Architects Without Borders:Designing Relief

The Oregon chapter of Architects Without Borders, a nonprofit charity dedicated to providing architectural and planning services to people in need, was formed eight months ago in response to the Southeast Asian tsunami.  Now AWB will provide humanitarian aid to those affected by Hurricane Katrina. There are numerous ways for local architects to lend a hand.

First, there is the Immediate Response Team, which will assess damaged structures to determine their habitability and provide input on potential repairs.  AWB-Oregon is in the process of scheduling the required training seminars. If you are interested in being trained and/or mobilizing for a volunteer deployment of a week to the Gulf Coast, please contact [email protected].

Second, there are many displaced students, interns, and professional designers from the Gulf Coast who cannot attend classes or work. If your firm is interested in hiring temporary workers or can provide office space for a displaced architect, contact [email protected].

Third, AWB is turning its attention to the planned evacuee shelter at Portland's Washington High School. The news of whether the evacuees are coming to Portland or not seems to flip-flop every day, but if they do come, AWB hope to hold a charette to produce design ideas and a resource list for any shelter organizer to use. The organization will also procure and install items at this shelter.  Please indicate your interest by e-mailing [email protected].  In the meantime, AWB also suggests that architecture firms call suppliers and get donations in the works that can be mobilized quickly once the local shelters are activated.

Finally, there are long-term design efforts. AWB is working with the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, Mercy Corps, the Oregon schools of architecture, Louisiana universities, and Gulf Coast area AIA and planning offices. AWB has also received a call to aid with establishing a campus for orphaned children.

Architects Without Borders is embarking on a much-needed effort, and anyone who can lend their expertise and/or their labor will be welcomed.

Comments

[Mike Conroy]

I found a website that may be of some interest: http://www.recyclinghomes.com/ I heard this person on talk radio and was impressed by his plan to recycle debris from hurricane katrina into homes and building materials.

[Oscar V. Garcia II]

How can I get involved with your organization? I would like to participate by means of architecture and wish tobe involved in the catastrafic disasters that are happening and exisit in our world.

[Brian Libby]

Just email the people at the addresses indicated above.