The design nonprofit group Architecture for Humanity surprised everyone when it abruptly declared bankruptcy and closed shop in January 2015. Since that time, local chapters around the world have banded together in an effort to create a new identity and a new structure for the organization. In January 2016, they were briefly known as the Chapter Network before the newest rebranding effort was announced in early march.
The organization is now known as the Open Architecture Collaborative and is looking to retool its approach to “reach more people than we ever imagined with the level of locally focused engagement that humanitarian design ultimately demands,” Garrett Jacobs, the new Executive Director of the organization said in a statement.
As Curbed.com reports, the 30-chapter organization is based on ground-up governance and is looking to deliver “design advocacy, facilitation, assessment, and small build services to local grassroots chapters’ marginalized communities,” according to the group’s website. Additionally, OAC wants to help younger design professionals gain field experience.
While this rebranded organization is still in its infancy, it has many big ideas for the future.
“Cities are rapidly transforming and this organization provides local designers and experts to work with the communities that feel those pains the most,” Jacobs said in a video posted to the group’s YouTube channel.
A guiding principle for the OAC is that they believe if people design and build their own environments, they will be more likely to keep them safe, invest in them, and sustain them long term.
The organization will complete its board of directors shortly as the final few seats will be voted on and filled.
Related Stories
| Nov 9, 2011
Sika Sarnafil Roof Recycling Program recognized by Society of Plastics Engineers
Program leads the industry in recovering and recycling roofing membrane into new roofing products.
| Nov 9, 2011
American Standard Brands joins the Hospitality Sustainable Purchasing Consortium
American Standard will collaborate with other organizations to build an industry-wide sustainability performance index.
| Nov 8, 2011
Transforming a landmark coastal resort
Originally built in 1973, the building had received several alterations over the years but the progressive deterioration caused by the harsh salt water environment had never been addressed.
| Nov 8, 2011
WEB EXCLUSIVE: Moisture-related failures in agglomerated floor tiles
Agglomerated tiles offer an appealing appearance similar to natural stone at a lower cost. To achieve successful installations, manufacturers should provide design data for moisture-related dimensional changes, specifiers should require in-situ moisture testing similar to those used for other flooring materials, and the industry should develop standards for fabrication and installation of agglomerated tiles.
| Nov 8, 2011
$11 million business incubator Florida Innovation Hub at the University of Florida completed by Charles Perry Partners, Inc.
The facility houses the UF Office of Technology Licensing, UF Tech Connect, other entities, and more than 30 startup technology tenants.
| Nov 8, 2011
Designer joins Holabird & Root
Clifton has been awarded numerous awards throughout her career, including two AIA Chicago Design Excellence Awards.
| Nov 4, 2011
Mortenson Construction builds its fifth wind facility In Illinois
Shady Oaks Wind Farm is under construction near Compton, Ill.
| Nov 4, 2011
CSI and ICC Evaluation Service agree to reference GreenFormat in ICC-ES Environmental Reports?
ICC-ES currently references CSI's MasterFormat and other formats in all of its evaluation reports. The MOU will add GreenFormat references.
| Nov 4, 2011
McCarthy completes construction of South Region High School No. 2 in Los Angeles
Despite rain delays and scope changes, the $96.7 million high school was completed nearly two-months ahead of schedule.
| Nov 4, 2011
Two Thornton Tomasetti projects win NCSEA’s 2011 Excellence in Structural Engineering Awards
Altra Sede Regione Lombardia and Bank of Oklahoma Center both recognized.