Activity
The organization provides pro-bono design and construction management services and funding for projects around the world. They are developing and building schools in West Africa and Haiti, developing long term rebuilding efforts in Myanmar after Cyclone Nargis, and sports for social change facilities in Africa and South America. Past initiatives also include long term reconstruction in India and Sri Lanka following the devastating Indian Ocean Tsunami, rebuilding initiatives in the United States after Hurricane Katrina as well as hosting a number of international design competitions.
Architecture for Humanity aims to promote humanitarian and social design through partnerships, advocacy and education based programs. To that end, they have consulted with government bodies and relief organizations on a number of projects, including landmine clearance programs and playground building in the Balkans; transitional housing for IDPs in Afghanistan, Sudan and Grenada; school building in Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda; and earthquake reconstruction assistance in Pakistan, Turkey and Iran.
In 2006 the book, Design Like You Give A Damn: Architectural Responses to Humanitarian Crises, edited by the organization was released by Metropolis Books and Thames and Hudson. This publication offers a history of the movement toward socially conscious design and profiles over 80 projects that have impacted the lives of communities around the world. The book can be seen here:
Finally, the organization seeks to foster public appreciation for the many ways that architecture and design can improve lives.
"Architecture for Humanity represents the finest of the new breed of architectural leadership, employing architectural skills and directing them for the larger good," wrote Robert Ivy, editor of Architectural Record about the organization. "Committed, unapologetically architectural in name and mission, Architecture for Humanity stands up for people in need."
Read more about this topic: Architecture For Humanity
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