EMI Tech

Bridging the Knowledge Gap

EMI Architect Mathieu Lembelembe shares his experience with the knowledge gap between built-environment professionals and local builders and craftsmen in rural Africa.

Flood Risk Management Hierarchy

EMI Staff member David B. explains the Flood Risk Management Hierarchy and how to utilize it to create a holistic intervention plan for flood resiliency.

Sustainable Wastewater Solutions

Civil Engineer Jeff Wing, P.E. presents a webinar case study on biodigester use in Cambodia in review of sustainable wastewater solutions.

Hybrid Building Systems

Can we honor and utilize local construction practices in our designs while also implementing modern improvements?

Getting Design & Construction on the Appropriate Track

EMI Uganda’s Matt Lammers presents a webinar case study on a structural evaluation and redesign project in DR Congo.

R&D: Appropriate Design

How can EMI design structures and build facilities that are appropriate for ministries and beneficiaries we serve?

R&D: Brick, Brick, Block

Uganda’s R&D team gives a summary evaluation of four different types of bricks and blocks commonly available for projects in East Africa.

Digging Deeper

How should we approach geotechnical exploration to better inform our design and construction efforts?

R&D: Radiant Heat and Indoor Environments

Without centralized air conditioning, how do we go about creating indoor environments where people can comfortably work, play and live?

Same Materials, Different Buildings

Concrete frame with masonry infill, and confined masonry: how do these two systems differ?

Compressed Earth Blocks

Compressed Earth Blocks: Learning from the forensic diagnosis of distressed CEB buildings in West Africa

Construction Informs Design

Key lessons learned over a decade of Construction Management at EMI Uganda

Constructible Criticism

Engineering Ministries International teams are routinely asked to comment on the existing construction at a ministry site.

EMI Tech Editors

Matthew Coffey

Matthew spent most of his adult life in India, learning culture and language, and how to serve Indian ministries through the technical ministry of EMI. Matthew has also been involved in editing and publishing for EMI in print and on the web for over 15 years. He serves as EMI's Communication Director and Editor, managing a team of full and part-time staff and contributors to EMI Communications. Married to Ivy, an architect from Hong Kong, the Coffeys and their two boys live in Colorado Springs, USA.