Architecture for Humanity

Although this book came out eight years ago, it seems like yesterday that Architecture for Humanity was founded by Cameron Sinclair and Kate Stohr and quickly became one of the most important architectural organizations around, one geared to using architectural creativity and talent toward in places hit by disaster. Of course, more recently AFH filed for bankruptcy, a victim of "disorganization, an inability to adapt, and simmering tension between the parent organization and its army of show more volunteers," according to one report. While some of the volunteer chapters carry on AFH's work, the organization's most widespread lasting impact (outside of the buildings realized in places like Haiti) might just be the two "Design Like You Give a Damn" books it produced as a way of presenting itself and highlighting the most commendable socially conscious architecture around the world, most of it produced outside of AFH. The first book features lengthy introductions by Sinclair and Stohr on AFH's efforts — honest, practical and thoroughly historical essays. Following them are about 100 projects that run the gamut from the lesser-known to the familiar, from Michael Rakowitz's paraSITE and I-Beam's Pallet House, to Shigeru Ban's disaster-relief housing and Francis Kere's school in Burkina Faso. All these years later, it's still an important book for those interested in how architects can help those in need. show less

Design Like You Give A Damn was an excellent source-book when it first came out. The book design is really great and was put out at peak-info-graphic late 00's. This being the case the info-graphic data and information is a touch dated. However the lessons and earnest overview make this a must-have for architects and designers and city planners who are looking to respond to humanitarian causes and disaster relief. The writing is earnest and straightforward and puts together work and show more effectively works as a guide and how-to for those looking to make a difference. Lots of case studies. Lots of info-graphics. Great book design. show less

designs for emergency use and long term community planning in diverse areas