Architecture for Humanity provides design solutions to improve communities locally and globally. The organization is currently working on retrofitting an orphanage in Kenya to expand facilities and infrastructure. Locally, a competition called Project Find is being held in San Diego in fall 2009 to increase environmental and social awareness through visual projects. The winner will receive funds to implement their proposal. Architecture for Humanity also supported local teams in a global classroom design competition to create sustainable, stimulating learning spaces.

1. Community Involvement Rebuild Architecture for Humanity San Diego

2. Architecture for Humanity provides solutions to problems that face our communities on a local and global level. Through participation in design competitions, initiating our own projects and working together with other humanitarian and non-profit organizations – we find solutions and create awareness that would promote change to improve the lives of others.

3. Currently, I am working with a team within Rebuild on an orphange project in Nokuru, Kenya. The orphanage is an existing facility that has outgrown the population of children living there. The facility needs a retrofit to expand the existing buildings and to create a safe and functional infrastructure for sleeping, playing, eating and studying. As a team we are designing the facility and fundraising for the materials and labor. The photos below were taken on a recent trip by some of our team members to the facility.

4. Locally, I am working with a team on Rebuild to create a competition for San Diego residents. The competition is called Project Find and is taking place fall of 2009. The purpose of the competition is to create social and environmental awareness for San Diego residents through visual presentation. Competition entrants can work independently or in teams to create a project in one of the following categories: architectural build, interior design, landscape design, art or sculpture, graphic design and campaign, or miscellaneous. There will be judges from those areas of expertise to choose winners. The overall winner of the competition will receive funds to assist in the implementation of their proposed plan.

5. The main organization of Architecture for Humanity hosted a worldwide design competition during the spring of 2009 called the “Global Classroom”. The purpose of this competition was for teams to work with schools in their regions to design an environmentally responsible classroom that stimulates education and learning. I worked with the Rebuild committee to support the three teams from San Diego. For more information on this competition and the winners, please visit www.openarchitecturenetwork.org.