Vagalume Modular Eco-Libraries Will Cultivate Literacy & Protect the Amazon River

Brazilian education NGO <a href="http://www.expedicaovagalume.org.br/home.php" target="_blank">Vagalume</a> recently sent us their proposal for a series of modular eco-libraries to cultivate literacy along the Amazon River basin, and we think it's a worthy idea. Over the last 10 years, the non-profit has worked with 290 communities to improve academic importance in the local children and now their next step to elevate their work is to build local libraries for these areas. Partnering with <a href="http://www.davisbrody.com/" target="_blank">Davis Brody Bond</a> (formerly known as Davis Brody Bond <a href="http://www.aedas.com/" target="_blank">Aedas</a>), Vagalume has come up with a design for a sustainable library kit, that can easily be transported by boat up the river and assembled on site using local labor.

The <a href="http://www.expedicaovagalume.org.br/interna.php?id=147">Vagalume Eco Library</a> is based on a modular bookshelf that the nonprofit distributes already.

Assembled from 4 precut pieces, the shelves can be flat packed and transported via boat.

Upon arrival to the site, these modular shelves become the building block for the entire library.

Some of the modules will actually serve as shelves, while others will get panels to make walls, some will get louvers to encourage ventilation, while others will be filled with local organic material to be used as finishes or enclosures.

These modular panels are then assembled together to create the basic structure.

The entire structure sits on a raised platform and is covered by a large arching roof which provides shade and protection from the rain, while still allowing air to flow in and around to keep things cool.

This library can also serve as a community building and will be powered with a few solar panels to generate power for a community TV and lights.

The simple structure relies mostly on natural daylighting and ventilation thereby minimizes any energy needs beyond lighting for night time.

A simple water storage and filtration system will collect rainwater for use as drinking water.

A <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anaerobic_digestion" target="_blank">biodigester</a> or septic tank can be installed to minimize health problems and keep from contaminating nearby water.

The design team is also researching how to incorporate composting, fish farming and hydroponic gardens.

So far, Vagalume has raised half of the necessary funding to fabricate the modular parts and begin building these libraries.