Architecture for Humanity

Architecture for Humanity is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization
founded in 1999 to promote architectural and design solutions to
global, social and humanitarian crises. Through competitions,
workshops, educational forums, partnerships with aid organizations
and other activities, Architecture for Humanity creates opportunities
for architects and designers from around the world to help communities
in need. We believe that where resources and expertise are scarce,
innovative, sustainable and collaborative design can make a difference.

The organization is currently providing design services and funding
for reconstruction in India and Sri Lanka following the devastating
tsunami that struck South-East Asia in December 2004 as well as on
the Gulf Coast of the United States after Hurricane Katrina.

In addition to implementing design initiatives and competitions,
Architecture for Humanity supports humanitarian-directed design
through advocacy. To that end, we have consulted with government
bodies and relief organizations on a number of projects, including
mine clearance programs and playground building in the Balkans;
earthquake resistant construction techniques in Turkey and Iran;
school building in Calcutta; refugee housing on the borders of
Afghanistan and responding to Hurricane Ivan, Emily and Katrina.
We have also provided referrals and advice to a number of
organizations, including Oprah's Angel Network, African Regional
Youth Initiative, Kansas City Economic Development Corporation,
Kids With Cameras, Habitat for Humanity, Common Ground, UN Habitat,
and others.

Finally, through exhibitions, media attention, conferences and
forums, we foster public appreciation for the many ways that
architecture and design can improve lives.

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Architecture for Humanity is sponsoring the design and construction
of a number of demonstration homes in East Biloxi. This fully-funded
pilot program aims to assist families committed to rebuilding on
their property by pairing them with architects, engineers and
design professionals and others who can help them answer such basic
questions as: Is it safe to rebuild on my lot? How will the new
flood map elevations and building codes affect me? And, if I rebuild,
what can I afford to build?

Families will be paired with a team of professional designers who
will work with them one-on-one to design a new home for their
property that will not only be affordable but will also be
sustainable and meet the area's new building requirements. The
pilot program is unique in that it offers families the opportunity
to work one on one with architects and design professionals giving
them access to expertise and design talent. Architecture for
Humanity launched the program with a House Fair, where families
were able to meet and choose the design firm of their choice.