The World Housing Encyclopedia: Strategies for Global Information Sharing and Problem Solving

Abstract eng:
This paper discusses some of the tools and strategies that are being used in EERI and IAEE’s successful World Housing Encyclopedia (WHE) project launched in 2000. The WHE is a uniquely successful web-based global network of over 200 individuals from 57 countries committed to improving global construction practices by sharing technically accurate, peer-reviewed, consensus-based resources on appropriate construction materials and technologies. All publications and resources developed by project participants and other authoritative sources are available free of charge on the project web site (www.world-housing.net). The core of the network is reports on housing construction practices and technologies from 40 countries (as of this writing). The scope of the network is slowly expanding and participants are also developing tutorials on common building construction technologies and practices with the emphasis on ways to improve their seismic performance. Project participants are currently contributing information on shelters used immediately after earthquakes, and participating in the collection of summary information on the seismic vulnerability of basic construction types in collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey. The network is web-based and open source. To build this network the project is making pioneering use of the internet as a tool to create and maintain a global community. Everyone who participates is a volunteer, and all the housing reports and tutorials are peer-reviewed. Project participants develop the technical material that is available on the website, and are together looking for avenues to disseminate such information through the website as well as through trainings, linkages with other organizations, and publications.

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