Architecture for Humanity

Cameron Sinclair

Christopher Alexander has developed a theoretically based approach to liveable design, based on observed human needs, and has consciously stepped out of the conventional architectural approach. Cameron Sinclair (b 1973), a British (US-based) architect has also diverged from the usual career aspiration of building a “jewel” of a building (his words) and works to improve basic living conditions and communities around the world by using the internet to liaise and link designers and users in areas which need temporary and low cost housing. Sinclair trained as an architect in the UK and New York, and became interested in social, cultural and humanitarian design, his postgraduate thesis focused on providing shelter to New York's homeless through sustainable, transitional housing (see wiki page).

 In 1999  his group responded to the humanitarian crisis in Kosovo by creating transitional long term housing.  This was the first project of the charity “Architecture for Humanity”.  He put a call out on the website and soon had hundreds of entries and ideas from around the world.  This approach has been the model of AFH since.  Sinclair has mobilised designers around the world via his website (and his small basic staff) to mobilise work on particular projects.

For example in 2001 there were 500 entries to design mobile health clinics in Africa, and after the Tsunami in 2005 he received 4000 e mails requesting help.  He became overwhelmed by interest in his work, and  he adopted an open source business model whereby designs could be freely accessed by anyone.  He also instigated local chapters with locally based designers working within the community.

Some examples of AFH’s work include Kenaf "edible" clinics,  mobile health clinics in outreach projects to treat Aids in Africa and  a community designed and built centre in India.  For more information watch Sinclair’s TED talk (2009).

Sinclair believes that  socially responsible design involves working with the community.  He now (2009) sees himself as a conduit between the designing and funding world, and is a passionate advocate for sustainable and imaginative housing.  If the housing problem is not addressed urgently, then, he says,  1 in 20 people will soon live in unplanned communities or refugee camps.  He wants to make AFH accessible to anyone with a laptop so that they can use, participate or review the design solutions.  Theory and planning is not enough, “we make change by doing it” – on the ground.