It was a sad day around the world when Architecture for Humanity closed its doors in January 2015. Known for its disaster-rebuilding efforts, the non-profit charitable institution has made significant impact on countless of communities in need across the globe. Now, almost exactly one year since its disbandment, 32 of its former individual chapters have grouped together to form A4HNetwork, or simply called the Chapter Network.
Chapter Network aims to continue the humanitarian goals of its predecessor, providing architectural solutions for the underprivileged. The group has just recently named former volunteer and long-time network organizer Garrett Jacobs as its new executive director.
"A big thing that sets us apart from the past organization is that all this change is coming from the ground up," Jacobs told Curbed. "We're focused on marginalized communities, so it's about translating the language of the built environment to those who don't have regular access to designers."
Jacobs added that another project they will be focusing on is educational opportunities, training new architects and designers about giving back to the community.
"Many people graduate and go to work as an architect and don't know how to be entrepreneurial," he said. "They don't understand how to form partnerships, grow local businesses, and act as a community organizer and translator for how things get built in this world."
Jacobs first got a taste of humanitarian design projects during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, where he was a student in New Orleans. He has big plans for the Chapter Network, including a total rebranding and a new name.
"I want it to become a place for resources, one that takes the lead in coalition building and becomes a hub that brings people together in conversations, and amplifies the voices of the community members that we're working with," Jacobs stated. "I want us to pick up the pulse of the building world."
A4H Chapter Network has offices internationally, including Europe, Latin America, Asia and Aseana. Their past efforts are listed here.
