The Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras is the hub of US cooperation with partner nations for security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in Central and South America and the Caribbean – a mission anchored by the sustainment and operation of the airfield there.
Challenge
Faced with the challenges of tropical climate, local availability of labor and materials for construction and maintenance, and the non-permanent nature of the facilities and operations, Installation Management Command, in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, turned to WSP to develop tailored plans and guidelines that would meet the installation’s unique needs.
Solution
WSP prepared the Installation Vision Plan, installation Planning Standards, and two Area Development Plans for the Industrial and Airfield districts at Soto Cano Air Base.
- The master plan for Soto Cano provides analysis and guidance for future development of buildings, streets, and green infrastructure with the goal of creating more sustainable, energy efficient facilities, a safer work environment, greater social and recreational resources, and compatibility with the Honduran hosts.
- A transportation network plan and standards for building placement separated heavy and tactical vehicles from pedestrian and EZ-GO routes.
- The Green Infrastructure plan introduced standards for integrating a hierarchy of open spaces to promote social interaction, physical and mental health, and preservation of the natural vegetation and water resources.
- Climate appropriate building standards encouraged natural ventilation, pest-resistant materials, and construction methods that could be supported by the local population.
- Area Development Plans organized the industrial districts and airfield around streamlined workflows and compact footprints that were more easily secured, had better pedestrian accommodation, and improved accountability of the work flows.
