SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 1, 2012 — As families weather the devastating impact of Hurricane Sandy, Architecture for Humanity, together with our chapters and the American Institute of Architects (AIA), are mobilizing its teams and starting to plan the long term reconstruction efforts ahead. The extent of damage caused by the flooding is significant. Professional design and construction volunteers from both organizations will be working together to help households, schools, heath facilities, small businesses and local governments rebuild in the coming days and weeks.
Architecture for Humanity and the AIA have a strategic partnership to coordinate advocacy, education, and training that helps architects make effective contributions to communities preparing for, responding to, and rebuilding after disaster. For the past 14 years Architecture for Humanity has provided pro bono design and construction services to communities in need. Through our strategic partnership with the American Institute of Architects and our regional network of more than 400 professional volunteers throughout the affected region, we will help people to understand and assess damage, identify construction resources and repair the damaged structures.
In 2009 the New York chapter of Architecture for Humanity worked with the City of New York on scenario planning in case of a major disaster and the relocation of large population of the city. In the last few years the organization has helped build hundreds of homes on the gulf coast, rebuilt schools in Haiti, helped small businesses recover after the tsunami in Japan and most recently responded to the mid-west tornadoes earlier this year.
“New York and New Jersey are where we began and we are committed to offering our services and support to those communities affected by Hurricane Sandy,” said co-founder Cameron Sinclair. “We don’t just want to help build back the coastline but create more resilient communities that can withstand future disasters.”
Professionals wishing to volunteer in the region should contact:
volunteers@architectureforhumanity.org
We cannot do this work without your support. To help communities rebuild and learn how you can get involved, please visit www.architectureforhumanity.org
About Architecture for Humanity: Architecture for Humanity is a nonprofit professional building services firm building a more sustainable future through the power of design. Architecture for Humanity works with volunteer professionals to bring design, construction and development services where they are most critically needed around the world. More at: http://architectureforhumanity.org.
About The American Institute of Architects: For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. Members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct to ensure the highest standards in professional practice. Embracing their responsibility to serve society, AIA members engage civic and government leaders and the public in helping find needed solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aia.org.
