Inspiration Case 23: International Design Experts' Network

INSPIRATION CASE 23: INTERNATIONAL DESIGN EXPERTS’ NETWORK

Š Clear Village 2011

General Information High class architecture and professional design are thriving and well demanded in today’s developed world. But both developing countries as well as those who suffered from a natural catastrophy could not easily afford internationally renowned design and architecture advise to build safe shelter, access to water, sanitation and power for their communities.

However, there are organisations, such as our inspiring example Architecture for Humanity, which have focused on social goals, ask international experts for volunteer work and provide much needed solutions for the developing world and post-disaster relief areas.

Inspiration & Parametres for change a) affordable international design expertise Providing the developing countries and regions in need around the world with design solutions is not a job that would please every international design expert. The salary, if there is such, is low, the working conditions are poor, but the people who do it, know community benefit from it massively to live a decent life or get it back. b) open source solutions for all local communities The open source movement started with software development and it is now rapidly gaining more and more popularity amongst professionals. Open source architecture and design is one of the younger movements but shows which impact this approach can have on local communities allover the world.

Information and pictures sourced from http://architectureforhumanity.org | http://rideforhumanity.wordpress.com | http://openarchitecturenetwork.org | All rights reserved.

INSPIRATION CASE 23: INTERNATIONAL DESIGN EXPERTS’ NETWORK Our inspiring example: Architecture for Humanity, USA, 1999

© Clear Village 2011

Architecture for Humanity is a non-profit design services firm founded in 1999. It is building a more sustainable future through the power of affordable professional design.

By tapping a network of more than 50,000 professionals willing to lend time and expertise to help those who would not otherwise be able to afford their services, Architects for Humanity bring design, construction and development services where they are most critically needed.

Architecture for Humanity has won numerous awards for its work.

How does Architecture for Humanity work in detail?

From conception to completion, Architecture for Humanity manages all aspects of the design and construction process both in ‘first aid’ post-disaster relief and projects in the developing world. The clients include community groups, aid organizations, housing developers, government agencies, corporate divisions and foundations.

A very few out of many examples of the organisation’s work are 2010 Pakistan Flood Relief Program; Divino Jesus School in Chincha Ica, Peru; or the Shizugawa Fishermen’s Workplace “Banya” and Oyster Bar in Japan.

In addition to its architectural services, the organisation is a catalyst for innovation.

To foster knowledge sharing and to promote best practices, it developed the Open Architecture Network. This groundbreaking on-line network empowers architects, designers, builders and their clients to share architectural plans and drawings— including CAD files. All plans are shared through an open-source model and can be freely downloaded by everyone.

Interestingly, the international network of experts keeps the organisation’s administration costs to a minimum: whilst in 2011 only 3% of its income are being spent on fundraising outreach and only 9% on admin costs, a total of 88% can be spent on design and construction services for the good of communities.

Architecture for Humanity has also been hosting the design competition ‘Open Architecture Challenge’ that aims on re-envisioning the future of spaces for social, economic, and environmental good.

What does this mean for local communities?

Architectures for Humanity does not only create lasting change by providing shelter, access to water, sanitation and power to communities prone to disaster and displaced populations.

The organisation strives to help people in post-conflicted areas by giving them neutral space to dialogue, it also build places to meet the needs of those with disabilities and other at-risk populations. Additional benefit is provided by mitigating the rapid urbanization in unplanned settlements

Information and pictures sourced from http://architectureforhumanity.org | http://rideforhumanity.wordpress.com | http://openarchitecturenetwork.org | All rights reserved.