Hasta La Ideas

News: Architecture for Humanity co-founders Cameron Sinclair and Kate Stohr have announced plans to leave the disaster-relief organisation they started 15 years ago.

Sinclair and Stohr launched Architecture for Humanity in 1999 to provide design and construction services to world-wide communities affected by natural disasters, but will now step down to undertake new ventures. Stohr will leave at the end of this month to pursue a career in television and web production, while Sinclair will remain in his position as executive director until April 2014, before moving on to focus on his own community projects. His replacement will be announced later in the year.

“It’s great to see something you started evolve into an institution,” commented Stohr. “We are excited about the future of the organisation and plan to continue lending support in whatever ways we can.”

Since launching, the San Francisco-based non-profit organisation has evolved into a global community of 63 local groups and has responded to 15 natural and man-made disasters with the completion of over 300 projects. The departure of its co-founders forms part of a new five-year vision that will see Architecture for Humanity increase its fund-raising and open new offices.

Before leaving, Sinclair will work alongside celebrity Jennifer Lopez to raise $1.5 million (£956,000) in support of future projects.

“Kate and Cameron’s vision and years of dedication and hard work leaves the organisation in a solid place to continue its leadership role in using architecture to solve humanitarian problems,” said board president Matt Charney. “They have built a world-class team of staff and volunteers committed to improving communities – both around the globe and in the US. I speak for the entire board of directors when I say we are extremely excited by the possibilities in front of us.”

Past projects initiated by Architecture for Humanity include a pedestrian footbridge for Trestles Beach in southern California and housing for shack-dwellers in Cape Town.

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Photograph is by Ian White.

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Dezeen Wire: to celebrate the launch of their second book, entitled Design Like You Give a Damn 2, non-profit organisation Architecture for Humanity are calling for ideas to improve London, to be sent on a postcard for exhibition at the book launch from 3 to 9 May at 54 Rivington Street London EC2 A3QN.

Here are some more details from Architecture for Humanity:

To celebrate the publication of Design Like You Give a Damn 2, by Architecture for Humanity founder Cameron Sinclair, we are inviting architects, designers, artists, students and other creative individuals to come up with a proposal for a small scale project, product or build that embodies the spirit of humanitarian design.

Architecture for Humanity London and Studio 54 Architecture are co-hosting a week long event on the theme of designing ‘like you give a damn’. We’re calling for ideas that will in some way improve the London experience.

It could be an idea for a public space installation, a community enterprise, an eco building, an ingenious object, or anything that demonstrates how design can be used to make Londoner’s lives better and happier.

So ideas on a postcard, please. All entries will be exhibited. Visitors can vote on their favourite. We will choose a few ideas to take to the next step.

The proposal can be text, a sketch or other visual representation. Think of an idea that could benefit London. Be bold. Be adventurous. Think big. Or small.

Submissions should be made using the A5 postcard template below. Alternatively, you can download the postcard template from ideasonapostcard.org.uk. Please print on 200 gsm card or heavier stock or mount onto card (not foamboard). If you would prefer to use a pre-printed blank card contact us at the email below.

Don’t forget to include the project title, and your name and details and post to:

Submissions
Space fiftyfour
54 Rivington Street,
London EC2 A3QN

Deadline: 15th April 2012

For further information please email us at: submissions@afhuk.org

www.ideasonapostcard.org.uk

Dezeenwire: non-profit organization Architecture for Humanity are calling for help to support local Japanese professionals in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami in Sendai last week.

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Here’s the letter in full:

Greetings,

The tragedy that has unfolded in Japan is unprecedented. We are all moved by the images and stories of those affected. Here at Architecture for Humanity we have received an outpouring of emails, calls and donations from concerned folks who want to help. We thought we would send you an update letting you know how we are responding.

We are in contact with design professionals and Architecture for Humanity volunteers in Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo. We are working with them to identify needs and next steps in the short- and long-term. We will continue to update you on the needs as we work to develop partnerships and projects.

If you would like to aid this effort, please consider donating. If you have already made a donation, thank you. In the near term, these funds will support local Japanese professionals as they provide damage assessments during the emergency and transitional phase. Further down the road, funds will go toward aiding local agencies in providing housing and the reconstruction of social and cultural infrastructure, such as schools, clinics and cultural centers.

You can also organize a fundraiser in your community. Contact us to find out how.

Please note: at the moment we will not be sending sponsored volunteers to Japan but will focus our efforts on supporting local professionals. However, if you’re interested in volunteering, there are plenty of opportunities at our headquarters in San Francisco and with our chapters.

On behalf of all those affected and our colleagues in Japan, thank you for your support.

Very best,
Architecture for Humanity

More updates on the Architecture for Humanity website.

See also:

Earthquake movie filmed inside Sendai Mediatheque by Toyo Ito »
“Please help Japan” – Tokujin Yoshioka »
Help Japan Poster by Wieden + Kennedy »
All our stories about Japan »

Image via Mashable

Our thoughts are with the people of Haiti in this time of crisis. We would like to highlight Architecture for Humanity’s efforts and response to the Haiti crisis after the 7.0 earthquake that hit Port-au-Prince on the 12th on January. To learn more on Architecture for Humanities efforts and how to support their cause click here.