On May 2, 2009, Architecture for Humanity will be kicking off a yearlong capacity building campaign by hosting a 10th Anniversary event at the Autodesk Gallery at One Market in San Francisco. This event coincides with The American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2009 National Convention being held in San Francisco from
April 30 – May 2, 2009.
Over the past decade Architecture for Humanity has transformed from an idea to create change to an international organization that is building it. Since its inception in 1999, Architecture for Humanity has been involved in the construction of more than 100 structures worldwide, impacting the lives of millions. Through a worldwide network of affiliates and design teams, Architecture for Humanity has become more than a design centered non-profit, it has proven its skills in long term sustainable development as well as structuring the financial mechanisms needed to rebuild after disasters. “We’re about to round an important milestone, our 10th Anniversary. What a great 10 years it’s been. I can remember working to put a small webpage up inviting architects to share their ideas for rebuilding in Kosovo. Here we are today with more than 40,000 strong,” reflects Kate Stohr, Managing Director and Co-Founder.
Today AFH provides design services to small non-profits and local organizations, and is now also working with far reaching organizations like FIFA, Oprah’s Angel Network and UN Habitat. “Architecture for Humanity represents the finest of the new breed of architectural leadership, employing architectural skills and directing them for the larger good. Committed, unapologetically architectural in name and mission, Architecture for Humanity stands up for people in need,” said Robert Ivy, Editor in Chief of Architectural Record magazine.
In the next decade, Architecture for Humanity will continue bringing design services to communities in need by scaling up to provide hands-on and online training for informal local builders who construct 98% of the world’s structures without the aid of a design professional. These solutions will not only be financially transformative but will also protect the fragile environment we live in. Architecture for Humanity aims to become the catalyst for change in these communities.
Supporting Sponsors: Autodesk, Grey Goose, West Elm, Heath Ceramics
Event Information:
When: May 2, 2009
7-10pm
Where: Autodesk Gallery
1 Market Street
San Francisco, CA
For more information, please contact: development@architectureforhumanity.org
About the Autodesk Gallery at One Market
The 16,500-square-foot Gallery is the first space in the San Francisco Bay Area dedicated to the spirit of design innovation, with 20 exhibits including the California Academy of Sciences, Ford Shelby GT500, Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland, CA and the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge seismic retrofit. The space is intended as a location where designers can discuss the latest in technology and be inspired by others’ work.
For images and more information about the Autodesk Gallery, visit http://www.autodesk.com/thegallery.
About Architecture for Humanity
Architecture for Humanity is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that seeks architectural solutions to humanitarian crisis and brings design services to communities in need. We believe that where resources and expertise are scarce, innovative, sustainable and collaborative design can make a difference.
By tapping a network of professionals willing to lend their time and their talents to helping those who would not otherwise be able to afford their services, we support community development, help communities rebuild after disaster and provide pro bono design services to community partners around the world.
Through the power of professional design, we build safer, more sustainable and highly innovative structures–structures that become assets to their communities and ongoing symbols of the ability of people to come together to envision a better future.
Our vision is one of a world where designers innovate globally to build housing, schools, clinics and other essential infrastructure locally. We believe that this can be achieved not by replicating a design that was successful in one situation in another, but by encouraging locally inspired designs and by enabling these solutions to be shared and freely adapted by all.
To realize this vision, Architecture for Humanity created the Open Architecture Network http://www.openarchitecturenetwork.org, the first site on the Web to provide access to open source architectural plans.
Finally, through competitions, workshops, educational forums, exhibitions, and other activities, we foster public appreciation for the many ways that architecture and design can improve lives.
Please visit: http://www.architectureforhumanity.org