FC3 HAITI – What is Architecture for Humanity and what do they do?
Posted: January 21, 2010 Filed under: More FC3 Leave a commentArchitecture for Humanity is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that seeks architectural solutions to humanitarian crisis and brings design services to communities in need. We believe that where resources and expertise are scarce, innovative, sustainable and collaborative design can make a difference.
By tapping a network of professionals willing to lend their time and their talents to helping those who would not otherwise be able to afford their services, we support community development, help communities rebuild after disaster and provide pro bono design services to community partners around the world.
Through the power of professional design, we build safer, more sustainable and highly innovative structures–structures that become assets to their communities and ongoing symbols of the ability of people to come together to envision a better future.
Our vision is one of a world where designers innovate globally to build housing, schools, clinics and other essential infrastructure locally. We believe that this can be achieved not by replicating a design that was successful in one situation in another, but by encouraging locally-inspired designs and by enabling these solutions to be shared and freely adapted by all.
To realize this vision, Architecture for Humanity created the Open Architecture Network, the first site on the Web to provide access to open source architectural plans.
Finally, through competitions, workshops, educational forums, exhibitions, and other activities, we foster public appreciation for the many ways that architecture and design can improve lives.
Architecture for Humanity is a nonprofit design services firm founded in 1999. We are building a more sustainable future through the power of professional design.
By tapping a network of more than 40,000 professionals willing to lend time and expertise to help those who would not otherwise be able to afford their services, we bring design, construction and development services where they are most critically needed.
Each year 10,000 people directly benefit from structures designed by Architecture for Humanity. Our advocacy, training and outreach programs impact an additional 50,000 people annually. We channel the resources of the global funding community to meaningful projects that make a difference locally. From conception to completion, we manage all aspects of the design and construction process. Our clients include community groups, aid organizations, housing developers, government agencies, corporate divisions, and foundations.
Design is important to every aspect of our lives. It informs the places in which we live, work, learn, heal and gather. We engage all stakeholders in the design process. We believe our clients are designers in their own right.
Thoughtful, inclusive design creates lasting change in communities by:
• Alleviating poverty and providing access to water, sanitation, power and essential services
• Bringing safe shelter to communities prone to disaster and displaced populations
• Rebuilding community and creating neutral spaces for dialogue in post-conflict areas
• Mitigating the effects of rapid urbanization in unplanned settlements
• Creating spaces to meet the needs of those with disabilities and other at-risk populations
• Reducing the footprint of the built environment and addressing climate change.
Architecture for Humanity is a catalyst for innovation. We learn by doing. We know the value of sharing success stories and lessons learned—our own as well as those of others. To foster knowledge sharing and promote best practices, we developed the Open Architecture Network (www.openarchitecturenetwork.org). 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 all.
Design is the ultimate renewable resource. Join us in building safer, more sustainable and more innovative structures—structures that are assets to their communities and an ongoing testament to the ability of people to come together to envision a better future.
ARCHITECTURE FOR HUMANITY NETWORK
Architecture for Humanity brings people who care about sustainable development together. We provide a range of design and construction administration services to partners and clients through a global network of design, development and construction professionals with local expertise and knowledge.
DESIGN ADVOCATES
• 35,000 newsletter subscribers
• 500+ professional affiliations globally
• Local Chapters
• 80 chapters in 25 countries with more than 4,650 volunteer design professionals
• Design Fellowship Program
• 15-20 design fellows dedicated to community based design projects globally for 6-month to 1-year fellowships
• First site to offer open source architectural plans and drawings inline viewing of CAD files
• Ability to collaborate, manage projects remotely, and share design knowledge
• 50,000 unique visits monthly
• 15,000 registered users
CLIENTS
• Community-based organizations: Pinsara Federation, League for Education and Development, Hope Coordination Center, and others.
• Housing developers: Habitat for Humanity, Hope Coordination Center, and others.
• Institutional and NGO clients: UN Habitat, AMD, FIFA, Nike, Oprah’s Angel Network, Orient Global,and many others.
• Government: USAID, Parks Department of the City of New York, Office of Emergency Management
AWARDS AND HONORS
• 2009 Royal Society of Arts Bicentenary Medal
• 2009 Treehugger: Best Humanitarian Designer
• 2008 Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award
• 2007 Zumtobel Group Finalist (Open Architecture Network)
• 2007 AIA New York Foundation Award
• 2007 AIA Arkansas Design Award
• 2007 AIA Houston Design Awards On the Boards
• 2007 Travel + Leisure Global Vision Award
• 2006 TED Prize
• 2005 Index Award to Improve Life (community)
• 2006 WIRED Rave Award for Architecture
• 2005 AIA San Francisco Design Awards – Global Impact
• 2004 ASID Design for Humanity Award
• 2005 Lewis Mumford Award for Peace
MORE CLICKING
If you have any questions or suggestions regarding this effort or would like to get involved to help our cause please contact me via text, email, or phone.
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Frank Cunha III – Architect
PO Box 335 Hamburg NJ 07419
973.970.3551 / fc3haiti@me.com
