Alyssa-Amor Gibbons remembers the devastating impact hurricanes have had on her home island and the significant loss of both human lives and livelihoods suffered over time. She shares the fear and unpredictability of finding oneself in the midst of such fury, but also emphasises the importance of taking small yet effective actions to mitigate the risks.

She talks about how some structures fare better than others. She reveals how risk and the probability of collapse are shaped by topography, architectural form and envelope details. From this empirical knowledge, Alyssa-Amor has developed a unique design outlook that borrows many assets of the local vernacular architecture.

Her interpretation of jalousie windows, for instance, is inspired by traditional Chattel houses. These tropical devices effectively regulate the entry of light and air throughout the day. During storm events, their horizontal slats disperse wind pressure and provide protection against wind-driven debris, making them a better choice than flat, glass-pane windows.

The deployment of timber fins dissipates wind pressure on a building’s facade.
© Derek Galon

Fretwork patterns and vertical fins are two other features she depends upon to disperse wind and reduce perpendicular air pressure on the building’s facade.

Alyssa-Amor recounts how her mother’s wisdom imparted the concept of “sacrificial” space she now employs in the homes she creates. That building gap allows wind to pass through, lessening the pressure on the entire structure. It is strategically located alongside secure, waterproof shelters, where residents can seek refuge during a storm.

A sacrificial central core (red highlight) allows the wind to pass through the interiors while preserving the adjacent spaces.
© Derek Galon

She also takes advantage of stilted timber structures with cross-braced lattice elements to allow them to bend a little and avoid collapse.

Having stilted structures with cross-braced lattice elements makes it more likely that the building will survive a seismic event.
© Alyssa-Amor Gibbons

A common exercise of her design phase is to create a digital twin, which is used to test ideas against the effects of wind and sun. With this computer-simulated model, she can tweak and optimise solutions without incurring financial costs or risking human lives.

Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, is being studied to make it an eco-resilient settlement.
© Giggel CC BY 3.0

Studio Amor is currently involved in a program aimed at transforming Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, into a climate-resilient eco-city. She focuses on the city centre while attempting to scale up ideas like the sacrificial spaces.

At its core, Alyssa-Amor’s architecture is about the fundamental human right to safety and shelter. She deploys cross-disciplinary knowledge, relies on local wisdom and materials, and leverages new tools. Her goal is to develop context-appropriate solutions that, ultimately, will save lives.