Alexandra, who is currently completing her thesis, is part of the Auckland chapter of Architecture for Humanity. The organisation provides design services to communities amidst humanitarian crises, and was sparked by the urgent need for housing for Kosovan refugees in 1999. Acting as a liason between communities, construction industries and policy-makers, the organisation does more than token one-off built gestures and seeks solutions which integrate the communities into the rebuilding process. This is in opposition to the remark that 'architects are often the last people needed in disaster reconstruction', as David Sanderson writes in his article for the Guardian,
"As I was told by a professor when studying some 20 years ago, the role of architects in these circumstances is 'marginal at best'. In fact, most architects are taught almost the exact opposite of what is needed. Architects are taught to focus on the product (a building), whereas humanitarian practitioners major on the process (involving people)."
Architecture for Humanity goes against this stereotype and consults with government bodies and aid organisations, promoting socially conscious design through advocacy and education, strenghtening communication between the beneficiaries and those delivering aid.
In terms of what the Auckland chapter gets up to, from what I inferred from the lecture, it seems to be mainly fundraising and participating in the parallel design competitions which the organisation runs. There's not currently a Wellington chapter, but fellow critter Ms Collinson has been in touch with Alexandra and is keen to get something going. There's plenty of information out there about Architecture for humanity, check out their website for a start. They also edited the book Design Like You Give a Damn, which is well worth a read.
Stay tuned for part 2 : The very interesting Mark Tyrrell on his work for Global Studio : in Diepsloot, South Africa and Bhopal, India.
