Architecture for Humanity
While co-working with several friends in the Outer Sunset today, a friend of mine turned me onto Architecture for Humanity, an open-source architecture project placing sustainable design in the hands of those who need it in developing nations.
As Cameron Sinclair stated in his TED talk (see video), sustainability is not about putting solar panels on expensive houses or buying a Prius, it’s about survival in the developing world.
For most of us living in developed nations, sustainability means being resourceful and reducing our impact on the environment. However, for those living in developing nations, being resourceful is a way of life.
Architecture for Humanity solicits for projects that need to be build and mobilizes designers to design them. The most important feature is that these projects are built and make a difference in the communities that receive them. The organization connects sustainable design with those who most need them.
As a civil engineer, I understand that design may not be available to everybody, especially those in developing nations. Infrastructure projects are often built for those will deep pockets who are able to foot the hefty design fees.
And rather than operating as a true non-profit, Architect for Humanity leverages private industry practice with humanitarian work to advance its cause of building projects to improve the quality of life for those getting by with less.
In conclusion, it’s inspiring to see sustainable design being applied to help those who are less fortunate.
