Page last updated 7/03/2003
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Architecture For Humanity
Architecture provides shelter. Nowhere is the need for shelter more critical than in the war-torn region of Kosovo. Hundreds of thousands are now without a place to live. Their homes in ruins, the infrastructure of the region collapsed, the returning population needs immediate and highly dispersed transitional housing. The architects and designers of the world can help.
Architecture for Humanity is an open competition to design transitional housing for the returning Kosovars and, in this troubled world, other peoples whose homes have been similarly destroyed. The designs will act as a five-year bridge between the rubble that now blankets the landscape and the rebuilt homes of the future.
Our goal: to raise awareness of the needs of returning refugees and develop better temporary housing solutions for victims of war or natural disaster.
All money raised and any individual donations are being donated to the internationally recognised non-profit charity Warchild -- (see www.warchild.org/).
The Architecture for Humanity: Transitional Housing exhibition in New York closed December 3 and is currently being prepared for its openings in London (Dec. 11th) and Paris (Dec 8th). The show at the Van Alen Institute was a tremendous success, sparking both interest in the designs and the future of the transitional housing. In addition, Warchild USA is currently in conversation with a number of sponsors for building a couple of prototypes/housing units from the finalists of the competition.
In the field things are looking very bleak. Reports from our contacts in Kosovo and Macedonia have told of lines and lines of aid trucks filled with building supplies stalled on the borders awaiting permission to cross into Kosovo. Some of these trucks have been waiting over a month to enter. The new formed governmental body is currently trying to draw up rules and regulations for allowing external agencies to build within Kosovo. There is talk of only allowing agencies that are willing to building hundreds or thousands of homes. Although some plan is needed, it is halting any rebuilding process this winter.
In other news, please note that we have now have moved to 165 West 20th St., Suite 3A New York, NY. I am now currently working as a freelance designer therefore can devote more time to running of the competition/exhibition and can respond much quicker! . Also we are currently finalising the possible extension of the show during 2000, with the exhibition at the USAID Headquarters in Washington DC now set for Feb. 14th to March 31st.
Finally, as we are a tiny organisation, if you hear of any news or interest pertaining to either the competition or this cause, please forward to me.
Thank you
Cameron Sinclair - Director
ps. remember to check out the website as it gets updated monthly!
Visit the Architecture For Humanity home page.
