Today marks the 10th anniversary of Architecture for Humanity. You read that right; it has been ten years since we first invited building professionals to design like they give a damn.
These days when I look at the diversity and range of work on the Architecture for Humanity project board, it can feel overwhelming. But it only takes a moment to be reminded why we do this work - a thankful hug from a client, an ingenious detail that allows clean drinking water or a project that galvanized a community. Design truly has the power to bring people together.
Today, Architecture for Humanity is a truly global organization. Our network includes 40,000 professionals and 70 chapters in 28 countries. Collectively more than 700,000 people are living, teaching, healing and gathering in buildings designed by Architecture for Humanity design fellows, chapter members and volunteers.
I am truly inspired by all the design professionals who come forward to dedicate their time and expertise where they are most urgently needed. Whether rebuilding after disaster in Myanmar, empowering community members in Kenya to become community developers, or tackling systemic issues through our Open Architecture Challenge, each project we undertake reaffirms my belief in the power of design to create a more sustainable future.
I am especially proud of our work to encourage knowledge sharing and innovation. More than 17,000+ professionals now share thousands of projects on the Open Architecture Network. In a time of great need, solutions are needed more urgently than ever. Two-thirds of the world lives in sub-standard living conditions without access to clean water or sanitation. This requires new thinking. Local solutions that can be adapted and shared globally. Let's turn this network into a conduit for action.
As we enter into our second decade we are embarking on our first ever capacity building campaign and intend to double both our budget and impact. Your support to this campaign will help us to expand our network, develop stronger online tools, better support our chapters, respond quicker in times of great need and reach out to local builders. If you’d like to support us though a gift, you can donate here, and if you’d like to get involved you can start here.
Design is the ultimate renewable resource. Together, we can continue to build a better future.
Cheers,
Cameron Sinclair
Co-Founder and Eternal Optimist
cameron@architectureforhumanity.org
646-765-0906
twitter | facebook
