Introducing Architecture for Humanity

Architecture for Humanity started in the 90’s in San Francisco, as a means to organize design projects for the less fortunate, often acting as a match maker between in-need communities/organizations, architects and designers, financial funding sponsors and contractors/physical production and construction services.

These projects are fundraised or sponsored by companies or even firms. There is always a “call to service,” in which Architecture for Humanity (on their website, a form of social media) promotes a particular project to a network of architects or philanthropic organizations, so that they can brainstorm. The key to their success, beyond the idea of helping others (and the possibility of a tax deduction), is the fact that it is coming from volunteer hands and heads, makes the organization all the more charitable.

Architecture for Humanity had a simple idea to a.) fundraise and b.) get the messages and ideas of their organization out there. It is titled: Design Like You Give a Damn and this book has caused international fanfare in the international construction and design world. The book features images of past constructions that the organization has overseen as well as call to entries by design students, activists and licensed architects and designers.

I have been looking to them as an organization that I could arrange a student volunteer service-cooperative project with, similar to endeavors with Un Techo Para Mi Pais.

http://www.architectureforhumanity.org