Really interesting video posted on the VLE all about trying to make global change using design to the countries that need it the most. In the video a man called Cameron Sinclair passionately talks about using architecture to help build buildings for countries such as Kosovo and parts of Africa where there is a HIV pandemic. Cameron says he created a design for a refugee camps, he designed it when he was twelve and says it took 20 years to get it out in the field. He goes onto say that this is a huge problem and something that needs to be addressed 'why does it take 20 years to get to the people that need it'.
Cameron makes huge emphasis on global networking and blogging to get designers together and evolved with the work his is doing, being the generation of the internet he finds this the best way to communicate, which is something we can all relate to. He talks about making it possible for designers and architects to be able to login and upload there designs into a database or website which in this case is “Architecture for Humanity” and start to implement them straight away, which is obviously addressing the problem of having to wait 20 years.
Also something that was really interesting was to see the implementation of self generating shelter designs. One example was fitting huge water intakes on the side of the shelters which provides lots of water. Also providing trade centers , trade routes and economic engines within the community that is self sustainable. They also wanted to do something about the HIV in Africa but found out the Clinics and doctors couldn't get to the areas that needed the help. So they came up with a design called the KENAF Field Clinic.
July 17th, 2009 - An entry in an Architecture for Humanity design competition combines low impact design, social problem solving, and local food. Can this example help us think about business models and longevity?
The Kenaf Field Clinic is simple. Plant a circle of really fast-growing kenaf in an HIV/AIDS stricken area of Africa, when the doctors come they mow out the middle and put an easy tensile structure on top. Doctors don’t have to bring their own building, and when they leave, the people cut down and eat the kenaf.
With a focused design mind operating within crisis constraints, more of the business and humanitarian challenges in this world could be tackled effectively and with lighter resources. Stacking the functions elegantly like this can help tackle the immediate humanitarian need without creating new ones. If the mobile clinic solution were high resource or used toxic materials, then people would be solving an immediate crisis while creating future crises. By considering the peoples needs, the resources available, the environmental impact, and the cost, a solution with all those was designed.
- Description taken from Hopenhagen website.
I think the work the Cameron Sinclair is doing is really great and I will be following his work from now on. He is a good role model for designers that want to help the world with there design and to give help where its needed.
