Martijn Schildkamp, Architect
"Less talking, more action!"
Martijn Schildkamp is an architect and building engineer from The Netherlands, with a passion for alternative materials and experimental construction.
During his travels through Asia he was shocked by the harsh conditions in which so many people have to live. He started to dedicate his expertise and time to people across the globe, who are in need of better housing and improved living conditions. Since 2005 he founded three Smart Shelter divisions which are called Smart Shelter Foundation, Smart Shelter Consultancy and Smart Shelter Research. He researched, designed and built numerous projects in Asia, such as post-tsunami housing in Sri Lanka, a school with earth blocks in India, and earthquake resistant buildings in Nepal and Indonesia.
Martijn is specialized in building with alternative materials and methods, and developed a great interest in low-tech earthquake resistant principles. His activities are multi-disciplinary as he works as an architect, engineer, calculator, trainer, supervisor and mason all at the same time. Over the years he gained an enormous amount of grass root experience and practical knowledge, which he now transfers to students and professionals worldwide.
His philosophy and way of working has resulted in being a finalist for the largest design award in the world; Index Award. The theme of the award was ‘Design to Improve Life’; a huge compliment of which Martijn is very proud!
