility to educate, enrich, and inspire at every level.

Sustainable design is a community endeavor. A basic education in the principles of regional architecture and sustainable construction practices benefits not only the students involved, but their community as a whole. The Hogar Monte Carmelo in the rural community of El Mangote provides a unique opportunity to put these important ideas into action.

El Mangote is a small community outside Bejuco in the District of Chame.

The Hogar Monte Carmelo currently enrolls 28 students from the surrounding areas interested in furthering their education. The students receive direction in all areas of Christian life: formative, spiritual, social, pedagogical, psychological, agricultural, nutritional, and vocational.

The twenty acre plot currently includes five existing buildings: a library, caretaker's office, male and female dorms, and an unfinished chapel.

Due to space restrictions, students must continually make good grades to remain enrolled at the Hogar Monte Carmelo. In order to accomodate a greater number of students, the school is in the planning stages of an expansion project.

The proposed expansion will include:

- 5 new dorms housing 20 students each
- office space for health care and counsel
- new classrooms and vocational workshops
- completion of a small chapel and sacristy
- a reforestation effort and working orchard
- a livestock farm with stables and storage