Scarlett Lee
Programme:
Architecture by Design - PhD
Start date:
Sep-19
Mode of study:
Full time
Research title:
Flood-resilient Earthen Construction Technology
Biography
Scarlett Lee is currently conducting her PhD research at the University of Edinburgh. Her research is based on an initiative to develop flood-resilient earthen construction technology for sustainable homes in local communities in flood-prone areas. Her practice-driven research entails the use of both architectural and anthropological approaches by designing, building and testing prototypes with an in-depth understanding of the local context.
Scarlett has been awarded a Master’s degree in Architectural Design by the Bartlett School of Architecture at UCL, and has gained practical experience as a Part 2 architectural assistant in Manchester.
As a graduate of UNESCO Chair Earthen Architecture, she has also participated in an overseas volunteer programme in the Philippines, which entailed delivering earthen workshops to local people and organising day-care centre renovation projects.
Scarlett is a tutor of Architectural History 1B at the University of Edinburgh.
Research
Research
Scarlett's PhD research is aimed to develop flood-resilient earthen construction technology and transmit it to local communities to empower them.
She proposes fabric-formed rammed earth as flood-resilient earthen construction technology for three major reasons. Firstly, earth is locally-available material for low-income people, but earthen buildings in flood-prone areas are built without the use of flood-resilient design and construction methods, thereby being very susceptible to flood. Secondly, rammed earth is more water-resistant and more durable than other earthen construction methods because it is built with high compaction. Furthermore, the density of rammed earth greatly increases with the use of fabric formwork (Also, Fabrics are much affordable than timber, which is traditionally used for formwork).
Scarlett has delivered her PhD research as a speaker in various conferences, including EBUKI Clayfest 2020.
A flood-simulation test of earthen structure, funded by the Moray Endowment Fund and ECA postgraduate research expenses, is expected to be performed when the lockdown is lifted in Scotland and the ESALA School reopens.
Related links
Senegal Elementary School (Proposal of Fabric formed rammed earth technology in the local context)
