The classroom is a place where students spend their earliest years growing and developing. It’s an environment where kids and teens should be encouraged to discover themselves and their potential as evolving human beings. But most recently, with such intense focus on test scores and dwindling school budgets, the significance of this learning space has gone unnoticed, and the importance of an inspiring educational environment has become null. But have no fear, for Architecture for Humanity is changing that by way of Guerrilla Green, our latest school design initiative.

As of October 22, 2012 Architecture for Humanity launched a project that puts the fate of the classroom into the hands of the students. Formatted as a three round competition, Guerrilla Green challenges teens to visualize a plan to improve the spaces within their schools, and supports their visions by granting up to $13,000 to the most progressive ideas.

The conversation and coordination expanded in December and January as our 600-strong NYC Chapter stepped up to assist in community surveys and we meet with local officials to determine where we can make the largest impact.

Efforts are ramping up - we have secured a permanent office and have begun recruiting staff for project execution.

At present we have launched the following:

• Restore the Shore, Seaside Heights, NJ

• ReNew New Jersey / New York Schools
• Rebuild One Block, Rockaway, NY

The Kitakami "We Are One" Market and Youth Center officially opened its doors on January 23rd! With the center open, several programs have already been scheduled to take place in the new building.

北上ウィー・アー・ワン・コラボラティブは１月２３日に正式にオープンしました！既にこの建物ではたくさんのプログラムが予定されています。

The holidays are over and the Maeami-hama project is back to construction!

Check out the lastest pictures of construction progress of the Maeami-hama Community House through pictures below.

前網浜コミュニティーハウスの最新工事状況をレポートします。

Tehran-based Rai Studio has completed two earth-based structures for Afghan refugees in central Iran, that we first mentioned last November.

We are also happy to report the project has gotten more eyes via Domus, with completed images of the structure with project and process details. The units were designed based on Afghan living habits and incorporate passive sustainability into a traditional medium.

SEEDocs: Maria Auxiliadora School from Happy Hearts Fund, SURA and Architecture for Humanity.