Wednesday, January 27, 2010

An impact beyond the shelter...

As we are completing this project in studio it is important to keep in mind why we are. First off, we are creating awareness for those who might not already know about the tragedy that has occurred. Secondly, we are showing how areas that have lost everything can still use what they have left to create structures until they can find a new home. Also, it shows a lesson of sustainability, and how we can reuse what we already have in new ways rather than always having to buy new. This not only fosters creativity, but it saves the planet at the same time. Beautiful pieces can be created by what we already have. There are so many struggling countries that are not nearly as blessed as we are and this project gives hope that they can also have the ability to create structures for themselves. Most importantly, I think it teaches a lesson of humanitarianism, and shows how design can be used for things much larger than what we believe. One of the greatest joys someone can have is being able to help others.

so what i'm really trying to say is:
Using my design work to both grow and inspire through the use of humanitarianism.

This is a house designed by the South African design firm MMA that recently won in an international affordable housing contest. The house is made completely of sandbags and wood timbers. The house cost just over $6,000 to make and needed no complicated building systems to construct. I think it is a great inspiration and a wonderful example that ties into our project.

No comments: