The application period of the MakiBiz "Build Back Better Tohoku" Request for Proposal has ended on 7 June 2013.

まきビズ「よりよい東北を」東日本大震災被災中小企業支援公募プログラムは２０１３年６月７日をもって閉め切らせていただきました。

We have received many applications. Currently we are reviewing all applications. We will select as many eligible businesses as possible, and announce grant recipients in a few weeks.

たくさんのご応募がありました。現在選考中です。数週間以内に助成金の配布先を皆様にお伝えする予定です。

In Sioux Falls, South Dakota the impact of the local chapter of Architecture for Humanity is peppered throughout the city.

Kristen Schulte and Steven Dix recently spoke with Headquarters about the chapter's story, their work, and their plans for growth. You can check out some of their work on the I Love Architecture page.

Location: Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Start Date: Immediate
Duration:6 months

Description:

Architecture for Humanity has established an office of approximately 30 professionals and 6 support staff in Port au Prince, Haiti, following the devastating 2010 earthquake. Our design professionals are working on designing and building both schools and small businesses, working on mapping, planning and community development initiatives, as well as conducting a wide variety of training and outreach services.

Location: Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Start Date: Immediate
Commitment: 12 months, fulltime

Description:

Architecture for Humanity is seeking an Urban Designer to join our team. This is a unique and challenging opportunity for a senior professional, to lead and contribute, to participatory design efforts as part of the Rebuilding Center in Port-au-Prince.

Architecture for Humanity, in partnership with the American Institute of Architects, Make it Right, St. Bernard Project and competition sponsor Dow Building Solutions, is pleased to announce the "Designing Recovery" ideas competition geared at rebuilding sustainable and resilient communities to help survivors of recent disasters in New Orleans, LA , Joplin, MO, and New York, NY. The competition was officially announced today (June 13, 2013) at the Clinton Global Initiative's annual CGI America event.

Nick Robertson, one of the directors of Architecture for Humanity Portland Chapter, has been involved with Architecture for Humanity for about ten years – and has worked with AFH_pdx (as they're known on Twitter) almost as long as it’s been around. During that time, he’s seen his chapter grow and evolve from a grassroots operation into a fully-fledged chapter. AFH Portland tackles a number of projects relevant to their community, often pairing up with other local residents and organizations to do so. But beyond just managing a wide range of projects, Robertson and his co-directors are working to create a stable future for their chapter.

Nick Robertson recently took the time to speak with us for a two-part look into the Portland Chapter. You can find the first part here, or keep reading part two:

How do you connect an entire world of humanitarian designers and architects?

You build a network.

This year's "I Love Architecture" campaign celebrates the incredible people aligning their efforts with the Architecture for Humanity mission and designing like they mean it.

Preserving architecture as a profession will mean reversing some disturbing trends.

So says Eric Cesal who, when he's not directing the Resiliency and Reconstruction Studio at Architecture for Humanity, is tracking the value of design and architecture in its use around the world. Little surprise that the two (pre)occupations are related.

After looking at some recession statistics, Eric concluded that the world may view design as not valuable. He has evidence to the contrary, and delivered a talk recently at TEDx Piscataqua River (Portsmouth, NH) reviewing his work since he first addressed the value of architecture in Down Detour Road, through how design decisions have changed the lives of thousands in places like post-earthquake Haiti.